cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Comorbidity and Age on Survival with Laryngeal Cancer

Previous studies have evaluated the effects of comorbidity on survival in patients with cancer. We applied the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) to a cohort of patients with laryngeal cancer to validate its use and to assess the prognostic impact of age. Our study population consisted of 152 patients with laryngeal cancer who were seen over a 10-year period. Patients were assigned CCI scores and were categorized into low- and high-grade comorbidity groups for comparison. Age adjustments were performed by adding 1 point to the Charlson score for each decade over the median age. Low- vs. high-grade comorbidity was a valid predictor of survival independent of TNM (tumor, nodes, and metastases) stage. Low-grade comorbidity was present in 126 patients; their median survival was 41 months. High-grade comorbidity was present in 26 patients; their median survival was 8 months (p = 0.0002). The addition of the age factor to the CCI did not improve our prognostic ability. There was no difference in CCI groups with respect to tobacco and alcohol use, gender, treatment modality, or mean time to recurrence. The incidence and severity of complications were also similar in the two groups. We conclude that the CCI is a strong predictor of survival in patients with laryngeal cancer. The confounding effects of comorbidity should be considered in the TNM staging of laryngeal cancer to improve our prognostic ability. Further investigations are necessary to assess the validity of this index in patients with other head and neck cancers.
Activation of Sphingosine Kinase 1

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a potent bioactive lipid that regulates many important biological processes as a ligand for cell surface receptors and as an intracellular second messenger. S1P levels inside cells are regulated in a temporal and spatial manner by the balance between its formation, catalyzed by two sphingosine kinase isoenzymes, SphK1 and SphK2, and degradation by S1P lyase and S1P-specific phosphatases. Activation of SphK1 is a key step in the agonist-induced regulation of S1P levels. SphK1 is a cytosolic enzyme and a growing body of evidence suggests that S1P production is also regulated by the translocation of SphK1 to membranes, where its substrate sphingosine is formed. SphK1 translocation to membranes can be mediated by interactions with lipids and proteins. Here we review the current knowledge of SphK1 activation and translocation.
A Pilot Study of the Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on the Recovery of Function Following Stroke in Man

A preliminary study investigating the possible beneficial effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy on the degree and speed of recovery of hemiplegic patients has been completed (1).
New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus among Parkinsonian Patients Treated with Long-term Quetiapine:

Atypical antipsychotics (AA) are commonly used to manage drug-induced psychosis (DIP) in parkinsonian patients. In the treatment of schizophrenia, AA's have been associated with increasing reports of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM). This study examined the risk of developing new-onset DM among parkinsonian patients on long-term, low dose quetiapine. Fifty-three parkinsonian subjects (mean age: 71.3 years) taking an average quetiapine dose of 70.5 mg/day (range: 12.5–350 mg/day) for a mean duration of 21.3 months (range 3–61 months) were reviewed. Eight out of 53 subjects carried a diagnosis of DM prior to quetiapine treatment. Four out of 45 patients (8.9%) met criteria for new diagnosis of DM, giving a total prevalence rate of 22.6% (12 out of 53). This prevalence rate of 22.6% was slightly higher than that reported in the aged-matched general population (year 2003 DM prevalence = 17.3% for 65–74 years) but methodological differences could explain the difference. Larger epidemiologic studies will be nee...
Knowledge Intensive Business Processes: A Process-Technology Fit Perspective

We take a business process centric view of an organization and study knowledge intensive business processes (KIBPs). Using a case study research methodology, we studied a diverse set of business processes in multiple organizations to understand their basic ingredients. We find that, although materially dissimilar, KIBPs share a common framework at an abstract level, in that, the tasks that comprise them, the information/knowledge that they need, and the decision situations that are encountered within them have similar characteristics. We draw upon the task-technology fit (TTF) theory and expand it to consider the process-technology fit in the context of KIBPs. In doing so, we prescribe guidelines for organizations for planning for IT support in the form of knowledge management systems for decision making scenarios that are commonly encountered in KIBPs.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Low Bone Mineral Density in Children With Celiac Disease.

Background & Aims Celiac disease can reduce bone mineral density. We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for low areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in children with celiac disease. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 673 children with celiac disease (63% female; median age at diagnosis, 10.6 y; interquartile range, 7.8–13.9) who underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) from 2009 through 2016 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from medical records. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with low (Z less than -2) lumbar spine aBMD Z (aBMD-Z) scores at initial and subsequent tests. Results The time between diagnosis of celiac disease and first DXA was 0 days (interquartile range, -11 to 31 d). The mean aBMD-Z score at the children’s initial scan was -0.4 ± 1.2; 46 children had aBMD-Z scores less than -2 (6.8%; 95% CI, 5.2%–9.0%). Those who had a second DXA analysis (n = 108; 16.0%) had a significant increase in aBMD-Z score (mean change, 0.29; P = .0005). Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower odds of a low aBMD-Z score at the initial DXA analysis (odds ratio, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.35–0.50). BMI-Z scores greater than -0.4 identified children with a low aBMD-Z at their initial DXA analysis with a 95% negative predictive value. Conclusions Approximately 7% of subjects with celiac disease had a low aBMD-Z score, determined by DXA, at the time of diagnosis; this value was nearly 3-fold higher than expected from a population of children of this age and sex distribution. BMI-Z scores could be used to identify children with celiac disease at risk for low BMD who should receive DXA screening.
Treg programming and therapeutic reprogramming in cancer

Overcoming the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment is the major challenge impeding cancer immunotherapy today. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are prevalent in nearly all cancers and, as immunosuppressive regulators of immune responses, they are the principal opponents of cancer immunotherapy. However, disabling Tregs systemically causes severe autoimmune toxicity, hastening the need for more selective methods to target intratumoural Tregs. In this review, we discuss a burgeoning new modality to specifically target tumour-infiltrating Tregs (TI-Tregs) by reprogramming their functionality from immunosuppressive to immune stimulatory within tumours. As the basis for therapeutic selectivity of TI-Tregs, we will focus on the defining features of Tregs within cancer: their highly activated state controlled by the engagement of key surface receptors, their distinct metabolic programme, and their unique transcriptional programme. By identifying proteins and pathways that distinguish TI-Tregs from other Tregs in the body, as well as from the beneficial antitumour effector T-cells within tumours, we highlight mechanisms to selectively reprogramme TI-Tregs for the treatment of cancer.
Exploring the Health and Spatial Equity Implications of the New York City Bike Share System.

Abstract Introduction This paper examines spatial equity and estimates the health impact of Citi Bike, New York City's (NYC) bike share system. We discuss how further system expansion and utilization by residents in high-poverty communities of color could affect the potential benefit of the largest bicycle share system in the United States. Methods First, we compared the Citi Bike station distribution by census tract poverty during the system's 2013 launch and after the 2015 geographic expansion. Second, we applied the World Health Organization's Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) to estimate the benefit of cycling associated with annual Citi Bike members for two 12-month time periods and analyzed change of the benefit over time. Results The results showed that the greatest proportion of Citi Bike stations were located in low-poverty (wealthier) NYC census tracts (41% per period), and there were no significant changes in station distribution during expansion. HEAT estimated an increase from two to three premature deaths prevented and an increased annual economic benefit from $18,800,000 to $28,300,000 associated with Citi Bike use. Conclusion In conclusion, although Citi Bike stations are not equitably located, the estimated annual health benefits are substantial and have increased over time. Our findings underscore the potential for even greater benefits with increased spatial access in higher-poverty neighborhoods and communities of color. Our findings highlight the importance of the built environment in shaping health and the need for a health equity lens to consider the social and political processes that perpetuate inequities.
Conduction mechanisms in one dimensional core-shell nanostructures for gas sensing: A review

Abstract Metal oxide based core-shell (C-S) nanostructures have been studied for gas sensing applications to mitigate poor selectivity. When designing core-shell nanostructures with n-n, p-n and n-p junctions, an equalization of the Fermi level induces the formation of accumulation and depletion layers at the interface through charge, modifying the conduction channel. Mechanisms such as potential barrier carrier transport and surface depletion layer formation play important roles in enhancing the gas sensing performance of C-S nanostructures. Synthesis of C-S nanostructures is a multi-step process involving fabrication of core and shell layers. Selection of the core and the shell material is important as it would affect the properties of the heterojunction interface. Parameters such as the thickness of the shell layer, type of sensing material and working temperature have been studied for C-S nanostructure based gas sensors. However, less attention has been given to factors affecting the conduction mechanisms in C-S nanostructures. This review deals with understanding conduction mechanisms in one dimensional C-S nanostructures used for gas sensing applications, studying them based on synthesis methods used for fabrication and selection of materials used for core and shell layers.
Which Postoperative Day After Total Joint Arthroplasty Are Catastrophic Events Most Likely to Occur

Abstract Background Despite lacking granularity, large database registries can help provide important information on rare outcomes following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). In an era of short stay and outpatient arthroplasty, an awareness of the timeframe for most common catastrophic complications can help providers maintain an appropriate degree of suspicion for these significant events. Methods Patients undergoing primary TJA between 2011 and 2016 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and queried for 4 adverse postoperative outcomes: pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, and death. The timing of postoperative events was compared, and also their association with medical comorbidities and timing in inpatient vs outpatient arthroplasty. Results A total of 341,601 patients met inclusion criteria. Of them, 1631 (0.48%) patients sustained a postoperative PE, 1033 (0.3%) patients had a cardiac event, 304 patients had a cerebrovascular accident (0.09%), and 608 (0.18%) patients expired. Greater than 60% of all these complications occurred between postoperative days 0 and 5, including 65% of PE. On postoperative day 0, a catastrophic event is 13 times more likely to be a cardiac event (80.7%) compared to a PE (6%). However, by postoperative day 1, a cardiac event (41.2%) is only 1.03 times more likely than a PE (40%) and by postoperative day 2, a PE (62%) is twice as likely as a cardiac event (30%). Conclusion Risk assessment for catastrophic event and timeliness of occurrence may guide providers to recommend enhanced observation for specific patients undergoing TJA.
MD1.1 - Advances in Neuromorphic Silicon Photonics (Keynote)

Neuromorphic photonics is an emerging field at the nexus of photonics andneuroscience, which combines the advantages of optics and electronics. We will look at challenges of photonic information processing, describe photonic neural-network approaches, and offer a glimpse at this field's future.
Analysis of an SU(8) model with a spin-1 2 field directly coupled to a gauged Rarita-Schwinger spin-3 2 field

In earlier work we analyzed an abelianized model in which a gauged Rarita–Schwinger spin-3 2 field is directly coupled to a spin-1 2 field. Here, we extend this analysis to the gauged SU(8) model f...
Perioperative Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Compared with Patients without Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Background and Objective Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifaceted disorder resulting in an abnormal pain response to tissue injury. Among key CRPS features are neurogenic inflammation, maladaptive plasticity, and vasomotor dysfunction, which can result in severe pain and disability. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an efficacious treatment for several chronic pain conditions and may improve pain and life quality in CRPS patients with CRPS. However, little information exists regarding perioperative outcomes of patients with CRPS undergoing surgical implantation of an SCS device. Methods Patients were included if they underwent an SCS procedure at our institution between 2008 and 2016 for chronic pain. Cases were excluded if the procedure involved stimulator removal or if it was an outpatient procedure. Multivariate regression assessed the effect of CRPS and other clinical variables on perioperative outcomes. Results Eighty-one inpatient SCS implantation cases for chronic pain were included, with 9 patients (11.1%) having a CRPS diagnosis. The CRPS cohort received higher mean quantities of intraoperative opioids and had a lower proportion of patients reporting meaningful pain reduction (16.7%) in the 24-hour postoperative setting compared with patients without CRPS (35.9%), although this was not statistically significant. Multivariate regression modeling suggested that CRPS was a significant predictor of increased odds of extended time to the postanesthesia care unit discharge (P = 0.0406) and higher direct costs of hospitalization (P = 0.0326). Conclusions Our data suggest that CRPS may pose several unique risks in the perioperative period after inpatient SCS implantation. These findings support the need for future prospective investigations examining risks and outcomes for SCS procedures in this population.
An ultrastructural pathologist's views on fibroblasts, modified smooth muscle cells, wound healing, stenosing arteriopathies, Kawasaki disease, Dupuytren's contracture, and the stroma of carcinomas

It wasn't until 1960 that the dense bodies of the peripheral actin arrays of fibroblasts were finally visualized, i.e., stress fibers (SFs). Mistakenly assumed that its SFs turned the fibroblast into a unique cell situated somewhere in a continuum between it and a smooth muscle cell (SMC), it was descriptively named a "myofibroblast" (MF). Automatically, spindle cells with SFs and/or smooth muscle actin by SMA IHC-staining, became MFs, although endothelial cells, pericytes, modified SMCs (mSMC), and myoepithelial cells all contain SFs. An invisible "intermediate" cell was hypothesized to exist somewhere between SMA-negative and positive fibroblasts, and named a "proto-myofibroblast". The sub-epithelial spindle cells of normal and malignant tumors of the GI, GU, and respiratory tracts are all fibroblasts with SFs. The second erroneous myofibroblast came from a 1971 rat wound healing study and its 1974 human counterpart. Updated analysis of the papers' TEMs proved that the cells are mSMCs and not fibroblasts (AKA: MFs). The pathognomonic cells of Dupuytren's contracture are mSMCs and fibroblasts and that of the stenosing arteriopathy of Kawasaki Disease and other similar arteriopathies are mSMCs. TEM remains a powerful tool.
‘Waiting on the World to Change’: Advocacy versus Apathy and Focusing on What Really Matters

The author discusses the big picture of higher education, which pertains to the perpetuation of decreasing civil discourse and increasing challenges in higher education. These may be attributed to ...
Electrochemical sensor based on CuSe for determination of dopamine.

A simple binary copper selenide, CuSe nanostructure, has been investigated as electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection. The hydrothermally synthesized and electrodeposited CuSe nanostructures showed high sensitivity for dopamine detection with low limit of detection (LOD). A sensitivity of 26 μA/μM.cm2 was obtained with this electrochemical sensor which is ideal to detect even small fluctuations in the transient dopamine concentration. Apart from high sensitivity and low LOD, the dopamine oxidation on the catalyst surface also occurred at a low applied potential (< 0.18 V vs Ag|AgCl), thereby significantly increasing selectivity of the process specifically with respect to ascorbic and uric acids, which are considered to be the most prominent interferents for dopamine detection. Electrochemical redox tunability of the catalytic Cu center along with low coordination geometry is believed to enhance the rate of dopamine attachment and oxidation on the catalyst surface thereby reducing the applied potential. The presence of Cu also increases conductivity of the catalyst composite which further improves the charge transfer thus increasing the sensitivity of the device. This is the first report of electrochemical dopamine sensing with a simple binary selenide comprising earth-abundant elements and can have large significance in designing efficient sensors that can be transformative for understanding neurodegenerative diseases further.
Bailing in the Private Sector

A particular concern of many critics of the existing international financial architecture is that official support has been used to bail out investors. In Mexico in 1995, Korea in 1997, and Russia in 1998, official funds were used to repurchase and retire short-term debt that private investors were unwilling to hold. Having benefited from high interest rates while their money was in place, creditors were effectively protected from capital losses when it came time to sell. The moral hazard thereby created provided an obvious incentive to engage in even less prudent lending, setting the stage for still larger crises and still larger bailouts. It would be better from a public-policy standpoint, the conclusion follows, were private investors and international banks in particular forced to “take a hit.”
Development of an integrated genomic map for a threatened Caribbean coral (Orbicella faveolata)

Genomic methods are powerful tools for studying evolutionary responses to selection, but the application of these tools in non-model systems threatened by climate change has been limited by the availability of genomic resources in those systems. High-throughput DNA sequencing has enabled development of genome and transcriptome assemblies in non-model systems including reef-building corals, but the fragmented nature of early draft assemblies often obscures the relative positions of genes and genetic markers, and limits the functional interpretation of genomic studies in these systems. To address this limitation and improve genomic resources for the study of adaptation to ocean warming in corals, we9ve developed a genetic linkage map for the mountainous star coral, Orbicella faveolata . We analyzed genetic linkage among multilocus SNP genotypes to infer the relative positions of markers, transcripts, and genomic scaffolds in an integrated genomic map. To illustrate the utility of this resource, we tested for genetic associations with bleaching responses and fluorescence phenotypes, and estimated genome-wide patterns of population differentiation. Mapping the significant markers identified from these analyses in the integrated genomic resource identified hundreds of genes linked to significant markers, highlighting the utility of this resource for genomic studies of corals. The functional interpretations drawn from genomic studies are often limited by the availability of genomic resources linking genes to genetic markers. The resource developed in this study provides a framework for comparing genetic studies of O. faveolata across genotyping methods or references, and illustrates an approach for integrating genomic resources that may be broadly useful in other non-model systems.
Twelve years of success in treating a patient with chronic visceral abdominal pain using paddle spinal cord stimulation

Abstract Chronic abdominal pain is a debilitating condition with various etiologies, including pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and mesenteric ischemia. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an accepted method for controlling chronic neurogenic and low back pain. A 57-year-old woman with chronic visceral abdominal pain presented for replacement of a paddle SCS. For the past 12 years her pain has been under control with an 80% decrease compared to before SCS placement. Although percutaneous SCS has been performed for chronic visceral abdominal pain, to our knowledge this is the first report of long-term success with a paddle SCS for this condition. Our result and a review of the literature suggest a potential role for the selective use of paddle SCS to treat chronic visceral abdominal pain in the future.
Toward Improved Identification of Parental Substance Misuse: An Examination of Current Practices and Gaps in One US State.

The use of illicit substances, including opioids, is a serious public health issue in the United States. While there are reports of the impact of the ongoing opioid crisis on adults, a new focus has emerged on how parental substance misuse (PSM) affects children. This study explored existing screening and assessment practices and services for children and families affected by PSM across different service sectors in one state. The purpose of the study was to identify opportunities for training, policy development, and practice improvement related to identifying PSM and linking children and parents to services. Interviews (n = 15) with professionals from five service sectors (mental health, primary care, schools, community programs, and law enforcement) were used to inform development of a state-wide survey of the same groups (n = 498) to assess current practices, attitudes, knowledge, and training needs related to child screening of PSM. The survey was piloted using cognitive interviewing (n = 9) before it was distributed. Fewer than 20% of survey respondents reported using standardized tools specific to screening PSM. Informal assessment practices predominate, though 60% of respondents saw value in adopting more standardized PSM screening. Attitudes about PSM and screening varied among sectors but interest in training was high. Results indicate a need for more systematic PSM screening, cross-sector training and practice discussions, and policies to support early identification of children affected by PSM. Ramifications of these findings and recommendations are discussed.
Strength of Cu-efflux response in Escherichia coli coordinates metal resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans and contributes to the severity of environmental toxicity.

Without effective homeostatic systems in place, excess copper (Cu) is universally toxic to organisms. While increased utilization of anthropogenic Cu in the environment has driven the diversification of Cu-resistance systems within enterobacteria, little research has focused on how this change in bacterial architecture impacts host organisms that need to maintain their own Cu homeostasis. Therefore, we utilized a simplified host-microbe system to determine whether the efficiency of one bacterial Cu-resistance system, increasing Cu-efflux capacity via the ubiquitous CusRS two-component system, contributes to the availability and subsequent toxicity of Cu in host Caenorhabditis elegans nematode. We found that a fully functional Cu-efflux system in bacteria increased the severity of Cu toxicity in host nematodes without increasing the C. elegans Cu-body burden. Instead, increased Cu toxicity in the host was associated with reduced expression of a protective metal stress-response gene, numr-1, in the posterior pharynx of nematodes where pharyngeal grinding breaks apart ingested bacteria before passing into the digestive tract. The spatial localization of numr-1 transgene activation and loss of bacterially dependent Cu-resistance in nematodes without an effective numr-1 response support the hypothesis that numr-1 is responsive to the bacterial Cu-efflux capacity. We propose that the bacterial Cu-efflux capacity acts as a robust spatial determinant for a host's response to chronic Cu stress.
Self Creation: Psychoanalytic Therapy and the Art of the Possible

I. A Psychoanalytic Theory of Self Creation 1. Potential Space in Psychoanalytic Therapy 2. The Future as Intrinsic to the Psychoanalytic Process 3. The Therapist's Vision of the Patient 4. Therapeutic Action as the Creation of Meaning 5. Psychoanalytic Therapy as the Art of Possibilities 6. The Analyst's Process: The Mind of the Other II. Clinical Applications 7. The Disowned Body 8. Depression: The Collapsed Self 9. Relinquishing Bad Objects 10. Healing Narcissistic Wounds 11. Conclusion
Implementation of a PTAS for Scheduling with Release Dates

The problem of scheduling jobs with release dates on a single machine so as to minimize total completion time has long been know to be strongly NP-complete. Recently, a polynomial-time approximation scheme (PTAS) was found for this problem. We implemented this algorithm to compare its performance with several other known algorithms for this problem. We also developed several good algorithms based on this PTAS that run faster by sacrificing the performance guarantee. Our results indicate that the ideas used by this PTAS lead to improved algorithms.
Polypeptide synthesis in Escherichia coli. II. The polypeptide chain and S-RNA.

The polyphenylalanine chain, made by poly U-directed† synthesis in the cell-free system from Escherichia coli , is studied. This nascent polypeptide chain is bound to the 50 s subunit of the 70 s ribosome. Furthermore, the growing chain is covalently linked to an S-RNA molecule. The bond between the polypetide chain and the S-RNA is similar to that in amino acyl S-RNA but is an order of magnitude more stable against alkaline hydrolysis or hydroxylamine treatment. When puromycin releases the chain from the ribosome, it breaks the bond to the S-RNA. This terminal S-RNA is used as an end group method to measure the molecular weight of the nascent chain. Chains of the order of 40 amino acids are made, and new chains are initiated throughout the reaction. The behavior of the nascent proteins found after cell-free synthesis in E. coli differs from that of the polyphenylalanine only in that the bound nascent proteins stabilize the 70 s ribosome to a higher degree and bind less tightly to the 50 s subunit at low magnesium ion concentrations.
Chilly Scenes of the 1992 Winter Games: The Mass Media and the Marginalization of Female Athletes

This article examines television’s portrayal of female athletes during the 1992 winter Games. Although women are depicted in physically challenging events that defy stereotypical notions of femininity, such as mogul skiing, luge, and the biathlon, rhetorical analysis suggests that the sports media reinforce a masculine sports hegemony through strategies of marginalization. These include the application of condescending descriptors, the use of compensatory rhetoric, the construction of female athletes according to an adolescent ideal, and the presentation of female athletes as driven by cooperation rather than competition.
Composite power system reliability evaluation for systems with SVC and TCPAR

Static Var Compensator (SVC) and thyristor controlled phase angle regulator (TCPAR), two members of FACTS family, have been known to offer benefits to power systems. This paper investigates their effects on composite system reliability in aspects of adequacy. Based on the structures and principles of operation of these two devices, the reliability models are built via the state space approach. The capability characteristics of the SVC and TCPAR are described. The SVC and TCPAR are dispatched through an optimal power flow, which considers the control capabilities of the two FACTS members. The models and techniques are illustrated by a number of case studies. The results show that the utilization of SVC or TCPAR has a positive impact on the system reliability and the degree of the improvement depends on many factors.
A computational study of cyclopropylnitrene

Abstract Calculations predict that singlet cyclopropylnitrene has a closed-shell configuration, in contrast to singlet phenylnitrene, and has little or no barrier to fragmentation.
Effects of lateral hypothalamic lesions on thermoregulation in the rat.

Abstract The effects of bilateral lesions in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) of the rat on several thermoregulatory and non-thermoregulatory variables were studied. In agreement with the literature, a reduction in food and water intake and in body mass were observed in the experimental animals but not in the operated controls. Rectal temperature and metabolism increased for a few hours after the lesion, decreased below pre-lesion level for a day or two, and finally returned to baseline level. The increase in rectal temperature during a 1-hr exposure to 5°C was accentuated in the control but not in the experimental subjects. An improvement in operant thermoregulatory behavior, measured by nose-poke and lever-press responses, was observed in most LH-lesioned animals. Thermal preference in a gradient, two measures of general activity, and light avoidance were not affected by the lesions. The post-lesion improvement in operant thermoregulatory behavior does not support the view of the LH as a necessary locus for the integration of behavioral thermoregulatory responses.
Response of mouse skin and the C3HBA mammary carcinoma of the C3H mouse to x-rays and cyclotron neutrons: effect of mixed neutron-photon fractionation schemes.

The response of mouse foot skin and the C3HBA mammary adenocarcinoma of the C3H mouse to 250 kVp X-rays and cyclotron-produced neutrons (8 MeV mean energy) has been studied. Neutrons or X-rays were given in single fractions (fx); 2 fx 24 hr apart; 2 fx 96 hr apart; and 5 fx in 5 days. Two fx of neutrons + 3 fx of X-rays in 5 days also were given in the sequence n-n-x-x-x or n-x-x-x-n. When neutron only schemes were compared to X-ray only schemes, RBE's for early skin damage and foot deformity at 6 months post-irradiation increased with increasing number of fractions. The RBE for 2 fx of neutrons + 3 fx of X-rays (total dose of neutrons + X-rays) relative to 5 fx of X-rays was 1·3 for both mixed fraction sequences. Tumor growth delay following single and fractionated X-rays suggested an hypoxic fraction of cells which undergoes extensive and long lasting reoxygenation, a situation in which fractionated neutrons might not be expected to show an advantage in terms of tumor damage relative to normal tissue injury. Therapeutic gain factors (TGF = tumor RBE/skin RBE) for single fractions ranged from 1·6 to 1·8 depending on dose level while TGF's for fractionated neutrons varied from 0·73 for 2 fx 24 hr apart to 0·96 for 5 fx in 5 days. For both the n-n-x-x-x and n-x-x-x-n fractionation schemes a TGF of 1·1 suggests that the mixed fractionation schemes may be slightly better than neutron only schemes in this tumor system.
Enzyme and Solid Catalyst Efficiencies and Solid Catalyst Site Densities

Abstract In order that a reaction be thoroughly understood, it is necessary to know the concentrations of the reactants. Obtaining such knowledge is not considered a great hurdle in the investigation of homogeneous reactions. With heterogeneous reactions the question of the concentration of the reactant is not always readily answered and, as will be shown, the problem is particularly acute in heterogeneous catalysis, It is necessary to consider the catalyst itself as a reactant in at least one step of the overall reaction. Considering the catalyst a reactant is not only necessary but also fruitful when it is realized that in many cases the catalyst provides the only path whereby a reaction can occur; in such cases it is not merely a substance which increases the rate of a reaction that would occur anyway.
OBSERVATION OF MOLECULAR ORDERING AT THE LIQUID-LIQUID INTERFACE BY RESONANT SUM FREQUENCY GENERATION

Abstract : The vibrational spectrum of an amphiphilic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the interface between two immisicible liquids, D2O/CCl4, has been obtained for the first time by resonant sum frequency generation. The vibrational spectra obtained offer spectroscopic evidence for interfacial ordering of the alkyl chain as a function of surface coverage. Analysis of the ratio of the methyl/methylene peak intensities as a function of bulk aqueous phase concentration of SDS suggests that unlike the liquid-air and solid-liquid interfaces SDS is considerably more disordered at the liquid-liquid interface. jg
Homocysteine elevation in sickle cell disease.

Objective: Ischemic complications are common in patients with sickle cell disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis and venous thrombosis, and given the propensity of patients with sickle cell disease to develop ischemic complications, we hypothesized that they might have elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations.Methods: Plasma concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate were measured in 49 adults with sickle cell disease and 16 normotensive Black controls. All subjects with sickle cell disease had been prescribed folic acid 1 mg by mouth daily.Results: The median plasma concentration of homocysteine of subjects with sickle cell disease was approximately 1.5-fold higher than that of controls (p=0.0008). This difference persisted, even when subjects with renal insufficiency were excluded. Plasma folate levels were 1.5-fold higher in subjects with sickle cell disease than in controls (p=0.0498). There was no significant difference in plasma vitamin B12 concentrations ...
Blasting Open a Choice Space: Learning Inflectional Morphology for NLP

This article discusses the various aspects of designing a system for eliciting knowledge about language from informants. For each design aspect, various options for implementation are presented, along with their pros, cons, and repercussions for other parts of the knowledge elicitation system. A running example throughout the text is taken from the paradigmatic morphology elicitation module of a system called Boas, which elicits knowledge to support a machine translation system. The main point of the article is an argument about the necessity to analyze the design choice space for complex natural language processing (NLP) systems early, comprehensively, and overtly.
The adsorption and decomposition of BIS(benzene)chromium on Ni(100)

Abstract We have studied the bis(benzene) chromium/Ni(100) chenusorption system using TPD, AES, XPS, UPS, and exchange of isotopically labeled molecules. Low coverages of the metal complex are completely decomposed in TPD to produce C (a) , Cr (a) , and H 2(g) . At higher coverages, molecular benzene desorption is observed at ≅ 480 K, and, at still higher coverages, multilayer and monolayer molecular bis(benzene)chromium desorption occur at ≅ 250 and 300 K, respectively. Post-dosed C 6 D 6 exchanges with C 6 H 6 into the monolayer desorption, indicating along with XPS evidence that monolayer bis(benzene)chromium undergoes ligand separation below 300 K. Uncomplexed benzene desorbs at ≅ 160 K from multilayer bis(benzene) chromium; explanations for this are discussed. UPS of monolayer and multilayer benzene and bis(benzene)chromium are compared.
Globalization and International Labor Organizing A World-System Perspective

Globalization, the rapid increase in the pace of world market and social integration, is producing a ripening global awareness among all nations and a plethora of international organizations to coordinate and promote its further development. Huge transnational corporations have led the way, followed by neoliberal states, but also included are all kinds of social, scientific, sports, and other international organizations. Missing among the major players are labor unions. Why is globalization not producing transnational labor organization? A world-system perspective is employed to explain that the sources of increased market integration are also culprits in the weakening of unions and the associated decline of the welfare state. The authors overview the current state of international labor politics and examine the prospects of the leading organizations, focusing on North America. The research agenda that is advocated emphasizes a long-term perspective and a new look at the past repertoire of international o...
Reproducibility of manifest refraction between surgeons and optometrists in a clinical refractive surgery practice.

Purpose To measure and compare the interobserver reproducibility of manifest refraction according to a standardized protocol for normal preoperative patients in a refractive surgery practice. Setting Private clinic, London, United Kingdom. Design Retrospective case series. Methods This retrospective study comprised patients attending 2 preoperative refractions before laser vision correction. The first manifest refraction was performed by 1 of 7 optometrists and the second manifest refraction by 1 of 2 surgeons, all trained using a standard manifest refraction protocol. Spherocylindrical data were converted into power vectors for analysis. The dioptric power differences between observers were calculated and analyzed. Results One thousand nine hundred twenty-two consecutive eyes were stratified into a myopia group and a hyperopia group and then further stratified by each surgeon–optometrist combination. The mean surgeon–optometrist dioptric power difference was 0.21 diopter (D) (range 0.15 to 0.32 D). The mean difference in spherical equivalent refraction was 0.03 D, with 95% of all refractions within ±0.44 D for all optometrist–surgeon combinations. The severity of myopic or hyperopic ametropia did not affect the interobserver reproducibility of the manifest refraction. Conclusions There was close agreement in refraction between surgeons and optometrists using a standard manifest refraction protocol of less than 0.25 D. This degree of interobserver repeatability is similar to that in intraobserver repeatability studies published to date and may represent the value of training and the use of a standard manifest refraction protocol between refraction observers in a refractive surgery practice involving co-management between surgeons and optometrists. Financial Disclosure Dr. Reinstein is a consultant to Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and has a proprietary interest in the Artemis technology, Arcscan, Inc., through patents administered by the Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
The predicted structure of the headpiece of the Huntingtin protein and its implications on Huntingtin aggregation.

Abstract We have performed simulated tempering molecular dynamics simulations to study the thermodynamics of the headpiece of the Huntingtin (Htt) protein (N17Htt). With converged sampling, we found this peptide is highly helical, as previously proposed. Interestingly, this peptide is also found to adopt two different and seemingly stable states. The region from residue 4 (L) to residue 9 (K) has a strong helicity from our simulations, which is supported by experimental studies. However, contrary to what was initially proposed, we have found that simulations predict the most populated state as a two-helix bundle rather than a single straight helix, although a significant percentage of structures do still adopt a single linear helix. The fact that Htt aggregation is nucleation dependent infers the importance of a critical transition. It has been shown that N17Htt is involved in this rate-limiting step. In this study, we propose two possible mechanisms for this nucleating event stemming from the transition between two-helix bundle state and single-helix state for N17Htt and the experimentally observed interactions between the N17Htt and polyQ domains. More strikingly, an extensive hydrophobic surface area is found to be exposed to solvent in the dominant monomeric state of N17Htt. We propose the most fundamental role played by N17Htt would be initializing the dimerization and pulling the polyQ chains into adequate spatial proximity for the nucleation event to proceed.
Thermal properties of overwintered piles of cull potatoes

Annual epidemics of late blight of potato have lead to debate as to the relative importance of overwintering sources of inoculum. Host availability is a key factor for overwinter survival ofPhytophthora infestans and the initiation of epidemics of potato late blight. Temperature within discarded piles of cull potatoes may influence tuber tissue temperature and therefore affect survival of meristematic tissue. Consequently the risk of initiation of an epidemic of late blight from cull piles is closely related to the thermal experience of overwintered potato culls. Temperature monitoring of cull piles over two years indicated that temperature was stable in the interior of the piles regardless of cull pile size (1–15 ton) or year. The possible use of ambient temperature information gathered during winter months in potato-growing regions may not help estimate the risk of an epidemic of late blight initiated from cull piles as, although highly correlated with the surface temperature of cull piles, ambient temperature was not correlated with the temperature within the cull piles. The presence of cull piles in excess of 1 ton may enhance the survival of the host and thus the development ofP. infestans from infected tubers.
Discrimination Against Women Reconsidered

Sexist earnings differences must not be confused with wage discrimination; wage discrimination against females is only one source of the large sexist earnings gap. The author agrees that his calculations of adjusted earnings ratios do not capture all changes in relative productivity between male and female workers.His present value estimates compared male and female earnings during entire productive lives, from labor market entrance to retirement. Hence they do reflect earnings variations at all age levels and thus the average experience of females with comparable educational attainment.
Cancer procoagulant A: A factor X activating procoagulant from malignant tissue

Abstract A procoagulant substance from malignant tissue may play a role in fibrin deposition in malignant tumors and possibly in the vascular thrombosis observed in cancer patients. The objective of the present study was to determine how this procoagulant, cancer procoagulant A (CPA), initiates coagulation. Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) inhibited the procoagulant activity of CPA but did not inhibit that of rabbit brain thromboplastin (RBT). Factor VII depleted bovine plasma was effectively clotted by CPA but not by RBT. These results indicate that CPA is not a tissue thromboplastin but instead suggest that it is a serine protease that does not require factor VII for its procoagulant activity. RBT and CPA promoted the coagulation of factor VIII deficient and normal plasma at a similar rate, suggesting that CPA does not act via the intrinsic pathway. CPA did not directly activate purified prothrombin. However, CPA directly activated factor X and this activation was inhibited by DFP. Thus it appears that malignant tissue produces a protease capable of initiating coagulation by activating factor X.
The City as a Sexual Laboratory: The Queer Heritage of the Chicago School

This article documents the pioneering—and largely overlooked—sociological studies of sexuality undertaken by scholars at the University of Chicago during the first decades of the twentieth century. Focusing primarily on their investigations of a wide range of non-normative sexualities, including prostitution, cross-racial sexuality and homosexuality, it argues that these studies provided the foundation for a radical new understanding of sexuality that emphasized the social context and meaning of sexual practices and types, rather than their biological or psychological determination. Finally, it demonstrates the forgotten centrality of these studies to the establishment of the field of urban sociology by explicating the sexual subtext of several key concepts from the so-called Chicago School, including natural areas, concentric zones of urban development, mobility, social personalities and the marginal man.
Ideal architecture of residue packing and its observation in protein structures

A simple model of sphere packing has been investigated as an ideal model for long-range interactions for the packing of non-bonded residues in protein structures. By superposing all residues, the geometry of packing around a central residue is investigated. It is found that all residues conform almost perfectly to this lattice model for sphere packing when a radius of 6.5 A is used to define non-bonded (virtual) interacting residues. Side-chain positions with respect to sequential backbone segments are relatively regular as well. This lattice can readily be used in conformation simulations to reduce the conformational space.
A correlation of the occurrence of simultaneous sudden magnetospheric compressions and geomagnetic bay onsets with selected geophysical indices

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study of the conditions that affect the occurrence of simultaneous magnetospheric compressions, as indicated by geomagnetic sudden commencements and sudden impulses, and negative geomagnetic bays. Data from the IGY period were used. Of 155 SC and positive SI events with amplitudes greater than 10 γ found during the period of study, 29 (18.7 per cent) produced simultaneous negative geomagnetic bays with depressions greater than 200 γ. (Of 98 negative SI events, 10 (10.2 per cent) produced simultaneous bays. The following correlation study used only positive compression events.) The probability of a simultaneous event was found to be independent of the k p index and the value of D ( st ) . However, the probability is larger for greater compression amplitudes; it is larger during PCA events; and it is larger when the low latitude H -component of the geomagnetic field in the pre-midnight sector is depressed relative to earlier local time values. These results are discussed in relation to bay production mechanisms that involve the state of the ionosphere, the ring current, and the tail current. We conclude that only the last possibility is consistent with all the observed correlations.
Eduardo P. Tonni and Alberto L. Cione (eds.): Quaternary Vertebrate Palaeontology in South America

(2001). Eduardo P. Tonni and Alberto L. Cione (eds.): Quaternary Vertebrate Palaeontology in South America. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 203-203.