cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase-shift information from radiative decays

We review the present methods available for obtaining phase-shift information for a process in which the scattering particles are unstable with respect to the weak or electromagnetic interactions. Decays of the form A→B+C+γ are investigated. It is shown that these do not provide information except in the cases η→2πγ and Θ→Λπγ. In the latter case we obtain a consistency check on the Λπ phase shifts derived (e.g.) from Ξe4 decay by the Pais-Treiman method.
Path dependent societal transformation: Stratification in hybrid mixed economies

L'evolution des pays d'Europe centrale et orientale, apres l'effondrement du communisme, et celle de la Republique populaire de Chine est marquee par l'emergence de formes hybrides d'organisation sociale et economique combinant certains elements propres aux societes capitalistes et d'autres elements specifiques aux societes a economie planifiee. La theorie de la «path dependence», de la dependance de trajectoire, permet de mieux rendre compte de cette evolution, en montrant que tout changement social est affecte par le systeme institutionnel preexistant. Dans les pays ou l'on peut observer un processus de transition vers l'economie de marche trois facteurs interviennent de facon decisive : le marche, la structure sociale et l'Etat. Les AA. de cet article examinent les modes de gouvernance des differentes regions economiques chinoises. Ils analysent les formes de propriete des entreprises chinoises. Ils etudient la repartition des revenus entre les categories socio-professionnelles et entre les secteurs agricoles et non agricoles, au sein des differentes regions rurales chinoises
Necessity for lifelong follow-up of patients with familial paraganglioma syndrome: A case report.

Background Patients with established familial paraganglioma (PGL) syndrome may have multiple metachronous lesions. This article illustrates, via imaging and findings, the need for lifetime follow-up of patients with familial PGL syndromes. Methods Patients’ medical charts and radiological images were reviewed in a retrospective analysis. Results Over the course of 18 years, this patient developed 2 simultaneous carotid PGLs, a cardiac PGL, and a biochemically active interaortocaval PGL. Conclusion PGLs do not necessarily occur simultaneously in patients with familial PGL syndrome. Lifelong observation is needed to detect these lesions before they become large and symptomatic. Lack of biochemical activity is not a predictor of future lesions being inactive. Cardiac PGLs are rare and require resection. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015
Early Stages of Nervous System Development

The nervous system develops embryologically from the neural plate portion of the ectoderm, which invaginates to form the neural groove. Further invagination of the neural groove brings about approximation of the dorsal lips of the groove thus forming the hollow neural tube.
The Large Deviation Principle for Coarse-Grained Processes

The large deviation principle is proved for a class of L 2 -valued processes that arise from the coarse-graining of a random field. Coarse-grained processes of this kind form the basis of the analysis of local mean-field models in statistical mechanics by exploiting the long-range nature of the interaction function defining such models. In particular, the large deviation principle is used in a companion paper [8] to derive the variational principles that characterize equilibrium macrostates in statistical models of two-dimensional and quasi-geostrophic turbulence. Such macrostates correspond to large-scale, long-lived flow structures, the description of which is the goal of the statistical equilibrium theory of turbulence. The large deviation bounds for the coarse-grained process under consideration are shown to hold with respect to the strong L 2 topology, while the associated rate function is proved to have compact level sets with respect to the weak topology. This compactness property is nevertheless sufficient to establish the existence of equilibrium macrostates for both the microcanonical and canonical ensembles.
Evaluating the Role of HLA-DM in MHC Class II–Peptide Association Reactions

Ag presentation by MHC class II (MHC II) molecules to CD4(+) T cells plays a key role in the regulation of the adaptive immune response. Loading of antigenic peptides onto MHC II is catalyzed by HLA-DM (DM), a nonclassical MHC II molecule. The mechanism of DM-facilitated peptide loading is an outstanding problem in the field of Ag presentation. In this study, we systemically explored possible kinetic mechanisms for DM-catalyzed peptide association by measuring real-time peptide association kinetics using fluorescence polarization assays and comparing the experimental data with numerically modeled peptide association reactions. We found that DM does not facilitate peptide association by stabilizing peptide-free MHC II against aggregation. Moreover, DM does not promote transition of an inactive peptide-averse conformation of MHC II to an active peptide-receptive conformation. Instead, DM forms an intermediate with MHC II that binds peptide with faster kinetics than MHC II in the absence of DM. In the absence of peptides, interaction of MHC II with DM leads to inactivation and formation of a peptide-averse form. This study provides novel insights into how DM efficiently catalyzes peptide loading during Ag presentation.
Sipuleucel-T – A Model for Immunotherapy Trial Development

Historically, immunotherapy has had limited impact in solid tumors with the exception of melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, which have been deemed as “immunologic cancers” given their potential for remissions either spontaneously or following removal of the primary lesion. Despite multiple immunologic approaches with peptide, protein, and DNA vaccines, no one therapy has induced complete remission or maintained durability of response. Sipuleucel-T represents one of several novel immunologic therapy approaches to treat prostate cancer in addition to other solid tumors. It is the first in its class of autologous cellular therapies to demonstrate safety and an overall survival benefit in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and represents a unique treatment approach that may be further enhanced with other biologic agents, chemotherapy, or checkpoint inhibitors. How sipuleucel-T can be used as a foundation on which to build and enhance future clinical trials will be discussed.
Pathogenesis, clinical course and neuro-radiological signs of Proprionibacterium acnes cerebritis: Case report and literature review

The clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of brain infections related to Propionibacterium acnes are not well-characterized, making early diagnosis and treatment a challenge. More recently, life-threatening central nervous system infections with P. acnes are being reported with increasing frequency as complications of neurointerventional procedures. We present a rare case of P. acnes cerebritis that occurred as a sequela of bare platinum aneurysm coiling and a contaminant of percutaneous angiographic intervention. We include an extensive review of the literature describing the pathogenesis of P. acnes and neuro-radiological signs of brain infections related to this pathogen.
Protein, iron, and meat consumption and risk for rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study.

A recent prospective study showed that higher consumption of red meat and total protein was associated with increased risk for inflammatory polyarthritis. We therefore prospectively examined the relationship between diet (in particular, protein, iron, and corresponding food sources) and incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among 82,063 women in the Nurses' Health Study. From 1980 to 2002, 546 incident cases of RA were confirmed by a connective tissue disease screening questionnaire and medical record review for American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Diet was assessed at baseline in 1980 and five additional times during follow up. We conducted Cox proportional hazards analyses to calculate the rate ratio of RA associated with intakes of protein (total, animal, and vegetable) and iron (total, dietary, from supplements, and heme iron) and their primary food sources, adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, and reproductive factors. The multivariate models revealed no association between RA and any measure of protein or iron intake. In comparisons of highest with lowest quintiles of intake, the rate ratio for total protein was 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.89–1.54; P for trend = 0.11) and for total iron it was 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.41; P for trend = 0.82). Red meat, poultry, and fish were also not associated with RA risk. We were unable to confirm that there is an association between protein or meat and risk for RA in this large female cohort. Iron was also not associated with RA in this cohort.
The r-cubical lattice and a generalization of the cd-index

Abstract In this paper we generalize thecd-index of the cubical lattice to anr-cd-index, which we denote byΨ(r). The coefficients ofΨ(r) enumerate augmented Andrer-signed permutations, a generalization of Purtill's work relating thecd-index of the cubical lattice and signed Andre permutations. As an application we use ther-cd-index to determine that the extremal configuration which maximizes the Mobius function of arbitrary rank selections, where all theri's are greater than one, is the odd alternating ranks, {1, 3, 5, ...}.
Pulsatile Flow Effects on the Hemodynamics of Intracranial Aneurysms

High-resolution numerical simulations are carried out to systematically investigate the effect of the incoming flow waveform on the hemodynamics and wall shear stress patterns of an anatomic sidewall intracranial aneurysm model. Various wave forms are constructed by appropriately scaling a typical human waveform such that the waveform maximum and time-averaged Reynolds numbers, the Womersley number (α), and the pulsatility index (PI) are systematically varied within the human physiologic range. We show that the waveform PI is the key parameter that governs the vortex dynamics across the aneurysm neck and the flow patterns within the dome. At low PI, the flow in the dome is similar to a driven cavity flow and is characterized by a quasi-stationary shear layer that delineates the parent artery flow from the recirculating flow within the dome. At high PI, on the other hand, the flow is dominated by vortex ring formation, transport across the neck, and impingement and breakdown at the distal wall of the aneurysm dome. We further show that the spatial and temporal characteristics of the wall shear stress field on the aneurysm dome are strongly correlated with the vortex dynamics across the neck. We finally argue that the ratio between the characteristic time scale of transport by the mean flow across the neck and the time scale of vortex ring formation can be used to predict for a given sidewall aneurysm model the critical value of the waveform PI for which the hemodynamics will transition from the cavity mode to the vortex ring mode.
The Concerted Nature of the Enzymatic Cyclization of Rings A-D of Squalene to Hopene

A conformational analysis of squalene encapsulated in squalene-hopene cyclase has been performed based on Schulz's X-ray structure and our DFT calculations. Based on this analysis it is concluded that the formation of rings A-D in the cyclization of squalene are likely to be a concerted but highly asynchronous reaction.
Creating in Our Own Image: Artificial Intelligence and the Image of God

There is remarkable convergence between twentieth-century interpretations of the image of God (imago Dei), what it means for human beings to be created in God's image, and approaches toward creating in our own image in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Both fields have viewed the intersection between God and humanity or humanity and computers in terms of either (1) a property or set of properties such as intelligence, (2) the functions we engage in or are capable of, or (3) the re ationships we establish and maintain. Each of these three approaches reflects a different understanding of what stands at the core of our humanity. Functional and relational approaches were common in the late twentieth century, with a functional understanding the one most accepted by society at large. A relational view, however, gives new insights into human dignity in a computer age as well as new approaches to AI research.
Plasmonic Enhanced Emissions from Cubic NaYF4:Yb:Er/Tm Nanophosphors

A metal shell was used in this study to provide significant enhancement of the up-converted emission from cubic NaYF(4) nanoparticles, creating a valuable composite material for labeling in biology and other applications - use of the cubic form of the material obviates the need to undertake a high temperature transformation to the naturally more efficient hexagonal phase. The NaYF(4) matrix contained ytterbium sensitizer and an Erbium (Er) or Thulium (Tm) activator. The particle sizes of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were in the range of 20-40 nm with a gold shell thickness of 4-8 nm. The gold shell was macroscopically amorphous. The synthesis method was based on a citrate chelation. In this approach, we exploited the ability of the citrate ion to act as a reductant and stabilizer. Confining the citrate ion reductant on the nanophosphor surface rather than in the solution was critical to the gold shell formation. The plasmonic shell enhanced the up-conversion emission of Tm from visible and near-infrared regions by up to a factor of 8, in addition to imparting a visible color arising from the plasmon absorption of the gold shell. The up-conversion enhancement observed with Tm and Er were different for similar gold coverages, with local crystal field changes as a possible route to enhance up-conversion emission from high symmetry structural hosts. These novel up-converting nanophosphor particles combine the phosphor and features of a gold shell, providing a unique platform for many biological imaging and labeling applications.
Successive Transitions in a Nematic Liquid

Abstract The general form of the energy of interaction between two asymmetric molecules is considered. This leads to a generalization of the Maier-Saupe model of a nematic liquid. The exact state of minimum internal energy of the system is found to be biaxial. In the molecular field approximation the consistency relations yield two distinct ordered states, a uniaxial state and a biaxial state. It is shown that with decreasing temperature the fluid will have two successive transitions according to the scheme: isotropicuniaxial orderbiaxial order.
MR Findings of Alprazolam Injection into the Femoral Artery with Microembolization and Rhabdomyolysis.

Introduction Intravenous drug abuse unfortunately remains an extremely common problem worldwide, accounting for innumerable medical issues ranging from the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other blood-borne diseases to skin necrosis to vasculitis to death [ 1 ]. We present a case of intra-arterial injection of alprazolam into the right femoral artery resulting in microembolization, acute ischemia and rhabdomyolysis of the thigh, as documented by magnetic resonance (MR) and laboratory findings.
Toward a political-community theory of prison organization

Abstract This article discusses integrating political-community theory into the study of prison organizations. Relying on a model of community developed by Spiro (1958), the article examines prisons as functioning communities seeking to solve their problems. It is argued that much of the theory building done concerning prison systems has been within two dominant perspectives—importation and functional. This article, however, views prisons as more complex social systems that, unlike normal communities, face inherent impediments to identifying and solving their basic problems. Finally, implications from this model for prison research are discussed.
Comparative Effectiveness of Aminoglycosides, Polymyxin B, and Tigecycline for Clearance of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from Urine

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an increasingly common cause of health care-associated urinary tract infections. Antimicrobials with in vitro activity against CRKP are typically limited to polymyxins, tigecycline, and often, aminoglycosides. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cases of CRKP bacteriuria at New York-Presbyterian Hospital from January 2005 through June 2010 to compare microbiologic clearance rates based on the use of polymyxin B, tigecycline, or an aminoglycoside. We constructed three active antimicrobial cohorts based on the active agent used and an untreated cohort of cases that did not receive antimicrobial therapy with Gram-negative activity. Microbiologic clearance was defined as having a follow-up urine culture that did not yield CRKP. Cases without an appropriate follow-up culture or that received multiple active agents or less than 3 days of the active agent were excluded. Eighty-seven cases were included in the active antimicrobial cohorts, and 69 were included in the untreated cohort. The microbiologic clearance rate was 88% in the aminoglycoside cohort (n = 41), compared to 64% in the polymyxin B (P = 0.02; n = 25), 43% in the tigecycline (P < 0.001; n = 21), and 36% in the untreated (P < 0.001; n = 69) cohorts. Using multivariate analysis, the odds of clearance were lower for the polymyxin B (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; P = 0.003), tigecycline (OR, 0.08; P = 0.001), and untreated (OR, 0.14; P = 0.003) cohorts than for the aminoglycoside cohort. Treatment with an aminoglycoside, when active in vitro, was associated with a significantly higher rate of microbiologic clearance of CRKP bacteriuria than treatment with either polymyxin B or tigecycline.
Effect of extreme temperatures on drugs for prehospital ACLS

Abstract Advanced cardiac life support drugs undergo a wide range of temperature exposures in the prehospital setting. Although manufacturers place temperature restrictions for drug stability on their products, it has been shown that these limits are often exceeded in the prehospital environment. We exposed four different drugs to temperatures of −20°C (−6°F) and 70°C (150°F) and subsequently performed assays to determine their respective chemical stability compared with that of control samples. We determined that no significant difference in chemical structure occurred between the standard sample and the four drugs exposed to extreme temperatures ( P > .05). This information has obvious implications in making further recommendations for drug storage. More work to determine bioactivity of temperature-exposed drugs may show results with implications for success in prehospital cardiac resuscitation.
Effect of buoyancy forces and reactor orientation on fluid flow and growth rate uniformity in cold-wall channel CVD reactors

Abstract Buoyancy forces can effect fluid flow and growth-rate uniformity in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors. A two-dimensional finite element model for mass transfer-controlled CVD in channel reactors was used to determine buoyancy effects on fluid flow and growth rate. Reactor orientation, pressure, and cell spacing between the hot susceptor and the cold opposing wall were studied for metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of InP from trimethyl indium. Fluid flow in the thermal transition regions at the leading and trailing edges of the susceptor is affected by the ratio of convective to conductive heat transport, represented by the Peclet number for heat transfer Pe T , whether or not buoyancy forces are present. For vertical orientations, fluid flow both over the susceptor and in the thermal transition regions is influenced by the ratio of buoyancy to viscous forces, represented by the ratio of Grashof and Reynolds numbers, Gr/Re. Gas recirculation occurs over the susceptor at high Gr/Re. In horizontal orientations, fluid flow in the thermal transition regions is influenced by the ratio of buoyancy and inertial forces. represented by Gr/Re 2 . Gas recirculation in the form of transverse roll waves occurs over both the leading and trailing edges of the susceptor at high Gr/Re 2 . Finally, for horizontal orientations with the hot susceptor on the bottom of the reactor, longitudinal roll waves can arise from side wall effects and an instability characterized by the Rayleigh number Ra. Depending on reactor orientation and growth conditions, the presence of buoyancy forces can improve or reduce growth-rate uniformity. Buoyancy effects are reduced by growth at low pressures or design of reactors with small cell spacings.
Coexisting hyperparathyroidism and oncogenic osteomalacia: Sestamibi and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

Abstract: Oncogenic osteomalacia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, normal calcemia, and decreased 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D. Even with blatant metabolic imbalance and debilitating musculoskeletal symptomatology, the causative neoplasm is difficult to detect. Thus, oncogenic osteomalacia remains chronic until a definitive cure from tumor localization and resection. Long-term supply of phosphate and vitamin D may induce tertiary hyperparathyroidism to oncogenic osteomalacia making the whole clinical picture more confusing. The author presents such a case with parathyroid hyperplasia and phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor demonstrated by technetium-99m sestamibi and indium-111 octreotide.
Genetic diversity of sweet potato begomoviruses in the United States and identification of a natural recombinant between sweet potato leaf curl virus and sweet potato leaf curl Georgia virus

In the United States, two sweet potato begomoviruses, sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) and sweet potato leaf curl Georgia virus (SPLCGV), were previously identified in Louisiana. In recent years, at least seven additional sweet potato begomoviruses have been identified in other parts of the world. In an effort to determine the genetic diversity and distribution of sweet potato begomoviruses in the U.S., we focused our efforts on molecular characterization of field-collected begomovirus isolates in two states: Mississippi and South Carolina. Using rolling-circle amplification, a total of 52 clones of the full genome were obtained. Initial inspection of alignments of the end sequences in these clones revealed a strong genetic diversity. Overall, 10 genotypes could be assigned. A majority of the isolates (50/52) in eight genotypes were shown to be closely related to SPLCV. A representative clone of each genotype was fully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, four genotypes from South Carolina with 91-92% sequence identity to the type member of SPLCV were considered a new strain, whereas four other genotypes from Mississippi with >95% sequence identity to SPLCV were considered variants. In addition, a member of a proposed new begomovirus species was identified after comparative sequence analysis of the isolate [US:SC:646B-9] from South Carolina with less than 89% sequence identity to any known begomovirus. Hence, the provisional name Sweet potato leaf curl South Carolina virus (SPLCSCV) is proposed. Moreover, a natural recombinant consisting of two distinct parental genomic sequences from SPLCV and SPLCGV was identified in the sample [US:MS:1B-3] from Mississippi. Two recombinant breakpoints were identified, one in the origin of replication and the other between C2 and C4. This knowledge about the genetic diversity of begomoviruses infecting sweet potato will likely have a major impact on PCR-based virus detection and on disease management practice through breeding for virus resistance.
Role of Direct Motor-Motor Interactions on the Cooperativity and Microtubule Decoration by Ncd

Ncd is a Kinesin-14 family motor protein. They walk cooperatively as a group to slide or crosslink microtubules (MT) in the mitotic spindle. Using structural analyses and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations we studied the longitudinal and lateral interactions between two neighboring Ncd dimers on a MT lattice. When bound on the same MT protofilament, we found that the leading (on the minus-end side) Ncd in the pre-stroke state prevents the lagging Ncd from making a step via steric hindrance between their neck coiled-coil domains. Such a longitudinal interaction may lead to synchronization in the motility cycle among Ncds bound along a single MT protofilament. Laterally, the nucleotide binding pocket (NBP) of a MT-bound head of a dimer on one protofilament is blocked by the surface loop L2 of the unbound head from an Ncd dimer on the neighboring protofilament. This occurs only when the latter Ncd is in the pre-stroke state. Since, this could lead to a temporary arrest of lateral Ncds in the pre-stroke state, it is likely that stepping would happen in a serial manner. This elucidates the potential role of the unbound MH of an Ncd dimer for lateral interactions between Ncds, which aids with the nucleotide-specific cooperative interaction.
Outcomes from a Group Intervention for Coping with HIV/AIDS and Childhood Sexual Abuse: Reductions in Traumatic Stress

Childhood sexual abuse is common among HIV-infected persons, though few empirically supported treatments addressing sexual abuse are available for men and women with HIV/AIDS. This study reports the outcome from a randomized controlled trial of a group intervention for coping with HIV and sexual abuse. A diverse sample of 202 HIV-positive men and women who were sexually abused as children was randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a 15-session HIV and trauma coping group intervention, a 15-session support group comparison condition, or a waitlist control (later randomly assigned to an intervention condition). Traumatic stress symptoms were assessed at baseline and post-intervention, with analysis conducted for the three-condition comparison followed by analysis of the two-condition comparison between the coping and support group interventions. Participants in the coping group intervention exhibited reductions in intrusive traumatic stress symptoms compared to the waitlist condition and in avoidant traumatic stress symptoms compared to the support group condition. No differences were found between the support group intervention and waitlist conditions. Tests of clinical significance documented the meaningfulness of change in symptoms.
Current research in robotics and automation-an intelligent grasping system

A research project is described that focuses on building a comprehensive grasping environment capable of performing tasks such as locating moving objects and picking them up, manipulating man-made objects such as tools, and recognizing unknown objects through touch. In addition, an integrated programming environment is being designed that will allow grasping and grasping primitives within an overall robotic control and programming system that includes dextrous hands, vision sensors, and multiple-degree-of-freedom manipulators. A system overview is given, and the applications are discussed. >
Antimicrobial delivery by intrasynovial catheterisation with systemic administration for equine synovial trauma and sepsis

Objective To present the technique for intra-articular catheter placement and report the clinical outcomes of 38 cases of equine synovial trauma and/or infection treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobials administered via an intrasynovial catheter (ISC). Design Retrospective study. Procedure Medical records of 38 horses treated for synovial trauma and sepsis with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained via clinical re-evaluation or telephone contact with the owners. Results The majority of horses (84%) received amikacin and Timentin® four times daily. In addition, synovial lavage through the ISC was carried out in 27 horses (71%). Only radiological evidence of osteolysis had a significant negative impact on both lameness at the time of hospital discharge and the long-term outcome. In total, 92% of horses treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had clinical resolution of infection. Catheter obstruction occurred in three cases, necessitating replacement or removal, and two synovial fistulae developed at sites of open drainage. The majority of horses treated had a favourable outcome, with 86% being at least pasture sound and 43% returned to riding. Conclusion Septic synovial structures treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC had a good prognosis for survival and 43% returned to riding, which is consistent with the results of other studies. The use of a simple ISC should be considered when broad-spectrum intrasynovial antimicrobial administration and lavage of a septic synovial structure are indicated.
A high-pressure modification of MgVO3

Abstract The preparation of a high-pressure form of MgVO 3 has been accomplished utilizing two independent synthesis methods. The triclinic, ilmenite-type phase has been characterized by its crystallographic, magnetic, and electrical properties. Its structure is believed to be similar to that previously observed for other ilmenite-type AVO 3 derivatives (CoVO 3 , NiVO 3 , and MnVO 3 ). The properties of MgVO 3 appear to be intermediate between the localized electron model found in MnVO 3 , CoVO 3 , and NiVO 3 , and the delocalized electron regime observed in CuVO 3 .
Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas. Clinical features, surgical outcomes, and long-term survival in 45 consecutive patients from a single center.

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPT) are rare neoplasms, and the natural history is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to define the natural history and compare patient and tumor factors between patients with malignant and non-malignant disease. Data for all patients with SPT who underwent surgical exploration at MSKCC between 1987 and 2009 were collected and analyzed. Patient, tumor, treatment, and survival variables were examined. Malignant tumors were defined as any tumor that was locally unresectable, metastatic, or recurrent. Differences between groups were analyzed by Fisher’s exact, chi-squared, Wilcoxon, and log-rank tests. Forty-five patients had an SPT during the study period. Median age was 38 years (10–63) and 38 (84%) were women. At the time of diagnosis, 38 were symptomatic, with the most common symptom being abdominal pain (n = 35). The most frequent imaging characteristic was a solid and cystic tumor (n = 29), most commonly located in the tail of the pancreas (n = 23). Resection of the primary tumor (n = 41) (41/2,919 = 1.4% of all resections) included distal pancreatectomy in 26, pancreatoduodenectomy in 11, central pancreatectomy in two, and enucleation in two. Nine patients had malignant disease defined by a locally unresectable tumor in three, liver metastases in three, locally unresectable tumor and liver metastases in one, local recurrence and liver metastases in one, and local recurrence in another. Patients with malignant disease presented with larger tumors (7.8 vs. 4.2 cm) (p < 0.005). After median follow-up of 44 months, 34 patients were without evidence of disease, four patients were alive with disease, three patients died of disease, and four patients died of other causes. These results demonstrate that SPT occurs in young women, and the majority of patients will experience long-term survival following resection. The only feature associated with malignant disease was tumor size at presentation. The majority of patients are alive at last follow-up, and a low percentage experienced disease recurrence or death from disease.
Reexamining the role of choline transporter-like (Ctlp) proteins in choline transport.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, choline enters the cell via a single high-affinity transporter, Hnm1p. hnm1Δ cells lacking HNM1 gene are viable. However, they are unable to transport choline suggesting that no additional active choline transporters are present in this organism. A complementation study of a choline auxotrophic mutant, ctr1-ise (hnm1-ise), using a cDNA library from Torpedo marmorata electric lobe identified a membrane protein named Torpedo marmorata choline transporter-like, tCtl1p. tCtl1p was proposed to mediate a high-affinity choline transport (O'Regan et al., 1999, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.). Homologs of tCtl1p have been identified in other organisms, including yeast (Pns1p, YOR161c) and are postulated to function as choline transporters. Here we provide several lines of evidence indicating that Ctlp proteins are not involved in choline transport. Loss of PNS1 has no effect on choline transport and overexpression of either PNS1 or tCTL1 does not restore choline uptake activity of choline transport-defective mutants. The data presented here call into question the role of proteins of the CTL family in choline transport and suggest that the mechanism by which tCtl1 complements hnm1-ise mutant is independent of its ability to transport choline.
Pressure-Correction Method for Low-Speed Pressure-Sensitive Paint Measurements

An iterative pressure-correction method is developed that can be used to recover the incompressible pressure-coefficient distribution from pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) results obtained at two suitably higher subsonic Mach numbers. The pressure-correction method provides an alternative approach to overcome the well-known difficulty of using PSP in low-speed flows. For validation, this method is applied to flows over a circular cylinder, sphere, prolate spheroid, transonic body, and delta wing. Limitations and uncertainty of the pressure-correction method are discussed
Phosphorus in the Nutrition of the Adult Hen 2. The Relative Availability of Phosphorus from Several Sources for Caged Layers

Abstract IT HAS long been recognized that marked differences exist in availability to the chick of the phosphorus occurring in both natural and synthetic compounds. Relatively little is known, however, about phosphorus availability for the adult hen. Common (1939) reported that much of the phosphorus in feces from pullets was in the form of phytin. Gillis et al. (1953) concluded that hens utilized the phosphorus from calcium phytate to a greater extent than did chicks, but only one half as effectively as that from dicalcium phosphate or defluorinated phosphate. Walter and Aitken (1962) reported that caged hens fed a diet supplemented with dicalcium phosphate required 0.60% total and a calculated 0.36% nonphytin phosphorus to support maximum egg production over an 11-month period. Hens utilized phosphorus from sodium or calcium phytate more effectively than chicks, according to Maddaiah et al. (1963), but both compounds were less effective than dicalcium phosphate. Waldroup et…
Absence of exchange by ribosomal proteins in extracts of Escherichia coli.

Abstract In order to determine possible exchange of ribosomal proteins by Escherichia coli ribosomes in vitro, [ 3 H]leucine-labeled ribosomes were incubated with a large excess of unlabeled cell supernatant, under condition of protein synthesis. The ribosomes were then isolated (along with control unincubated ribosomes) and their proteins were separated by a newly described, sensitive 2-dimensional electrophoretic procedure. The [ 3 H]leucine activity of each spot was determined. Selective exchange of a labeled protein with unlabeled counterpart during incubation should decrease its relative activity. The analyzed protein spots (including the majority of “fractional proteins”) did not show appreciable decrease in radioactivity. It thus appears that proteins of E. coli ribosomes do not undergo appreciable exchange.
Recurrent chiasmatic-hypothalamic glioma treated with oral etoposide.

Background: Chiasmatic-hypothalamic gliomas are not amenable to surgical resection and therefore are treated with either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Etoposide (VP-16), administered on a long-term oral schedule, represents a novel chemotherapeutic approach. Patients and Methods: Fourteen patients (age range, 2 to 15 years) were treated with etoposide following tumor progression as determined by clinical and neuroradiographic examinations. Thirteen patients had received prior radiotherapy, and 12 received prior nitrosourea-based chemotherapy. Etoposide was administered orally; each cycle consisted of 50 mg/m 2 per day on days 1 to 21 and days 36 to 57. Clinical and neuroradiographic examinations were performed from days 58 to 72 prior to the start of each cycle of therapy. Complete blood cell counts were performed weekly. Results: Treatment-related complications included partial alopecia (n=7), diarrhea (n=6), weight loss (n=5), neutropenia (n=4), and thrombocytopenia (n=4). Three patients required a transfusion (ie, red blood cell [n=3] and platelet [n=2] transfusions), and one patient required antibiotic treatment of neutropenic fever. There were no treatment-related deaths. Fourteen patients were evaluable; in eight of these 14 patients, a response was demonstrated radiographically (complete response [n=1], partial response [n=4], and stable disease [n=3]), with a median duration of response of 8 months. Conclusions: Long-term treatment with oral etoposide was well tolerated by the patients in this study, and etoposide was a relatively nontoxic chemotherapeutic agent with apparent activity in this small cohort of patients who had recurrent chiasmatic-hypothalamic gliomas.
Differential Role of the Transcription Factor NF-κB in Selection and Survival of CD4+ and CD8+ Thymocytes

Inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity leads to a reduction in numbers of CD8(+) single-positive (SP) thymocytes, suggesting a selective role for NF-kappaB in these cells. To further explore the role of NF-kappaB in SP thymocytes, we utilized transgenic models that allowed either inhibition or activation of NF-kappaB. We showed that activation of NF-kappaB played an important role in the selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted CD8(+) T cells. Surprisingly, NF-kappaB was not activated in positively selected CD4(+) thymocytes, and inhibition of NF-kappaB did not perturb positive or negative selection of CD4(+) cells. However, enforced activation of NF-kappaB via a constitutively active inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) kinase transgene led to a nearly complete deletion of CD4 cells by pushing positively selecting CD4(+) cells into negative selection. These studies therefore revealed a surprising difference of NF-kappaB activation in CD4(+) and CD8(+) thymocytes and suggested that NF-kappaB contributes to the establishment of thresholds of signaling that determine positive or negative selection of thymocytes.
Combination of platelet fibrinogen receptor antagonist and direct thrombin inhibitor at low doses markedly improves thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the effects of a novel platelet fibrinogen receptor antagonist, Integrelin, and a direct thrombin inhibitor, recombinant hirudin, given together with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in a canine experimental model of intracoronary thrombosis. We tested the hypothesis that combination of both agents at low doses would have an additive antithrombotic effect, resulting in a significant improvement in the efficacy of rTPA. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-two dogs with an electrically induced coronary thrombus were treated with rTPA (1 mg/kg over 20 minutes) together with one of the following adjunctive treatments in a random fashion. Eight dogs received saline for 90 minutes; Integrelin (5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 90 minutes) was given to 8 dogs; 8 dogs received recombinant hirudin (20 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 90 minutes); and 8 dogs were treated with a low-dose combination of Integrelin (2.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) plus recombinant hirudin (10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) for 90 minutes. Integrelin or recombinant hirudin, when given as single adjunct to rTPA, enhanced the lysis of the occlusive thrombus, causing full restoration of coronary blood flow (100% of its baseline value) for 29 +/- 16 and 26 +/- 5 minutes, respectively, whereas coronary blood flow was fully restored for only 5 +/- 1 minutes in dogs receiving rTPA plus saline (both P < .05). However, either Integrelin or recombinant hirudin failed to modify the reocclusion rate (57% and 63%, respectively) compared with saline (83%; all P = NS). Conversely, the low-dose combination therapy led to complete restoration of coronary blood flow for 92 +/- 19 minutes (P < .01 versus all treatments) and significantly reduced the reocclusion rate (25%; P < .05 versus saline). CONCLUSIONS These data show that inhibition of specific pathways of platelet and thrombin activity improves the extent and duration of rTPA-induced thrombolysis in the electrolytic canine model. Furthermore, our findings suggest that low doses of platelet IIb/IIIa and direct thrombin antagonists in combination may be used successfully during thrombolysis.
Efficient bioelectronic actuation of the natural catalytic pathway of human metabolic cytochrome P450s.

Cytochrome (cyt) P450s comprise the enzyme superfamily responsible for human oxidative metabolism of a majority of drugs and xenobiotics. Electronic delivery of electrons to cyt P450s could be used to drive the natural catalytic cycle for fundamental investigations, stereo- and regioselective synthesis, and biosensors. We describe herein 30 nm nanometer-thick films on electrodes featuring excess human cyt P450s and cyt P450 reductase (CPR) microsomes that efficiently mimic the natural catalytic pathway for the first time. Redox potentials, electron-transfer rates, CO-binding, and substrate conversion rates confirmed that electrons are delivered from the electrode to CPR, which transfers them to cyt P450. The film system enabled electrochemical probing of the interaction between cyt P450 and CPR for the first time. Agreement of film voltammetry data with theoretical simulations supports a pathway featuring a key equilibrium redox reaction in the natural catalytic pathway between reduced CPR and cyt P450 oc...
CANDE: a versatile soil—structure design and analysis computer program

Abstract This paper introduces CANDE, a new computer program for the structural design, analysis, and evaluation of buried culverts or other soil—structure interaction problems. Structures composed of corrugated steel, corrugated aluminium, reinforced concrete, and structural plastic may be designed and/or analysed for incremented soil loading and live loading. Both the soil mass and structure are incorporated into an incremental, static, plane-strain formulation and solved by a chosen solution level. There are three solution levels corresponding to successive increases in analytical power. Level 1 is a closed form elasticity solution, whereas levels 2 and 3 are based on the finite element method. Level 2 employs a completely automated finite element mesh generation scheme suitable for most culvert installations, thus no special knowledge of finite element mesh construction is required for this level. Level 3 applies to an arbitrary soil—structure configuration, but requires a user-defined finite element mesh topology. The solution level concept permits the user to choose a degree of rigour and cost commensurate with the worth of a particular project and confidence in input parameters. Analytical modelling features include incremental construction, nonlinear soil models, structural models for ductile yielding and cracking, and special interface models for frictional sliding, debonding and rebonding. Example applications demonstrate the results of: frictional interfaces between culvert and soil, comparing predicted and experimental data, and investigating parameters of long-span soil structures.
Liquid–liquid equlibria of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and CO2 with common organic solvents

Abstract Liquid polyethylene glycol (PEG), in combination with carbon dioxide (CO2) and common organic solvents, enables the coupling of a homogeneous reaction with a heterogeneous separation. This is important for the application of homogenous catalysts, which offer superior reactivity but are difficult to separate and recycle. CO2 can act as a miscibility switch to shift the system from homogeneous at atmospheric conditions to heterogeneous under CO2 pressure. This allows for extraction of the products into the organic solvent phase and immobilization of the homogeneous catalyst in the PEG phase. This work examines the phase behavior of PEG and carbon dioxide with 1,4-dioxane and acetonitrile at 25 and 40 °C and pressures ranging from 5 to 8 MPa. The experimental data are compared to theoretical calculations using the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state.
Signaling through focal adhesion kinase

Integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins generates intracellular signals via enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation events that are important for cell growth, survival, and migration. This review will focus on the functions of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) and its role in linking integrin receptors to intracellular signaling pathways. FAK associates with several diAerent signaling proteins such as Src-family PTKs, p130 Cas , Shc, Grb2, PI 3-kinase, and paxillin. This enables FAK to function within a network of integrin-stimulated signaling pathways leading to the activation of targets such as the ERK and JNK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Focus will be placed on the structural domains and sites of FAK tyrosine phosphorylation important for FAKmediated signaling events and how these sites are conserved in the FAK-related PTK, Pyk2. We will review what is known about FAK activation by integrin receptor-mediated events and also non-integrin stimuli. In addition, we discuss the emergence of a consensus FAK substrate phosphorylation sequence. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of FAK in generating cell survival signals and the cleavage of FAK during caspase-mediated apoptosis. An in-depth discussion will be presented of integrin-stimulated signaling events occurring in the FAK knockout fibroblasts (FAK ˇ ) and how these cells exhibit deficits
Characterization and amino acid sequences of two lethal peptides isolated from venom of Wagler's pit viper, Trimeresurus wagleri.

Two lethal toxins were isolated from Trimeresurus wagleri venom by fast protein liquid chromatography (molecular sieve) and high performance liquid chromatography (reverse phase). The toxins (termed peptide I and II) had mol. wt of 2504 and 2530, respectively, pIs of 9.6–9.9 and lacked phospholipase A, proteolytic, and hemolytic activity. Lethal peptide I had a murine i.p. LD50 of 0.369 mg/kg, while lethal II had a murine i.p. ld50 of 0.583 mg/kg. Peptide I retained full toxicity after autoclaving at 121°C for 40 min. The lethal activity was found to represent less than 1% of the total venom protein, which was only 62–65% of crude venom. The amino acid sequence of peptide I revealed a proline-rich (over 30% of total sequence) sequence unique among snake venom toxins. Lethal peptide II showed the same sequence except for a second tyrosine in the position of histidine (residue No. 10) in peptide I. The toxin lacked antigenic identity with a number of representative neurotoxins and myotoxins. The crude venom shared at least one antigen with Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus venom. This antigen was not Mojave toxin. The toxin appears symptomologically suggestive of a vasoactive peptide or neurotoxin.
Power and Managerial Dismissal: Scapegoating at the Top.

Warren Boeker Columbia University A study of 67 organizations over a 22-year period is used to examine the likelihood of chief executive and top management dismissal as a result of organizational performance and the distribution of power in the organization. Powerful chief executives are found to be less likely than less powerful chief executives to be dismissed during performance downturns. Instead, they displace blame for poor performance onto their subordinates, the top managers of the organization, who subsequently are replaced, while the chief executive remains. The paper examines the role that board composition and organization ownership play in influencing the amount of power the chief executive is likely to possess and explores what actions organizations with poor performance but powerful chief executives might take.'