cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Dose Ciprofloxacin for Serious Gram-Negative Infection in an Obese, Critically Ill Patient Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration

Objective:To describe the pharmacokinetic profile and clinical outcome associated with high-dose ciprofloxacin therapy in a patient with the triad of extreme obesity, multiple organ failure, and deep-seated infection.Case Summary:A 45-year-old, class 3 obese (185 kg; body mass index 53.7), critically ill trauma patient receiving continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHOF) was treated with ciprofloxacin 800 mg intravenously every 12 hours for presumed Enterobacter aerogenes (ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≤1 μg/mL) lumbar spine osteomyelitis. Four sequential plasma ciprofloxacin samples were obtained and analyzed to determine the steady-state pharmacokinetic profile. The observed steady-state maximum (Cmax) and calculated minimum (Cmin) ciprofloxacin plasma concentrations measured on treatment day 8 were 13 μg/mL and 4.8 μg/mL, respectively, corresponding to an estimated half-life, area under the curve (AUC0-24), total systemic clearance, and clearance by CVVHDF of 7.6 hours, 132...
Dynamic evaluation of swallowing in patients with cerebrovascular accident

To determine the specific effects of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) on deglutition, especially relative to the site of CVA, we studied videotapes of barium swallow examinations in 74 patients who had had a CVA. Although there was no distinct correlation between the prevalence of oral and pharyngeal dysfunction and the site of CVA, left CVA was prone to impair only the oral phase, and right CVA tended to impair both phases.
Binding MOAD (Mother of All Databases)

Binding MOAD (Mother of All Data- bases) is the largest collection of high-quality, protein- ligand complexes available from the Protein Data Bank. At this time, Binding MOAD contains 5331 protein-ligand complexes comprised of 1780 unique protein families and 2630 unique ligands. We have searched the crystallography papers for all 5000 structures and compiled binding data for 1375 (26%) of the protein-ligand complexes. The binding-affinity data ranges 13 orders of magnitude. This is the largest collection of binding data reported to date in the literature. We have also addressed the issue of redun- dancy in the data. To create a nonredundant dataset, one protein from each of the 1780 protein families was chosen as a representative. Representatives were cho- sen by tightest binding, best resolution, etc. For the 1780 "best" complexes that comprise the nonredun- dant version of Binding MOAD, 475 (27%) have bind- ing data. This significant collection of protein-ligand complexes will be very useful in elucidating the bio- physical patterns of molecular recognition and enzy- matic regulation. The complexes with binding-affinity data will help in the development of improved scoring functions and structure-based drug discovery tech- niques. The dataset can be accessed at http://www. BindingMOAD.org. Proteins 2005;60:333-340.
LXRs Regulate ER Stress and Inflammation through Dynamic Modulation of Membrane Phospholipid Composition

The fatty acyl composition of phospholipids determines the biophysical character of membranes and impacts the function of membrane proteins. Here, we define a nuclear receptor pathway for the dynamic modulation of membrane composition in response to changes in cellular lipid metabolism. Ligand activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) preferentially drives the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids through induction of the remodeling enzyme Lpcat3. Promotion of Lpcat3 activity ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by saturated free fatty acids in vitro or by hepatic lipid accumulation in vivo. Conversely, Lpcat3 knockdown in liver exacerbates ER stress and inflammation. Mechanistically, Lpcat3 modulates inflammation both by regulating inflammatory kinase activation through changes in membrane composition and by affecting substrate availability for inflammatory mediator production. These results outline an endogenous mechanism for the preservation of membrane homeostasis during lipid stress and identify Lpcat3 as an important mediator of LXR effects on metabolism.
An adaptive IIR filter with constraints on the output power level

Active Noise Control (ANC) systems can be used for suppressing sinusoidal frequency interference in wideband signals. In some applications it may be desirable to limit the maximum power level delivered by the ANC system to prevent overdriving a transducer or causing output amplifier saturation. This paper develops an algorithm for an adaptive IIR filter that places a constraint on the output power level, while still maintaining a narrow bandwidth to reject only the interfering sinusoidal portion.
XAFS SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF URANYL COORDINATION IN SOLIDS AND AQUEOUS SOLUTION

To evaluate the ability of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to elucidate the coordination environment of U 61 at the solid-water interface, we conducted an in-depth analysis of experimental XAFS data from U 61 solid and solution model compounds. Using the ab initio XAFS code FEFF6, we calculated phase-shift and amplitude functions for fitting experimental data. The code FEFF6 does a good job of reproducing experimental data and is particularly valuable for providing phase-shift and amplitude functions for neighboring atoms whose spectral contributions are difficult to isolate from experimental data because of overlap of Fourier transform features. In solid-phase model compounds at ambient temperature, we were able to fit spectral contributions from axial O (1.8 A ˚), equatorial O (2.2‐2.5 A ˚), N (2.9 A ˚), C (2.9 A ˚), Si (3.2 A ˚), P (3.6 A ˚), distant O (4.3 A ˚), and U (4.0, 4.3, 4.9, and 5.2 A ˚) atoms. Contributions from N, C, Si, P, distant O, and distant U (4.9 and 5.2 A ˚) are weak and therefore might go undetected in a sample of unknown composition. Lowering the temperature to 10 K extends detection of U neighbors to 7.0 A ˚. The ability to detect these atoms suggests that XAFS might be capable of discerning inner-sphere U sorption at solid aluminosilicate-water interfaces. XAFS should definitely detect multinuclear U complexes and precipitates. Multiple-scattering paths are minor contributors to uranyl XAFS beyond k 5 3A ˚ 2 1 . Allowing shell-dependent disorder parameters (s 2 ) to vary, we observed narrow ranges of s 2 values for similar shells of neighboring atoms. Knowledge of these ranges is necessary to constrain the fit of XAFS spectra for unknowns. Finally, we found that structures reported in the literature for uranyl diacetate and rutherfordine are not completely correct.
Targeted Delivery of VEGF after a Myocardial Infarction Reduces Collagen Deposition and Improves Cardiac Function

The development of adjunctive therapies which attenuate adverse remodeling and improve LV function post myocardial infarction (MI) is of significant clinical interest. Previously, we have shown that targeted delivery of therapeutic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to the infarct border zone significantly increases vascular perfusion and results in improvements in LV function. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that improvements in cardiac function observed with this novel targeted drug delivery system strongly correlate with reductions in collagen deposition in the scar tissue after an MI. Rats received anti-P-selectin conjugated immunoliposomes containing VEGF immediately post-MI. Over 4 weeks, evolutionary changes in LV geometry and function were correlated with collagen deposition and infarct size quantified by Gomori's trichrome and picrosirius red staining. Targeted VEGF treated hearts showed a 37% decrease in collagen deposition in the anterior wall, as well as significant improvements in LV filling pressures. Multi-regression analysis showed that the extent of collagen deposition post MI can be predicted by a linear combination of normalized LV mass and ejection fraction. Targeted delivery of VEGF post-MI results in significant decreases in collagen deposition and adverse remodeling. Improvements in cardiac function in this model are related to degree of collagen deposition and extent of scar formation.
Using Contemporary Art to Challenge Cultural Values, Beliefs, and Assumptions

(2006). Using Contemporary Art to Challenge Cultural Values, Beliefs, and Assumptions. Art Education: Vol. 59, Looking Back, Around, and Forward, pp. 39-45.
Effect of doxazosin on stretch-activated adenosine triphosphate release in bladder urothelial cells from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objectives. Recent data suggest that the bladder urothelium may have a sensory function by way of release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during stretch, which then acts as a sensory neurotransmitter. Because benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can give rise to irritative (hypersensory) voiding patterns, we questioned whether the bladder urothelium from patients with BPH released more ATP during in vitro stretch and whether doxazosin, an alpha1-adrenoceptor blocker, affects this purinergic mechanism. Methods. Bladder urothelial biopsies from patients with BPH (n = 4) and controls (n = 4) were cultured using established techniques. In vitro stretch was performed with a Flexcell 2000 device that uses vacuum to deform the cell growth surface to impart a stretch force. Doxazosin (5 μM and 20 μM) was added to cells, and supernatants were collected at various points for ATP assay. ATP was assayed using the luciferin-luciferase reaction. ATP data were normalized to the time 0 value and expressed as a percentage of the baseline value. Results. After 96 hours of stretch, the BPH urothelial cells released significantly more ATP than did the control urothelial cells (62.6% ± 11.2% versus 24.2% ± 5.4%, P = 0.005) and nonstretched BPH urothelial cells (62.6% ± 11.2% versus 15.1% ± 5.1%, P = 0.004). The augmented release of ATP by stretched BPH bladder urothelial cells was completely blocked by treatment with 20 μM doxazosin. Conclusions. Irritative voiding secondary to BPH may arise from increased ATP release by bladder urothelium during stretch. Doxazosin inhibits ATP release by way of an unknown mechanism that may or may not involve the alpha1-adrenoreceptor. Treatment for hypersensory voiding symptoms secondary to BPH might also target the urothelial purinergic pathway.
The effect of excess neodymia on the grain growth of Nd1+xBa2−xCu3Oy solid solutions

The grain growth of dense, fine-grained Nd1+xBa2−xCu3Oy (x = 0.1−0.4) specimens has been examined in pure O2(g) at 938 °C and 967 °C. No detectable change in average grain size was observed for Nd1.4Ba1.6Cu3Oy within 72 h at 967 °C; however, a significant increase in average grain size developed between 18 and 24 h at 967 °C for Nd1.3Ba1.7Cu3Oy, and within 8−12 h at ≤967 °C for Nd1.2Ba1.8Cu3Oy and Nd1.1Ba1.9Cu3Oy. Microstructural analyses revealed that sudden changes in average grain size coincided with the formation of relatively large (abnormal) grains. A broadening of the grain size distribution was also observed. TEM analyses revealed that grain boundaries were free of second phases. The possible role of anisotropy in grain boundary energy and/or mobility on grain growth is discussed.
Variation in Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux at Two Spatial Scales in a Topographically Complex Boreal Forest

Abstract Carbon dynamics of high-latitude regions are an important and highly uncertain component of global carbon budgets, and efforts to constrain estimates of soil-atmosphere carbon exchange in these regions are contingent on accurate representations of spatial and temporal variability in carbon fluxes. This study explores spatial and temporal variability in soilatmosphere carbon dynamics at both fine and coarse spatial scales in a high-elevation, permafrost-dominated boreal black spruce forest. We evaluate the importance of landscape-level investigations of soil-atmosphere carbon dynamics by characterizing seasonal trends in soil-atmosphere carbon exchange, describing soil temperature-moisture-respiration relations, and quantifying temporal and spatial variability at two spatial scales: the plot scale (0–5 m) and the landscape scale (500–1000 m). Plot-scale spatial variability (average variation on a given measurement day) in soil CO2 efflux ranged from a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.25 to 0.69,...
Deformation-induced ATP release from red blood cells requires CFTR activity

Recently, it was reported that rabbit and human red blood cells (RBCs) release ATP in response to mechanical deformation. Here we investigate the hypothesis that the activity of the cystic fibrosis...
Random mutagenesis in the large extrinsic loop E and transmembrane alpha-helix VI of the CP 47 protein of Photosystem II.

The intrinsic chlorophyll-protein CP 47 is a component of Photosystem II which functions in both light-harvesting and oxygen evolution. Using the Escherichia coli mutator strain XL-1 Red, we introduced mutations at 14 sites in the large extrinsic loop E of CP 47 and its adjacent transmembrane α-helix VI. Four mutant cell lines were recovered in which the histidyl residues 455H, 466H and 469H were altered. The cell lines H455T, H455Y, H469Y, and the double mutant F432L,H466R exhibited phenotypes that supported the identification of the histidyl residues 455H, 466H and 469H as chlorophyll ligands. Four additional mutant cell lines were recovered which contained mutations at positions 448R in the large extrinsic loop of CP 47. These mutants, R448K, R448Q, R448S, and R448W, exhibited variable phenotypes ranging from moderate alteration of photoautotrophic growth and oxygen evolution rates to a complete inhibition of these parameters. Those mutants exhibiting photoautotrophic growth and oxygen evolution capability under standard conditions were unable to grow photoautotrophically or evolve oxygen when grown at low chloride concentrations. Finally, a mutant cell line exhibiting a substitution at position 342G was recovered. The mutant G342D exhibited moderate alterations of photoautotrophic growth and oxygen evolution. In addition to these alterations, mutants were recovered in which deletions and insertions (leading to frame shifts) and stop codons were introduced. These mutants uniformly lacked the ability to either grow photoautotrophically or evolve oxygen.
DNA tumor virus oncogenes antagonize the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) detects intracellular DNA and signals through the adapter protein STING to initiate the antiviral response to DNA viruses. Whether DNA viruses can prevent activation of the cGAS-STING pathway remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the oncogenes of the DNA tumor viruses, including E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) and E1A from adenovirus, as potent and specific inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. We show that the LXCXE motif of these oncoproteins, which is essential for blockade of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor, is also important for antagonizing DNA sensing. E1A and E7 bind to STING, and silencing of these oncogenes in human tumor cells restores the cGAS-STING pathway. Our findings reveal a host-virus conflict that may have shaped the evolution of viral oncogenes.
Correlates of Co-Sourcing/Out-Sourcing of Internal Audit Activities

Responses from 1,059 chief audit executives (CAEs) are used to investigate a number of variables that are theoretically associated with co-sourcing/out-sourcing (COUTing) of internal audit activities. The CAE responses represent Anglo-culture organizations located in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K./Ireland, and the U.S. I hypothesize and find evidence that while value-added activities are negatively associated with COUTing, missing skill sets and audit staff vacancies are positively associated with COUTing. Among several control variables investigated, organization size is negatively associated, and audit committee involvement is positively associated with COUTing, but at marginal significance levels. No other control variable is statistically significant, lending support for robustness of the main findings.
Archeoseismology applied to the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 to 1812

Recent studies of larger eastern North America earthquakes together with seismicity and focal mechanism studies in the New Madrid seismic zone permit estimates being made of static vertical displacements associated with the 1811 to 1812 New Madrid earthquakes. A comparison of observed and theoretically predicted vertical displacements is inconclusive due to the lack of detail in the historical record and the physical characteristics of the region where the earthquakes occurred. On the other hand estimates are made of the seismic moment, fault area, and fault displacement. Given the inherent errors of the estimates, the parameters Ms , Mo , and fault area are consistent with the Kanamori and Anderson (1975) study of the interrelationship of these parameters for worldwide earthquakes. A stress drop on the order of 60 to 100 bars seems reasonable. These estimates will be useful for numerical ground motion estimation.
Evaluation of Neonatal Thyroxine and Neonatal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Radioimmunoassay Kits

Hypothyroidism in both premature and full-term infants is known to surface within a shorl time after birlh. If left untreated, this condition often leads to cretinism and, eventually, mental retardation. Our institution performs thyroid hormone screening on neonates in the hope that such problems may be avoided. Using blood-stained filter paper spots, various radioimmunoassay kits were evaluated to find one neonatal thyroxine and one neonatal thyroid-stimulation hormone kit which could yield reproducible results and low cost for the patient. The results obtained determined which kits are best suited to our needs in diagnosing hypothyroidism in infants.
The Calendar Mindset: Scheduling Takes the Fun Out and Puts the Work In

AbstractConsumers often schedule their activities in an attempt to use their time more efficiently. Although the benefits of scheduling are well established, its potential downsides are not well understood. The authors examine whether scheduling uniquely undermines the benefits of leisure activities. In 13 studies using unambiguous leisure activities that consumers commonly schedule (e.g., movies, a coffee break), they find that scheduling a leisure activity (vs. experiencing it impromptu) makes it feel less free-flowing and more work-like. Furthermore, scheduling diminishes utility from leisure activities, in terms of both excitement in anticipation of the activities and experienced enjoyment. Importantly, the authors find that maintaining the free-flowing nature of the activity by “roughly scheduling” (without prespecified times) eliminates this effect, thus indicating that the effect is driven by a detriment from scheduling rather than by a boost from spontaneity. The reported findings highlight an imp...
Investigation of Low Voltage/High Thrust Hall Thruster Operation

Performance of low-power and high-power Hall thrusters were experimentally investigated at discharge voltages from 100–150 volts. Discharge efficiencies dropped significantly as discharge voltage was decreased over this range. Reductions in discharge efficiency with decreasing discharge voltage were attributed to reductions in ionization efficiency and/or ion acceleration through a potential less than the applied discharge voltage relative to the performance of state-of-art Hall thrusters operating at discharge voltages of 300 volts and above. The low-power Hall thruster exhibited a more pronounced reduction in discharge efficiency with decreasing discharge voltage. This was attributed to increased electron leakage related to the axial distribution of the radial magnetic field. These data demonstrated that the thrust benefit of operating at discharge voltages below 130 volts was offset by a corresponding decrease in discharge efficiency for a given input power. 39th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 20-23 July 2003, Huntsville, Alabama AIAA 2003-5004 Copyright © 2003 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. The U.S. Government has a royalty-free license to exercise all rights under the copyright claimed herein for Governmental purposes. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner.
The effect of local anaesthetics upon the conjunctivitis caused by mustard oil

Spiess1 and Ninian Bruce2 have shown that the oedema of the conjunctiva which can be produced by instilling mustard oil into the conjunctival sac of a rabbit, can be prevented by the instillation of 10 per cent. cocaine. Bruce interprets this action as being due to the inhibition of vasdilator axon reflexes to the capillaries and smaller arterioles, and he found that if the ophthalmic nerve was cut before applying mustard oil oedema could then be produced only during the period in which the vasodilator fibers were still undegenerated, and a sufficient time were allowed for the vasodilator nerves to degenerate completely before the mustard oil was applied, oedema did not result after the instillation of mustard oil. Bruce's results have been confirmed by Bardy.1In 1917 I2 was able to demonstrate the following facts : (1) That the application of epinephrin, producing a local vaso constriction of the conjunctival vessels, inhibited the development of the oedema, for about an hour, but that after the epinephr...
An Examination of Music Teacher Job Interview Questions.

The purpose of this study was to examine which interview questions principals consider most important when interviewing prospective music teachers. Additionally, data were examined to determine any differences between school grade level, school setting, or years of experience as a principal in preferences for specific interview questions. Four-hundred five (N = 405) principals from the state of North Carolina completed an online questionnaire asking each participant to rate 27 interview questions on how important they consider each question to be. Additionally, a free response section was created to allow respondents to list any additional interview questions they viewed as very important that were not listed. Results indicated “How will you connect with your students,” “Tell me what I’ll see happening in your classroom,” and “How would you make sure students are successful in music” were the top three rated interview questions, respectively. No significant differences were found for ratings of interview ...
Effects of N Application Rate on Cabbage Nitrogen Utilization andContent of Nitrate-Nitrogen in Soil

Taking 'Beijing New No.3' Chinese cabbage as material,the effect of different nitrogen levels on cabbage nitrogen utilization and residual soil nitrate were studied in this paper.The results showed that there existed the quadratic relationship between nitrogen application rate and yield;the optimal nitrogen rate for the season cabbage was the nitrogen levels of 150 kg/hm2;when nitrogen levels below this value,the soil nitrate residued maintained at a low level,the apparent loss was low;when nitrogen levels exceed the value,the residual nitrate in the soil and the loss in volume would increase significantly;the average nitrogen application rate of growing region was 300 kg/hm2,by improving fertilization and irrigation methods,reducing the nitrogen application rate,it still could obtain a higher yield.
Evaluation of intervention on providing dietary guidance to reduce salt and oil intake among 780 households in Henan province.

Objective To evaluate the result of intervention on providing dietary guidance to reduce salt and oil intake among 780 households. Methods One village or community were selected by random sampling method from each 26 counties, and according to the principle of willing to change their diets, 30 households were selected in each village or community. The daily salt and oil intake of per person were worked out by 3 consecutive days of food weighing method respectively before and after providing dietary guidance. Results The intake of salt and oil were significantly lower after providing dietary guidance than before(P 0.01), the qualification rate of salt and oil intake were significantly increased as well(P 0.01). Conclusions Dietary guidance as a main intervention can effectively reduce the intake of salt and oil among households.
Effects of Emotion Regulation Therapy on Children with Aggressive Behavior

Objective To explore the effect of emotion regulation therapy on children with Aggressive behavior.Methods Use emotion regulation therapy to interfere in the 68 children with aggressive behavior and their family for ten weeks,use Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL)(parents) and Symptom check list-90 to evaluate the effect.Results After the intervention,the level of con-score and the agents of aggressive,social intercourse and body symptom in CBCL had been depressed,the level of the agents of somatization,oblige,interpersonal relationship,anxiety,rivalry had been depressed.Conclusion The emotion regulation is useful in children with aggressive behavior.
52 How do peer passengers influence teenagers’ driving behaviours?

Statement of purpose Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen death in the United States. Peer passengers increase risk, in part due to how they draw the teen driver’s attention away from the roadway. The purpose of this study was to examine teens’ attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and norms related to driving inattention and peer passengers. Methods We conducted 7 focus groups with 30 teens, ages 16–18, licensed for ≤1 year in Pennsylvania. The focus group interview guide and analysis were based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. We used descriptive content analysis to develop themes. Self-report quantitative data were also collected from participants for descriptive purposes. Results The sample was 50% male, mean age 17.39 (sd 0.52), mean length of licensure 173.7 days (sd 109.2) and predominately white (90%) and non-Hispanic (97%). Three major themes emerged: 1). Good Passengers and Not so Good Passengers; 2). The Driver is in Control; and 3). Passengers wouldn’t Put Themselves at Risk on Purpose…but Laws Don’t Matter. Teens described how peer passengers can be helpful (e.g. providing directions) and harmful (e.g. loud music). The driver also manages their attention by directing passengers to handle secondary tasks (e.g. GPS). Teens (as passengers) found it more difficult to ask an inattentive driver (e.g. one who is texting) to keep attention on the road. Teens didn’t perceive that passengers purposely divert a drivers’ attention off the road. Passenger restriction laws had little influence on number of peer passengers teens chose to have in the vehicle. Conclusions Teens describe an awareness of the role of peer passengers in driver inattention and identify ways to manage risks in different situations. Significance and contribution to the field An understanding of teens’ perceptions of peer passengers can contribute to the development of effective interventions targeting teen driver inattention.
Radiation Effects in Laminar Flames

Even in the absence of turbulence, radiative heat transfer has important influences on the global and local behavior of flames. There is a large and rapidly growing body of literature containing analytic, experimental and simulation studies aimed at isolating and quantifying the influences of radiation on (for example) laminar flame speeds and pollutant emissions in laminar flames. Radiation plays an especially prominent role in “threshold” phenomena, including flammability, extinction, and stability limits for laminar flames. These effects can be amplified in turbulent flames. In this chapter, several examples of important radiation effects in laminar and transitional flames are discussed, before returning to the fully turbulent flames that are the primary focus of this monograph. Spatially one-dimensional systems are considered first, followed by two-dimensional systems. Examples are provided for both premixed and nonpremixed flames.
A Phase II study of irinotecan in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a poor prognosis. In a Phase II clinical trial, two academic centers assessed irinotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor with broad spectrum clinical activity, in patients who had advanced hepatocellular cancer. METHODS Patients who had had up to one prior chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Bidimensionally measurable disease, a good performance status, and adequate major organ function were required. At a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, irinotecan was administered weekly for 4 weeks followed by a 2 week break, which constituted 1 treatment cycle. Patients were restaged radiologically after two cycles of therapy. Dose attenuations were made as indicated for toxicity. RESULTS Fourteen patients were enrolled over a 10-week period in 1997. There were ten males and four females. The median age was 58 years (range, 38–74 yrs). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group median performance status was 1 (range, 0–1). Two patients had prior chemotherapy (14%), and 1 patient (7%) had had radiation. A total of 30 cycles of therapy were delivered (median, 1; range, 1–6). Considerable toxicity was observed, mostly neutropenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. All patients required at least one dose attenuation for toxicity. One partial response (7%; confidence interval, 0–20%) was noted to last 7 months. One patient had transient stable disease, and all others (86%) had progression of disease as their best response. CONCLUSIONS Irinotecan had modest activity in advanced hepatocellular cancer. Toxicity was substantial, presumably reflecting impaired underlying liver function or poor ability to metabolize and eliminate the drug. The current study indicated that continued new therapy assessment is warranted for this disease. Cancer 2001;91:101–5. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Metal Adherent Water-Resistant Polymers

(1991). Metal Adherent Water-Resistant Polymers. Materials and Processing Report: Vol. 5, No. 10, pp. 2-3.
Unità multiple. Centocinquant’anni? Unità? Italia?

Born of a 2011 conference by the same title, held at the University of Calabria (Cosenza, Italy), the volume Unita multiple remains true, for the most part, to the interrogative marks it adds to it...
Phase I/II study of low-dose azacytidine in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have minimal residual disease while receiving therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

The depth of molecular response achieved with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may improve the long-term outcome. Among patients who achieve c...
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

Evidenced-based practice (EBP) as defined by the Institute of Medicine(IOM) is the integration of "best research with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care"(IOM, 2003, p.45-46). Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered a standard for safe and quality care (Carlson & Plonczynski, 2008). Healthcare leaders recognize EBP as an integral part of achieving quality outcomes and attaining high reliability. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has established a goal that 90% of healthcare decisions in the United States be evidenced based by the year 2020 (IOM, 2009). Despite the fact that EBP has been promoted for many years, inconsistencies in implementation and adoption have been noted. Barriers to the implementation of EBP need to be understood. Assessing organizational culture has been identified as a necessary first step in to overcoming common barriers (Carlson & Plonczynski, 2008; Frasure, 2008). The purpose of this study was to assess the practice, attitudes and knowledge of EBP in registered nurses using the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ). The study used a descriptive design with convenience sampling. All staff registered nurses (RNs), Clinical Managers (CMs) and Assistant Clinical Managers (ACMs) on inpatient units within a large medical center in the Northeast were invited to participate in this survey. Study results are similar to those found in literature previously cited: a positive attitude towards EBP with a lower perception of knowledge or practice (Melnyk et al., 2004) and belief that more knowledge is needed (Alspach, 2006; Melnyk et al., 2004; Melnyk, Fineout-Overholt, Gallagher-Ford, & Kaplan, 2012). This assessment indicates a degree of environmental readiness and provides relative estimation of educational needs.
Tera-hertz GaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors with nanoscale finger spacing and width

Metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors with nanoscale finger spacing and finger width have been fabricated on MBE (molecular beam epitaxy)-grown GaAs. The smallest finger spacing and width are 25 nm and 15 nm, respectively. Direct dynamic measurement using a femtosecond pulse laser and a 50-GHz sampling oscilloscope showed that the detectors' speed is much faster than that of the measuring system. Monte Carlo simulations show that, for an MSM photodetector with 25-nm finger spacing, its intrinsic and extrinsic impulse responses are 0.16 ps and 0.25 ps, respectively, and its cut-off frequency is over 1 THz. Finally, the scaling rules in achieving ultra-high-speed MSM photodetectors are discussed. >
Structural and chemical evolution in neutron irradiated and helium-injected ferritic ODS PM2000 alloy

Abstract An investigation of the influence of helium on damage evolution under neutron irradiation of an 11 at% Al, 19 at% Cr ODS ferritic PM2000 alloy was carried out in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) using a novel in situ helium injection (ISHI) technique. Helium was injected into adjacent TEM discs from thermal neutron 58Ni(nth,γ) 59Ni(nth,α) reactions in a thin NiAl layer. The PM2000 undergoes concurrent displacement damage from the high-energy neutrons. The ISHI technique allows direct comparisons of regions with and without high concentrations of helium since only the side coated with the NiAl experiences helium injection. The corresponding microstructural and microchemical evolutions were characterized using both conventional and scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques. The evolutions observed include formation of dislocation loops and associated helium bubbles, precipitation of a variety of phases, amorphization of the Al2YO3 oxides (which also variously contained internal voids), and several manifestations of solute segregation. Notably, high concentrations of helium had a significant effect on many of these diverse phenomena. These results on PM2000 are compared and contrasted to the evolution of so-called nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFA).
Keep it simple: microarray cross-platform comparison without statistics

With the proliferation of statistical algorithms developed for analyzing microarray data, high throughput molecular biology has shifted focus to highly numerical data exploration. We are increasingly aware that, although appealing, complicated statistical algorithms cannot remedy all discordance in microarray data, if such exist. In this chapter we explain how significant biological insight can be obtained from a carefully designed microarray experiment where intuition can often replace the need for statistics. We discuss analysis of gene expression data in the context of the FDA spearheaded MicroArray Quality Control project, a comprehensive public effort with its first round of results published in Nature Biotechnology in September 2006. We base our analysis on an understanding of commercial probe-design philosophies and comprehensive probe mapping. With a concrete example, we illustrate the rich biology often overlooked in microarray research and we discuss the merits of cross-platform comparison in clinical setting.
Part I: After the Turn, 1990–91

This part covers fieldwork done from August 1990 to July 1991. The aim was to capture real-time reactions of East German intellectuals to the end of their nation, the GDR (German Democratic Republic); the simultaneous end of their nearly universally shared dream of a socialist world succeeding capitalism; and the realization that it was capitalist West Germany, not the GDR, that had “won” the struggle for German national identity and economic survival. The virtually universal sentiment among these intellectuals in 1990–91 was that East Germany was not unifying with West Germany; rather the conclusion was that the GDR was being taken over and “colonized” by the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany). Lastly, there was confusion and a lack of consensus among these intellectuals regarding the viability of socialism as an organizing principle for society.
Brokering Student Well-Being: Understanding the Work of School Health Administrators:

Despite a well-documented need for school health programs (SHPs) among schoolchildren, there is little school health funding in California and limited research on the role of those who manage SHPs. This qualitative study investigated the work of a selected group of school health administrators (SHAs) in California. Study aims were to explore SHA job pathways and responsibilities, the contextual factors influencing their work, and how they get their work done, given limited funding for SHPs. Thirty in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with SHAs and their staff, supervisors, and deputy SHAs. The main themes and subthemes are (1) district hierarchies marginalize SHAs and (2) in response to this marginalization, SHAs engage in brokering strategies to get their work done, including (a) raising awareness, (b) cultivating powerful allies, and (c) adjusting to working conditions. Despite structural disempowerment, SHAs have developed strategies to secure political support for SHPs and school nurses.
CubeSat On-Orbit Temperature Comparison to Thermal-Balance-Tuned-Model Predictions

Confidence in spacecraft thermal models can be built by tuning their numerous parameters using the results of a thermal-balance test. In such a test, the flight article is placed in a thermal vacuu...
Effects of sulfide exposure history and hemolymph thiosulfate on oxygen-consumption rates and regulation in the hydrothermal vent crab Bythograea thermydron

The hydrothermal vent crab Bythograea thermydron is exposed to high environmental concentrations of sulfide and low levels of oxygen for extended periods of time. It has previously been shown that hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to the relatively non-toxic thiosulfate (S2O 3 2− ), which accumulates in the hemolymph. Hemolymph thiosulfate levels in freshly captured crabs vary significantly among crabs from different hydrothermal vent sites as well as between crabs from different microhabitats within the same site. Hemolymph thiosulfate concentrations were not significantly different between crabs captured at the same site 6 mo apart. Hemolymph thiosulfate concentrations ranged from 66 μmol 1−1 in a crab captured at a site with relatively low sulfide venting, to 3206 μmol 1−1 in an individual that was netted from an active “smoker” vent with much higher sulfide exposure. The differences in hemolymph thiosulfate between sites and the stability of hemolymph thiosulfate in crabs captured at the same site at different times suggest that sulfide exposure is significantly different between sites and that this exposure may not vary significantly over the course of a few months. B. thermydron experimentally exposed to sulfide had high levels of thiosulfate in their hemolymph and increased abilities to regulate oxygen consumption in conditions of low oxygen. This enhancement of regulatory abilities suggests that the previously demonstrated increased hemocyaninoxygen (Hc−O2) affinity due to elevated thiosulfate may be adaptive in vivo. Average oxygen-consumption rates were much higher in crabs experimentally exposed to sulfide than in unexposed crabs. Crabs injected with isosmotic thiosulfate did not have increased oxygen-consumption rates as did the sulfide-exposed individuals, but did show a similar reduction in Pc (the critical partial pressure of oxygen at which crabs can no longer regulate oxygen consumption). This suggests that it is the sulfide exposure and/or detoxification rather than the elimination of thiosulfate that causes the increase in metabolic rate. Thiosulfate diffuses into dead crabs and into live crabs exposed to 15 mmol S2O 3 2- l−1, indicating substantial permeability, and yet live crabs are able to eliminate thiosulfate when incubated in sea water containing 1.5 mmol S2O 3 2- l−1, suggesting a process that has an active component.
Isolation and Assays of Bacterial Dimethylsulfoniopropionate Lyases

Abstract The organosulfur metabolite dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and its enzymatic breakdown product dimethyl sulfide (DMS) have important implications in the global sulfur cycle and in marine microbial food webs. Enormous amounts of DMSP are produced in marine environments where microbial communities import and catabolize it via either the demethylation or the cleavage pathways. The enzymes that cleave DMSP are termed “DMSP lyases” and generate acrylate or hydroxypropionate, and ~ 107 tons of DMS annually. An important environmental factor affecting DMS generation by the DMSP lyases is the availability of metal ions as these enzymes use various cofactors for catalysis. This chapter summarizes advances on bacterial DMSP catabolism, with an emphasis on various biochemical methods employed for the isolation and characterization of bacterial DMSP lyases. Strategies are presented for the purification of DMSP lyases expressed in bacterial cells. Specific conditions for the efficient isolation of apoproteins in Escherichia coli are detailed. DMSP cleavage is effectively inferred, utilizing the described HPLC-based acrylate detection assay. Finally, substrate and metal binding interactions are examined using fluorescence and UV–visible assays. Together, these methods are rapid and well suited for the biochemical and structural characterization of DMSP lyases and in the assessment of uncharacterized DMSP catabolic enzymes, and new metalloenzymes in general.
‘Raising the State of the Art’: Commercializing innovation in digital sound

The history of sound recording has often emphasized technological developments, leaving aside artistic and aesthetic aspects of recorded works, commercial opportunities, the listening practices of ...
Debt, Demographics, and Dual Degrees: American Medicine at the Crossroads: Part 2: External and Internal Threats to the Monopoly Model

The recent forecast by the Committee on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) of an impending physician workforce shortage has led to a proposal by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to expand medical school admissions by 30% over the next 10 years, an ambitious project whose likelihood of success is compromised by numerous factors inherent in the contemporary medical services marketplace.
Interactions of Lanthanides with Other Molecules of Biochemical Interest

Two main motives have encouraged studies of the interactions of the lanthanides with mononucleosides and mononucleotides. The first follows from the realization that the metabolically active forms of many nucleotides are ones in which a metal ion is coordinated. Best studied is the ATP-Mg complex which forms the physiologically active substrate for ATP-requiring reactions. As Mg2+, like Ca2+, is spectroscopically un-informative, it, too, has been replaced by Ln3+ ions for experimental studies. The second motive has been to use paramagnetic lanthanides in NMR spectroscopic investigations aimed at determining the solution structures of these molecules.
Hydroalumination of C C and C C

The addition of aluminum hydrides to alkenic and alkynic carbon–carbon unsaturation, namely the hy– droalumination reaction, is the most versatile route to organoaluminum compounds.1–3 With unsymme– trically substituted CC and CC linkages, the regiochemistry of such hydroaluminations is governed by the interplay of steric and electronic factors, so that these additions can occur in a highly regiosel– ective manner. The addition of dialkylaluminum hydrides to β–substituted styrenes (2), for example, can lead regiospecifically to only one of the possible adducts: for steric reasons, a β–t–butyl group produces only isomer (1); for polar reasons, a β–phenylsulfonyl group yields exclusively isomer (3; equation 1).
Solid Electrode Materials: Pretreatment and Activation

Publisher Summary The chapter gives a brief description of solid electrode materials. Activation can be accomplished by the process electrode pretreatment that involves conditioning the surface morphology, microstructure, and chemistry in a manner. The purpose is to promote low background current and rapid reaction kinetics with a redox analyte dissolved in a solution or confined to the surface. Electrochemical reactions are heterogeneous in nature. The physical, chemical, and electronic properties of an electrode surface are of paramount importance. The effectiveness of the pretreatment for a particular redox system depends on the electrode material. Surface cleanliness is a critical property for every electrode and all redox systems. Every electrode needs to be first pretreated to make it ready for the electrochemical measurement. Pretreatments can activate an electrode by some combination of surface cleaning, alteration of the exposed microstructure, and manipulation of the surface chemistry. Depending on the redox system, surface oxidation can accelerate or decelerate the rate of electron transfer. Incorporating oxygen makes an electrode surface more polar and hydrophilic and, consequently, more wettable with water.
The effect of oxygen on immature retinal vessels.

Nursery observations and animal experimentation have clearly demonstrated a specific toxic effect of oxygen on the immature retinal vessels. In animals having an existing hyaloid structure at birth, oxygen exposure causes an abnormal persistence and apparent proliferation of these vessels. The unique susceptibility of the retinal vessels to oxygen is limited to the retina xoith an incomplete vasculature; the retina that is fully vascularized is resistant to oxygen damage. Light and electron microscopic observations on the effects of hyperoxia on immature vessels are discussed.
V.C. v. Slovakia : A Reproductive Rights Victory Misses the Mark

In V.C. v. Slovakia, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) should have held that Slovakia’s intentional, systematic policy of coerced sterilization of Roma women violated the discrimination provision of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The ECtHR, however, is reluctant to find Article 14 discrimination violations unless the government fails to effectively investigate concrete evidence suggesting racial animus, thereby amounting to a procedural violation. In V.C., a discrimination violation was nonetheless appropriate in light of the importance of the Convention rights violated, disproportionate accounts of hospitals sterilizing Roma women, and other objective evidence implicating discriminatory intent. Thus, the ECtHR should have shifted the burden to Slovakia to disprove discrimination. Rather, by avoiding a fact-specific assessment of the discrimination complaint, the ECtHR framed the government’s coerced sterilization of Roma women as mere hospital error.