cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Additional uses of a vaginal fornices delineator

A vaginal fornices delineator was introduced in the mid-90s by a gynecologic surgeon named Charles Koh as a device that would facilitate total laparoscopic hysterectomy. It is also used in robot-assisted and traditional laparoscopic hysterectomies. The delineator delineates the vaginal fornices and provides improved visualization of vital structures during a hysterectomy. The determination of the anatomic level of the cervix is vital in the identification of the inferior borders of a total hysterectomy and to avoid injury to the ureters and uterine vessels. As such, we describe 3 gynecologic surgeries in which the identification of this level was suboptimal. Our solution was to utilize a vaginal fornices delineator as the cervical "guide" to enhance this visualization and to allow for a complete and safe surgical outcome. The following surgical scenarios and the surgical facilitation provided by the vaginal fornices delineator will be presented: (1) a postpartum cesarean hysterectomy complicated by a large lower uterine fibroid tumor that distorts the cervix, (2) a robotic-assisted placement of an abdominal cerclage in a first-trimester pregnancy, (3) abdominal hysterectomy complicated by a necrotizing uterine infection and the associated difficulty in the identification of the cervicouterine junction.
Contribution of XPF functional domains to the 5' and 3' incisions produced at the site of a psoralen interstrand cross-link.

ABSTRACT : XPF forms a heterodimeric complex with ERCC1 and is required for the repair of DNAinterstrand cross-links. In association with ERCC1, it is involved in production of the 5′incision at thesite of a psoralen interstrand cross-link as well as the 3′incision. The present study was carried out todetermine the functional domains of XPF that are important in the production of the 5′and 3′incisionsthat occur at a site of a psoralen interstrand cross-link. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were utilized thathad been generated against polypeptide fragments of XPF and affinity-mapped to specific regions ofXPF. These mAbs were examined for their ability to differentially inhibit production of dual incisions inDNA by normal human chromatin-associated protein extracts that contain XPF and ERCC1. These studiesshow that two regions of XPF, one N-terminal region from amino acids 12-166 and one C-terminalregion from amino acids 702-854, are the most important in the production of the 5′incision. The sameN-terminal region and the C-terminal region from amino acids 702-916 are also involved in the 3′incision,though to a much lesser extent. Since this C-terminal region corresponds to the proposed site of interactionof ERCC1 with XPF, these results suggest that binding of ERCC1 to XPF is critical for its ability toproduce the 5′and 3′incisions at the site of an interstrand cross-link, possibly through activation orregulation of the endonucleolytic activity of the N-terminal domain of XPF.XPF forms a heterodimeric complex with ERCC1, andthis complex functions as a structure-specific endonucleasewhich participates in both nucleotide excision repair (NER)
Prevention of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus with a single dose of indomethacin.

To determine the efficacy of indomethacin to prevent the occurrence of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 32 preterm infants weighing 750 to 1500 g at birth who had hyaline membrane disease. By random assignment, 15 infants were given a single dose of indomethacin, 0.2 mg/kg intravenously, 24 hours after birth. Seventeen infants composed a control group for which indomethacin was reserved as treatment for symptomatic PDA. Birth weight, gestational age, male/female ratio, black/white ratio, and severity of disease were similar for both groups. Only one of the 14 survivors who received prophylactic indomethacin had symptomatic PDA, compared with nine of the 16 survivors in the control group (P=0.007). There was no difference between the groups in development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, duration of time endotracheal intubation, was required, duration in oxygen, duration to reach full feedings and regain birth weight, and duration of hospital stay. There was no difference between the two groups in incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, and none developed necrotizing enterocolitis. These results indicate that the use of prophylactic indomethacin is beneficial in prevention of symptomatic PDA; the lack of differences in pulmonary sequelae or other complications may have been related to a population sample size not large enough to impart sufficient statistical power.
A Novel Method for Directly Analyzing Asparagine and Glutamine by Means of Gc-Ms. Trimethylsilyl Derivatives of Thiazolinones

Abstract A novel method to analyze asparagine and glutamine amino acids is presented. TMS-methylthiazolinone derivatives are prepared and hydrolysis of amide side chains is avoided. Products were elucidated by their mass spectra.
A novel method to incorporate the spatial location of the lung dose distribution into predictive radiation pneumonitis modeling

Purpose Studies have proposed that patients who receive radiation therapy to the base of the lung are more susceptible to radiation pneumonitis than patients who receive therapy to the apex of the lung. The primary purpose of the present study was to develop a novel method to incorporate the lung dose spatial information into a predictive radiation pneumonitis model. A secondary goal was to apply the method to a 547 lung cancer patient database to determine whether including the spatial information could improve the fit of our model. Methods and Materials The three-dimensional dose distribution of each patient was mapped onto one common coordinate system. The boundaries of the coordinate system were defined by the extreme points of each individual patient lung. Once all dose distributions were mapped onto the common coordinate system, the spatial information was incorporated into a Lyman-Kutcher-Burman predictive radiation pneumonitis model. Specifically, the lung dose voxels were weighted using a user-defined spatial weighting matrix. We investigated spatial weighting matrices that linearly scaled each dose voxel according to the following orientations: superior-inferior, anterior-posterior, medial–lateral, left–right, and radial. The model parameters were fit to our patient cohort with the endpoint of severe radiation pneumonitis. The spatial dose model was compared against a conventional dose–volume model to determine whether adding a spatial component improved the fit of the model. Results Of the 547 patients analyzed, 111 (20.3%) experienced severe radiation pneumonitis. Adding in a spatial parameter did not significantly increase the accuracy of the model for any of the weighting schemes. Conclusions A novel method was developed to investigate the relationship between the location of the deposited lung dose and pneumonitis rate. The method was applied to a patient database, and we found that for our patient cohort, the spatial location does not influence the risk of pneumonitis.
Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on attractivity and receptivity in the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis)

Activation of courtship behavior in male red-sided garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis, is independent of the presence of sex steroids. The only consistent treatment that stimulates courtship behavior in males is prolonged exposure to low temperature followed by subsequent warming, mimicking the emergence from hibernation. We investigated whether attractivity and receptivity in female red-sided garter snakes is similarly steroid independent.
Timeliness of 2009 H1N1 vaccine coverage in a low-income pediatric and adolescent population.

Abstract Despite being at highest risk for 2009 H1N1 virus morbidity and mortality, many children were not immunized with the vaccine. Identification of factors that put certain children at higher risk for under-immunization could reveal populations who may need to be specifically targeted for vaccination interventions in future pandemics. Little is known about the prevalence of, or factors associated with, 2009 H1N1 vaccine coverage in low-income, urban pediatric populations. This study evaluated 2009 H1N1 vaccination coverage in 19,643 children aged 6 months to 18 years receiving care at one of five community clinics associated with an academic medical center in a low-income community. Any (≥1 dose) and full coverage (1 dose for children ≥10 years old, 2 doses for those
Cleft lip and palate results from Hedgehog signaling antagonism in the mouse: phenotypic characterization and clinical implications

Background The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway provides inductive signals critical for developmental patterning of the brain and face. In humans as well as in animal model systems, interference with this pathway yields birth defects; among the most well-studied of which fall within the holoprosencephaly (HPE) spectrum.
Ontogenetic comparison of memory for Pavlovian conditioned aversions to temperature, vibration, odor, or brightness

Ontogenetic differences in forgetting of Pavlovian conditioning were tested in four experiments with 550 rats of ages 12, 18, or 60 days postpartum. The experiments had in common the same unconditioned stimulus (US; footshock) and procedures for conditioning and testing, but the conditioned stimulus (CS) differed. The CS was a particular vibrotactile stimulus (Experiment 1), ambient temperature (Experiment 2), odorant (Experiments 3), or brightness (Experiment 4). The intent of this study was to assess, in more comparable circumstances than previously tested, the possibility of substantial differences in infantile amnesia for different sensory modalities. Particular attention was given those modalities that mature early and had not been tested in previous studies of infantile amnesia. The results verified some degree of infantile amnesia for even those sensory modalities used adaptively from birth.
The Changes in the Intra-Arterial Pressure during Immersion of the Hand in Ice-Cold Water

The response of the intra-arterial pressure to the cold immersion stimulus was studied in 42 healthy young adults, continuous direct (arterial-pressure) recording being used. The average systolic elevation was 22.6 mm. Hg and the average diastolic elevation was 16.3 mm. Hg. The difference between direct and indirect methods of measuring blood pressure was studied in 351 simultaneous determinations in 35 of these young adults. The direct systolic pressure averaged 9.7 mm. Hg higher and the diastolic pressure was 7.3 mm. Hg lower than the indirect measurement.
Human retroviral host restriction factors APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F localize to mRNA processing bodies.

APOBEC3G is an antiviral host factor capable of inhibiting the replication of both exogenous and endogenous retroviruses as well as hepatitis B, a DNA virus that replicates through an RNA intermediate. To gain insight into the mechanism whereby APOBEC3G restricts retroviral replication, we investigated the subcellular localization of the protein. Herein, we report that APOBEC3G localizes to mRNA processing (P) bodies, cytoplasmic compartments involved in the degradation and storage of nontranslating mRNAs. Biochemical analysis revealed that APOBEC3G localizes to a ribonucleoprotein complex with other P-body proteins which have established roles in cap-dependent translation (eIF4E and eIF4E-T), translation suppression (RCK/p54), RNA interference–mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing (AGO2), and decapping of mRNA (DCP2). Similar analysis with other APOBEC3 family members revealed a potential link between the localization of APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F to a common ribonucleoprotein complex and P-bodies with potent anti–HIV-1 activity. In addition, we present evidence suggesting that an important role for HIV-1 Vif, which subverts both APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F antiviral function by inducing their degradation, could be to selectively remove these proteins from and/or restrict their localization to P-bodies. Taken together, the results of this study reveal a novel link between innate immunity against retroviruses and P-bodies suggesting that APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F could function in the context of P-bodies to restrict HIV-1 replication.
Discordance between conventional and detailed lymph node analysis in resected biliary carcinoma at or above the cystic duct: are we understaging patients?

Analysis of portal lymph node (LN) metastases following resection of biliary carcinomas at or above the cystic duct (BC) is used to select patients for adjuvant therapy, but no guidelines exist and LN yield is low. Some consider analysis of 7 LNs necessary for accurate staging. Conventional LN analysis may understage patients. Portal LNs from 38 node-negative patients following resection of BC from 2000 to 2008 were re-examined in detail for occult metastases (OM) using a modified Weaver protocol. Outcomes measured were discordance in LN positivity and patient survival. On detailed examination, 5 of 38 patients had OM. There was no difference in survival between patients with and without OM (24 vs 17 months; p = .382). There was no association between OM and patient demographics or adverse tumor characteristics. The median LN yield was 3. Of the 27 patients with <7 LNs retrieved, 1 had OM, compared with 4 of 11 patients with ≥7 LNs retrieved (p = .030). OM in these well-staged patients were associated with reduced survival (9 vs 41 months; p = .032). There is discordance between conventional and detailed LN analysis in resected BC. LN yield ≥7 was associated with OM. The presence of OM may be associated with decreased survival. Conventional LN analysis may understage patients with resected BC.
A case-control study of tobacco use and other non-occupational risk factors for lymphoma subtypes defined by t(14; 18) translocations and bcl-2 expression

We re-evaluated reported associations between tobacco use and other factors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) t(14; 18)-subtypes based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays believed to be more sensitive than polymerase chain reaction (PCR), previously used for detecting t(14; 18). Commercial FISH assays and bcl-2 immunostaining were performed on paraffin sections to determine t(14; 18) and bcl-2 case-subtypes. Polytomous logistic regression models estimated associations between NHL case-subtypes (versus 1,245 population-based controls) and tobacco use as well as other factors. Adjusting for age, state, and proxy status, t(14; 18)-negative NHL was associated with any tobacco use (vs. no tobacco use, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.0–3.5), including current smoking (vs. no cigarette use, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1–3.2). Tobacco exposures were not clearly associated with t(14; 18)-positive NHL or bcl-2 case-subtypes. Hair-dye use and family history of a hemolymphatic cancer were associated with t(14; 18)-negative NHL, but the number of exposed cases was small. The association between t(14; 18)-negative NHL and cigarette smoking was unexpected given previous evidence of associations between smoking and follicular lymphoma (which is largely t(14; 18)-positive). Future studies characterizing additional molecular characteristics of t(14; 18)-negative NHL may help determine whether the association with smoking may have been causal versus an artifact of chance or bias.
Blinded by the light: Illuminating the dark side of social network use through content analysis

The present study reveals the results of a content analysis of the descriptive, textual communication, and photo content found in 208 college student Facebook profiles. An a priori coding scheme was developed for this investigation based on (1) news reports and stories on controversies surrounding online social network use, (2) research on social uses of the Internet, and (3) insights from the author, a longtime Facebook user. Results show that all categories of controversial content were more frequent than any of the prosocial content categories, suggesting that there is an overrepresentation of negative content on Facebook, even though many of the specific frequencies are low. In addition, the vast majority of students did not disclose personal contact information on their profiles, and males and females differed in the amount of personal contact information and controversial content disclosed. The study results document the nature of online social network content and point to possible effects of displaying and/or being exposed to controversial content online.
The Effect of Right-to-Left Intracardiac Shunting on Arterial Lidocaine Levels in a Canine Model

Lidocaine is a drug with local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic properties. An inverse relationship is recognized to exist between arterial lidocaine serum levels and cardiac index or liver function [1, 2]. However, the lungs rapidly sequester a significant portion of a lidocaine dose as the drug passes from the right side of the heart into the pulmonary circulation [3]; therefore, a reduction in effective pulmonary blood flow would be expected to raise serum lidocaine concentrations. Hence, patients with congenital heart disease (especially neonates [4]) who have right-to-left intracardiac shunting would potentially be at risk for developing toxic serum lidocaine levels at a lower dose. To test this hypothesis, an animal model of a right-to-left intracardiac shunt was developed to determine the effect of such shunting on lidocaine pharmacokinetics.
The Effects of Peer-Assisted Sentence-Combining Instruction on the Writing Performance of More and Less Skilled Young Writers.

Mastering sentence-construction skills is essential to learning to write. Limited sentence-construction skills may hinder a writer's ability to translate ideas into text. It may also inhibit or interfere with other composing processes, as developing writers must devote considerable cognitive effort to sentence construction. The authors examined whether instruction designed to improve sentence-construction skills was beneficial for more and less skilled 4th-grade writers. In comparison with peers receiving grammar instruction, students in the experimental treatment condition became more adept at combining simpler sentences into more complex sentences. For the experimental students, the sentence-combining skills produced improved story writing as well as the use of these skills when revising.
Social systems analysis

Abstract We present a model of social systems as special types of games in extensive form in which perception and learned strategies play an important role. We discuss personality, emotions, and the relation of utility to Maslow's hierarchy of values. We also formulate a new class of games, partially cooperative games, and attempt to define a solution concept for these.
VERTEX THEORY OF MANY-FERMION SYSTEMS

Abstract A general theory of the weak-response of many-fermion systems is formulated in terms of the longitudinal vertex function, Γ. By including effects of exchange the vertex theory embeds the conventional dielectric theory, as expressed by the momentum-energy space factorization Γ = ϵ −1 Γ . Here Γ is the proper vertex function and ϵ−1 is the generalized dielectric constant. The integral equation for Γ is rederived via weak-response theory, then factored into separate equations for Γ and ϵ−1. Basic properties of Γ, particularly gauge-invariance, are discussed. A nonperturbative approximation, called the υ′ approximation, is introduced in which the interaction kernel of the integral equation for Γ is replaced by a suitably chosen energy-independent effective interaction υ′. The υ′ approximation is shown to be a generalization of the time dependent Hartree-Fock approximation. By using the υ′ approximation as an input to a more exact theory expressions are obtained for the quasi-particle lifetime and the coupling of the quasi particle to the collective mode. Some new physical consequences of the theory are (a) the momentum dependence of the quasi-particle scattering amplitude in a weak external potential, (b) the existence of an intrinsic longitudinal coupling constant renormalization associated with the static long wavelength limit of Γ , and (c) the formal occurrence of a “spurious” pole of Γ coupled with a zero of ϵ−1 for a sufficiently strong repulsive interaction υ′. The last bears a resemblance to a phenomenon recently noted in elementary-particle theory. A preliminary note on some of this work employing a simplified nongauge-invariant version of the υ′ approximation was published earlier. Detailed results on the solution for Γ in the υ′ approximation and in lowest order perturbation theory will be published in a second paper.
Chronic abdominal pain caused by sorbitol malabsorption.

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Transient Thermal Response of a Rotating Cylindrical Silicon Nitride Workpiece Subjected to a Translating Laser Heat Source, Part I: Comparison of Surface Temperature Measurements With Theoretical Results

Laser-assisted machining (LAM), in which the material is locally heated by an intense laser source prior to material removal, provides an alternative machining process with the potential to yield higher material removal rates, as well as improved control of workpiece properties and geometry, for difficult-to-machine materials such as structural ceramics. To assess the feasibility of the LAM process and to obtain an improved understanding of governing physical phenomena, a laser assisted machining facility was developed and used to experimentally investigate the thermal response of a rotating silicon nitride workpiece heated by a translating CO 2 laser. Using a focused laser pyrometer, surface temperature history measurements were made to determine the effect of rotational and translational speed, as well as the laser beam diameter and power, on thermal conditions. The experimental results are in good agreement with predictions based on a transient three-dimensiona numerical simulation of the heating process. With increasing workpiece rotational speed, temperatures in proximity to the laser spot decrease, while those at circumferential locations further removed from the laser increase. Near-laser temperatures decrease with increasing beam diameter, while energy deposition by the laser and, correspondingly, workpiece surface temperatures increase with decreasing laser translational speed and increasing laser power. In a companion paper (Rozzi et al., 1998), the detailed numerical model is used to further elucidate thermal conditions associated with laser heating and to assess the merit of a simple, analytical model which is better suited for on-line process control.
Chromatographic separation of ovarian dermoid cyst lipids and prostaglandins.

The composition of PGs (prostaglandins) and lipids in ovarian dermoid cysts was analyzed using various laboratory techniques. Ovarian dermoid lipids were separated into biologically active and nonbiologically active lipid classes. This was performed mainly by Florisil column chromatography. PGs were determined by thin-layer chromatography paper chromatography enzymatic assay fluorescence aborption spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The laboratory procedures are described in some detail. All analytical results are tabulated. PGF2alpha was found to be predominant among the primary PGs. The development of a new method of anlaysis glass fiber paper chromatography for separation and identification of primary PGs is described. This method was more sensitive than thin-layer chromatography while column chromatography gave poor resolution. A combination of several chromatographic techniques useful in elucidating ovarian dermoid cysts lipid composition might also be applied to analysis of PGs.
Anteroposterior distribution of AT1 angiotensin receptors in caudal brainstem cardiovascular regulatory centers of the rat

Angiotensin II acts on Ang II type 1 (AT(1)) receptors in areas of the caudal brainstem involved in cardiovascular regulation. In particular, activation of AT(1) receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) has been suggested to contribute to hypertension. However, the characteristics of AT(1) receptors in the RVLM of rat, the species in which the most experimental work has been done, are not well documented. This study evaluated AT(1) receptor binding along a 2.7-mm length of rat medulla, which included the full extent of the RVLM and the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). Sections of medulla from female rats cut on a cryostat were incubated with five concentrations of (125)I-sarcosine(1), isoleucine(8) angiotensin II to assess the density (B(max)) and dissociation constant (K(D)) of the receptors for the radioligand. The dorsomedial medulla (DMM) displayed a high density of AT(1) binding (1207+/-100 fmol/g), which peaked at 0.4 mm rostral to the calamus scriptorius (approximately 14 mm caudal to Bregma). The RVLM and CVLM displayed significantly lower (p<0.01) densities of AT(1) binding, 278+/-38 and 379+/-64 fmol/g, respectively. However, the dissociation constants were significantly lower (i.e., higher affinity) in RVLM and CVLM (164+/-38 and 178+/-27 pM, respectively,) than in DMM (328+/-12 pM, p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). These results provide an anatomical and pharmacological framework for future studies on the role in cardiovascular regulation of AT(1) receptors in the caudal brainstem.
β-Carotene production by Flavobacterium multivorum in the presence of inorganic salts and urea

Flavobacterium multivorum, a non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, normally produces zeaxanthin (3R, 3′ R-β, β-carotene-3, 3′ diol) as its main carotenoid. The effect of supplementation of various inorganic salts and urea on the growth, total carotenoid production, and proportion of β-carotene (β, β-carotene), β-cryptoxanthin (β, β-caroten-3-ol), and zeaxanthin produced by F. multivorum was investigated. Urea and several salts, such as calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, lithium chloride, and sodium carbonate, improved total carotenoid production by 1.5- to 2.0-fold. Urea and sodium carbonate had an unexpectedly strong positive effect on β-carotene production at the expense of zeaxanthin formation. The effect was found to be independent of incubation time, and β-carotene represented 70% (w/w) of the total carotenoid content. The cumulative effect of urea and sodium carbonate was further studied using response surface methodology. An optimum medium was found to contain 4,000 and 4,070 mg l−1 urea and sodium carbonate, respectively. The maximum β-carotene level was 7.85 μg ml−1 culture broth, which represented 80% (w/w) of the total carotenoid produced. Optimization resulted in 77- and 88-fold improvements in the volumetric and specific β-carotene levels, respectively, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in the zeaxanthin level as compared to the control medium. The carotenoid production profile in the optimized medium indicated that β-carotene was produced maximally during the late exponential phase at 0.41 μg ml−1 h−1. It is possible that this organism could be an excellent commercial source of either β-carotene or zeaxanthin, depending on initial culture conditions.
The study of adiabatic shear band instability in a pearlitic 4340 steel using a dynamic punch test

The formation of adiabatic shear band instabilities in a pearlitic 4340 steel using a dynamic punch test has been studied. The dynamic punch-impact test produced white-etching adiabatic shear bands. The average strain of 0.5 was sufficient to produce adiabatic shear bands in this steel at an average strain rate of 18,000 s−1. Nanohardness variations found across the adiabatic shear band are thought to be caused by the fragmentation and spheroidization of the Fe3C and the overall deformation and work hardening of the pearlitic microstructure. The cracks formed at the termination of the adiabatic shear band caused the sample to fracture in a ductile mode.
In-vitro metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene in the blood of the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta

Abstract Other studies have suggested that the blood of fish may be capable of metabolizing xenobiotic compounds. In this study, whole blood from fish acclimated to 18 or 28°C was incubated with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) at 18, 23 and 28°C in vitro to directly examine its metabolic capacity and the effects of temperature on metabolism. Toadfish blood metabolized BaP to a variety of Phase I and Phase II metabolites, although at substantially lower rates than toadfish hepatocytes (approximately 1%). However, like hepatocytes, the production of all metabolites showed a relative temperature independence at low substrate concentrations, and a marked temperature dependence at the nearly saturating concentration of 100 μm BaP. At saturating concentrations, fish acclimated to 28°C metabolized BaP at a greater rate than fish acclimated to 18°C even when measured at common temperatures. We detected low but measurable activities of common enzymes of BaP metabolism (glutathione-S-transferase, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase, sulfotransferase, epoxide hydrolase, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase) in toadfish red blood cells, but no significant differences were found between fish acclimated to 18 or 28°C. Taken together with prior studies, our results indicate that the contribution of ‘extrahepatic’ tissues such as blood in the biotransformation of xenobiotics may be important, at least in a qualitative sense, with regard to potential damage and adduct formation in blood cells.
Risk, Resilience, and the Rorschach: A Longitudinal Study of Children Who Experienced Sexual Abuse

Experiencing sexual abuse increases the risk that children will report or otherwise demonstrate problems with emotion, behavior, and health. This longitudinal study of 44 children who experienced sexual abuse examined whether information processing as assessed via the Rorschach Inkblot Test was associated with child-reported depression symptoms assessed via the Children's Depression Inventory (Kovacs, 1992) concurrently and an average of 15 months later. Children whose Rorschach protocols were relatively free of scores suggesting intense distress, complex processing, and sexual content were more likely to experience remission of depression symptoms at follow-up. Findings provide incremental validity for certain Rorschach indexes to inform prognosis regarding depression symptoms and perhaps their treatment.
Comparison of corrosivity of polymeric sulfate ferric and ferric chloride as coagulants in water treatment

This paper discusses the corrosion behavior of two coagulants used in water treatment, ferric chloride (FC) and polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS). Corrosion tests were performed to compare the corrosivity of these two coagulants on aluminum 6061 and steel 4140 specimens. Results showed that both temperature and concentration of the coagulants substantially impact corrosion rates. The corrosion rates increased with the increase of temperature and concentration. The results from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that chloride caused more serious pitting than sulfate anion on both aluminum and steel specimens. Although SEM confirmed the existence of pitting corrosion, the results of weight loss indicated that the uniform corrosion predominate the corrosion mechanism, and pitting corrosion played a less important role. The test proved that PFS was less corrosive than FC, which may lead to the large-scale application of PFS in waste treatment in the near future.
Primitive cystic hepatic neoplasm of infancy with mesothelial differentiation: report of a case.

A malignant cystic neoplasm in the liver of a 6-month-old girl is reported. The neoplasm has unique clinical and morphological features, and despite ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies, the tumor could not be clearly classified as any known primary hepatic neoplasm of infancy. A differentiated cystic component of the neoplasm had features of cystic peritoneal mesothelioma. Alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-fetoprotein were demonstrated in solid, anaplastic portions of the recurrent tumor by immunohisto-chemistry. The neoplasm recurred after surgical resection and proved fatal 11 months following diagnosis, despite multiple courses of chemotherapy.
Sorption in Zeolites Modified for Use in Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Membranes

Adding zeolites to polymer matrixes can provide improved materials for membrane-based separation of gases. To create such materials, the sorption in and diffusion through the zeolites must be relatively unhindered by the process of modification and bonding to the polymer. An attractive approach to achieve the stabilization and bonding of the zeolite phase involves silane treatment of external zeolite surfaces prior to dispersion. This study shows that standard treatments to achieve the silylation in an aqueous alcohol mixture with the assistance of ultrasonic energy can cause surprising and undesirable alterations in the sieve properties. Using zeolite 4A as a model and γ-aminopropyldimethylethoxysilane in both ethanol−water and isopropanol−water mixtures, the extent of sieve sorption property changes during reaction in the presence of ultrasound exposure is illustrated. Control studies with these alcohol−water systems further identify the impact of the alcohol type on the zeolite. Oxygen sorption kinetic...
Evidence for normal metabolism and interconversions of unsaturated fatty acids in acrodermatitis enteropathica

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare disorder, presumably of genetic origin, characterized by cutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and psychic disturbances. Several reports have considered acrodermatitis enteropathica to be a disorder of lipid metabolism, in particular of fatty acid interconversions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies in three unrelated patients demonstrated normal distribution of fatty acids of individual plasma lipids and of erthrocyte phospholipids. Enzymatic activity of fatty acid interconversions in cultured skin fibroblasts was entirely normal.
Towards an understanding of the molecular basis of plant K+ transport: characterization of cloned K+ transport cDNAs

Recently, two K+-transport cDNAs, KAT1 and AKT1, were cloned in Arabidopsis thaliana. These cDNAs had structural similarities to K+ channel genes in animals, and also conferred the ability for growth on micromolar levels of K+ when expressed in K+ transport-defective yeast mutants. In this study, we examined the possibility that KAT1 encodes the high-affinity K+ transport system that has been previously characterized in plant roots, by studying the concentration-dependent kinetics of K+ transport for KAT1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In both organisms, the K+ transport system encoded by KAT1 yielded Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a high Km for K+ (35 mM in oocytes, 0.6 mM in yeast cells). Furthermore, Northern analysis indicated that KAT1 is expressed primarily in the Arabidopsis shoot. These results strongly suggest that the system encoded by KAT1 is not a root high-affinity K+ transporter.
Isoaccepting histidyl-tRNAs in the mouse placenta.

Abstract Mouse placental tRNA isolated at 11–17 days of gestation showed one major peak of histidyl-tRNA when methylated albumin-kieselguhr chromatography was employed. A second peak appeared at 14 days of pregnancy or later. Six isoaccepting tRNAs for histidine were partially resolved by polychlorotrifluoroethylene reversed-phase chromatography. Elution profiles utilizing this system revealed quantitative increases in at least three minor peaks beginning with 12 days of gestation. The daily increase of these regions of the histidyl-tRNA population is interpreted as being related to some late function of the placenta.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of a Rhenium Complex with a Corannulene-Based Ligand

A new rhenium carbonyl complex, exo-(η5-C20H17)Re(CO)3 (3), containing a corannulene-derived ligand has been synthesized in 12% yield. The X-ray structure determination of 3 shows that the rhenium center is bound to the exo face of the bowl-shaped ligand. The reaction of 3 with PPh3 in benzene at 70 °C produces trans,mer-Re(H)(PPh3)2(CO)3 and C20H16 (4), a bowl-shaped dibenzofulvene type molecule. The reaction of 3 with PPh3 proceeds via an η5-η3-η1 ring slip followed by a β-hydride elimination.
Optical tracking of the three-dimensional position of an ablative focused laser beam

The primary treatment for brain tumors with infiltrating margins is surgical resection. However at the present time this method is limited by visual discrimination between normal and neoplastic marginal tissues during surgery. Imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, and optical imaging techniques can accurately localize tumor margins. We hypothesize that coupling the fine resolution of current imaging techniques with the precise cutting of mid-infrared lasers through image-guided neurosurgery has the potential to enhance tumor margin resection. This paper describes a feasibility study designed to optically track in three-dimensional space the articulated arm delivery of a non-contact ablative laser beam. Infrared-emitting diodes (IRED's) were attached to the handheld probe of an articulated arm to enable optical tracking of the laser beam focus in the operating room. Crosstalk between the infrared laser beam and the tracking diodes was measured. The geometry of the adapted laser probe was characterized to allow tracking the laser beam focus projected in front of the articulated arm. The target localization accuracy was assessed. Stray laser light did not affect optical tracking accuracy. The mean target registration errors while optically tracking the laser beam focus was 3.16 m 1.04 mm. Analysis of target localization errors indicated that precise optical tracking of a laser beam focus in three-dimensional space is feasible. However, since the projected beam focus is spatially defined relative to the tracking diodes, tracking accuracy is highly sensitive to laser beam delivery geometry and beam trajectory/alignment out of the articulated arm.
The heat shock protein antagonist 17-AAG potentiates the activity of enzastaurin against malignant human glioma cells.

Recent studies have suggested that the proliferation of malignant gliomas may result from activation of protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated pathways. Enzastaurin (LY317615), an acyclic bisindolylmaleimide, is an oral inhibitor of PKCβ as well as other isoforms. The initial objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of enzastaurin in a series of malignant human glioma cell lines with diverse genomic alterations. Although enzastaurin independently produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation and decreased cell viability in each of the glioma cell lines examined, and partially down-regulated Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation, median effective concentrations were at the upper limits of, or above, the clinically achievable range in all cell lines tested. We therefore examined whether the efficacy of enzastaurin could be enhanced by combination with the HSP90 antagonist, 17-AAG, which inhibits Akt and other signaling intermediates by a distinct mechanism. In comparison to the effect of enzastaurin alone, combination of enzastaurin with 17-AAG led to marked enhancement of antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects. Simultaneous exposure to both agents significantly increased the release of cytochrome c, as well as caspase 3 activation, Bax cleavage, and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Cells exposed to enzastaurin and 17-AAG also displayed a significant reduction in cell cycle regulatory proteins, such as CDK4 and CDK6. Taken together, these findings suggest that the efficacy of enzastaurin can be potentiated by the addition of 17-AAG, and indicate that combining molecularly targeted therapies may provide a more effective strategy than single-agent therapy to treat patients with malignant gliomas.
A moving bottleneck

Suppose that a vehicle or convoy enters a two-lane unidirectional roadway and travels at a velocity v* less than the prevailing traffic. This moving bottleneck may cause a queue to form as vehicles try to pass the obstruction. It is shown that by going to a moving coordinate system traveling at velocity v* the analysis of this can be transformed into a corresponding analysis of flow past a stationary bottleneck. The theory is then extended to investigate possible consequences of trucks on grades.
Further Investigations on the Effect of Dietary Manipulations of Nutrients on Early Egg Weight

Experiments were conducted to determine: 1) whether the beneficial effects of increasing the dietary protein on egg weight during the early stages of egg production is due to a higher intake of methionine or total nitrogen and other essential amino acids; and 2) whether the beneficial effect of supplemental fat on egg weight during the early stages of egg production is due to a higher intake of linoleic acid or the presence of fat per se in the diet. Experiment 1 involved the factorial arrangements of three levels of protein (17, 19, and 21%) and three levels of methionine (.34, .38, and .42%). Experiment 2 involved a control diet with no supplemental fat or with a supplemental level of 2 or 4% of tallow, blended fat, or corn oil. Experiment 3 involved factorial arrangements of two body weight groups (light and heavy), two levels of blended fat (0 and 4%), and two levels of protein (17 and 21%). Pullets were fed the experimental diets from 18 to 38 wk of age in all of the experiments. In Experiment 3, pullets from different regimens were maintained on a 16.5% protein diet up to 62 wk of age. Egg weight responses during the early stages of egg production to increasing the protein or methionine level (Experiment 1) or supplemental sources of fats (Experiment 2) were small and only the methionine effect on egg weight was significant (P < .05). In Experiment 3, egg weight during the early stages of egg production was increased due to increasing the protein level or adding fat to the diets (P < .05). However, significant interactions were detected between protein and fat for most of the traits. Most traits were increased due to adding 4% fat to high-protein (21%) diets (P < .05), but were reduced due to adding 4% fat to low-protein (17%) diets (P < .05). Most of the beneficial effects of a high protein level or supplemental fat on early egg weight discontinued upon changing the feeds to a 16.5% protein diet. Egg weight of the heavy-weight groups remained greater than the light-weight groups for the entire experiment (P < .05).
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Primary Productivity (NDVI) of Coastal Alaskan Tundra: Decreased Vegetation Growth Following Earlier Snowmelt

Abstract In the Arctic, earlier snowmelt and longer growing seasons due to warming have been hypothesized to increase vegetation productivity. Using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from both field and satellite measurements as an indicator of vegetation phenology and productivity, we monitored spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation growth for a coastal wet sedge tundra site near Barrow, Alaska over three growing seasons (2000–2002). Contrary to expectation, earlier snowmelt did not lead to increased productivity. Instead, productivity was associated primarily with precipitation and soil moisture, and secondarily with growing degree days, which, during this period, led to reduced growth in years with earlier snowmelt. Additional moisture effects on productivity and species distribution, operating over a longer time scale, were evident in spatial NDVI patterns associated with microtopography. Lower, wetter regions dominated by graminoids were more productive than higher, drier locations having a higher percentage of lichens and mosses, despite the earlier snowmelt at the more elevated sites. These results call into question the oft-stated hypothesis that earlier arctic growing seasons will lead to greater vegetation productivity. Rather, they agree with an emerging body of evidence from recent field studies indicating that early-season, local environmental conditions, notably moisture and temperature, are primary factors determining arctic vegetation productivity. For this coastal arctic site, early growing season conditions are strongly influenced by microtopography, hydrology, and regional sea ice dynamics, and may not be easily predicted from snowmelt date or seasonal average air temperatures alone. Our comparison of field to satellite NDVI also highlights the value of in-situ monitoring of actual vegetation responses using field optical sampling to obtain detailed information on surface conditions not possible from satellite observations alone.
How Small is Too Small and How Early is Too Early? A Survey of American Obstetricians Specializing in High-Risk Pregnancies

Four hundred and five Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists were surveyed to determine their clinical opinions regarding intrapartum management of the severely preterm fetus requiring delivery. Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring was initiated at 23, 24, and 25 weeks' gestation by 10%, 43%, and 66% of respondents, respectively. Cesarean section was not performed at less than 24 weeks' gestation or less than 500 gm fetal weight. Ninety percent of respondents were willing to perform cesarean section for fetal distress or breech presentation at 26 weeks' gestation or 750 gm fetal weight. Delivery management prior to 26 weeks' gestation or for fetuses smaller than 750 gm was variable and appeared to be individualized. Due to inherent uncertainty regarding appropriate management and observed variability of response, we conclude that studies be performed to assess objectively safety and efficacy of cesarean section for fetal indications at less than 26 weeks' gestation or less than 750 gm estimated fetal weight.
Assessing variability in isokinetic strength through a range of motion

Abstract Developing methods for measuring and matching physical abilities of workers and physical requirements of job tasks can help prevent low back injuries and improve return-to-work rates of back-injured workers. The present study concerns the measurement and graphic depiction of isokinetic strength (in terms of force generated) in the sagittal plane. Lifting force was measured throughout the same range of motion at four horizontal distances from the body, and at two different lifting speeds. The results show that, while absolute values of force vary, patterns of forced are consistent among individuals, and are independent of gender and lift speed. Subjects were able to generate more lifting force in lower regions (floor to waist height) that are close to the body (30% arm length), and the least force in high regions (shoulder height to overhead) that are farthest from the body (90% arm length). This information, especially when presented pictorially, can be readily understood and applied in workplace design and in accommodations to reduce incidence of injury.
Vulnerability and Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Spinal Cord Injury

Alcohol and substance abuse are methods of coping with the losses experienced as a result of spinal cord injury. Applying the concept of vulnerability to this population is useful to assess those spinal cord injured individuals at risk for developing these maladaptive coping mechanisms. The concept of vulnerability also can be used in planning interventions during initial hospitalization to help these individuals avoid the development of or relapse into alcoholism and/or substance abuse.