cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C282Y mutation and hepatic iron status in hepatitis C and cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Abstract Background.—Increased iron deposition in liver is seen in both primary and secondary hemochromatosis. However, it is not uncommon to see significant iron deposition in a liver biopsy, explant, or autopsy specimen without any significant clinical risk factor. Because of the discovery of the candidate gene (HFE) for hereditary hemochromatosis, we may now be able to screen high-risk patient populations for the abnormal mutation (C282Y). Materials and Methods.—In this study we analyzed the livers of 50 transplant patients with a diagnosis of either hepatitis C cirrhosis or cryptogenic cirrhosis for the prevalence of the more common C282Y mutation of the HFE gene and correlated the findings to hepatic iron concentration. Results.—Of the 26 cases of hepatitis C cirrhosis, 3 were found to be heterozygous for the C282Y mutation. Of the 22 cases of cryptogenic cirrhosis, 1 was found to be heterozygous for the C282Y mutation. Stainable iron was increased in hepatitis C cirrhosis (76.9%) as compared to cryp...
Phase II trial of dose-dense doxorubicin plus gemcitabine followed by paclitaxel plus carboplatin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and impaired renal function.

BACKGROUND. Cisplatin-based therapy is standard in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma but a large proportion are ineligible due to renal impairment. The safety and activity of a dose-dense carboplatin-based regimen in this patient population were explored. METHODS. Patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who were ineligible for cisplatin were eligible based on at least 1 of the following: 1) serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL; 2) creatinine clearance of >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2; and/or 3) prior nephrectomy. Patients received treatment with doxorubicin plus gemcitabine every other week × 5 cycles followed by paclitaxel plus carboplatin weekly × 12 cycles. RESULTS. Twenty-five patients were treated. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity, with 28% of patients experiencing grade 3–4 neutropenia; there were only 2 (8%) episodes of febrile neutropenia. Grade ≥3 nonhematologic toxicities were infrequent with the exception of grade ≥3 thrombotic episodes in 4 (16%) patients. There were 5 complete responses and 9 partial responses for an overall response rate of 56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35%–76%). The median survival was 15 months (95% CI: 11–30). At a median follow-up for survivors of 45 months, 7 (28%) patients are disease-free. CONCLUSIONS. Dose-dense sequential chemotherapy is tolerable and active in patients with urothelial carcinoma and renal impairment. Prolonged disease-free survival is achievable in a subset of patients with primary unresectable disease or lymph-node only metastases treated with carboplatin-based therapy ± surgical consolidation. Randomized trials are needed to define the optimal regimen in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and renal impairment. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of Pore Size Distribution by Infrared Scattering in Highly Dense ZnS

A model based upon Mie theory was developed to calculate the amount of spectral infrared scattering caused by the presence of a porous second phase. Various in-line transmission curves were calculated and used to characterize the scattering effects of pore size and concentration. The in-line transmission from 2.5 to 10 fjim of ZnS samples hot-pressed at 137.8,172.3, and 206.7 MPa was measured using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and compared with calculated transmission curves. Good agreement with measured results was obtained only when a size distribution effect was included. From the analysis, a bimodal distribution of pores was found to give the best agreement which duplicates the measured transmission.
Diurnal variation of serum lipids

Summary Measurements of serum cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides as well as plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were made at eight selected times during a 24-hour period in twelve healthy men engaged in normal daily activities. Both serum cholesterol and phospholipids were quite stable during the day showing mean coefficients of variation of 4.2 and 5.9 % respectively. Much of the variation in each measurement could be ascribed to technical error. Cholesterol/phospholipid ratios were rather labile, the mean difference from high to low ratios during the day amounting to 0.16; the ratio changed favorably, the proportion of phospholipid increasing. Serum triglycerides followed an alimentary tide in response to feeding which persisted for several hours after the last meal. Even patients with normal fasting triglycerides were found to have at least two specimens in the elevated range during the absorptive period. Unlike the other two lipid fractions, correlation of one basal level of serum triglycerides with another twenty-four hours later was comparatively low, indicating caution in evaluating any single triglyceride determination. As expected, plasma FFA were highly responsive to feeding, showing a marked variability during the day. Correlations of rested, fasting FFA levels from one day to another were remarkably low.
Effectiveness of the coping power program and of classroom intervention with aggressive children: Outcomes at a 1-year follow-up*

This study examines key substance use, delinquency, and school-based aggressive behavior outcomes at a 1-year follow-up for a cognitive-behavioral intervention delivered to aggressive children and their parents at the time of these children's transition to middle school. This effectiveness study explored whether a classroom intervention directed at teachers and at all of the parents in the intervention classrooms enhanced the effects of the Coping Power program with at-risk children. The at-risk sample of boys and girls was identified through 4th-grade teacher ratings, and intervention took place during the 5th- and 6th-grade years. The Coping Power child component included school-based groups focusing on anger management and social problem solving skills, and the Coping Power parent component addressed parenting and stress-management skills. The current results indicate that prior findings of postintervention improvement for this sample (Lochman & Wells, 2002b) has led to preventive effects on delinquency and on substance use for older and moderate-risk children. The Coping Power program, in conjunction with a classroom-level intervention, also reduced school aggression 1 year after the intervention was completed. In addition, it appears that the classroom intervention facilitates radiating effects on reduced substance use for other at-risk children in the same classrooms who did not receive Coping Power.
Underutilization of Hepatitis C‐Positive Kidneys for Hepatitis C‐Positive Recipients

Hepatitis C-positive (HCV(+)) candidates likely derive survival benefit from transplantation with HCV(+) kidneys, yet evidence remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that lack of good survival benefit data has led to wide practice variation. Our goal was to characterize national utilization of HCV(+) kidneys for HCV(+) recipients, and to quantify the risks/benefits of this practice. Of 93,825 deceased donors between 1995 and 2009, HCV(+) kidneys were 2.60-times more likely to be discarded (p < 0.001). However, of 6830 HCV(+) recipients, only 29% received HCV(+) kidneys. Patients over 60 relative rate (RR 0.86), women (RR 0.73) and highly sensitized patients (RR 0.42) were less likely to receive HCV(+) kidneys, while African Americans (RR 1.56), diabetics (RR 1.29) and those at centers with long waiting times (RR 1.19) were more likely to receive them. HCV(+) recipients of HCV(+) kidneys waited 310 days less than the average waiting time at their center, and 395 days less than their counterparts at the same center who waited for HCV(−) kidneys, likely offsetting the slightly higher patient (HR 1.29) and graft loss (HR 1.18) associated with HCV(+) kidneys. A better understanding of the risks and benefits of transplanting HCV(+) recipients with HCV(+) kidneys will hopefully improve utilization of these kidneys in an evidence-based manner.
Alkaloids of Vinca Species V: Structure Elucidation of Herbadine, an Alkaloid Isolated from Vinca Libanotica

Abstract Herbadine, a novel dihydroindole alkaloid, was isolated from the aerial parts of Vinca libanotica Zucc. (Apocynaceae). The physical and spectral data (UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy) indicated the alkaloid to be a derivative of ajmaline. Comparative high‐resolution NMR studies with quebrachidine and high‐resolution mass spectral studies established the structure of the alkaloid to be 2‐epi‐3‐hydroxyquebrachidine. Herbadine was previously isolated from another species by Russian workers and a structure was postulated. The current paper gives evidence for a corrected structure of herbadine.
Outcomes of Simultaneous Placement of an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis and a Male Urethral Sling through a Single Perineal Incision

Introduction Synchronous implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and a bulbourethral sling single via a single perineal is a unique approach in managing erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence.
The discovery of the top quark: instruments and methods ☆

Abstract The discovery of the top quark utilized a number of new methods and instruments. These include radiation hard silicon tracking detectors, b quark tagging, the use of jets in mass reconstruction, and various kinematical analyses.
Interpreting troponin elevations: do we need multiple diagnoses?

The expanded ability to detect myocardial injury using very sensitive and specific biomarker assays has been a major factor in the evolution of the definition of acute myocardial infarction (MI). This is clearly evident in the ‘Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction’ recently developed by a joint task force of experts on behalf of the ESC, ACCF, AHA, and WHF (European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology Foundation, American Heart Association, and World Heart Federation).1 In a clinical setting consistent with myocardial ischaemia, criteria are presented for defining acute MI that include a rise and/or fall in cardiac biomarkers together with symptoms of ischaemia, and/or appropriate ECG changes, and/or imaging evidence of a new regional wall motion abnormality or loss of myocardium. The task force developed a clinical classification of different types of MI that can be briefly summarized as: This multi-component scheme appears to add complexity in an area that can be quite confounding because of the multiple terms used to describe myocardial ischaemia/infarction in all of its various manifestations. This includes differentiating myocardial damage associated with ST elevation (STEMI) from that occurring without ST elevation (non-STEMI). Patients with a sudden change in cardiac status are often admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but ACS is not included in the ICD-9-CM codes.2 Intermediate coronary syndrome (code 411.1), which includes impending infarction, preinfarction angina, or unstable angina, can be used as a …
Properties of amorphous and crystallizable hydrocarbon polymers. I. Melt rheology of fractions of linear polyethylene

The dynamic moduli G′(ω) and G″(ω) for two groups of linear polyethylene fractions (reported Mw/Mn < 1.2) were measured in the melt state using the eccentric rotating disk method. Values of zero shear viscosity η0 were obtained and compared with published results on similar fractions. Molecular weight data were converted to a common basis through intrinsic viscosities in trichlorobenzene (TCB) at 135°C. With recent data on Mw (light scattering) vs. [η]TCB, for linear polyethylene, the relationship at 190°C, η0 = 3.40 × 10−14(Mw)3.60, was obtained. The flow activation energy Ea was 6.4 kcal (T = 140–195°C). The plateau modulus G at 190°C was determined from the area under the loss modulus peak in one high-molecular-weight sample. The value obtained, G = 1.58 × 107 dyn/cm2, corresponds to an apparent molecular weight between entanglements of 1850. The storage compliance J′(ω) becomes anomalously large at low frequencies. The recoverable compliance J could not be determined for any of the fractions.
Hexarhodium Clusters in NaY Zeolite: Characterization by Infrared and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopies

Molecular clusters of rhodium were synthesized in the cages of NaY zeolite by decarbonylating supported rhodium carbonyls, which were predominantly [Rh6(CO)16] prepared by carbonylation of adsorbed [Rh(CO)2(acac)] at 125 °C. The samples were characterized by infrared and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies. [Rh6(CO)16] formed at 125 °C, with a higher yield observed for the clusters in the uncalcined zeolite than for those in the calcined zeolite. Rhodium clusters formed by decarbonylation of [Rh6(CO)16] in calcined NaY zeolite in the presence of He at temperatures of 200, 250, or 300 °C were characterized by Rh−Rh coordination numbers of approximately 3.7, indicating that the octahedral metal frame of the [Rh6(CO)16] precursor remained nearly intact. When the decarbonylation of [Rh6(CO)16] took place in the presence of H2, partially decarbonylated rhodium clusters formed at 200 °C, having a Rh−Rh coordination number of about 3.6. Higher-temperature treatments in H2 resulted in the sintering of ...
Mixed gonadal dysgenesis and dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis and dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism are 2 forms of male pseudohermaphroditism that present with absent mullerian regression and ambiguous genitalia. We present a retrospective analysis of 10 patients with the diagnosis of either mixed gonadal dysgenesis or dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism encountered during a 16-year period at our institution. We assigned a female gender to 4 patients and a male gender to 3. Three patients were assigned a male gender before referral (2 for whom we would have preferred female assignment). All intra-abdominal gonads were removed except in 2 patients assigned a male gender who underwent bilateral orchiopexy. Patients underwent hypospadias repair or feminizing genitoplasty depending upon the gender assigned. Although female gender assignment is usually preferred, male assignment is a justifiable alternative in instances of extreme virilization and a descended testis. However, in these male assigned patients, consideration must be given to the role of periodic testicular biopsies. In light of tumor potential, all intra-abdominal gonads should be removed. When necessary, appropriate surgical genitoplasty should be performed at an early patient age.
Legally Speaking: Rape and Seduction in Athenian Law

An important aspect commonly overlooked in Gorgias' Encomium of Helen is the complicated cultural terrain on which it sits—a complex crossroad where legality and mythology intersect in the powerful...
Undergraduate peer assistants in a large lecture course

This article summarizes an experiment in which 11 undergraduate `peer assistants' were recruited to join the regular teaching staff of graduate teaching assistants and faculty for a large physical science lecture course. The UTAs assist with active learning exercises, which replace a portion of the usual passive lecture format. This article describes the active learning techniques used and assesses improvements in learning with the implementation of UTAs.
Prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), seawater and sediments of the Maryland Coastal Bays

Aims To determine the prevalence of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) and V. vulnificus (Vv) in blue crabs, water and sediment from the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), USA. Methods and Results Crab, haemolymph, sediment and seawater samples were collected monthly from four sites in MCBs from February 2012 through October 2012 with environmental parameters recorded. The most-probable-number (MPN) methodology was used to enumerate Vp and Vv with presumptive colonies and the presence of virulence markers confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results indicate that blue crabs contained both Vp and Vv at densities (7·28 and 5·43 log MPN g−1, respectively) higher than those reported for bivalves. In addition, markers for clinically relevant strains of both species were detected in over 30% of samples. Haemolymph, sediment and seawater samples were also routinely positive for both species and clinically relevant strains, but generally at lower densities than found in crabs (4·27, 3·28, and 2·39 log MPN g−1 per ml−1 Vp, and 4·28, 2·49 and 2·38 log MPN g−1 per ml−1 Vv). Conclusions Blue crabs concentrate Vp and Vv at levels greater than found in water or sediment. While changes in abundance associated with temperature are apparent, there is little evidence to support differences among sampling locations. Significance and Impact of the Study These results highlight the potential for blue crab related vibriosis and the importance of proper handling, cooking and care of this popular seafood before consumption.
Humanism, Skepticism, and Pessimism in Israel

UMANISM is not a word often associated with the Old Testament. Indeed the apparent preoccupation of the authors of the Hebrew canon with God is usually taken as prima facie evidence ruling out a serious consideration of the topic. From bereiith bara' 'Elohim (Gen. 1:1) to mi bakem mikkol 'ammo YHWH 'Elohaw 'immo (II Chron. 36:23) the dominant figure in historical narrative, in the framework of legal corpora, in psalms of praise, lament or thanksgiving is none other than Yahweh, God of Israel.
Conformational filtering in polypeptides and proteins

Abstract We present a method for assigning an ensemble of conformational states to each amino acid residue of a sequence. The states are defined as regions in the (φ, ψ) map. The procedure is based on the use of conformational filters. In each filter we use a different set of approximations to estimate the probability of conformational states, and retain only the ones whose probability exceeds an acceptance probability. The resulting state assignment is not necessarily unique, but provides information that can be further exploited in searches for the tertiary structure. This conformational filtering approach to the de novo analysis of a sequence has a number of advantages over traditional structure prediction. First, it is possible to select acceptance probabilities such that the true conformational state is retained for up to 87% of residues, while substantially reducing the number of potential conformations. Second, in solution most linear peptides are present as ensembles of rapidly interconverting conformers, and such ensembles can be well predicted by filtering. Third, we can use Markov chains instead of a statistical mechanical (Ising) treatment, and avoid the need for estimating statistical weight matrices valid for the molecule as a whole. Markov models can use local transition matrices that are assumed to be independent of the rest of the chain, and are directly calculated from pairwise data. We show here that the locally identifiable transition matrices are transferable from the crystal structures of proteins to the solution structures of short peptides, and the ensembles of filtered conformations are in good agreement with nuclear magnetic resonance data. When applied to proteins, the filters retain several conformational states for most residues, and provide a measure of conformational variability. Small variability means that the segment is well defined by local interactions alone, and hence is likely to preserve its structure when isolated from the rest of the chain. Conversely, the structure of a segment with above-average conformational variability is likely to be significantly affected by its protein environment.
AMPA receptors in the rat and primate hippocampus: a possible absence of GLUR2/3 subunits in most interneurons

Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors are assembled from the four subunits GluR1, 2, 3, 4 (or GluRA, B, C, D). AMPA channels that do not contain the GluR2 subunit are permeable to calcium. Recent studies indicate that excitotoxic as well as epileptic and ischemic cell damage may be mediated not only by N-methyl-Daspartate receptors, but also by AMPA receptors. The majority of interneurons in the hippocampus are resistant, but subsets of interneurons are consistently damaged in different disease states. Single immunolabeling using antibodies against AMPA receptor subunits, together with double immunolabeling for calcium-binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin) and the neuropeptide somatostatin, were performed to study GluR1-4 immunoreactivity in interneuronal populations and principal cells. The ultrastructure of GluR1-4 labeled neurons was also examined using electron microscopy. With the exception of calbindin-positive interneurons, GluR2/3 was absent from hippocampal interneurons in both rat and monkey. In the rat, interneurons were more strongly immunoreactive against GluR1 than principal cells. In the monkey, immunoreactivity for GluR4 in interneurons was stronger than for GluR1. All GluR subunits were confined to spines, dendritic membrane and cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus but absent from axons and presynaptic terminals. Our findings suggest that hippocampal principal cells and interneurons express different complements of AMPA receptor subunits. Furthermore, the absence of GluR2 and/or GluR3 in both vulnerable and resistant interneurons subtypes indicates that knowledge of receptor subunit composition is not sufficient to predict neuronal vulnerability.
Quantification of sleepiness: a new approach.

The Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) is a self-rating scale which is used to quantify progressive steps in sleepiness. The present study investigated whether the SSS cross-validates with performance on mental tasks and whether the SSS demonstrates changes in sleepiness with sleep loss. Five college student Ss were given a brief test of memory and the Wilkinson Addition Test in 2 test sessions and The Wilkinson Vigilance Test in 2 other sessions spaced throughout a 16-hr day for 6 days. Ss made SSS ratings every 15 min during their waking activities. On night 4, Ss underwent all night sleep deprivation. On all other nights, Ss were allowed only 8 hrs in bed. Mean SSS ratings correlated r= .68 with performance on the Wilkinson Tests. Discrete SSS ratings correlated r= .47 with performance on the memory test. Moreover, mean baseline SSS ratings were found to be significantly lower than corresponding ratings of the deprivation period.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Increases the Rate of Breast Conservation: Results from the National Cancer Database

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to increase the rate of breast conservation in clinical trials and small institutional series, but it has never been studied on a national level. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The NCDB is a joint project of the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society and contains about 80% of the cancer cases in the United States. All women in the NCDB diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2006 through 2011, who underwent definitive breast surgery and received either neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, excluding patients with distant metastases or T4 tumors, were included and rates of breast preservation were determined. Results Of 354,204 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 59,063 (16.7%) underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This proportion steadily increased from 13.9% in 2006 to 20.5% in 2011 (p 50 years; p Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases breast preservation for patients with breast tumor size larger than 3 cm.
Novel strategies for development of gas sensors for combustion and medical applications

Chemical gas sensors can have an enormous impact on optimizing complex processes as well as facilitate disease diagnosis. In this article, we demonstrate how sensing of gas molecules is influencing the next generation of engines for transportation applications, as well as in disease diagnosis. In such applications, the demands on sensors are quite extreme. Not only does the device have to detect the gas of interest with high sensitivity, it also has to discriminate against other species present in a complex environment, such as combustion exhaust and human breath. In addition, the sensors will need to have as small a footprint as possible in size and power requirements. With these varied requirements in mind, only electrochemical sensors have the potential to be practical. This article focuses on nitric oxide (NO x ) and ammonia (NH 3 ) sensor necessary for emission control of next generation, high efficiency, lean burn engines and nitric oxide (NO) sensor for breath analysis for diagnosis of respiratory diseases. In all of these applications, there has been significant recent commercial activity. We indicate the electrochemical principles of these commercial sensors, and the development from our research group. We present potentiometric total NO x sensors that can operate in harsh environments, and impedance-based NH 3 sensor for transportation industry. For detecting NO in human breath, we have demonstrated two strategies, the first using a resistive approach, and the second with an array of potentiometric sensors. Data from these sensors, their limitations as well as novel MEMS-based approaches for miniaturization is presented.
Fluctuations in brain temperature during sexual interaction in male rats: an approach for evaluating neural activity underlying motivated behavior.

Abstract Since metabolic activity is accompanied by heat release, measurement of brain temperatures offers a method for assessing behavior-associated changes in neural activity. To explore this possibility, we monitored local brain (nucleus accumbens, medial-preoptic hypothalamus, and hippocampus) and body (temporal muscle) temperature in an experienced male rat during sexual behavior with a sexually receptive female. Placement of the female into a neighboring compartment increased the male's temperature and additional increases occurred when rats were allowed to see and partially interact with the female through a Plexiglas barrier with dime-size holes. The temperature increase was robust (1.5–2.0 °C), faster in all brain areas than in muscle, and peaked (38–39 °C) when the barrier was removed and full interaction was allowed. As the male repeatedly mounted and achieved intromission with the female, temperature further increased, peaking at ejaculation (+0.2–0.4 °C). Following ejaculation, the temperature abruptly dropped, until sexual interest and interaction resumed. These biphasic temperature fluctuations were generally similar in each recording location, but all brain sites (particularly, nucleus accumbens and medial–preoptic hypothalamus) showed more profound changes than the muscle. These data generally match single-unit and other physiological findings, suggesting that male sexual behavior is accompanied by sustained and generalized neural activation. This activation is triggered by sexually relevant stimuli (arousal), maintained during repeated mounts and intromissions, and peaked at ejaculation. These findings suggest brain temperature fluctuations not only as a sensitive index of functional neural activation, but as a powerful factor affecting various neural functions and an important part of brain mechanisms underlying motivated behavior.
Testing for political business cycles

Abstract This paper presents a new test of political business cycle and partisan theories of politico-economic interaction. It builds on the hypothesis that model dynamics and not just the intercept of a time-series model vary over electoral periods and party regimes. Using long-run data for the United States, we find evidence that Presidential elections and the political party of incumbent Presidents influence the behavior of economic targets and instruments. However, these outcomes do not arise independently of recent economic performance. Therefore, our results support the satisficing model of Frey and Schneider and reject the traditional version of the theory.
University-level group piano instruction and professional musicians

Group piano courses for undergraduate music majors have been charged with developing the piano skills used by professional musicians; however, the only information available on the use of piano skills by professional musicians has been limited to one profession: public school music teachers. No one has attempted to identify the piano skills used by faculty members, performers or private music teachers. The purpose of this study was to gather information about professional musicians’ development and use of piano skills in their careers. A questionnaire was distributed to (N=393) faculty members, professional performers and private music instructors. The survey gathered information about their careers, piano training, use of piano skills and proposals for the piano training of undergraduate music majors in their field. In total, 109 musicians completed the study: faculty members (n=43), performers (n=38) and teachers (n=28). The results of this study showed faculty members, performers and teachers generally...
Character degrees of simple groups

Gluck [2] and others have investigated the relationship between p(G), the set of primes dividing the degrees of the irreducible complex characters of G, and o(G), the greatest number of primes dividing the degree of a single irreducible character of G. when G is a finite solvable group. For such groups Gluck [2] has shown that 1 p(G)/ ,< (g(G))‘+ 100(G). In this paper we examine the relationship between these two quantities for G a finite nonabelian simple group. In order to state our results we need to introduce some notation. If G is a finite group and S is a subset of Irr(Gj, the set of irreducible characters of G, we will say S is a covering set of G if for every prime divisor p of / G 1 there is a character x in S such that p divides x( 1). If G has a covering set we will define the covering number of G, which we will denote by en(G), as the least number of elements in a covering set of G. Work of Michler [6, Theorem 3.31 has as a consequence that if G is a nonabelian simple group then G has a covering set; in other words, p(G) = n(G), where n(G) is the set of prime divisors of the order of G. For such groups then en(G) ,( 1 r(G)1 However, more is true.
Negative pion-proton elastic scattering at 2.26 GeV/c

Abstract The differential elastic scattering cross section was measured for 2.26 GeV/ c negative pions on protons. The data have been analyzed in terms of two models currently used to describe the elastic scattering process.
A p-Laplacian problem in L1 with nonlinear boundary conditions

(1994). A P-laplacian problem in L1 with nonlinear boundary conditions. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 19, No. 1-2, pp. 143-176.
A top-down region dividing approach for image segmentation

Histogram-based and region-based segmentation approaches have been widely used in image segmentation. Difficulties arise when we use these techniques, such as the selection of a proper threshold value for the histogram-based technique and the over-segmentation followed by the time-consuming merge processing for the region-based technique. To provide efficient algorithms that not only produce better segmentation results but also maintain low computational complexity, a novel top-down region dividing based approach is developed for image segmentation, which combines the advantages of both histogram-based and region-based approaches. Experimental results show that our algorithm can efficiently perform image segmentation without distorting the spatial structure of an image. Furthermore, two potential applications in medical image analysis are presented to show the advantages of using the proposed algorithm.
The role of high school performance in explaining women's rising college enrollment

Abstract While male high school graduates were more likely to enroll in college than their female counterparts three decades ago, this pattern reversed by the late 1980s. The gender gap in college attendance rates has continued to increase ever since. In this paper, I examine several factors that might affect the diverging college entrance patterns for young men and women. Using three nationally representative longitudinal data sets of high school students, I find that women's high school performance—as measured by test scores and the number of math and science courses taken—increased more rapidly then men's over the past three decades. A simple decomposition exercise indicates that women's greater advances in high school achievement can account for more than half of the change in the college enrollment gender gap over the past three decades. Using a simple theoretical model, I show that the contribution of women's superior performance in high school to women's increased college attendance combines both the effects of exogenous changes in how high schools prepare women for college and changes in high school performance induced by women's optimizing responses to increased labor market opportunities.
Autoregulatory Suppression of c-Myc by miR-185-3p

The expression of the c-myc oncogene at both protein and mRNA levels is transient and begins to be turned off 3–6 h after growth stimulation of cultured cells. The exact mechanism(s) underlying this down-regulation of c-Myc remains incompletely understood. Here we report the identification of miR-185-3p as a novel feedback regulator of c-Myc. This microRNA (miRNA) was initially identified as one of the c-Myc target miRNA transcripts through analysis of RNA samples isolated from cells prior to and after serum stimulation and further verified by real-time PCR, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays. Interestingly, overexpression of wild type, but not mutant, miR-185-3p decreased the protein, but not mRNA, level of c-Myc in a dose-dependent fashion and also drastically abated the serum induction of c-Myc level in human cancer cells by targeting the coding sequence of c-Myc mRNA, consequently suppressing c-Myc-mediated proliferation. A miR-185-3p inhibitor rescued the inhibition of c-Myc expression by endogenous miR-185-3p. Thus, our results unveil miR-185-3p as the first miRNA that monitors c-Myc levels via an autoregulatory feedback mechanism in response to serum stimulation.
Calcium signaling in response to fluid flow by chondrocytes in 3D alginate culture.

Quantifying the effects of mechanical loading on the metabolic response of chondrocytes is difficult due to complicated structure of cartilage ECM and the coupled nature of the mechanical stimuli presented to the cells. In this study we describe the effects of fluid flow, particularly hydrostatic pressure and wall shear stress, on the Ca2+ signaling response of bovine articular chondrocytes in 3D culture. Using well-established alginate hydrogel system to maintain spherical chondrocyte morphology, we altered solid volume fraction to change scaffold mechanics. Fluid velocities in the bulk of the scaffolds were directly measured via an optical technique and scaffold permeability and aggregate modulus was characterized to quantify the mechanical stimuli presented to cells. Ca2+ signaling response to direct perfusion of chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds increased monotonically with flow rate and was found more directly dependent on fluid velocity rather than shear stress or hydrostatic pressure. Chondrocytes in alginate scaffolds responded to fluid flow at velocities and shear stresses 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than seen in previous monolayer studies. Our data suggest that flow-induced Ca2+ signaling response of chondrocytes in alginate culture may be due to mechanical signaling pathways, which is influenced by the 3D nature of cell shape. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:793–799, 2012
Application of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the nrcc marine sediment reference materials project

Abstract The preparation of two near-shore marine sediment reference materials in our laboratories, as part of the National Research Council Marine Analytical Chemistry Standards Program, involved a very large number of determinations of about 25 elements at major, minor and trace levels. A procedure which permits the simultaneous determination of 5 major constituents (Fe, Al, Ca, Mg and Na) and 9 -minor and trace elements (P, Mn, Pb, Co, Ni, V, Cu, Be and Zn) in marine sediments by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) has been developed. Solutions are prepared by mixed acid (HNO 3 /HC1O 4 /HF) digestion of 0.5 g samples in sealed Teflon vessels at 100°C, evaporation of the residues to dryness, and redissolution in 50 ml of 1 MHC1. Calibration of the spectrometer is achieved by means of multielement standards in 1 M HC1. Accurate trace analyses in many cases require corrections for various spectroscopic interferences arising from background shifts or line overlaps. These are accomplished by making off-peak background intensity measurements and by incorporation of correction factors in the data processing software.
PVC-clay nanocomposites: Preparation, thermal and mechanical properties

PVC-clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of the polymer with an organically modified clay, both in the presence and in the absence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP). The clay can serve as a plasticizer for PVC in the absence of DOP. The nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and the materials were found to be largely intercalated. Thermal properties were evaluated by using thermogravimetric analysis, and the thermal stability was determined to be variable, depending upon the amounts of clay and DOP that were present. The fraction of polymer that remained at 600°C was significantly reduced in the presence of the clay, a result indicating that the clay had an effect on the course of the degradation of the PVC. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites increased as the fraction of clay increased, and the addition of a small amount of clay increased the elongation, but when additional clay was added, the elongation decreased.
Potential uses of combined halogen disinfectants in poultry processing.

Abstract Five organic N-halamine compounds (combined halogen disinfectants) were compared for their bactericidal activities against Salmonella typhimurium under controlled pH and temperature. All five compounds were effective as bactericides in demand-free buffers ranging from pH 5.0 to 9.0 and treatment temperatures from 4 to 48 C. The range of contact times necessary for a 99.9999% inactivation of viable cells was from .22 to 29 min, depending on the halogen concentration, temperature, and pH of the demand-free buffer. Two of the compounds (3-chloro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone and l,3-dichloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazolidinone) were found to have considerable promise in high-temperature applications, and a third compound (l-bromo-3-chloro-4,4,5,5-tetramemyl-2-imidazolidinone) was more suitable for low-temperature treatments.
Why don't we have more red tides in Florida?

Abstract With the present state of knowledge of red tides, particularly in Florida coastal waters, the major challenge may be to explain why they do not occur more often. It appears that at least five major factors are responsible for this blessing. These are: (1) environmental stress, (2) enemy organisms, (3) currents and other hydrographic factors, (4) possibly critical‐nutrient limitation, and (5) photodynamic action. The significance of these factors are reviewed as a guide to potential management strategies.
International Problems in the South Asian Bibliographical Information Services

(1983). International problems in the South Asian bibliographical information services. International Library Review: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 95-103.
Tests currently available in the study of intestinal absorption.

The demonstration of significant malabsorption of any item of the diet predicates disease. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the astute clinician to have available suitable tests for studying defects of absorption. It matters little which test or tests he selects as long as he is familiar with the normal in his own laboratory and the limitations of the test. When marked impairment of absorption is present, one is justified in assuming that the patient has organic disease, but in borderline cases, it is hazardous to conclude that malabsorption is present. In such cases, one should repeat the test or, preferably, employ others rather than relying upon a single result. The intelligent use of familiar tests of malabsorption will materially assist the physician in many difficult problems.
Inflammatory disease: Assault on the guardian

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks 'self' tissues. Ten years after the discovery of one target of this autoimmunity, work with mice identifies it as a guardian protein produced in response to inflammation.
How safe is the coronary angiogram

The pertinent literature on complications of selective coronary angiography has been reviewed. Three reports that describe the incidence of major complications in large patient groups are presented for comparative analysis of their results and used as a baseline for consideration of factors that may affect variations between the actual and reported rate of complications. It is recommended that agreement be reached on formulating national standards for the performance of the examination, taking into account the best data available.
Primary nonfunction of islet xenografts in rat recipients results from non-T-cell-mediated immune responses.

Abstract Primary nonfunction (PNF) and early graft failure affect the functional mass of islet tissue engrafted, and represent a major problem in clinical islet transplantation. Previous studies have shown that grafts of isolated canine pancreatic islets survive and function in immunocompetent murine recipients until graft rejection. In contrast, a very high rate of PNF has been demonstrated in rat recipients of canine islet xenografts.l Routine immunosuppressive protocols, such as cyclosporin therapy, have little effect on prolongation of graft survival in this combination. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in this strong, rapid immune response in the rat may provide focus in the development of strategies of immunosuppression which would be clinically relevant. To identify the effector mechanism of PNF in the dog-to-rat islet transplant model, we have shown that long-term culture, or inhibition of native complement, slightly improves early islet function in this model. In this study, we further investigate the effect of inhibiting lymphocyte activity, nitric oxide (NO) production, or macrophage (M(p) function on canine islet xenograft survival in rat recipients.
Dale Hathaway, Allies Across the Border: Mexico's “Authentic Labor Front” and Global Solidarity. Cambridge, MA: South End Press, 2000. xx + 267 pp. $19.00 paper.

Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, the United States and Mexico, the productivity of industrial workers in each country has increased while their real wages have fallen. Focusing on Mexico and measuring the results of NAFTA, Dale Hathaways' Allies Across the Border: Mexico's “Authentic Labor Front” and Global Solidarity explores the social ramifications of neoliberalism, its impact on workers in industrial and underdeveloped nations, and its implications for democracy and national sovereignty in poorer countries that recruit multinational firms through cheap labor and lax environmental and worker protections. Using the experiences of the Frente Autentico del Trabajo (FAT), a grassroots labor union facing powerful domestic and international opposition as it seeks to improve working conditions in Mexico, Hathaway makes the case that worker solidarity across borders offers the most viable way to achieve a more broadly shared prosperity than is being created at present.
Treatment of nasopharyngeal inlet stenosis following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with the co2 laser

This report looks at outpatient treatment of nasopharyngeal inlet stenosis, a more commonly seen postoperative complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). It does not study the effectiveness of the UPPP for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The authors evaluated six patients who had a UPPP for OSAS, all of whom developed stenosis in the nasopharyngeal inlet ranging from 14 mm to complete closure. Two patients had failed rotation flap repairs. The carbon dioxide laser was used to treat these patients in the office under a local anesthesia in a staged manner. We now have patients from 3 months to 12 months follow-up who have had stenosis treated successfully. We believe that the postoperative complication of nasopharyngeal inlet stenosis after UPPP can be treated in a safe and cost-effective manner in the office setting.
Effect of pentaquine in patients with hypertension.

Following World War II, Freis returned to Boston to work with Wilkins at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital. Their work on pentaquine was an outgrowth of anti-malarial work conducted by others during the war, in which it was observed that some volunteers developed orthostatic hypotension. In this article, they report that the drug did lower blood pressure, yet it would not be an effective antihypertensive agent because it also produced severe toxic effects.
The early history of photography

Abstract Now that the beautiful art of photography has reached its present high state of perfection, it may be interesting to relate to the generation which has sprung up since its discovery, the struggles of its first founders in the difficulties and perplexities which beset their paths — those paths which are now comparatively smooth and easy.
Sulbactam/Ampicillin versus Cefoxitin for Uncomplicated and Complicated Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

In this study, 17 women were treated for uncomplicated acute pelvic inflammatory disease requiring hospitalisation for therapy, and 5 women were treated for the same infection complicated by pelvic abscesses. Treatment regimens were sulbactam 1g plus ampicillin 2g (14 women) or cefoxitin 2g (8 women) given by intravenous infusion every 6 hours. On the third day of therapy, a rash developed in 1 woman who was being successfully treated for uncomplicated disease with sulbactam/ampicillin. The other 21 women were cured. No other adverse clinical reactions and no significant abnormal laboratory results were observed with either regimen. Bacteriological efficacy, 98% for sulbactam/ ampicillin and 94% for cefoxitin, closely paralleled clinical efficacy. Sulbactam, a suicidetype β- lactamase inhibitor, appears to have restored and expanded the antibacterial activity of ampicillin.
Ultrarapid Phase Conversion in β″-Alumina Tubes

β″-Alumina, the electrolyte of choice of sodium/sulfur and sodium/metal chloride batteries and alkali-metal thermal-electric converters, was sintered from precursor phases to high β″-phase purity in less than 15 s from the onset of densification by rapid pass-through rf induction coupled plasma sintering. The maximum instantaneous shrinkage rate was 1.8%/s. The resistivity was measured to be 13.8 ± 1.4 Ω·cm. The rapid conversion found is a significant improvement over conventional processing of β″-alumina, which requires extended postsintering annealing times to obtain high β″-phase purity.