cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Longitudinal Clinical Trial Evaluating Quality of Life After Breast-Conserving Surgery and High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Purpose To prospectively examine quality of life (QOL) of patients with early stage breast cancer treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy. Methods and Materials Between March 2004 and December 2008, 151 patients with early stage breast cancer were enrolled in a phase 2 prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients included those with Tis-T2 tumors measuring ≤3 cm excised with negative surgical margins and with no nodal involvement. Patients received 3.4 Gy twice daily to a total dose of 34 Gy. QOL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, version 3.0, and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were evaluated during pretreatment and then at 6 to 8 weeks, 3 to 4 months, 6 to 8 months, and 1 and 2 years after treatment. Results The median follow-up was 55 months. Breast symptom scores remained stable in the months after treatment, and they significantly improved 6 to 8 months after treatment. Scores for emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective showed significant improvement 2 years after treatment. Symptomatic fat necrosis was associated with several changes in QOL, including increased pain, breast symptoms, systemic treatment side effects, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as decreased role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning. Conclusions HDR multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy was well tolerated, with no significant detrimental effect on measured QOL scales/items through 2 years of follow-up. Compared to pretreatment scores, there was improvement in breast symptoms, emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective 2 years after treatment.
ACTIVATION OF CIS-REOBR3(PPH3)2 BY MEANS OF PHOTOIMMOBILIZATION

Abstract The possibility to activate cis-ReOBr3(PPh3)2 (inactive under homogeneous catalysis conditions) by photoimmobilization on different supports is demonstrated. The systems obtained are active in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of 1-hexene and m-nitrobenzoic acid. We propose various mechanisms for grafting the complex in darkness and under UV irradiation. The samples photoimmobilized on anatase are the most active.
A study of the functional elements regulating capillary perfusion in striated muscle

Abstract The microcirculatory anatomy of the hamster tibialis anterior muscle is based on modules (units) consisting of groups of 12–20 capillaries which run parallel to muscle fibers. The units are supplied by a common terminal arteriole and drained by a common terminal venule; a single terminal arteriole commonly supplies two microvascular units or a “unit pair.” Regulation of the tibialis muscle microcirculation was investigated in pentobarbital-anesthetized hamsters using epifluorescence microscopy. We examined the patterns of capillary control in response to physiological and pharmacological stimuli including elevation of superfusate oxygen content, direct muscle stimulation, and topical application of phenylephrine. Changes in capillary perfusion were rarely manifested as responses of individual capillaries. The predominant response consisted of a coordinated change in virtually all the capillaries of a unit pair. For example, gradual elevation of superfusate P O 2 resulted in simultaneous arrest or “derecruitment” of capillary flow in all capillaries of a unit pair in 37 of 43 such elements studied. In the 6 unit pairs showing atypical behavior, no more than four individual capillaries showed atypical behavior. Capillaries in 28 of 29 unit pairs were also recruited during muscle stimulation as members of a unit pair. In 18 of 21 unit pairs, exposure to topical phenylephrine resulted in simultaneous arrest of capillary flow in all capillaries of a unit pair. These data suggest that in this striated muscle, regulation of capillary perfusion is accomplished by control of capillary unit pairs. Accordingly, the patterns of interdigitation of units will ultimately determine the precision of control of tissue diffusion distance as well as oxygenation.
Intra-peritoneal injection of polyclonal anti-interferon alpha antibodies cross the blood brain barrier and neutralize interferon alpha.

The central nervous system (CNS) is known to be an immunologically privileged organ in the body largely because the blood brain barrier (BBB) prevents the flow of large molecules, proteins, and cells from crossing into the CNS from the periphery. These restrictive properties of the BBB have made it difficult to treat CNS diseases. In this study, mice were infected intracranially (i.c.) with Sindbis virus (SV) and then treated either i.c. or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with neutralizing antibodies against interferon alpha (IFNα). SV infected control mice received i.p. saline. Antibodies against mouse IFNα were detected in the brain tissue of mice that received i.p. and i.c. injections of the antibody. ELISA analysis showed that both i.c. and i.p. antibody treated mice had significantly decreased levels of IFNα in the brain tissue. Also, mice that received IFNα neutralizing antibodies showed decreased presence of protein kinase R (PKR) measured by immunohistochemical densitometry, indicating the antibody successfully inhibited IFNα. The data shows that antibodies are capable of crossing the BBB and inhibiting IFNα, indicating that it is possible to target molecules of interest in the CNS with peripheral antibody treatment.
Health planning in Appalachia: Conflict resolution in a community hospital

Abstract The research explores how social structural components, as well as the social awareness of health care providers, of board members and of an administrator, preconditioned and determined the utilization of health care in one rural community hospital over a 20-yr period. Externally, the impact of university experts, various professional health associations, federal programs and organized consumer groups was analyzed as to their relative contribution to social change and “non” change.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland origin. Classification, clinical‐pathologic correlation, and results of treatment

Sixty patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland origin were studied. The pathologic findings and the clinical course were examined separately and then correlated. The tumors are classified as either well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. The criteria used to classify the lesions are discussed, and pathologic features are illustrated. The most important factors in the prognosis are: 1. degree of histologic differentiation, and 2. presence or absence of tumor on the lines of surgical excision. Recurrences correlated with the degree of histologic differentiation. Only one of 31 patients (3%) had a recurrence when careful examination of the surgical specimen failed to demonstrate tumor on the lines of resection. In contrast, 19 of 28 patients (68%) with tumor on the surgical margin had a recurrence. The other 9 patients had no recurrence, having been given immediate subsequent treatment. Recommendations made for therapy are based on the histologic grade of the tumor and on examination of surgical lines of resection.
Fluorescence study of polymer chain interpenetration and of the rate of phase separation in incompatible polymer blends

The application of fluorescence techniques has been demonstrated for the study of four polymer problems: (a) If two different polymers are labeled with donor and acceptor fluorophores, respectively, which exhibit nonradiative energy transfer, the emission spectrum of their blends will depend on whether the two polymeric species are miscible or segregated into separate phases. Thus, the emission spectrum may be used as a measure of polymer compatibility. (b) Since rapid freeze-drying preserves the extent of chain interpenetration which existed in solution, the energy transfer between labeled polymers may be used to study the extent of such interpenetration on solution concentration. (c) Phase separation when heating blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(benzyl methacrylate) may be followed by the change in the emission spectrum of the latter. (d) The interdiffusion of separated poly(ethyl methacrylate) molecules labeled with donor and acceptor fluorophores may be monitored by the increase in the nonradiative energy transfer.
Spliceosomal Introns: New Insights into their Evolution

A new genome-wide analysis of spliceosomal introns indicates massive loss and gain of introns has taken place in many eukaryotic lineages. Only a small subset of the analyzed introns was present in the common ancestor of plants, fungi, animals and Plasmodium.
Exploring white-collar crime and the American dream: A partial test of institutional anomie theory

Abstract Institutional anomie theory (IAT) suggests that high crime rates in America can be attributed to the commitment to the goal of material success. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on the motivations derived from the profit goal of economic institutions that dominate the American culture. To date, IAT was only applied to property and violent crime. This study used Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and Census Bureau data to examine the applicability of IAT to a form of white-collar crime, embezzlement, as defined by the UCR. Results provided mixed support for IAT. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Why is aging conserved and what can we do about it

The field of aging research has progressed rapidly over the past few decades. Genetic modulators of aging rate that are conserved over a broad evolutionary distance have now been identified. Several physiological and environmental interventions have also been shown to influence the rate of aging in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Here we briefly review these conserved pathways and interventions and highlight some key unsolved challenges that remain. Although the molecular mechanisms by which these modifiers of aging act are only partially understood, interventions to slow aging are nearing clinical application, and it is likely that we will begin to reap the benefits of aging research prior to solving all of the mysteries that the biology of aging has to offer.
Report of anti-CCP antibody positive paraneoplastic polyarthritis and review of the literature

A 45-year-old female presented to the rheumatology clinic with complaint of pain and swelling of multiple small joints of the hands and feet. She also complained of cough and shortness of breath onset around the same time. Since her cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor tests were positive, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was diagnosed and she was started on prednisone with plans for additional disease modifying therapy. Chest X-ray showed a small right pleural effusion. While additional pulmonary evaluation was being planned, a few weeks later she presented with dyspnea, fever and tachycardia. Spiral CT showed pulmonary emboli and increased pleural effusion and patient was started on anticoagulation. A chest tube was placed and exudative pleural effusion was drained. Cytology sample from bronchoscopy raised concerns for adenocarcinoma. Open lung biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient died of lung cancer in the hospital 8 weeks from her diagnosis of RA. We describe a case of paraneoplastic polyarthritis with positive anti-CCP antibody test which has not been reported before. We also review the literature on paraneoplastic arthritis which has been described in association with various other malignancies besides lung cancer.
Fibronectin Stimulates Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cell Growth through Activation of Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin/S6 Kinase and Inactivation of LKB1/AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathways

The Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathway is considered a central regulator of protein synthesis and of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. However, the role of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in lung carcinoma remains unknown. We previously showed that fibronectin, a matrix glycoprotein highly expressed in tobacco-related lung disease, stimulates non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell growth and survival. Herein, we explore the role of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in fibronectin-induced NSCLC cell growth. We found that fibronectin stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt, an upstream inducer of mTOR, and induced the phosphorylation of p70S6K1 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E–binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), two downstream targets of mTOR in NSCLC cells (H1792 and H1838), whereas it inhibited the phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10, a tumor suppressor protein that antagonizes the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal. In addition, treatment with fibronectin inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of LKB1 as well as the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα), both known to down-regulate mTOR. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, blocked the fibronectin-induced phosphorylation of p70S6K and 4E-BP1. Akt small interfering RNA (siRNA) and an antibody against the fibronectin-binding integrin α5β1 also blocked the p70S6K phosphorylation in response to fibronectin. In contrast, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (PD98095) had no effect on fibronectin-induced phosphorylation of p70S6K. Moreover, the combination of rapamycin and siRNA for Akt blocked fibronectin-induced cell proliferation. Taken together, these observations suggest that fibronectin-induced stimulation of NSCLC cell proliferation requires activation of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and is associated with inhibition of LKB1/AMPK signaling. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 315-23)
Period polynomials for generalized cyclotomic periods

The theory of cyclotomic period polynomials is developed for general periods of an arbitrary modulus, extending known results for the Gauss periods of prime modulus. Primes dividing the discriminant of the period polynomial are investigated, as are those primes dividing values of the period polynomial.
An extended corresponding states model for the elastic collision rate in a real gas

An extended corresponding states kinetic theory is proposed for the estimation of elastic collision rates in real gases under equilibrium conditions. The collision rates are obtained by combining the Ω (1,0) * reduced collision integral with the hard-sphere kinetic model.
SiC smart power JFET technology for high-temperature applications

Wide bandgap semiconductor materials such as SiC or GaN are very attractive for use in high-power, high-temperature, and/or radiation resistant electronics. Monolithic or hybrid integration of a power transistor and control circuitry in a single or multi-chip wide bandgap power semiconductor module is highly desirable for such applications in order to improve the efficiency and reliability. This paper describes a new monolithic SiC JFET IC technology for high-temperature smart power applications that allows for on-chip integration of control circuitry and normally-off power switch. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology, hybrid logic gates with maximum switching frequency > 20 MHz and normally-off 900 V power switch have been fabricated on alumina substrates using discrete enhanced and depletion mode vertical trench JFETs.
Will patients benefit from regionalization of gynecologic cancer care

Objective Patient chances for cure and palliation for a variety of malignancies may be greatly affected by the care provided by a treating hospital. We sought to determine the effect of volume and teaching status on patient outcomes for five gynecologic malignancies: endometrial, cervical, ovarian and vulvar carcinoma and uterine sarcoma.
Comparison of structural transformations and superconductivity in compressed sulfur and selenium

Density-functional calculations are presented for high-pressure structural phases of S and Se. The structural phase diagrams, phonon spectra, electron-phonon coupling, and superconducting properties of the isovalent elements are compared. We find that with increasing pressure, Se adopts a sequence of ever more closely packed structures ({beta}-Po, bcc, fcc), while S favors more open structures ({beta}-Po, simple cubic, bcc). These differences are shown to be attributable to differences in the S and Se core states. All the compressed phases of S and Se considered are calculated to have weak to moderate electron-phonon coupling strengths consistent with superconducting transition temperatures in the range of 1 to 20 K. Our results compare well with experimental data on the {beta}-Po{r_arrow}bcc transition pressure in Se and on the superconducting transition temperature in {beta}-PoS. Further experiments are suggested to search for the other structural phases predicted at higher pressures and to test theoretical results on the electron-phonon interaction and superconducting properties.
Spectroscopic remote sensing for geological applications

Remote sensing is being used with increasing frequency in the development of geologic maps and in the exploration process. Spectral data from airborne and spaceborne multispectral scanners provide information on rock type and vegetation stress, important in geologic applications. Emphasis is now being placed on direct identification of materials rather than discrimination among geologic units. To do this, higher spectral resolution systems with wider spectral coverage than currently available are required. Imaging spectroscopy in the 0.4 - 14 μm region appears to be the answer.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On singular stress at the crack tip of a thick plate under in-plane loading

By superposition of three asymptotic solutions, which collectively satisfy all the equilibrium and compatibility equations as well as boundary conditions, the three-dimensional crack tip stresses of a thick plate with a through-the-thickness cut are shown to be of square root singularity throughout the thickness. The near tip deformation is shown to be plane strain with stress intensity factor changing in the thickness direction. All components of the singular stresses vanish on plate surfaces. The profile of the stress intensity factor in the thickness direction cannot be determined by the asymptotic analysis alone.
Catalytic treatment of crude algal bio-oil in supercritical water: optimization studies

We have investigated the catalytic treatment of a crude algal liquefaction bio-oil in supercritical water to discover how the properties of the treated oil depend on the experimental conditions. An L9 (34) orthogonal array design (OAD) with four factors at three levels was employed. The four factors were temperature (varied from 430–530 °C), time (varied from 2–6 h), catalyst type (Pt/C, Mo2C, HZSM-5), and catalyst loading (varied from 5–20 wt%). We used a direct analysis to determine the relationship between experimental conditions and properties of treated oils. The oil properties we examined were elemental composition, atomic ratios, chemical composition, and higher heating value. Of the four factors, the 100 °C variation in temperature was always the most influential for each of the oil properties examined. Of the remaining three factors, catalyst type had the greatest influence on the fatty acid content of the treated oil and the fraction of N- and O-containing compounds in the oil. Catalyst loading had the greatest effect on the higher heating value and O/C ratio in the treated oil. Reaction time had the greatest effect on the H/C and N/C ratios. The results demonstrated that treatment in supercritical water at 430 °C led to roughly a halving of the N and O content of the oil, a reduction in S to below detection limits, and about a 10% improvement in the higher heating value of the bio-oil. Within the parameter space investigated, the conditions leading to the highest content of saturated compounds in the treated oil are 430 °C, 6 h, with a 10 wt% loading of Mo2C as the catalyst. Around 76 wt% of the carbon in the feedstock was retained in the treated oil at these conditions.
Central Nervous System Infections

Central nervous system infections have long been recognized as among the most devastating of diseases. This article describes the changing pattern and epidemiology of a variety of common central nervous system infections, including meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses, and reviews pathophysiology and the most current approach to clinical diagnosis, treatment, and disposition from the emergency physician perspective.
Fine structure of experimentally produced subsynovial carbon granuloma.

RECENT electron microscopic investigations of synovial joints have been concerned with the phagocytic nature of synovial membrane cells1,2. In order to investigate this phenomenon further, 1 c.c. of colloidal carbon in the form of Indian ink (particles 200–2000 A in diameter) was injected into the knee joints of rabbits. 104 days later the animals were killed, and large granulomata were evident in the subsynovial tissues. This report is concerned with the structure of these carbon granulomata.
Role of increases in heart rate in determining the occurrence and frequency of myocardial ischemia during daily life in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Abstract Objectives. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of increases in heart rate in the development of ischemic episodes recorded during ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring in patients with stable coronary artery disease and to establish the importance or such increases in determining the frequency of ambulatory myocardial ischemia. Background. The factors that determine the occurrence and frequency of episodes of myocardial ischemia that patients with stable coronary artery disease experience during daily life have not been clearly defined. In particular, the role of increases in heart rate in the development of myocardial ischemia is controversial. Methods. To address these issues, 54 patients (42 men and 12 women, mean age 60.5 ± 8 years) with proved coronary artery disease who had ≥1 mm ST segment depression during exercise testing underwent an exercise treadmill test with use of the National Institutes of Health combined protocol and a 48-h period of ambulatory ECG monitoring. The exercise ischemic threshold was determined as the heart rate at the onset of ST segment depression during exercise testing. Results. During monitoring, 48 (89%) of the 54 patients had at least one episode of ST segment depression (mean ± SD 6.6 ± 5 episodes, range 0 to 22). The majority (320 of 359 or 89%) of ischemic episodes were preceded by an increase in heart rate ≥10 beats/min; the most significant increase (22.3 ± 10 beats/min) occurred during the 5-min period before the onset of the episode. An ischemic episode occurred 80% of the times the heart rate reached the exercise ischemic threshold. A strong correlation was observed between the number of times the exercise Ischemic threshold was reached during monitoring and both the number and the duration of ischemic episodes (r = 0.90 and 0.71, respectively, p Conclusions. Increases in heart rate that exceed the exercise ischemic threshold are commonly observed before the onset of episodes of ambulatory myocardial ischemia in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Moreover, such increases constitute an important determinant of the frequency of myocardial ischemia during daily life. These findings may explain the variability observed in the number of ischemic episodes and may have important implications for the mechanisms that contribute to myocardial ischemia in daily life and for the clinical evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease.
The relationship between electronic and face‐to‐face communication and its implication for alternative workplace strategies

Many individuals who have no or limited experience of using electronic communication technologies (ECTs), e.g. telephone, fax, voice, and e‐mail are concerned that media like e‐mail are a limited, if not poor, way of communicating, and that they cannot replace face‐to‐face communication. Reports on research examining how relatively sophisticated ECT users use ECTs to communicate, and how electronic communication may affect face‐to‐face communication. Finds that ECTs are most effective in the administrative stages of a project rather than in the initial conceptualizing stages or final project wrap up and is the primary form of communication between co‐workers. Discusses the implications for workplace strategies that involve remote work.
Modeling solute transfer from soil to surface runoff: The concept of effective depth of transfer

Abstract A model for predicting the transfer of chemicals from soil to surface runoff water is described. The model applies a perfectly mixed reactor analog to an equivalent and homogeneous soil layer of uniform concentration near the soil surface, called the “Effective Depth of Transfer” (EDT). Solute concentrations in the EDT model are taken to be equal to the soil surface concentration as determined by an analytical solution of the one-dimensional diffusion equation for the limiting case of no infiltration. The model considers linear equilibrium sorption-exchange, and also accounts for rate-limited mass transfer through a laminar boundary layer at the soil surface-runoff water interface. The time-dependent EDT was found to vary as a linear function of the square root of time. The accuracy of the EDT approach is illustrated with one example, which compares the EDT solution for the soil surface concentration with the exact analytical solution of the diffusive mass transfer equation. The ability to change values of the physically based parameters adds considerable flexibility in application of the model to different locationswith site-specific runoff regimes, soil properties, and solute characteristics.
Blood-Induced Joint Disease : The Confluence of Dysregulated Oncogenes, Inflammatory Signals, and Angiogenic Cues

Hemophilia is a congenital disorder that commonly results in musculoskeletal bleeding and orthopedic complications. After an acute joint hemorrhage, there is pain, swelling, and limited motion due to an increase in intra-articular pressure and inflammation. Increases in intra-articular pressure induce mechanical signals that lead to cartilage cell apoptosis. Repeated bleeding results in development of a target joint, which is characterized by painless swelling and limited motion. Blood in the joint space provokes a proliferative disorder termed hemophilic synovitis (HS), with characteristics resembling those of malignant tumors. It has been suspected that one or more of the many components of blood, particularly iron, may be responsible for initiating and sustaining the inflammatory and synovial/vascular cell proliferation response associated with recurrent joint hemorrhages. In this paper, we review the pathogenesis of HS and present experimental data from mice deficient in factor VIII or IX activity in order to clarify the pathways by which blood in the joint space results in arthropathy. Understanding these pathways and cataloguing their key components may identify new targets for therapy of HS.
Effect of treating soybean with 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) and benzothiadiazole (BTH) on seed yields and the level of disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in field and greenhouse studies

Field or greenhouse grown soybeans were treated with 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid or benzothiadiazole and subsequently assessed for severity of white mold disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Three or four applications of 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid to field plots in 1993‐1995 reduced severity of white mold after natural infection by 20‐70% compared with water-treated controls in soybean cultivars Elgin 87 and Williams 82, which are considered to be highly susceptible to the disease. The effect was not as large in the cultivars Corsoy 79 and NKS19-90 which are more resistant to white mold. Two or four applications of benzothiadiazole to field plots in 1995 and 1996 reduced white mold severity by 20‐60%, with the greatest reductions again observed in the more susceptible cultivars. Corresponding yields were increased compared with controls, particularly for the susceptible cultivars under conditions of high disease pressure. In greenhouse trials multiple applications of either compound resulted in significantly smaller lesion diameters following subsequent leaf inoculations with the fungus. The compounds did not result in observable phytotoxicity or inhibit growth of Sclerotinia sp. in vitro. We hypothesize that the decrease in disease severity following treatment with INA or BTH is a result of resistance induction.
A Tripartite Perspective of Social Capital and Its Access by High School Dropouts

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to document and analyze students’ experiences with dropping out of high school, using a social capital framework. Examining the stories of high school dropouts provided valuable information related to the root causes of dropout behaviors. The context of this study was a high school in an urban school division in a Southeastern state. The participants were 5 high school dropouts who spoke English as a primary language and who were a part of the general education population at the school. Triangulation of data sources included field notes, interviews with the participants, and archival documents. Three-iteration code mapping was used for data analysis and was included in an audit trail of all the study procedures. Other points and thematic representations considered were: (a) results of this study presented as narrative descriptions of the dropout histories of each participant, (b) themes resulting from the analysis across all of the narratives as discussed wit...
Use of 64Cu-labeled Fibronectin Domain with EGFR-Overexpressing Tumor Xenograft: Molecular Imaging

The stability and rapid specific tumor targeting of copper 64–fibronectinEI3.4.39 render it as a molecular imaging agent with potential for clinical translation for identification and localization of epidermal growth factor receptor–overexpressing tumors.
Use of nifedipine to decrease ischemic-reperfusion injury in the surgical setting☆

Abstract This report summarizes studies that provided a basis for a randomized clinical trial of nifedipine in cold hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution. Data from normothermic, isolated working rabbit heart studies demonstrated that presence of micromolar concentrations of nifedipine in the perfusate during continuous low flow or nifedipine used as bolus washouts during global ischemia prevented increases in systolic and diastolic stiffness, which could be related to dose and prevention of intracellular accumulation of calcium. Other studies in open-chest dogs in whom regional ischemia was produced showed that nifedipine was superior to sodium nitroprusside when infused during the ischemic and reperfusion intervals with respect to preservation of hemodynamic variables and reduction of myocardial injury. Further, data from cardiopulmonary bypass experiments in dogs conducted at myocardial temperatures of 37,28,18 and 12 °C with 1, 2 and 3 hours of global ischemia all demonstrated significant efficacy. To date, the randomized clinical trial has shown a small reduction in the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome in high-risk patients. Those receiving nifedipine had improved hemodynamic variables. No patient in the treated group had myocardial injury in the postoperative interval shown by radionuclide pyrophosphate scan. The conclusions from this trial are that nifedipine was efficacious when included in a cold hyperkalemic cardioplegic solution. The responses observed, however, appear to be dose-, vehicle- and species-dependent.
Upper esophageal sphincter: Pre and post‐laryngectomy – a normative study

Correlation of anatomical, surgical, manometric, and radiographic observations leads to the conclusion that the normal high pressure zone of the pharyngoesophageal junction is composed of two parts: an annular muscular sphincter in the most proximal part of the upper esophagus and, above this, a complex pinchcock sphincter composed of the cricoid cartilage anteriorly and cricopharyngeus muscle laterally and posteriorly. The pinchcock part of the sphincter produces a high pressure zone in a predominantly anteroposterior direction. After laryngectomy, the sphincter becomes completely annular and behaves like a pure musculare constrictor; it is likely that both the cricopharyngeus and the upper esophageal circular muscles constitute the postlaryngectomy pharyngoesophageal high pressure zone. The relative contributions of the pinchcock segment (upper part) and annular constrictor segment (lower part) to the overall function of the upper esophageal sphincter have yet to be established in man.
Simulating Self-Organization with the Digital Hormone Model

Inspired by the recent biological findings that many complex biological patterns are results of self-organization of homogeneous cells regulated by hormones, this paper presents the Digital Hormone Model (DHM) as a new computational model for self-organization. The model integrates advantages from many existing computational models of self-organization and produces results that match and predict the actual findings in the biological experiments of feather bud formation among uniform skin cells. To the best of our knowledge, these results are perhaps the first of its kind in the history of modeling self-organization. Furthermore, the new modeling techniques used in this model may lead more breakthroughs in simulating large scale and complex self-organization phenomena in nature.
Escaping the Nuclear Confines: Signal-Dependent Pre-mRNA Splicing in Anucleate Platelets

Platelets are specialized hemostatic cells that circulate in the blood as anucleate cytoplasts. We report that platelets unexpectedly possess a functional spliceosome, a complex that processes pre-mRNAs in the nuclei of other cell types. Spliceosome components are present in the cytoplasm of human megakaryocytes and in proplatelets that extend from megakaryocytes. Primary human platelets also contain essential spliceosome factors including small nuclear RNAs, splicing proteins, and endogenous pre-mRNAs. In response to integrin engagement and surface receptor activation, platelets precisely excise introns from interleukin-1β pre-mRNA, yielding a mature message that is translated into protein. Signal-dependent splicing is a novel function of platelets that demonstrates remarkable specialization in the regulatory repertoire of this anucleate cell. While this mechanism may be unique to platelets, it also suggests previously unrecognized diversity regarding the functional roles of the spliceosome in eukaryotic cells.
An analysis of service schedules for the mobile k-server problem

In the mobile k-server problem, servers with fixed home locations travel to locations of requests to provide service and then return to their home locations. Given the home locations of the k-servers, the service times, release times and locations of the n requests, we seek to determine a service schedule so that the total waiting time of all requests is minimized. In this paper, we exploit the strong connection between the mobile k-server problem and job scheduling. We present optimal algorithms for a few special cases of the problem and provide worst-case performance analysis of some heuristics for the general case. For the special cases it is possible to rank order competing sets of home locations with respect to total (or average) waiting time.
Perplexity and Mystery

In this paper I comment on Gareth B. Matthews's The Socratic Augustine and Peter King's Augustine on the Impossibility of Teaching. Matthews's paper adduces several instances of Augustine's apparent willingness to accept Socratic perplexity in some philosophical matters. Matthews suggests that these cases are compatible with Augustine's dogmatism because Augustine presupposes that the phenomena in question, although perplexing, are actual. I suggest instead that Augustine can be viewed as taking a neutral stance toward many of his examples, because they arise in areas of philosophical inquiry where it is not important to the tenets of his faith that he hold the right opinion. King defends the Augustinian thesis that teaching, construed as the causal transmission of knowledge from teacher to learner, is, if not impossible, at least mysterious. I suggest that much of the alleged mystery may rest on a confusion between epistemological dependency and metaphysical dependency.
Frequency-tunable, high-power microwave emission from cyclotron autoresonance maser oscillation and gyrotron interactions

The authors report experimental observations of high-power microwave emission from both the high-frequency cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) oscillation and the low-frequency gyrotron interaction. High-power (3-10 MW) microwave emission is attributed to the CARM mechanism, which is magnetically tunable through discrete axial cavity modes from 15 through 16.7 GHz. For the same experimental parameters, megawatt-level microwave emission is observed, which is magnetically tunable from 10 through 14 GHz, indicating low-frequency gyrotron oscillation. High-frequency microwave pulse-lengths of up to 0.2 mu s have been generated, which is a factor of five greater than those achieved in previous CARM experiments. >
Genetic determinants of amidating enzyme activity and its relationship with metal cofactors in human serum

α-amidation is a final, essential step in the biosynthesis of about half of all peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), with enzymatic domains that utilize Cu and Zn, is the only enzyme that catalyzes this reaction. PAM activity is detected in serum, but its significance and utility as a clinical biomarker remain unexplored. We used well-established enzymatic assays specific for the peptidylglycine-α -hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase (PAL) domains of PAM to quantify amidating activity in the sera of 144 elderly men. Relationships between PHM and PAL activity and serum levels of their respective active-site metals, Cu and Zn, were analyzed. Study participants were also genotyped for eight non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PAM, and relationships between genotype and serum enzyme activity and metal levels were analyzed. Serum PHM and PAL activities were normally distributed and correlated linearly with each other. Serum PAL activity, but not serum PHM activity, correlated with serum Cu; neither activity correlated with serum Zn. Study subjects possessing the minor alleles for rs32680 had lower PHM and PAL activities, and subjects with minor alleles for rs11952361 and rs10515341 had lower PHM activities. Our results characterize large variation in serum amidating activity and provide unique insight into its potential origin and determinants. Common non-coding polymorphisms affect serum amidating activity and Cu levels. Serum amidating activity should be explored as a biomarker for functionality in the elderly and in additional study groups.
Glutathione peroxidase genes in Arabidopsis are ubiquitous and regulated by abiotic stresses through diverse signaling pathways

Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs) are a group of enzymes that protect cells against oxidative damage generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The presence of GPXs in plants has been reported by several groups, but the roles of individual members of this family in a single plant species have not been studied. A family of seven related proteins named AtGPX1- AtGPX7 in Arabidopsis was identified, and the genomic organization of this family was reported. The putative subcellular localizations of the encoded proteins are the cytosol, chloroplast, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for all the genes except AtGPX7 were identified. Expression analysis of AtGPX genes in Arabidopsis tissues was performed, and different patterns were detected. Interestingly, several genes were up-regulated coordinately in response to abiotic stresses. AtGPX6, like human phospholipid hydroperoxide GPX (PHGPX), possibly encodes mitochondrial and cytosolic isoforms by alternative initiation. In addition, this gene showed the strongest responses under most abiotic stresses tested. AtGPX6::GUS analysis in transgenic Arabidopsis showed that AtGPX6 is highly expressed throughout development in most tissues, thus supporting an important role for this gene in protection against oxidative damage. The different effects of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and auxin on the expression of the genes indicate that the AtGPX family is regulated by multiple signaling pathways. Analysis of the upstream region of the AtGPX genes revealed the presence of multiple conserved motifs, and some of them resembled antioxidant-responsive elements found in plant and human promoters. The potential regulatory role of specific sequences is discussed.
Words lead to deeds: Towards an organizational emergence vocabulary

Abstract The words we use to talk about entrepreneurship influence our ability to think about this phenomenon, and subsequent to these thoughts, direct our actions towards research that might be conducted on this topic. This paper offers some words to be included in a lexicon on organizational emergence: being, circumstance, emerge, emergence, emergency, emergent evolution, equivocal, found, founder, genesis, and variation. These words are discussed and directions for research on organizational emergence are offered.
Parallel or Crossover Designs in Evaluation of Antiarrhythmic Therapy

The crucial considerations in selecting a research design to test drug efficacy include: 1. Validity: If the drug is not effective, is the chance of a false positive finding less than 5% or 1%? 2. Power Efficiency: If the drug is effective, is the chance of a true positive finding reasonably high? 3. Feasibility and Cost: Can the design be reasonably implemented in the research situation for which it is proposed? 4. Clinical Value: Does the design yield information sufficient in extent and quality to serve as a basis for evaluation of the clinical value of the drug?
Efficiency and scaling of constant inductance gradient DC electromagnetic launchers

We present efficiency and scaling relationships for dc (i.e., noninduction) constant inductance gradient electromagnetic launchers.We derive expressions for electromagnetic force, efficiency, back-voltage, and kinetic power in terms of electrical circuit parameters. We show that launcher efficiency is a simple function of armature velocity and the launcher’s characteristic velocity. The characteristic velocity characterizes the launcher and is the product of two new parameters: the mode constant and launcher constant. Mathematically, the launcher must operate at its characteristic velocity for 50% maximum efficiency. The mode constant reflects the manner in which the launcher is powered and its maximum efficiency. The launcher constant reflects the geometry of the launcher. We consider two modes of operation: constant current and zero exit current operation. We develop the ideal electromagnetic launcher concept and define it as operation at 100% maximum efficiency at all velocities.We also develop the concept of same-scale comparisons, that is, that electromagnetic launcher comparisons should be done with equal bore diameter, launcher length, projectile mass, and velocity. Finally, we present a comparative analysis based on experimental data of same-scale constant gradient electromagnetic launchers for conventional railgun, augmented railgun, and helical gun launchers in terms of the launcher constant, inductance gradient, bore diameter, bore length, system resistance, and armature (i.e., projectile) velocity.
ELEMENTAL AND MIXED ACTINIDE DIOXIDES: AN AB INITIO STUDY

We present a systematic study of the electronic, geometric, and magnetic properties of the actinide dioxides, UO2, PuO2, AmO2, U0.5Pu0.5O2, U0.5Am0.5O2 and Pu0.5Am0.5O2. For UO2, PuO2 and AmO2, both density functional and hybrid density functional theory (DFT and HDFT) have been used. The fractions of exact Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange chosen were 25% and 40% for the hybrid density functional. For U0.5Pu0.5O2, U0.5Am0.5O2 and Pu0.5Am0.5O2, only HDFT with 40% exact HF exchange was used. Each compound has been studied at the nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic configurations, with and without spin–orbit coupling (SOC). The lattice parameters, magnetic structures, bulk moduli, band gaps and density of states have been computed and compared to available experimental data and other theoretical results. Pure DFT fails to provide a satisfactory qualitative description of the electronic and magnetic structures of the actinide dioxides. On the other hand, HDFT performs very well in the prediction and description of the properties of the actinide dioxides. Our total energy calculations clearly indicate that the ground-state structures are anti-ferromagnetic for all actinide dioxides considered here. The lattice constants and the band gaps expand with an increase of HF exchange in HDFT. The influence of SOC is found to be significant.
Dose-response effects of clove oil from Syzygium aromaticum on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

BACKGROUND: Clove oil, derived from the plant Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry, is active against various organisms, and was prepared in a soy lecithin/detergent formulation to determine concentrations active against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood. RESULTS: In microwell assays, the mean effective clove oil concentration that reduced egg hatch by 50% (EC50) was 0.097% (v/v) clove oil; the EC50 for second-stage juvenile (J2) viability was 0.145% clove oil (compared with carrier control treatments). Volatiles from 5.0% clove oil reduced nematode egg hatch in water by 30%, and decreased viability of hatched J2 by as much as 100%. Reductions were not as large with nematodes in carrier. In soil trials with J2 recovered from Baermann funnels, the EC50 = 0.192% clove oil (compared with water controls). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the tested formulation is active against M. incognita eggs and J2, that the EC50 values for J2 in the microwell studies and the soil recovery tests were similar to each other and that direct contact with the clove oil is needed for optimal management results with this natural product.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry