cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parliamentary Cycles and Party Switching in Legislatures

This article examines politicians' changes of party labels during the life of a legislature. The authors view a legislator's choice of party as a strategic decision recurring throughout the parliamentary cycle. In their approach, individuals are open to switching parties as they pursue goals specific to the stage in the parliamentary cycle. Analyzing Italy and Russia, they identify among legislators in both countries patterns of heightened switching for office benefits, policy advantage, and vote seeking at distinctive moments in the parliamentary cycle. The commonalities across the two systems provide compelling support for their theoretical framework. The evidence also points to a midterm peak in switching in both countries. Differences appear, however, in the timing of preelectoral positioning—contrasts that the authors attribute to differences in the degree of party system institutionalization, the age of the democratic regimes, and thus the information available to players in electoral politics.
Treatment of anal carcinoma in immune-compromised patients.

Background Immune-compromised populations show an increased incidence of anogenital tract neoplasms. This study was undertaken to evaluate local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and toxicity in immune-compromised patients with anal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.
Reinforcement-based decision making in corticostriatal circuits: Mutual constraints by neurocomputational and diffusion models

In this letter, we examine the computational mechanisms of reinforce-ment-based decision making. We bridge the gap across multiple levels of analysis, from neural models of corticostriatal circuits-the basal ganglia (BG) model (Frank, 2005, 2006) to simpler but mathematically tractable diffusion models of two-choice decision making. Specifically, we generated simulated data from the BG model and fit the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) to it. The standard diffusion model fits underestimated response times under conditions of high response and reinforcement conflict. Follow-up fits showed good fits to the data both by increasing nondecision time and by raising decision thresholds as a function of conflict and by allowing this threshold to collapse with time. This profile captures the role and dynamics of the subthalamic nucleus in BG circuitry, and as such, parametric modulations of projection strengths from this nucleus were associated with parametric increases in decision boundary and its modulation by conflict. We then present data from a human reinforcement learning experiment involving decisions with low-and high-reinforcement conflict. Again, the standard model failed to fit the data, but we found that two variants similar to those that fit the BG model data fit the experimental data, thereby providing a convergence of theoretical accounts of complex interactive decision-making mechanisms consistent with available data. This work also demonstrates how to make modest modifications to diffusion models to summarize core computations of the BG model. The result is a better fit and understanding of reinforcement-based choice data than that which would have occurred with either model alone.
“Rainbow reviews” VI: Recent publications of the National Center for Health Statistics

In this article, selected recent publications of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) are reviewed. In particular, data from a recent NCHS report on hearing loss were found to be consistent with a prediction made in a preview article in this series that there would be an increase in high-tone hearing loss among persons who were exposed to loud music as teenagers and young adults, beginning in the late 1960s, although the data were not specific enough to be considered proof. In addition, the article discusses: (1) recent data on home health care, (2) new insights on how people remember and report on preventive examinations and tests, (3) a comparison of vital statistics in the United States and the Russian Federation, and (4) trends in births to unmarried women.
Use of bleach to eliminate contaminating DNA from the surface of bones and teeth

Abstract The extraction of DNA from archaeological or forensic skeletal remains can provide quite powerful data for analysis, but is plagued by a unique set of methodological problems. One of the most important methodological problems to overcome in such analyses is the presence of modern contamination on the surfaces of bones and teeth, which can lead to false positives and erroneous results unless it is removed before DNA extraction is initiated. Ancient DNA (aDNA) researchers and forensic scientists have employed a number of techniques to minimize such contamination. One such technique is the use of bleach (sodium hypochlorite—NaOCl) to "destroy" contaminating DNA. However, a consensus on the optimum concentration of sodium hypochlorite to be used and the amount of time the bone or tooth should be exposed to it has not emerged. The present study systematically approaches the issue by introducing contamination to ancient bones (from ∼500 BP) and determining which of several sodium hypochlorite treatments best eliminates surface contamination. The elimination of surface contamination from bone requires immersion in at least 3.0% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite (approximately equal parts of commercial bleach and water) for at least 15min. Endogenous DNA proved to be quite stable to even extreme sodium hypochlorite treatments (6% for 21h), suggesting that DNA adsorbs to hydroxyapatite in the bone and that this process facilitates the preservation of DNA in ancient skeletal remains.
Risk Disclosure and the Recruitment of Oocyte Donors: Are Advertisers Telling the Full Story?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) using donated oocytes has proven to be an effective treatment option for many prospective parents struggling with infertility, and the usage of donated oocytes in assisted reproduction has increased markedly since the technique was first successfully used in 1984. Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the United States indicate that approximately 12% of all ART cycles in the country now use donated oocytes. The increased use of oocyte donation in the United States has prompted discussion regarding risks associated with the process and how best to ensure the safety of oocyte donors. Physical risks associated with oocyte donation include bleeding, infection, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and a potential, although unconfirmed, increased risk of developing various forms of cancer, such as uterine, colon, breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
J774A.1 macrophage cell line produces PDGF-like and non-PDGF-like growth factors for bone cells.

In light of evidence that macrophages participate in the local regulation of bone remodeling, we have examined the production of peptide stimulators of bone cell growth and specialization by the J774A.1 macrophage cell line. Cultured J774A.1 cells secrete growth-promoting activities which have an affinity for heparin. The first partially purified materia), termed HEP I, appears to contain platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-like activity. It has a molecular weight of about 30,000 daltons, inhibits the binding of labeled PDGF to its receptors, reacts with polyclonal anti-human PDGF antibody, and exhibits mitogenic activity for osteoblasts, which is partially blocked by anti-PDGF antisera. Like PDGF, HEP I is active in a wide variety of mesenchyme-derived cells, including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, 3T3 cells and NRK cells. The J774A.1 cells contain mRNA, which hybridizes to a v-sis DNA probe, suggesting that they express the c-sis gene, which contains the code for a PDGF-like protein. The second factor, HEP II, has an approximate molecular weight of 20,000 daltons and possesses substantial mitogenic activity for osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and smooth muscle cells, but is not mitogenic for fibroblasts, 3T3 cells, and NRK cells. HEP II appears to be a unique bone cell mitogen, which is distinct from the growth factors presently known. Neither HEP I nor HEP II contained interleukin 1, a macrophage product known to promote bone resorption and perhaps the growth and activity of osteoblasts.
Comparison of High‐Energy Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing and Dermabrasion in the Revision of Surgical Scars

background. Both dermabrasion and high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of surgical scars. Although the results of these two procedures have been compared using historical data, a prospective evaluation has never been performed in humans. objective. To prospectively compare the clinical effects of dermabrasion and high-energy pulsed CO2 laser resurfacing in the revision of surgical scars. methods. Facial surgical scars in four patients were prospectively revised using a split scar model. One half of the scar was dermabraded and the other half was resurfaced with the high-energy pulsed CO2 laser. Comparisons of the two treatment modalities were performed through clinical assessment, photographic evaluation, and textural analysis of the scars. results. The high-energy pulsed CO2 laser-resurfaced halves of the scar were bloodless with less postoperative crusting in comparison with the dermabraded halves. Reepithelialization time and degree and duration of postoperative erythema were similar for both treatment halves. Photographic evaluation and textural analysis showed comparable improvement in the clinical appearance and surface texture of the scars with both treatment modalities. conclusions. Both the high-energy pulsed CO2 laser and dermabrasion can achieve comparable clinical improvement in the revision of surgical scars. The high-energy pulsed CO2 laser offers the advantage of a bloodless field and a more precise method of tissue ablation. Postoperative erythema, however, is an expected finding with both treatment modalities.
Stripping analysis of trace metals in human body fluids

Abstract The determination of trace metals in physiological fluids and tissues is important from the standpoints of physiological function and possible toxicity. Anodic stripping voltammetry coupled with a suitable sample pretreatment procedure, provides a sensitive and reliable method for analyzing body fluids for trace metals. In this review the applications of stripping analysis to the measurement of different metals in a variety of biological matrices are discussed, together with modes of operation, pretreatment procedures, and trends in future applications.
Use of Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells to Prevent Posttransfusion Infection with Cytomegalovirus in Neonates

In an effort to reduce the rate of posttransfusion infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), 157 CMV-seronegative neonates were given deglycerolized red blood cells as their only source of red blood cells. Other blood products given to these patients received no special preparation. The 106 (67.5%) infants available for adequate evaluation received an average of 5.7 units (range, one to 39 units). Three hundred thirteen (51.4%) of the 609 transfused units were CMV-seropositive. When evaluated three months after their last transfusion, none of the 106 infants had virological or serological evidence of CMV infection. These results suggest that regardless of the serological status of the donor, deglycerolized red blood cells can reduce or possibly eliminate posttransfusion CMV infection and can serve as a safe alternative to CMV-seronegative blood. Freezing, depletion, and physical disruption of leukocytes may be responsible for the decreased infectivity of the deglycerolized product.
HIV integrase as a target for antiviral chemotherapy.

One of the three key enzymes encoded by the pol gene of HIV is a M(r) 32 000 protein called HIV integrase. This viral enzyme is involved in the integration of HIV DNA into host chromosomal DNA. There appears to be no functional equivalent of the enzyme in human cells. The biochemical mechanism of integration of HIV DNA into the host cell genome involves a carefully defined sequence of DNA tailoring (3'-processing) and coupling (joining or integration) reactions. In spite of some effort in this area targeted at the discovery of therapeutically useful inhibitors of this viral enzyme, there are no drugs for HIV/AIDS in clinical use where the mechanism of action is inhibition of HIV integrase. Thus, new knowledge on inhibitors of this enzyme is of critical importance in the anti-HIV drug discovery area. The focus of this review will be on several classes of compounds, including nucleotides, dinucleotides, oligonucleotides and miscellaneous small molecules such as heterocyclic systems, natural products, diketo acids and sulfones, that have been discovered as inhibitors of HIV integrase. Special emphasis in the review will be placed on discoveries from my laboratory on HIV integrase inhibitors that are non-natural, nuclease-resistant dinucleotides. Comments on future directions and the prospects for developing integrase inhibitors as therapeutic antiviral agents are discussed.
Radioluminescence and radiation effects in metal organic framework materials

We have synthesized and tested new highly fluorescent metal organic framework (MOF) materials based on stilbene dicarboxylic acid as a linker. The crystal structure and porosity of the product are dependent on synthetic conditions and choice of solvent and a low-density cubic form has been identified by x-ray diffraction. In this work we report experiments demonstrating scintillation properties of these crystals. Bright proton-induced luminescence with large shifts relative to the fluorescence excitation spectra were recorded, peaking near 475 nm. Tolerance to fast proton radiation was evaluated by monitoring this radio-luminescence to absorbed doses of several hundred MRAD.
Comparison of the S = 1 2 xy and antisymmetric exchange chains in an external field

Green's-function techniques are used to calculate the static correlation functions for the $S=\frac{1}{2}$ $\mathrm{xy}$ and antisymmetric exchange chains in a transverse magnetic field. The spin correlation functions are the same for the zero-field case, and the correlation functions are different when there is a symmetry-breaking external field. Possible compounds are proposed where this effect could be observed experimentally.
Innocent or Not‐so‐innocent Bystanders: Evidence from the Gravity Model of International Trade About the Effects of UN Sanctions on Neighbour Countries

This paper examines two hypotheses about the effects of UN sanctions on trade flows between land neighbours of the target country and the rest of the world. First, there have been claims that sanctions hurt neighbour countries by cutting off trading routes, increasing transportation costs and disrupting established trading ties. We would expect that a neighbour's trade with the rest of the world would fall, as a result. Second, there is extensive evidence that neighbours have been involved in smuggling. Consequently, neighbours should trade more with the rest of the world during UN trade embargoes, because now they also trade on behalf of the target. I employ the gravity model of international trade to show that, overall, a neighbour's trade with the rest of the world tends to fall during UN sanctions episodes. This confirms the first hypothesis above: on a net basis, land neighbours have been ‘innocent bystanders’ hit by UN sanctions.
Controlled release location of jobs in a hybrid of job and flow shops

The study investigates whether the location at which the order review and release (ORR) strategy is applied in a hybrid of job shop and flow shop influences its performance. Five different ORR strategies were applied at two different locations of the simulated shop in conjunction with four dispatching rules used at two shop utilisation levels and two due date tightness levels. The shop performance was evaluated by several job due date and shop related measures, including both mean and variability statistics. The results confirm that the effectiveness of an ORR strategy can be enhanced by controlling the location of its application. Furthermore, the ORR strategies based on the backward infinite loading (BIL) criterion outperformed those based on the modified infinite loading (MIL) criterion. With regard to the dispatching rule performance, the due date (EDD) rule yielded the best results on most of the variability measures, while the shortest processing time (SPT) rule did better on the mean measures.
Mathematical representation of joint time-chroma distributions

Originally coined by the sensory psychologist Roger Shepard in the 1960s, chroma transforms frequency into octave equivalence classes. By extending the concept of chroma to chroma strength and how it varies over time, we have demonstrated the utility of chroma in simplifying the processing and representation of signals dominated by harmonically-related narrowband components. These investigations have utilized an ad hoc procedure for calculating the chromagram from a given time-frequency distribution. The present paper is intended to put this ad hoc procedure on more sound mathematical ground.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An examination of dechlorination processes and pathways in New Bedford Harbor sediments

Abstract Estuarine sediments from upper New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, which were heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), showed considerable compositional alterations of PCB residues relative to mixtures of Aroclor 1242 and 1254 standards, and PCB distributions present in sediments from lower New Bedford Harbor and Black Rock Harbor, Connecticut. The compositional alterations, which presumably resulted from reductive dechlorinations by bacteria, became more extensive with increasing PCB concentration and decreasing distance from the suspected PCB source, an electrical capacitor manufacturing plant. Three pathways which removed chlorine substituents from specific locations on PCB molecules were responsible for most of the observed dechlorinations. Considerable differences were found in the extent of dechlorination within sediment cores and between sampling sites in upper New Harbor. The most extensively altered PCB distribution was found in the 15–17·5 cm deep section of a core from nearest to the plant's outfall. In most cores, less altered PCB residues were found in the 0–2·5 and 5–7·5 cm core sections than in the 15–17·5 cm section. Large variations in estimates of dechlorination rates were found, depending on the sample and the congener. The dechlorination processes found may decrease the potential toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of the PCB residues in these sediments.
Computer analysis of general linear networks using digraphs

Investigation of the application of digraphs in analyzing general electronic networks, and development of a computer program based on a particular digraph method developed by Chen. The Chen digraph method is a topological method for solution of networks and serves as a shortcut when hand calculations are required. The advantage offered by this method of analysis is that the results are in symbolic form. It is limited, however, by the size of network that may be handled. Usually hand calculations become too tedious for networks larger than about five nodes, depending on how many elements the network contains. Direct determinant expansion for a five-node network is a very tedious process also.
Probing exciton couplings and correlations in semiconductors with optical two-dimensional fourier transform spectroscopy

We study many-body interactions between excitons in semiconductors by applying a new and powerful technique, optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy.
Dosimetric optimization of a conical breast brachytherapy applicator for improved skin dose sparing.

conformal dose coverage, under certain clinical circumstances the breast skin dose may be higher than preferred. The purpose of this study was to modify the round applicators to minimize skin dose while not substantially affecting dose uniformity within the target volume and reducing the treatment time. Methods: In order to irradiate the intended volume while sparing critical structures such as the skin, the current round applicator design has been augmented through the addition of an internal truncated cone i.e., frustum shield. Monte Carlo methods and clinical constraints were used to design the optimal cone applicator. With the cone applicator now defined as the entire assembly including the surrounding tungsten-alloy shell holding the HDR 192 Ir source catheter, the applicator height was reduced to diminish the treatment time while minimizing skin dose. Monte Carlo simulation results were validated using both radiochromic film and ionization chamber measurements based on established techniques. Results: The optimal cone applicators diminished the maximum skin dose by 15%–32% based on the applicator diameter and breast separation with the tumor dose reduced by less than 3% for a constant exposure time. Furthermore, reduction in applicator height diminished the treatment time by up to 30%. Radiochromic film and ionization chamber dosimetric results in phantom agreed with Monte Carlo simulation results typically within 3%. Larger differences were outside the treatment volume in low dose regions or associated with differences between the measurement and Monte Carlo simulation environments. Conclusions: A new radiotherapy treatment device was developed and dosimetrically characterized. This set of applicators significantly reduces the skin dose and treatment time while retaining uniform target dose. © 2010 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. DOI: 10.1118/1.3495539
Temperature dependence of the positronium work function

The dependence of the positronium work function on temperature was investigated for five metals: Al, Au, Cu, Ni, and Pb. The slope of the dependence d\ensuremath{\Phi}/dT was found to be remarkably similar for the four materials, ranging from 5.3 to 9.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ eV/K, while the work function itself varied from -0.88 to -3.04 eV. The existence of the temperature dependence implies that the temperature variation in the electron and positron work functions is due to contributions from the chemical-potential term and not solely from the dipole-surface term as had been suggested.
Information overload and worker performance: a process‐centered view

The information overload phenomenon has been receiving increasing attention in recent years, particularly in the popular business and information technology literatures. While prescriptions and computer tools have been developed to reduce information overload based on ‘commonsense’ assumptions, few careful research investigations have been conducted. We contribute to filling this research gap with an analysis of quantitative and qualitative information overload perceptions evidence collected from a sample of managers and professionals. Our findings suggest that, contrary to prevalent beliefs, task productivity and outcome quality are not strongly linked with information overload. Additionally, we found that time pressure is a stronger determinant of information overload than amount of information processed. These and other findings are discussed from a process-centered perspective, and academic as well as organizational implications are explored. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved scheme for determining heat transfer correlations from heat exchanger regression models with three unknowns

Abstract A nonlinear regression scheme for determining heat transfer correlations from overall heat exchanger measurements is presented. The proposed scheme is valid for any two-fluid heat exchanger data where only one fluid's thermal resistance varies. The resulting regression model has three unknowns; two are associated with the variable resistance, and the third is the sum of all other resistances. The model can be analyzed only by using nonlinear regression because it cannot be transformed into linear form. Unlike existing approximate methods of analysis (known as modified Wilson plots), the proposed scheme is guaranteed to converge if a solution exists. The scheme was successfully tested by analyzing data collected on a tube-fin heat exchanger with continuous plain fins.
A new model for memory work: nostalgic discourse at a historic home.

To make domestic heritage sites useful to their communities, we must acknowledge discourses, define structures and critically examine the interplay of our own and others’ practices of commemoration. How do agendas of remembering and forgetting intersect at historic dwellings? These issues are explored through the Elihu Akin House, a late eighteenth‐century house museum in a New England coastal village. Existing site narratives are dissected through the social theories of Peirce and Bourdieu, revealing nostalgia as a structuring element of cultural logics. The author argues that mechanisms of nostalgia, approached critically, offer interpretive common ground for memory work at historic homes (and beyond). As a material and emotional discourse, nostalgia binds memory, place and experience. This study proposes a new model for heritage‐makers seeking to alter site narratives without undermining a site’s established worth. They might identify then disrupt pre‐existing nostalgic narratives, finally bridging tho...
Polybrominated biphenyl toxicosis in swine: effects on some aspects of the immune system in lactating sows and their offspring.

Abstract The immune status of animals exposed to polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and the effects of transplacental and milk transfer of PBB on the developing immune system are important in assessing the impact of environmental contamination with these industrial chemicals. During the last half of gestation and the following 4 weeks of lactation, sows were fed diets containing 0, 100, or 200 ppm of Firemaster BP-6, a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from sows fed PBB for 12 weeks had significantly decreased responses to mitogen stimulation. Mitogen responses of lymphocytes from piglets of sows fed PBB were normal at birth, but were significantly decreased when the piglets were 4 weeks of age. Hematological parameters were normal in both sows and piglets. Bactericidal activity was assayed in whole blood from the sows once during gestation and twice during lactation, and from the piglets at 2 and 4 weeks of age. No significant changes in bactericidal activity occurred in sows fed PBB, or in their nursing piglets. Serum cholesterol levels were unchanged, but sows fed PBB had altered serum lipoprotein patterns. Mechanisms of the suppression of some in vitro immune functions by ingestion of PBB are unknown.
Low-income low-qualified employees’ access to workplace learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to investigate the embedded process that enables or constrains low-income low-qualified employees’ access to workplace learning in small organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Informed by the sociomaterial approach and cultural historical activity theory, this study adopted a qualitative cross-case study method. Data were collected from three small business owners in Central Texas, USA. Data included interviews and organizational artifacts and were analyzed using a constant comparative and inductive thematic data analysis. Findings – This study extends existing literature for low-income low-qualified employees by elucidating business owners’ motivations to develop supportive employment relationships. Despite incongruent value systems, subordinates were provided equal access to workplace learning based on organizations’ needs and business owners’ value systems. Research limitations/implications – The organizations’ small size and business owners’ position as th...
On optimal periodic control and nested optimization problems

A minimization problem for a functional on a convex subsetC of a normed linear space is considered. Under certain hypotheses, optimality in a certain subset ofC implies the validity of first-order necessary optimality conditions for the problem inC. The result is applied to a problem in optimal periodic control of neutral functional differential equations.
170 km transmission of 20 GHz spaced optical duobinary signals of 231 – 1 PRBS length

The authors report successful transmission of 16 channels at 10 Gbit/s spaced by 20 GHz using duobinary format over a single span of 170 km fibre with an average Q of 17.3 dB. This is the first successful demonstration of duobinary WDM transmission with a PRBS length >2/sup 15/-1.
Intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis associated with pilocytic astrocytoma: a case report

Intracranial EMH is only occasionally found in primary brain tumors (mostly hemangioblastomas) and, to our knowledge, this is the first case of EMH associated with an astrocytoma. Intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is described in a 29-year-old man with a recurrent pilocytic astrocytoma in the tectal region. Special stains confirmed the identities of erythroid, myeloid and megakaryocytic cells. The patient had no evidence of a predisposing bone marrow disorder or systemic EMH. Although the presence of multinucleated and blastic cells associated with a low-grade brain neoplasm is unusual, recognition of hematopoietic lineages allows EMH to be readily identified. Another tumor resection after a year of follow-up confirmed the absence of malignant progression in this recurrent astrocytoma. The small number of cases describing intracranial EMH in the absence of systemic hematologic abnormalities are correlated with the findings in this case. The low incidence of intracranial EMH indicates that cells with hematopoietic potential are seldom exposed to a supportive microenvironment within the central nervous system. However, intracranial EMH should be included as a potential, ancillary diagnosis when considering brain lesions. This may be particularly true if medical therapies involving growth factors or stem cells are found to promote hematopoiesis.
Celiac disease associated with autoimmune myocarditis.

Background— Both celiac disease (CD) and myocarditis can be associated with systemic autoimmune disorders; however, the coexistence of the 2 entities has never been investigated, although its identification may have a clinical impact. Methods and Results— We screened the serum of 187 consecutive patients with myocarditis (118 males and 69 females, mean age 41.7±14.3 years) for the presence of cardiac autoantibodies, anti–tissue transglutaminase (IgA-tTG), and anti-endomysial antibodies (AEAs). IgA-tTG–positive and AEA-positive patients underwent duodenal endoscopy and biopsy and HLA analysis. Thirteen of the 187 patients were positive for IgA-tTG, and 9 (4.4%) of them were positive for AEA. These 9 patients had iron-deficient anemia and exhibited duodenal endoscopic and histological evidence of CD. CD was observed in 1 (0.3%) of 306 normal controls (P<0.003). In CD patients, myocarditis was associated with heart failure in 5 patients and with ventricular arrhythmias (Lown class III-IVa) in 4 patients. Fro...
Parasites of the Gills and Buccal Cavity of the Dolphin, Coryphaena hippurus, from the Straits of Florida

Abstract Parasites were studied from the gill and buccal areas of 145 dolphin, Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, caught in the Straits of Florida. Dolphin were infested with a digenetic trematode, Bathycotyl branchialis Darr, and copepods, Charopinopsis quaternius Wilson, Caligus belones Kroyer, C. bonito Wilson, C. coryphaenae Steenstrup and Lutken, C. patulus Wilson, C. productus Dana, C. quadratus Shiino, and Euryphorus nordmanni Milne-Edwards. Parasite-mix, incidence, and intensity of infestation increased with increase in host size except that Caligus bonito and Charopinopsis quaternius were not found on fish larger than 1,000 mm. No significant relationships were found between host sex and parasite-mix, incidence, and intensity of infestation. Seven pairs of parasite species showed either positively or negatively significant interrelationships. C. hippurus is a new host record for Caligus bonito, C. patulus and Bathycotyl branchialis.
PREOPERATIVE RADIOTHERAPY AND BEVACIZUMAB FOR ANGIOSARCOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK : TWO CASE STUDIES

Background. Angiosarcoma of the face is a vascular tumor with poor local control and short median survival despite standard treatment. Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can inhibit tumor growth. It is synergistic with radiotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies. Given the vascular nature of angiosarcoma and the need for better treatment of this disease, we investigated the concurrent use of bevacizumab with preoperative radiotherapy for head and neck angiosarcoma. Methods. Two patients diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the nose were treated preoperatively with bevacizumab (5–10 mg/kg) and concurrent radiotherapy (50 Gy), followed by resection of the tumor bed. Results. Both patients had a complete pathologic response with no residual disease. Neither has developed recurrence, with follow-up of 8.5 months and 2.1 years. Conclusions. The neoadjuvant combination of bevacizumab and radiation therapy is promising and should be further studied in the setting of vascular malignancies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Transition region oscillations in sunspots

Time series observations of the profile of the C IV resonance line 1548.19 A obtained in eight sunspots with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) on the Solar Maximum Mission are discussed. All of the sunspots exhibit significant oscillations in line-of-sight velocity with frequencies in the range from 5.8 mHz to 7.8 mHz (periods of 129-173 s). Significant intensity oscillations are observed at the same periods in four of the time series; the maximum intensity is in phase with maximum blueshift. Difference spectroheliograms ('Dopplergrams') of the two halves of the C IV line, as well as observations in the Si IV resonance line 1402.77 A and the O IV intersystem line 1401.16 A, also reveal velocity oscillations at similar frequencies but only over sunspots.
Memory deficits in patients with pediatric CNS germ cell tumors

Background Germ cell tumors (GCT) of the central nervous system including germinomas and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors are rare neoplasms most commonly affecting children and adolescents. Many GCT patients seen at The Children's Hospital Denver complain of memory difficulties at the time of presentation, or demonstrate memory difficulties when assessed. Although case studies suggest that memory deficits may be associated with GCT, this is the first study to investigate memory function across a series of pediatric intracranial GCT patients. Procedure A total of 26 GCT patients were retrospectively examined for diagnosis, imaging results, intelligence quotient, treatment variables, evidence of increased intracranial pressure at diagnosis, and memory function. Patient Full Scale IQ was measured using the Wechsler intelligence scales. Memory was evaluated with the California Verbal Learning Test. Results The incidence of amnesia in GCT patients was 42%. GCT patients with amnesia were significantly older at diagnosis than those who did not develop amnesia. There was no association between hydrocephalus at presentation or having received radiation and the presence of memory deficits. Several cases of amnesia were not associated with involvement of classic memory structures. Conclusion The high incidence of measurable memory deficits in GCT patients suggests that amnesia may be a significant risk in this patient population. Memory assessment at diagnosis and appropriate follow-up services may prove beneficial for GCT patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 486–491. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Paleolithic diets: a sceptical view

Summary Some anthropologists have suggested that humans are genetically determined to eat diets quite different from those of today. Very little human evolution has occurred in the past 15,000 years. However, diets have changed dramatically and in parallel with a shift in disease patterns from infectious diseases and diseases associated with nutrient deficiencies, to chronic degenerative diseases associated with excessive and unbalanced intake of energy and nutrients. This review examines some of the archaeological evidence relating to the diets of early man and other primates, and current hunter-gatherer societies. Knowledge of the relative proportions of animal and plant foods in the diets of early humans is circumstantial, incomplete, and debatable and there are insufficient data to identify the composition of a genetically-determined optimal diet. The evidence related to Paleolithic diets is best interpreted as supporting the idea that diets based largely on plant foods promote health and longevity, at least under conditions of food abundance and physical activity.
Advanced alignment of the ATLAS inner detector

Abstract The primary goal of the ATLAS inner detector (ID) is to accurately measure the trajectories of charged particles in the high particle density environment of the large hadron collider (LHC) collisions. This is achieved using a combination of different technologies, including silicon pixels, silicon microstrips, and gaseous drift-tubes, all immersed in a 2 Tesla magnetic field. With nearly 750 k alignable degrees of freedom, it is crucial that an accurate model of the detector positions be produced using an automated and robust algorithm in order to achieve good tracking performance. This has been accomplished using a variety of alignment techniques resulting in near optimal hit and momentum resolutions.
Age-Associated Loss of Lamin-B Leads to Systemic Inflammation and Gut Hyperplasia

Aging of immune organs, termed as immunosenescence, is suspected to promote systemic inflammation and age-associated disease. The cause of immunosenescence and how it promotes disease, however, has remained unclear. We report that the Drosophila fat body, a major immune organ, undergoes immunosenescence and mounts strong systemic inflammation that leads to deregulation of immune deficiency (IMD) signaling in the midgut of old animals. Inflamed old fat bodies secrete circulating peptidoglycan recognition proteins that repress IMD activity in the midgut, thereby promoting gut hyperplasia. Further, fat body immunosenecence is caused by age-associated lamin-B reduction specifically in fat body cells, which then contributes to heterochromatin loss and derepression of genes involved in immune responses. As lamin-associated heterochromatin domains are enriched for genes involved in immune response in both Drosophila and mammalian cells, our findings may provide insights into the cause and consequence of immunosenescence during mammalian aging. PAPERFLICK:
Ultraviolet laser ablation of skin: Healing studies and a thermal model

We have followed the course of healing of incisions made with the krypton-fluoride excimer laser. Incisions were made in guinea pig skin, in vivo, under identical conditions of irradiation. The progressive healing of these incisions was followed over the course of 3 weeks. We noted excellent healing with re-epithelialization, and the re-formation of collagen fibers with minimal fibrosis. We present a simple thermal model for ablation of tissue by a short pulse of strongly absorbed laser radiation.
Super-convergent second derivative recovery for lower-order strain gradient plasticity

An element patch based super-convergent second derivative recovery technique is developed in this paper for evaluating the first and second strain derivatives for a lower-order strain gradient plasticity model. The element based patches are defined and the patch least square fitting process is introduced. A classical shear band simulation is then conducted to test the new technique with various unstructured meshes with mixed quadratic quadrilateral and triangular C^0 elements. The result shows that a direct recovery from the patch least square fitting process is more reliable than that from the nodal averaging process usually necessary for the super-convergent second derivative recovery methods. The proposed technique is proven to be effective for recovering both first and second order strain derivatives and has the potential for even higher order derivative recovery.
Post-operative pain control with topical steroid injection after hot dissection tonsillectomy.

Electrocautery excision (hot dissection) and scissor/snare dissection (cold dissection) are two popular methods used in tonsillectomy. The former causes relatively more post-operative pain but takes less time to perform and is associated with less intra-operative and immediate post-operative bleeding than the latter. To explore post-operative pain control in patients undergoing electrodissection tonsillectomy, a prospective, randomized, one-blind study was designed involving local injections of steroid into the pillar and tonsil bed. The pain levels among the topical injection, deltoid muscle injection and the control group were scored and analyzed. Local steroid injection was found to significantly abate the post-tonsillectomy pain.
Environmental influences on purified κ-casein : Disulfide interactions

Abstract Bovine κ-casein, the stabilizing protein of the colloidal milk protein complex, has a unique pattern of disulfide bonding. The protein exhibits varying molecular sizes on SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), ranging from monomer to octamer and above in the absence of reducing agents. Heat treatment of the samples with SDS prior to electrophoresis caused an apparent decrease in polymeric distribution: up to 60% became monomers after 30min at 90°C as estimated by densitometry of SDS-PAGE. In contrast, heat treatment of the samples without detergent at 90 or 37°C significantly increased in high molecular weight polymers, as judged by electrophoresis and analytical ultracentrifugation. In 6M urea, the protein could be completely reduced by dithiothreitol, but, upon dialysis, varying degrees of polymer reformation occurred, depending on the dialysis conditions. Spontaneous reoxidation to polymeric forms is favored at low pH (
Environmental ethics as an alternative for evaluation theory in for-profit business contexts

Abstract The predominant context for evaluation in for-profit organizations is economics coupled with a distinctly anthropocentric worldview. A case is made for environmental ethics as a more sustainable theoretical foundation for evaluation in for-profit firms.
Up-conversion of CO laser lines by difference-frequency mixing in proustite (Ag3AsS3)

Abstract Phase-matched cw up-conversion of CO laser radiation has been obtained in proustite (Ag 3 AsS 3 ). The wavelength of the up-converted radiation varied from 0.69 to 0.72 μm. Detailed data on the phase-matching angles are given.
Problems Connected with Inorganic Components of Aqueous Diets

Introduction Probably the most neglected area of insect nutrition concerns inorganic requirements. This is so largely for two reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to prepare diets free of active levels of a number of mineral elements; if trace amounts of these occur as impurities in one or other of the main dietary ingredients they may mask negative growth responses in classical deletion experiments. Secondly, because mineral elements are usually provided as salts, elimination or changes in the concentration of a particular ion will automatically involve some change in the concentration of another ion. For example, if magnesium is provided as chloride, its omission entails a loss of chloride, to compensate for which may require the introduction of more of a third ion such as calcium, as calcium chloride; and so on. This makes the adjustment of the total mineral mixture a complicated business if one is to be confident that effects on growth of omitting a particular ion are due specifically to its omission alone, rather than to a concomitant change in the level of other ions.
Polarization effects in one-photon free-free absorption

A relativistic formalism is used to include spin-orbit coupling in calculating cross sections and polarizations for one-photon free-free absorption of electrons scattering from mercury. A local exchange approximation and phenomenological polarization potential are used in the calculations. The scattering amplitudes are computed exactly. Off-shell effects are found to be important in determining the polarization of the scattered electrons. Polarizations in excess of 95% are found for some directions in the energy region where phase shifts are changing rapidly. Polarizations and off-shell effects are smaller where the phase shifts are slowly varying.
Diabetes care and education in rural regions

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine what is cur- rently known about diabetes education and care in rural geographical regions. Residents of rural areas are less likely to have access to health care providers, health insurance, or specialty care and are more likely to experience health care disparities as a result. Persons living in rural areas are likely to have greater burdens of chronic disease, including uncontrolled diabetes, and perceive their health as poorer than their urban counterparts.Methods A conventional literature review focused on type 1 and type 2 diabetes was completed using the search terms rural, diabetes, and education. The databases searched were CINAHL, EBSCO, Pub Med, and Medline. In all, 22 research articles that fit the inclusion criteria were identified.Results Findings indicated that diabetes education for rural regions can be enhanced by a focus on family, culture, interdisciplinary teams, and technology.Conclusions Future rural research about diabetes care should ...
State Reform and the Local Economy: A Reply

In my original article I argued that an overall unevenness in factory and workshop regulation-especially a lack of regulation of non-factory work-made it advantageous for employers in the clothing trades to send work "out" to less regulated premises, and hence production actually decentralized in that industry. 1 Morris disputes this. She argues that regulation was much more uniform than I suggest and that instead of moving away from the factory, production moved into it. Her argument is based on two overall criticisms of my work: first, that I misunderstand the nature of outwork; and second, that my use of statistics is careless and misleading. I have a few comments about these criticisms.2 Morris and I clearly do not share a common understanding of outwork and we do not agree as to how effectively outwork was regulated. If Morris is correct-that outwork was done in the factory or some other rigorously regulated workplace-then my proposed correlation between the growth of unregulated outwork and effective state factory and workshop regulation is invalid. But I still believe that it is a valid correlation, although I agree with Morris that outwork statistics are open to some criticism. Nowhere in my article do I contend that outwork was always homework. But I do believe that the available evidence suggests that a majority of it was. While many outworkers worked in their homes, some worked in various other premises-most notoriously and characteristically the numerous dirty sweatshops hidden in a room or two in the East End of London. Outwork could also be done in a factory, but by legal definition outwork was done "outside the factory or workshop".3 Anyone familiar with the London clothing trades at the turn of the century could tell us that although a factory rarely sent work out to be done in another factory, many factories or workshops (or simply retailers or wholesalers) often sent work out to other workplaces-perhaps simply to a kitchen or to a basement room. The Master Tailors whom Morris identifies as probable factory owners (p. 294), were precisely the sort of small-time, unscrupulous sweating masters who operated out of small East End workshops, depending on orders from firms in the "City" and living off a cheap labour market.4 Morris's contention that outwork in the London clothing trades was done