cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caring for Evacuated Children Housed in the Astrodome: Creation and Implementation of a Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team: Regionalized Caring for Displaced Children After a Disaster

REPARATION: LONG-TERM RESCUE AND DISASTER-RELIEF STRATEGIES: Located only 50 miles from the Gulf Coast and Galveston, Houston, Texas, is familiar with the challenges posed by hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. The hospitals of Houston and Harris County are no strangers to the aftermath of such natural disasters, themselves being victims of massive damage in 2001, when the entire Houston downtown area and Texas Medical Center complex, as well as a great portion of the city, were severely damaged by unexpected and unprecedented flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Allison. City, county, and hospital officials are ever mindful of the need to learn lessons from the past and to have disaster-relief plans in effect. Texas Children's Hospital (TCH), in particular, has participated in numerous citywide disaster drills and is well prepared to deal with many types of disasters that may occur within its region. Indeed, the TCH emergency center (TCHEC) alone evaluates more than 80000 children per year and serves a large populous and a large geographic area. Hence, it is poised for participation in any large disaster-relief effort. Beginning on Friday, August 26, 2005, area officials and rescue and disaster-relief mechanisms were about to be tested. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Houston was faced with the sudden arrival of thousands of people, many in need of medical care. Although officials had prepared in advance for this event, a lack of pediatric provider involvement was associated with woefully inadequate strategies for providing emergency medical care for thousands of children and adolescents. The eye of Hurricane Katrina made landfall at 6:10 am and crossed the wetlands/barrier islands between New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. By 9:00 am, officials learned that the lower Ninth Ward levee had failed to restrain the rising water of Lake Pontchartrain and that … Address correspondence to Paul Sirbaugh, DO, FAAP, Texas Children's Hospital, Emergency Medicine Department, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: sirbaugh{at}bcm.tmc.edu
Identification of three cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation sites within the major intracellular domain of neuronal nicotinic receptor α4 subunits

This study determined whether all protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation sites on the α4 subunit of rat α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptors could be localized to the M3/M4 cytoplasmic domain of the protein, and investigated specific amino acid substrates for the kinases through two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping and site-directed mutagenesis. Experiments were conducted using α4β2 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and a fusion protein corresponding to the M3/M4 cytoplasmic domain of α4 (α4333−594). When oocytes expressing α4β2 receptors were incubated with [32P]orthophosphate in order to label endogenous ATP stores, phosphorylation of α4 subunits was evident. Incubation of either immunoprecipitated receptors or the fusion protein with [32P]ATP and either PKA or PKC followed by trypsinization of the samples demonstrated that the kinases phosphorylated α4 subunits on multiple phosphopeptides, and that the phosphorylated full-length α4 protein and fusion protein produced identical phosphopeptide maps. Site-directed mutagenesis of Ser365, Ser472 and Ser491 to alanines in the fusion protein eliminated phosphopeptides phosphorylated by PKA, but not by PKC. Other mutations investigated, Ser470, Ser493, Ser517 and Ser590, did not alter the phosphopeptide maps. Results indicate that Ser365, Ser472 and Ser491 on neuronal nicotinic receptor α4 subunits are phosphorylated by PKA and are likely to represent post-translational regulatory sites on the receptor.
NEWBORN TEMPERATURE AND CALCULATED HEAT LOSS IN THE DELIVERY ROOM

Newborn infants lose heat rapidly at birth and during the first half hour of life. This investigation was undertaken to determine whether the initial heat loss was due principally to evaporation, and whether or not establishment of breathing would be irregular or delayed if the initial cold stress was reduced. Five groups, each of 10 infants, were studied during the first half hour of life. Infants in Groups I and IV remained wet and were exposed to either room air or placed under a radiant heater. Those in Groups II, III, and V were dried promptly and exposed to room air, wrapped in a blanket or warmed by means of a radiant heater. Heat loss due to radiation and convection together was twice that from evaporation. Reduction of cold stress by placing the infant under a radiant heater as soon as he is born does not impede or delay the onset of breathing. Wet infants exposed to room air lost nearly five times more heat than those who were dried and warmed. In vigorous infants, the simple maneuver of drying and wrapping in a warm blanket is almost as effective in diminishing heat loss as placing them under a radiant heater. However, in depressed or immature infants who may be more asphyxiated or have reduced energy stores, radiant heat maintains body temperature while allowing access to the patient.
Phylogenetic Inference and Methodology as Applied to the Vertebrate Record

The determination of relationships among living organisms is still one of the fundamental issues in comparative biology. The history of lineages is generally thought to be the province of paleontology, although phylogenetic reconstruction can be done with extant organisms alone. The major contribution of paleontology is that it places the history of lineages on the geological time scale and gives an idea of changes in diversity through time, but it does not necessarily provide us with the evidence of phylogenetic relationships or give the definite answer in the search for ancestors (Schaeffer, et al., 1972). Furthermore, the problem of phylogenetic inference is separate from that of classification because there can be only one set of correct phyletic relationships, but there may be several classificatory systems depending on one’s belief concerning the function of classification. However, there are many systematists who desire a classification that will faithfully depict phylogenetic pathways. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain a close correlation between classification and phylogenetic data that will satisfy all students of a particular group, but in order to make such an attempt the basic operational criteria must be re-examined frequently.
Anisotropy of a Tensorial Bishop’s Coefficient for Wetted Granular Materials

AbstractThe objective of this research is to use grain-scale numerical simulations to analyze the evolution of stress anisotropy exhibited in wetted granular matter. Multiphysical particulate simulations of unsaturated granular materials were conducted to analyze how the interactions of contact force chains and liquid bridges affect macroscopic responses under various suction pressure and loading histories. To study how the formation and rupture of liquid bridges affect the mechanical responses of wetted granular materials, a series of suction-controlled triaxial tests were conducted with two grain assemblies, one composed of large particles of similar sizes, the other composed of a mixture of large particles with significant amount of fines. The results indicate that capillary stresses are anisotropic in both sets of specimens, and that stress anisotropy is more significant in granular assemblies filled with fine particles. A generalized tensorial Bishop’s coefficient is introduced to analyze the connect...
Military Casualty Evacuation: MEDEVAC

MEDEVAC encompasses all movement of the movement of patients: from the point of injury to the nearest medical facility, between medical facilities at different echelon levels, and finally to the site of embarkation out of the theater. A key component of MEDEVAC is the provision of ongoing casualty care. To assure the success of what is one of the most important missions of military medicine, all military medical providers need to be familiar with the basic concepts and components of tactical MEDEVAC.
Purification and immunological characterization of human myocardial MB creatine kinase.

Abstract Elevated plasma MB creatine kinase (CK) is considered the most sensitive and specific diagnostic indicator of myocardial infarction. However, attempts to purify human MB CK have been unsuccessful. The need for purified human MB CK was further enhanced with the development of a radioimmunoassay for CK isoenzymes which would provide more prompt and specific detection of myocardial infarction. The major protein contaminant of MB CK is albumin which has been difficult to separate due to their similar electrophoretic mobility. Human hearts were obtained within 2 h postmortem and the tissue homogenized in 50 m m Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 2 m m mercaptoethanol. The CK was recovered from the supernatant (31,000 g ) by ethanol extraction (50–70%). The resuspended pellet was fractionated on DEAE Sephadex A-50 with a salt gradient (50–500 m m , pH 8.0). The MB fraction contained about 90% albumin. The preparation was bound to an Affigel blue column and contaminating proteins other than albumin were eluted with 50 m m Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 2 m m mercaptoethanol. MB CK was eluted with 250 m m NaCl, but the albumin remained bound. The MB fraction with a specific activity of 453 IU/mg represented an 80-fold increase in purity and exhibited a single protein band on polyacrylamide gels. Purified MB CK labeled with 125 I exhibited no binding to human albumin antiserum, but bound to MB CK antiserum, and unlabeled MB CK competitively inhibited binding of 125 I-MB CK in the radioimmunoassay system exhibiting a sensitivity for detection of plasma MB CK at the nanogram level.
Study of Fluid Effects on Dynamics of Composite Structures

This study investigates the effect of fluid-structure interaction on dynamic responses of submerged composite structures subjected to a mechanical loading. The research focuses on finding various parameters that affect the transient dynamic responses of these structures. Coupled fluid-structure interaction analyses of composite structures surrounded by a water medium are conducted numerically for various parametric studies, and their results are compared to those of dry structures. Furthermore, modified dry structural models are developed to represent the dynamic responses of the same structures under water with a reasonable accuracy. Those models promise to be beneficial to predict structural behaviors under water without an expensive computational or experimental cost.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE VALIDITY OF EXISTING EMPIRICAL FORMULAE FOR THE CALCULATION OF Ms TEMPERATURE

The aim of the investigation is to test existing M/sub s/ formulae with measured M/sub s/-composition data collected over the past 15 years in alloy design programs at Berkeley. The maximum total composition of alloying elements is about 21 wt pct, and the maximum individual elemental compositions are 0.5 pct C, 12.2 pct Cr, 2.1 pct Mn, 12.5 pct Ni, 4.2 pct Mo, 3.2 pct Si, and 9 pct Co. These values are beyond the composition limit allowed by existing formulae. However, this investigation involves examining the validity of predicting M/sub s/ temperatures in the high alloy as well as low alloy range. 33 refs.
Three-dimensional human pattern visual evoked potentials. II. Multiple sclerosis patients.

Pattern visual evoked potentials were obtained from 46 patients with definite relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, using both a conventional 5-channel occipital array and a 3-D recording technique consisting of three bipolar derivations approximating the three dimensions of space. These three orthogonal wave forms were displayed as a 3-D Lissajous trajectory for each subject. Two of the 15 patients with completely normal conventional pattern VEPs had abnormalities of the orientation of the B-C curvilinear segment of the 3-D pattern VEPs. Delays in the first major occipital positive component (P100) were evident using both techniques; the correlation between P100 latency and the latency of the corresponding trajectory apex was r = 0.99 (P < 0.01). Post-chiasmal MRI abnormalities were associated with 3-D VEP orientation abnormalities. Three-dimensional pattern VEPs are moderately more sensitive than conventional pattern VEPs at detecting dysfunction posterior to the optic chiasm in demyelinating disease and do not require the use of eccentric fixation to do so.
Growth and characterization of AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN field effect transistors

Field effect transistors (FETs) on both GaN and AlGaN buffers were grown and compared. Development of high quality AlGaN is the key to obtain high performance AlGaN buffer FETs. An optimized Al0.04Ga0.96N layer on SiC substrate had (002) and (201) X-ray rocking curves with full wide at half maximum (FWHM) of 140 and 450 arc sec, respectively, indicates the comparable crystal quality of AlGaN to that of a typical GaN layer. X-ray reciprocal space mapping and ω –2θ scans showed that the AlGaN barriers grown on GaN and Al0.04Ga0.96N buffers had different Al compositions and thickness, which was attributed to the compositional pulling effect. At room temperature, the AlGaN buffer FET had a sheet carrier concentration and electron mobility of 8.3×1012 cm-2 and 1750 cm2/Vs, respectively. AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN FETs demonstrated a status-of-the-art power added efficiency (PAE) of 53.5%, and a status-of-the-art power gain of 13.4 dB at a drain bias of 20 V at 30 GHz. This device also exhibited lower output conductance and better pinch-off due to the improved electron confinement resulting from the increase in the effective buffer energy height. The device results imply that AlGaN buffer FETs are promising devices for highly scaled transistors in RF applications in the Ka- band and beyond. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reactions of peroxynitrite with aldehydes as probes for the reactive intermediates responsible for biological nitration.

We have examined the reactions of peroxynitrite with short-chain aliphatic aldehydes to model the reaction of the peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-) with CO2. Aldehydes, like CO2, react rapidly with peroxynitrite and catalyze its decomposition. The pH dependence of the reaction is consistent with the addition of ONOO- (not ONOOH) to the carbonyl carbon atom of the free aldehyde forming a 1-hydroxyalkylperoxynitrite anion adduct (5), which structurally resembles the nitrosoperoxycarbonate adduct (1) formed from the reaction of ONOO- with CO2. Intermediate 5, or the secondary products derived from it, decays to give NO3- and regenerated aldehyde, with small but significant yields of H2O2, organic acids, and organic nitrates. In analogy with the peroxynitrite/CO2 system, it is suggested that 5 undergoes homolytic or heterolytic cleavage at the O-O bond, giving a caged radical pair [RCH(OH)O./ .NO2] (7) or intimate ion pair [RCH(OH)O -/+ NO2] (8). The radicals and ions in intermediates 7 and 8 can recombine within the solvent cage to form 1-hydroxyalkylnitrate [RCH(OH)ONO2] (6), which can then dissociate to give nitrate and regenerate the aldehyde. The aldehyde/ peroxynitrite adducts 5-8 mediate the oxidation of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) but not the nitration of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the mechanism(s) of the CO2-catalyzed isomerization of peroxynitrite to nitrate and biological nitrations involving peroxynitrite/CO2 adducts.
Dietary aluminum and Alzheimer's disease — A review

Current evidence suggests that dietary aluminum is neither an essential nutrient nor a toxic element causing neurological damage. The phosphate and fluoride salts of aluminum are very insoluble. When fed in excess, aluminum increases the dietary needs for these anions. Aluminum hydroxide is used as an antacid that can prevent the phosphatemia seen in severe kidney damage. In Alzheimer's disease there is progressive decrease in brain mass with the accumulation of phospholipid-rich cell debris. These membrane tangles tend to accumulate aluminum and are easily stainable with silver.
Multifunction digital voltmeters

Just what is the difference between the £300 4½-digit digital voltmeter and those with apparently similar specifications at two or three times the price? How do these more expensive instruments differ from those designed several years ago? The following list of charcteristics indicates how the greater expense of the premium digital voltmeter may benefit the user, and what the additional outlay pays for
Genetic association tests based on ranks (GATOR) for quantitative traits with and without censoring

Linkage disequilibrium mapping of quantitative traits is a powerful method for dissecting the genetic etiology of complex phenotypes. Quantitative traits, however, often exhibit characteristics that make their use problematic. For example, the distribution of the trait may be censored, highly skewed, or contaminated with outlying values. We propose here a rank-based framework for deriving tests of gene and trait association that explicitly take censoring into account and are insensitive to skewness and outlying values. Standard methods for mapping quantitative traits do not take these characteristics into account, which leads to the discarding of valuable information or their improper application. We show how this framework can be applied in nuclear families and discuss its implementation in general pedigrees. The power and efficacy of the approach is illustrated through a series of simulation experiments in which the approach is compared to existing methods.
Going to the Crackhouse: Critical Space as a Form of Resistance in Total Institutions and Everyday Life

This article explores the extent to which organizational ic-ntity c.-ims and the formal organization of social control influence how actors in a total institution conceptualize their "real" selves. The setting for this case study is Project Rehabilitate Women, a drug treatment program serving incarcerated female offenders. Using Goffman's analysis of the total institution as a guide, I explore the importance of "secondary adjustments" for self-definition. This analysis will show that the capacity of residents to distance themselves from the label of "addict" is contingent on the formal structure of social control. I will argue that, in the absence of traditional distancing strategies, residents construct "critical space" as an alternative means to subvert institutional control mechanisms and to creatively acquire the resources necessary to articulate definitions of self that are distinct from staff constructions. It is clear that resistance, whether temporary or sustained, successful or failed, is central to how subordinates maintain their sense of self in an environment committed to radical self-transformation.
Preliminary results comparing the recovery of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in adipose tissue and benign and malignant renal tissue.

AbstractPurpose: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2) is mitogenic to numerous epithelial, mesodermal and endothelial cells, and thus may play a role in the neovascularity and progression of several tumors. Furthermore, FGF-2 is reported to be elevated in the serum and urine of patients with various cancers, including renal cancer. Obesity, with increased body fat, is a risk factor for renal cancer through unknown mechanisms. Since adipose tissue is a source of FGF-2, we determined the quantity and quality of activity of FGF-2 in omental adipose tissue and compared it to normal and cancerous renal tissue.Materials and Methods: Using heparin-Sepharose chromatography we extracted proteins from human omental adipose tissue, renal carcinoma (RCC) and benign renal tissue (BRT). Using FGF-2 antisera we performed western blot analysis to confirm their homology to FGF-2. We also assessed recovery, mitogenicity and angiogenicity of the proteins using thymidine incorporation into human umbilical vein endo...
Pseudohypoaldosteronism due to Sweat Gland Dysfunction

Extract: Pseudohypoaldosteronism is an uncommon disorder characterized by urinary sodium wasting and is attributed to a defect in distal renal tubular sodium handling with failure to respond to endogenous aldosterone. Sweat electrolyte values in other reported patients, when measured, have been normal. A 3.5-year-old girl developed repeated episodes of dehydration, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia during the first 19 months of life. Serum sodium was as low as 113 mEq/liter and potassium as high as 11.1 mEq/liter. Her plasma and urinary aldosterone levels were persistently elevated (Figs. 1–4). Unlike patients with classic pseudohypoaldosteronism she demonstrated no urinary sodium wasting (Figs. 2 and 3). During episodes of hyponatremia and reduced sodium intake her urinary sodium was less than 5 mEq/liter. In addition, her sweat sodium concentration was consistently above 125 mEq/liter and salivary sodium concentration above 58 mEq/liter. Her chest x-ray, 72-hr fecal fat excretion, serum and urinary pancreatic amylase (amy-2) were normal, providing no evidence for cystic fibrosis. It is proposed that this patient represents a new variant of pseudohypoaldosteronism with excessive loss of sodium from the sweat and salivary glands instead of the kidneys. Spectulation: Aldosterone is known to control sodium and potassium excretion by kidneys, sweat glands, and salivary glands. In patients with classic pseudohypoaldosteronism there is a defect in renal tubular response to aldosterone action. Studies in the present patient suggest that there may be variants of this syndrome in which the end organ defect is in the sweat and salivary glands instead of the renal tubule. In addition, it is possible that new variants will be found in which end organ defect is in still other organs concerned with electrolyte transport.
Hydrogen embrittlement in a Mg-Al alloy

Experiments are described which demonstrate that a Mg-7.5 wt pct Al alloy is embrittled by both cathodically-generated and gaseous hydrogen. Immersion of unstressed specimens in an aqueous NaCl-K2CrO4 solution is shown to lead to absorption of hydrogen and to a form of internal hydrogen embrittlement similar to that observed in BCC metals. Thus embrittlement was manifested by loss of ductility in tensile tests and by cleavage-like fracture surfaces; vacuum annealing after immersion led to a reduction in hydrogen concentration and to a partial recovery of ductility; and embrittlement was not observed at high strain rates. Embrittled specimens also exhibited delayed failure in both constant-load tensile tests and constant-deflection bend tests. In a second series of experiments, slow crack growth was observed when edge-notched tensile specimens were stressed in ~ lpsig (~ 6.9 × 103 N/m2) dry hydrogen; the fracture surfaces were again cleavage-like in appearance. The significance of these observations is discussed in relation to the stress-corrosion failure of this alloy.
A systematic approach to selecting task relevant neurons.

Abstract Background Since task related neurons cannot be specifically targeted during surgery, a critical decision to make is to select which neurons are task-related when performing data analysis. Including neurons unrelated to the task degrade decoding accuracy and confound neurophysiological results. Traditionally, task-related neurons are selected as those with significant changes in firing rate when a stimulus is applied. However, this assumes that neurons’ encoding of stimuli are dominated by their firing rate with little regard to temporal dynamics. New method This paper proposes a systematic approach for neuron selection, which uses a likelihood ratio test to capture the contribution of stimulus to spiking activity while taking into account task-irrelevant intrinsic dynamics that affect firing rates. This approach is denoted as the model deterioration excluding stimulus (MDES) test. Results MDES is compared to firing rate selection in four case studies: a simulation, a decoding example, and two neurophysiology examples. Comparison with existing methods The MDES rankings in the simulation match closely with ideal rankings, while firing rate rankings are skewed by task-irrelevant parameters. For decoding, 95% accuracy is achieved using the top 8 MDES-ranked neurons, while the top 12 firing-rate ranked neurons are needed. In the neurophysiological examples, MDES matches published results when firing rates do encode salient stimulus information, and uncovers oscillatory modulations in task-related neurons that are not captured when neurons are selected using firing rates. Conclusions These case studies illustrate the importance of accounting for intrinsic dynamics when selecting task-related neurons and following the MDES approach accomplishes that. MDES selects neurons that encode task-related information irrespective of these intrinsic dynamics which can bias firing rate based selection.
Franck-Condon effect and squeezed-state physics as double-source interference phenomena

Double-source interference concepts are useful in describing-within the framework of quantum theory-the response of a vibrating system, such as a diatomic molecule or an electric circuit, to a sudden change in the parameters of the vibration. The initial vibration state, depicted as an occupied quasi-elliptic band in phase space, typically intersects the corresponding elliptic band for the final vibration state in two symmetrically located diamond-shaped zones. Interference between the two contributions modulates the ‘catenary curve’ pattern of transition probabilities in their dependence on the quantum number of the final state.
Regulation of endothelial cell activation and angiogenesis by injectable peptide nanofibers

RAD16-II peptide nanofibers are promising for vascular tissue engineering and were shown to enhance angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, although the mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that the pro-angiogenic effect of RAD16-II results from low-affinity integrin-dependent interactions of microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) with RAD motifs. Mouse MVECs were cultured on RAD16-II with or without integrin and MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitors, and angiogenic responses were quantified. The results were validated in vivo using a mouse diabetic wound healing model with impaired neovascularization. RAD16-II stimulated spontaneous capillary morphogenesis, and increased β(3) integrin phosphorylation and VEGF expression in MVECs. These responses were abrogated in the presence of β(3) and MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitors or on the control peptide without RAD motifs. Wide-spectrum integrin inhibitor echistatin completely abolished RAD16-II-mediated capillary morphogenesis in vitro and neovascularization and VEGF expression in the wound in vivo. The addition of the RGD motif to RAD16-II did not change nanofiber architecture or mechanical properties, but resulted in significant decrease in capillary morphogenesis. Overall, these results suggest that low-affinity non-specific interactions between cells and RAD motifs can trigger angiogenic responses via phosphorylation of β(3) integrin and MAPK/ERK pathway, indicating that low-affinity sequences can be used to functionalize biocompatible materials for the regulation of cell migration and angiogenesis, thus expanding the current pool of available motifs that can be used for such functionalization. Incorporation of RAD or similar motifs into protein engineered or hybrid peptide scaffolds may represent a novel strategy for vascular tissue engineering and will further enhance design opportunities for new scaffold materials.
Bridging the Theoretical and Applied Facets of Environmental Psychology

search on design or design changes (PDR) produced environments more suited to hu- man behavior, some of which were later evalu- ated by POEs. These include a treatment center, public housing, offices, parks, neigh- borhoods, and city centers. Missed by this book is the most famous POE of all, one done by Trites, Galbraith, Sturdavant, and Leckwart (1970) in which the radial design of a hospital was compared to Conventional single- and double-loaded corridors. This study demonstrated the superiority of radial design so effectively that intensive treatment units the world over have become radial in design. It bears repeating that a paradigm may not have rules that are agreed on, but it nevertheless remains a paradigm.
Molecular genetic basis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a complex genetic disease. As might be expected for a malignancy that is rather homogeneous in clinical presentation and behavior, a distinct subset of genes are found to be genetically inactivated in a majority of the tumors. A yet larger subset of genes experiences genetic inactivation at much lower frequencies. The latter subset could solely reflect a somewhat trivial genetic heterogeneity of the tumor, but more likely will represent the initial insights into pathways whose more widespread importance will be shown in future work. Familial pancreatic cancer susceptibility underlies a significant fraction of the overall incidence. Genetic testing is feasible for many of the causative genes, although the clinical utility remains unsettled. The precursor lesion for pancreatic cancer shares some of the genetic lesions of the more advanced invasive stage, and follows a stepwise progression model both histologically and genetically. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 26:1‐12, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Winged Prometheans: Arctic Aviation as Socialist Construction in Stalinist Russia, 1928-1939

During the 1920s and especially the 1930s, aviation became an increasingly important tool in the exploration and development of the USSR’s Arctic territories. The deployment of aircraft proved a boon to scientific research, but Soviet priorities in the Arctic during these years, particularly with the advent of Stalin’s five-year plans from 1928 onward, were more about building infrastructure and realizing the region’s potential for resource extraction. The use of aircraft in the Soviet Arctic was affected accordingly, with economic and developmental needs privileged over scientific ones. In line with its cultivation of pilots as national heroes, the Stalinist regime also took advantage of the international and domestic popular appeal of polar aviators—and the many exploits they staged in 1928 and afterward—to generate positive publicity for itself. Integrating Arctic aviation into the larger cultural framework of socialist realism, the USSR’s state-controlled media complex transformed polar fliers into symbols of Soviet virtue, exemplifying not just trailblazing courage, aptitude, and the mastery of futuristic technology—motifs common to the aviation cultures of many countries during this era—but also self-discipline and collective effort on behalf of the Soviet homeland and the attainment of socialist utopia.
Evidence-based approach for managing hypertension in type 2 diabetes

Blood pressure (BP) control is a critical part of managing patients with type 2 diabetes. Perhaps it is the single most important aspect of diabetes care, which unlike hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia can reduce both micro- and macrovascular complications. Hypertension is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes than general population, and in most cases its treatment requires two or more pharmacological agents (about 30% of individuals with diabetes need 3 or more medications to control BP). In this article we describe the key evidence that has contributed to our understanding that reduced BP translates into positive micro- and macrovascular outcomes. We review the data supporting current recommendation for BP target < 130/80 mmHg. Two studies suggest that a lower BP goal could be even more beneficial. We also present the comparative benefits of various antihypertensive drugs in reducing diabetes-related micro- and macrovascular complications. Finally we propose an evidence-based algorithm of how to initiate and titrate antihypertensive pharmacotherapy in affected individuals. Overall, achieving BP < 130/80 mmHg is more important than searching for the “best” antihypertensive agent in patients with diabetes.
Expression of the human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34 in vascular and spindle cell tumors

The human hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen is known as CD34. This antigen is present on normal bone marrow progenitor cells and vaseular endothelial cells. We used the monoclonal antibody auti-CD34 and immunoperoxidase staining techniques to evaluate the expression of CD34 in benign and malignant vascular and spindle cell tumors. All of the 42 vascular lesions, except two of three lesions of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia, demonstrated diffuse membraneous staining of moderate lo strong intensity of their endothelial cells. Also, normal placentas (five) showed similar staining. All neurofibromas (12), three of five neuromas, and one of four neurilemmomas revealed moderate to strong, diffuse, membraneous staining. Five of eight piloleiomyomas, two of seven angiolciomyomas, and one of five uterine leiomyomas showed focal to dilluse, and weak to moderate, membraneous staining in the smooth muscle component. Six dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were studied: generalized, strongly positive membraneous staining was present in four. All specimens showed staining of the normal endothelial cells and the cells surrounding the hair follicles (bulge area), sebaceous glands, and eccrine glands. No staining was demonstrated in any of the following fibrohistiocytic tumors: atypical fibroxanthomas (two), fibrous dermatofibromas (23), giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (one), and hemosiderotic dermatofibromas (18). Melanocytic tumors (Spitz nevi (three) and spindle cell superficial spreading malignant melanoma (one)], Merkel cell carcinomas (six), and spindle cell squamous cell carcinomas (two) did not stain with anti-CD34. Glomus tumors (two) and a hemangiopericytoma were also negative except for their vascular channels. This study demonstates that reactivity with anti-CD34 is not limited to normal vascular endothelial cells and their neoplasms.
Echocardiographic features and complications of the modified Norwood operation using the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome remains a major contributor to mortality from congenital heart disease. 1-4 Staged surgical palliation has continued to improve intermediate-term survival; however, stage I operative mortality and interstage attrition remain problematic. 3,5 A modification of the Norwood procedure using a right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) conduit (RV-PA) in place of the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, has recently gained favor. 6,7 Data suggest that this technique may improve hemodynamics in the immediate postoperative period by limiting diastolic runoff from the systemic circulation, thus, maintaining coronary perfusion. 8-10 Various authors have illustrated isolated echocardiographic features of the RV-PA modification. 7,8,11,12 With an increasing number of institutions adopting this surgical approach, familiarity with the echocardiographic features of the patient who has undergone RV-PA becomes important. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive description of the typical echocardiographic evaluation of the RV-PA modified Norwood operation. In addition, we also report the echocardiographic appearance of several complications that may occur within this patient population.
Characterization of the in vitro transcriptional activity of polymorphic alleles of the human monoamine oxidase-B gene

The activity of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) enzyme has a high degree of heritability, although no common genetic polymorphisms are present in the MAO-B coding region. The only known polymorphisms in MAO-B gene are a C-1,114T in the 5' region, a variable number of GT repeats in intron 2, and a G/A change in intron 13. The genetically determined differences in MAO-B activity among subjects most likely derive from functional differences conferred by these three MAO-B genetic polymorphisms, or by polymorphisms in trans-acting factors that regulate MAO-B expression. In order to identify differences in transcriptional activity conferred by the MAO-B genetic variants, we cloned alternative alleles at the three polymorphic loci in -1,114, intron 2 and intron 13, and tested them in transfection-luciferase assays in HepG2 hepatoma and 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. The mutant -1,114 allele T had higher activity than allele C in both cell lines, when cloned in pGL3Enhancer. Significant differences in trascriptional activity by intron 2 GT repeat allele were also observed, and varied by cell type and reporter construct. Allele G of intron 13 had significantly higher activity than allele A in both cell lines. These results indicate transcriptional activity differences between MAO-B variant alleles that are naturally occurring in the population.
A matrix method for the calculation of rate constants for complex bimolecular exchange reactions

A method is proposed for calculating, classically, the rates, selectivities, and product distributions of complex bimolecular exchange reactions. The method replaces the full numerical integration of the classical trajectories by the numerical integration of ’’single vibrations’’ of the collision complex plus the formation of sequences of these single vibrations (by matrix combination or table search rather than by further numerical integration) to yield multiple vibrations. The method is tested on three collinear atom–diatom systems and found to give satisfactory results. The reasons for and problems of extension of the method to three dimensions and larger systems are discussed.
Phase transitions in angle variables

Phase transitions in angle variables are studied. An example of angular phase transition, an axially to triaxially deformed "shape" transition in nuclei, is discussed. Spectroscopic signatures for the occurrence of these transitions are suggested. Preliminary experimental evidence is presented.
Metal Contamination in British Urban Dusts and Soils

Contamination de l'environnement par les metaux lourds tels que le cadmium, le cuivre, le zinc et notamment le plomb. Etude sur l'environnement interieur et exterieur au Royaume Uni
Large deviations for Poisson systems of independent random walks

We prove large deviation theorems for occupation time functionals of independent random walks started from a Poisson field on Z d. In dimensions 1 and 2 the large deviation tails are larger than exponential. Exact asymptotics are derived.
Seattle's municipal street railways

Hasty purchase, under war conditions, of a run–down system, heavy debt obligations, improved service with 8 1/3–cent fare after unsuccessful experiment with a 5–cent fare–these are some of hte highspots in this interesting story. It should be read in connection with the report of Detroit's experience published in the September “Review.“
E3 Analysis for Crude and Vacuum Distillation System

Crude oil blending is a very common practice in petroleum refineries, where the main focus is to minimize the total purchase cost of crude oils under specified blending oil properties. Crude oil blending actually has significant impacts on energy consumption from heating furnaces during crude oil processing. Conceivably, furnace energy consumption from burning fuels such as natural gas, fuel oil, or propane causes huge amounts of CO2 emissions. In this paper, a methodology framework for crude oil blending and processing with simultaneous consideration of energy, emission, and economic profit (E3) is developed. It includes four stages of work: steady-state modeling, heating energy consumption calculation, emission model development, and economic evaluation. With Aspen HYSYS simulation, the developed methodology provides a quantitative support for refinery to identify an optimal E3 operating strategy. A case study is implemented to demonstrate the efficacy of this methodology.
The small bowel enema in children: A description of a technique

A technique for performing small bowel enemas in children is described in detail and the results of using this technique reported. Minor modifications are necessary to the technique commonly used in adults; a softer tube is used and sedation given early and generously. It is stressed that the radiologist must control the sedation as well as the radiology.
Silica gel from rice hull ash : Preparation and characterization

ABSTRACT Rice hulls, a waste coproduct of the rice industry, is composed of 20% silica. The objectives of this study were to develop a method to recover silica from rice hull ash and produce silica gel, and to determine the physical and chemical properties of the rice hull silica gel (RHSG) relative to Trisyl 300, a commercial silica gel. Rice hull ash consisting of 61% silica and 36% carbon was dispersed in sodium hydroxide to dissolve the silica and produce a sodium silicate solution. The latter was titrated to pH 7 with 1M sulfuric acid to obtain a gel at neutral pH. The RHSG was aged, washed, and dried under specific conditions to get a final product that was slightly basic and had a moisture content >65%. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry indicated that silicon was the most abundant element present in RHSG and Trisyl 300. Elemental analyses by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy indicated a greater concentration of sodium and sulfur in RHSG relative to that in Trisyl 300. RHSG surface...
Hidden Symmetries in Simple Graphs

It is shown that each element s in the normalizer of the automorphism group Aut(G) of a simple graph G with labeled vertex set V is an Aut(G) invariant isomorphism between G and the graph obtained from G by the s permutation of V—i.e., s is a hidden permutation symmetry of G. A simple example illustrates the theory and the applied notion of system robustness for reconfiguration under symmetry constraint (RUSC) is introduced.
Processing and properties of polymer composites containing aligned functionalized carbon nanofibers

AC electric field was used to align functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carboxylic acid-functionalized CNFs (O-CNFs) and amine-functionalized CNFs (A-CNFs), in an epoxy resin. The resulting composites were characterized for dispersion and alignment structure as well as for their mechanical and electrical properties in the CNF alignment direction. Optical images of the composites revealed uniform distribution and alignment of the CNFs in the direction of the electric field. Due to the similarity in the alignment structure, it was observed that alignment of the functionalized CNFs was independent of the functional groups attached to the CNFs. Compression tests (parallel to the direction of the aligned A-CNFs) of A-CNF/epoxy composites showed an increase of 19% in compressive modulus and 9% in compressive strength at a CNF concentration of 4.5 wt.%, with respect to the neat composite. Electrical resistivity of composites measured parallel to the direction of aligned CNFs (containing up to 4.5 wt.% O-CNFs and A-CNFs) were found to be approximately three orders of magnitude lower than composites with non-aligned CNFs. The electrical resistivity percolation threshold for composites with aligned O-CNFs and A-CNFs occurred at approximately 0.75 wt.%. Discussion regarding the contribution of CNF type towards the mechanical and electrical properties is also presented.
Observations on nuclear RNA during mitosis in human cancer cells in culture (HeLa-S3), studied with tritiated cytidine.

Abstract Observations on nuclear RNA labeled with 3H-cytidine, by autoradiography in the HeLa-S3 cells in interphase and in mitosis led to the following conclusions: 1. 1. RNA synthesis continues in cells in mitosis until late prophase. Most of the labeled RNA in prophase is associated with the chromosomes, and more with the chromosomal surface than the core. Nucleolar labeling amounts to less than 16 per cent. The degree and the pattern of nuclear labeling is similar in early prophase and in interphase. This indicates that in the HeLa cell the synthesis of more than 80 per cent of the RNA occurs on chromosomes. 2. 2. With progression of the labeled cells through the stages of mitosis, the labeling associated with the chromosomes contributes to cytoplasmic RNA. Approximately one-fourth of the label remains associated with the chromosomes even through anaphase. There is no indication that this persistent chromosomal labeled RNA contributes to the organization of the nucleoli at telophase. 3. 3. RNA synthesis resumes at telophase within the chromatin portion of the nuclei. Nucleotides for the resuming RNA synthesis are derived at least in part from the acid-soluble fraction of the cell, where they had remained throughout mitosis without exchange with non-labeled nucleoside in the extracellular medium.
Interdependence with the environment: Commitment, interconnectedness, and environmental behavior

Abstract Do individuals’ perceptions of their interdependence with the natural environment affect their environmental behaviors? From the perspective of interdependence theory, we introduce a scale to measure commitment to the natural environment. In Study 1, higher levels of commitment to the environment and greater inclusion of nature in the self separately predicted higher levels of pro-environmental behavior, even when controlling for social desirability and ecological worldview. In Study 2, participants primed to experience high commitment to the environment reported greater levels of pro-environmental behavioral intentions as well as pro-environmental behavior relative to participants primed to experience low commitment to the environment. Commitment to the natural environment is a new theoretical construct that predicts environmental behavior.
Recovery from sexual satiety in male rats

In order to describe more completely the time course of recovery from sexual satiety in male rats, 18 males were tested after each of six recovery intervals: 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days. Different recovery rates were found for different measures of behavior. While most measures were restored to baseline levels by 6 days following satiation, the postejaculatory interval following the second ejaculation was still prolonged after 9 days of rest. No changes were seen in the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation. Systematic changes over the course of the experiment were found in the measures of copulatory behavior taken in the sessions that preceded each recovery test.
Development of the Cylindrical Wire Electrical Discharge Machining Process, Part 1: Concept, Design, and Material Removal Rate

Results of applying the wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process to generate precise cylindrical forms on hard, difficult-to-machine materials are presented. The design of a precise, flexible, and corrosion-resistant underwater rotary spindle is first introduced. A detailed spindle error analysis identifies the major sources of error at different frequency spectrum. The spindle has been added to a conventional two-axis wire EDM machine to enable the generation of free-form cylindrical geometries. The mathematical model for material removal rate of the free-form cylindrical wire EDM process is derived. Experiments were conducted to explore the maximum material removal rate for cylindrical and 2D wire EDM of carbide and brass work-materials. Compared to the conventional 2D wire EDM of the same work-material, higher maximum material removal rates may be achieved in the cylindrical wire EDM, possibly due to better debris flushing condition.