cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant radiation therapy in stages C and D1 prostatic adenocarcinoma: preliminary results.

Abstract Twenty patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent postradical prostatectomy adjuvant external beam megavoltage radiation therapy because of periprostatic disease in histologic evaluation of the resected specimen. Fourteen of these patients had pathologic Stage C and 6 pathologic Stage D1 disease. Treatment in most patients consisted of 5,000 rad delivered to the true pelvis. The five-year recurrence free survival was 75 per cent for pathologic Stage C and 41 per cent for Stage D1 disease. The median time to first evidence of treatment failure was fifty months for D1 patients and has not been reached by the C group. Minor complications occurred in 85 per cent of patients and major complications in 5 per cent. In 1 patient with mild, postoperative stress incontinence total urinary incontinence developed after radiation therapy. These preliminary observations suggest a prolonged disease free interval with an acceptable morbidity is obtained utilizing this regimen.
Coregulation of light neurofilament mRNA by poly(A)-binding protein and aldolase C: implications for neurodegeneration.

Abstract The multifunctional proteins aldolase C and poly (A)-binding protein (PABP) undergo competitive interactions in cells coexpressing aldolase C and NF-L. A specific in vivo interaction between aldolase C and NF-L mRNA had been localized to a 68 nt segment of the transcript spanning the translation termination signal. It is shown here that the poly (A)-binding protein (PABP) binds the body of the NF-L transcript and increases its levels of expression when an excess of PABP is transiently provided in trans. Immunoprecipitation of PABP-associated ribonucleoprotein complexes of human spinal cord pulls down the dimeric form of aldolase C suggesting that their co-regulation of NF-L expression could be linked to the oligomerization status of aldolase C. An ex vivo model of mRNA decay has assessed mechanisms whereby aldolase C and PABP control NF-L expression. This model shows that aldolase C is a zinc-activated ribonuclease that cleaves the transcript at sites closed to the end-terminal structures. Immunological and biochemical depletion of endogenous PABP increases the instability of the transcript suggesting that PABP shields the NF-L mRNA from aldolase attack. An in vitro model shows that a mutant NF-L 68, in which the 45 nt of proximal 3′-UTR is replaced with unrelated sequence, is not degraded by aldolase C. Taken together, the findings might have important consequences for understanding causal mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.
Discovery of functional motifs in h-regions of trypanosome signal sequences.

N-terminal signal peptides direct secretory proteins into the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) of eukaryotes or the periplasmic space of prokaryotes. A hydrophobic core (h-region) is important for signal sequence function; however, the mechanism of h-region action is not resolved. To gain new insight into signal sequences, bioinformatic analysis of h-regions from humans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Trypanosoma brucei and Escherichia coli was performed. Each species contains a unique set of peptide motifs (h-motifs) characterized by identity components (i.e. sequence of conserved amino acids) joined by spacers. Human h-motifs have four identity components, whereas those from the other species utilize three identity components. Example of h-motifs are human Hs3 {L-x(2)-[AGILPV]-L-x(0,2)-L}, S. cerevisiae Sc1 [L-x(0,2)-S-x(0,3)-A], T. brucei Tb2 {L-x(1,2)-L-[AILV]} and E. coli Ec1 [A-x(0,2)-L-x(0,3)-A]. The physiological relevance of h-motifs was tested with a T. brucei microsomal system for translocation of a VSG (variant surface glycoprotein)-117 signal peptide. Disruption of h-motifs by scrambling of sequences in h-regions produced defective signal peptides, although the hydrophobicity of the peptide was not altered. We conclude that: (i) h-regions harbour h-motifs, and are not random hydrophobic amino acids; (ii) h-regions from different species contain unique sets of h-motifs; and (iii) h-motifs contribute to the biological activity of ER signal peptides. h-Regions are ‘scaffolds’ in which functional h-motifs are embedded. A hypothetical model for h-motif interactions with a Sec61p protein translocon is presented.
Ischemic preconditioning versus intermittent vascular inflow control during major liver resection in pigs.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and intermittent vascular control (IVC) have been shown to reduce the number of ischemia/reperfusion injuries during liver resections with the Pringle maneuver. Our study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of these two modalities in relation to the duration of normothermic liver ischemia. A group of 24 Landrace pigs with a mean body weight of 25 to 30 kg were subjected to extended liver resection of more than 65%. Although, 12 animals underwent IPC (10 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion), and subsequently the Pringle maneuver was applied for 90 minutes (n= 6) or 120 minutes (n= 6). Another 12 animals underwent liver resection by IVC (20 minutes of ischemia alternated with 5 minutes of reperfusion) for 60 minutes (n = 6) or 120 minutes (n = 6) of inflow vascular control. At 90 minutes of liver ischemia, the IPC group demonstrated lower levels of asportate aminotransferase (AST) (173 ± 53 vs. 265 ± 106 IU; p =0.089) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (2.60 ± 1.03 vs. 5.33 ± 2.25 μmol/L; p =0.022) and higher liver tissue cAMP (200 ± 42 vs. 146 ± 40 pmol/g wet wt, p = 0.04) compared to the IVC group. However, no pathologic differences were observed between the two groups. By contrast, at 120 minutes of liver ischemia, IVC proved to be more beneficial, reflected by lower levels of AST (448 ± 135 vs. 857 ± 268 IU; p = 0.006) and MDA (8.33 ± 1.75 vs. 12.7 ± 4.31 μmol/L; (p = 0.045), a higher cAMP level (127 ± 10 vs. 97 ± 31 pmol/g wet wt p = 0.045), and eventually less cellular necrosis (necrosis score 1.66 ± 0.51 vs. 2.85 ± 1.16; p = 0.04) compared to the IPC group. It appears that IPC should be employed when liver ischemia is anticipated to last less than 90 minutes, followed by IVC when the liver ischemia is expected to last 120 minutes.
What We Know About the Characteristics and Treatment of Adolescents Who have Committed Sexual Offenses

This review examines recent empirical research literature on several aspects of adolescents who commit sexual offenses and their treatment. Presumed etiologies for the behavior are examined, along ...
An Automated Grading/Feedback System for 3-View Engineering Drawings using RANSAC

We propose a novel automated grading system that can compare two multiview engineering drawings consisting of three views that may have allowable translations, scales, and offsets, and can recognize frequent error types as well as individual drawing errors. We show that translation, scale, and offset-invariant comparison can be conducted by estimating the affine transformation for each individual view within drawings. Our system directly aims to evaluate students' skills creating multiview engineering drawings. Since it is important for our students to be familiar with widely used software such as AutoCAD, our system does not require a separate interface or environment, but directly grades the saved DWG/DXF files from AutoCAD. We show the efficacy of the proposed algorithm by comparing its results with human grading. Beyond the advantages of convenience and accuracy, based on our data set of students' answers, we can analyze the common errors of the class as a whole using our system.
Gene therapy of cancer.

Objective: To provide a review of the basic concepts and terminology of human genetics, the clinical application and risks of gene therapy, and ethical and societal issues. Data sources: Review articles, research studies, and book chapters related to genetics and human gene therapy. Conclusions: The genetic changes that play a role in the development of cancer have begun to be elucidated, and these discoveries have led to strategies to destroy cancers by correcting genetic defects or manipulating genes to induce tumoricidal activities. Gene therapy is a novel investigational intervention that is constantly evolving. Implications for nursing practice: Oncology nurses will need an increased understanding of cellular biology, genetics, and genetics engineering. Major considerations for nursing practice include patient and family education, informed consent, side effects, and ethical and societal issues.
The effect of off-axis Si (100) substrates on the defect structure and electrical properties of β-SiC thin films

Antiphase domain-free, monocrystalline β-SiC thin films have been epitaxially grown on off-axis Si (100) substrates. The effects of degree of misorientation and substrate preannealing on the antiphase domain boundaries (APB’s) have been investigated. Wet oxidation, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the defect structures in both β-SiC thin films grown on exact Si (100) and on off-axis Si (100) substrates. The results revealed that many dislocations were included in APB’s and that APB’s were eliminated in the β-SiC thin films grown on Si (100) substrates that were oriented 2°–4° from [100] toward the [011] direction. Some APB’s were observed near the edge of the β-SiC film on the 2° off-axis Si (100) substrates; however, they were eliminated by substrate preannealing. The carrier concentration and electron mobility of these β-SiC films were similar to those of β-SiC films grown on exact Si (100) substrates as determined by differential capacitance-voltage and Hall effect measurements. Au-β-SiC Schottky diodes were also fabricated on the β-SiC thin films on 4° off-axis substrates and had an ideality factor of 1.4. Differential capacitance-voltage measurements and current-voltage characteristics of Au-β-SiC Schottky diodes indicated that APB’s caused significant leakage current in the β-SiC thin films.
Ovarian dysgerminoma: Report of seven cases and review of the literature

Seven cases of ovarian dysgerminoma are presented and the recent literature reviewed. The majority of the cases reviewed had tumor confined to one ovary at the time of diagnosis, and nearly 50% occurred in women less than 20 years of age. The 5-year survival rate was 91% for 211 patients with stage I disease and 65% for 60 patients with stage II to IV dysgerminoma. The addition of contralateral adnexectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and radiation therapy was not beneficial when disease was confined to one ovary. The survival of patients with advanced disease treated with chemotherapy was comparable with that of patients who received radiation. Analysis of the present data suggests that the use of unilateral oophorectomy should be limited to those patients with disease confined to one ovary and no histologic evidence of lymph node metastasis. Abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, and adjuvant radiation is currently the treatment of choice for patients with more advanced dysgerminoma.
Application of Lighthill's equation to a Mach 1.92 turbulent jet

It has often been suggested that simulations of turbulent jets could provide the necessary sound source information for jet noise predictions via Lighthill’s acoustic analogy. Such an application of Lighthill’s equation is useful for two reasons. First, it provides a framework for identifying and modeling acoustic sources in a turbulent flow. Second, it may provide a less expensive means of computing the sound generated by turbulent flows because the flow equations would need to be computed only in the source region.
Effect of fault distribution and execution patterns on fault exposure in software: a simulation study

Execution patterns and fault distribution characteristics of a program will affect the failure process and thus reliability estimates. The failure process of a software system is influenced by many factors, and traditional software reliability engineering has found it difficult to isolate the effect of each individual factor. A simulation approach is used to investigate the effects of fault distribution, execution pattern and program structure on software reliability estimates. A reliability simulation environment (RSIM) is extended by introducing variable fault distribution patterns in its code generation phase. Flow control points allow varying the execution frequency of different parts of a program. The simulation results show that fault distribution patterns and execution patterns have dramatic effects on fault exposure rate. If the fault distribution is non-uniform, a non-uniform code execution exposes faults more efficiently and effectively than uniform execution. Results also show that the structure of a program affects fault exposure rate and testing time required. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of thrombin on steroid-modulated cultured endometrial stromal cell fibrinolytic potential.

By virtue of their unique chronic expression of tissue factor, the primary initiator of hemostasis, decidualized endometrial stromal cells are capable of significant thrombin generation after vascular disruption. In addition to its potent procoagulant effects, thrombin modifies endothelial and glomerular cell fibrinolytic activity. Therefore, we evaluated whether thrombin affected the expression of endometrial stromal cell urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) plasminogen activators and their primary inhibitor, type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and whether ovarian steroids modulated putative thrombin effects. Confluent stromal cell cultures were incubated in a defined medium containing vehicle control, 10(-8) mol/L estradiol (E2), 10(-7) mol/L medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), or E2 plus MPA for 4 days. The medium was then collected and exchanged for medium containing the corresponding steroids with or without thrombin and the specific thrombin inhibitor, D-phenyl-alanyl-propyl-arginin...
An integral membrane protein form of brain l-glutamate decarboxylase: purification, characterization and its relationship to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract A new and novel form of l -glutamate decar☐ylase (GAD; EC 4.1.1.15) was purified from whole porcine brain to apparent homogeneity by a combination of column chromatographies on DE-52, ultragel AcA 34, hydroxylapatite and Sephadex G0200, and native gel electrophoresis. The purified GAD was established as an integral membrane protein based on hydrophobic interaction chromatography and membrane extraction studies. This membrane GAD (MGAD) has a native molecular weight of 120 ± 5 kDa and is a homodimer of 60 ± 2 kDa. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting tests using the sera form insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patient revealed the presence of antibodies against this newly identified MGAD in IDDM. The role of MGAD in the pathogenesis of IDDM and related autoimmune disorders is also discussed.
The Effect of High Oil Pressure Upon the Electrical Strength of Cable Insulation

IMPROVEMENT in cables, which combine liquid and solid dielectrics, has come largely through the study and control of gaseous electrical phenomena. This is because through circumstances of use in the field, gases enter the cable structure and the resulting electrical discharges in these gas layers cause deterioration ultimately leading to failure. The steps in improvement have successively led first to the abandonment of the heavy solids or petrolatums as treating materials and then to the oil filled cable, where the possibility of entrapped and dissolved gases is reduced to the minimum possible.
Organization of cortical afferent input to orbitofrontal areas in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract Odorant signal processing takes place in a diverse group of primary olfactory areas which receive direct input from the olfactory bulb. Orbitofrontal cortices participate in olfactory functions, but the pathways through which they receive olfactory or other input have not been clearly defined. The retrograde tracers horseradish peroxidase and fluorescent dyes were injected in orbital cortices to study their afferent cortical connections. Labeled neurons in primary olfactory areas (prepiriform cortex, anterior olfactory nucleus and olfactory tubercle) were directed mainly to a posterior orbitofrontal region and to a lesser extent the neighboring caudal part of area 13. There was no evidence of direct projections from primary olfactory areas to the rostral parts of area 13, or to areas 12 or 11. Most labeled neurons in primary olfactory areas were directed to agranular cortices, fewer projected to dysgranular areas, and there was no evidence that any reached granular cortices. The areas which received the most robust olfactory projections showed the lowest degree of laminar organization among prefrontal cortices. Early processing in the olfactory system thus takes place in areas which differ sharply on structural grounds from “early” eulaminate post-Rolandic sensory cortices. In addition to olfactory cortical projections, numerous labeled neurons in transitional (limbic) cortices were directed to orbital areas, and fewer but still substantial numbers of afferent neurons were found in eulaminate cortices. Unlike post-Rolandic unimodal sensory areas, which seem to be committed to the processing of input from one sensory modality via sequential and/or parallel pathways, caudal orbital areas received highly distributed input from primary olfactory areas, and in addition, from gustatory, visual, auditory and somatosensory areas. The structural and connectional features of olfactory recipient orbital cortices thus differ markedly from those observed in other sensory association areas and suggest a mode of processing adapted early in cortical evolution.
Radiochemical techniques for determining some naturally occurring radionuclides in marine environmental materials

Abstract The determination of some of the naturally-occurring, alpha-emitting radionuclides in marine environmental materials, is of interest for several reasons. Radium and radon nuclides are potentially useful as oceanographic tracers. Lead and thorium nuclides may be used to study sedimentation rates, mixing processes and bioturbation in sediments. Radium and polonium nuclides are incorporated into food chains and the data may provide a perspective against which to assess the significance, for marine organisms, of exposure to radiation in a marine radioactive waste disposal situation. This paper discusses the manner in which samples are taken, and the radiochemical methods which have been employed to measure the nuclides, together with some data produced.
Efficacy of a prevention program for postpartum obsessive–compulsive symptoms

ObsessiveeCompulsive Disorder (OCD) has emerged as a common and impairing postpartum condition. Prospective studies have identified psychological vulnerabilities for the emergence of postpartum obsessiveecompulsive symptoms (OCS), including general anxiety symptoms, pre-existing OCS, and specific cognitive distortions. The identification of these factors makes feasible the development of prevention programs that could reduce the impact of postpartum OCS. The present investigation examined a cognitive-behavioral prevention program using a randomized, double blind, controlled trial. Expecting mothers in their 2nd or 3rd trimester with an empirically established, malleable risk factor for postpartum OCS received either the prevention program (N ¼38) or a credible control program (N ¼33), both of which were incorporated into traditional childbirth education classes. Results revealed that at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum, the prevention program was associated with significantly lower levels of obsessions and compulsions than was the control condition (all p’s<0.05). Group differences remained significant even after controlling for baseline OCS and depression symptoms. Those in the prevention condition also reported decreasing levels of cognitive distortions, in contrast to the control condition (p’s<0.05). Results support the potential utility of incorporating a CBT-based OCS prevention program into childbirth education classes.
Surveillance and surgery for Barrett's esophagus: more results from Sweden.

Abstract This study evaluated the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in patients with varying lengths of columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) during long-term endoscopic and histopathologic surveillance. A total of 177 patients were followed for a median surveillance period of 5.1 yr and a median four endoscopies per patient. Fifty-two percent of the patients had IM at first surveillance endoscopy. The prevalence of IM increased with increasing number of endoscopies, and after six endoscopies the IM prevalence had increased from ≈30% to ≈64% in patients with a 1–2 cm CLE length, and from ≈45% to ≈89% in those with a 3–4 cm length. IM was found in longer CLE segments early in the surveillance period, whereas detection of IM was evenly spread out over the surveillance period in the short segment patients. A second aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antireflux surgery with acid suppressant therapy in preventing the development of IM. Studying patients without IM at the first two endoscopies, the investigators found that IM developed significantly less frequently among the 20 surgically treated patients compared with the 49 medically treated patients (PPI therapy in 45 out of 49). The time to development of IM was shorter in the medically treated group (p = 0.001, log-rank test) and in a multivariable logistic analysis, prior antireflux surgery was the only significant factor associated with a reduced risk of intestinalization (10.3-fold decreased risk).
Comparison of contrast sensitivity functions across three orientations: implications for theory and testing.

The contrast sensitivity functions of a large group of observers (N = 71) were determined for three orientations of test gratings: vertical, oblique, and horizontal. Comparison of group means indicated that, consistent with previous findings for the ‘oblique effect’, sensitivity was poorer for the oblique orientation—but only for the mid—high spatial frequencies. Correlation analyses indicated that contrast sensitivity for a particular spatial frequency at a given orientation was highly correlated with contrast sensitivity for that same frequency at the other two orientations. Factor analysis of the intercorrelations revealed two strong factors, a low frequency factor, and a mid-high frequency factor. Results are discussed in terms of: (a) the implications for contrast-sensitivity testing across orientations, (b) the basis for the oblique effect, and (c) a different type of evidence for a dichotomy among spatial-frequency channels that may reflect the distinction between X cells and Y cells or between the...
Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance at 9.4 T

We present the first results from a new electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer operated at a magnetic field of 9.4 T (i.e. ⩾2.4 T higher than for any prior FTICR instrument). The 9.4 T instrument provides substantially improved performance for large molecules (⩾50% increase in mass resolving power) and complex mixtures (⩾100% increase in dynamic range) compared to lower-field (⩽6 T) instruments. The higher magnetic field makes possible larger trapped-ion population without introduction of significant space–charge effects such as spectral peak shift and/or distortion, and coalescence of closely-spaced resonances. For bovine ubiquitin (8.6 kDa) we obsrve accurate relative isotopic abundances at a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 1000:1, whereas a complete nozzle-skimmer dissociation electrospray ionization (ESI) FTICR mass spectrum of bovine carbonic anhydrase (29 kDa) is achieved from a single scan with a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 250:1. Finally, we are able to obtain mass resolving power, m/Δm>200 000, routinely for porcine serum albumin (67 kDa). The present performance guides further modifications of the instrument, which should lead to significant further improvements.
Curvature Fields, Topology, and the Dynamics of Spatiotemporal Chaos

The curvature field is measured from tracer-particle trajectories in a two-dimensional fluid flow that exhibits spatiotemporal chaos and is used to extract the hyperbolic and elliptic points of the flow. These special points are pinned to the forcing when the driving is weak, but wander over the domain and interact in pairs at stronger driving, changing the local topology of the flow. Their behavior reveals a two-stage transition to spatiotemporal chaos: a gradual loss of spatial and temporal order followed by an abrupt onset of topological changes.
The Efficacy of Emphasizing a Legal System Approach to Computer Security

AbstractComputer security is increasingly relying on legal remedies. But is the legal system capable and ready to handle the complexities of security issues? This study surveys various members of legal institutions to identify readiness and potential shortcomings that need to be addressed to make the legal system an effective component of computer security.
Evidence for functional conservation of a mammalian homologue of the light-responsive plant protein COP1.

Abstract Identified in Arabidopsis as a repressor of light-regulated development, the COP1 (constitutively photomorphogenic 1) protein is characterized by a RING-finger motif and a WD40 repeat domain [1]. The subcellular localization of COP1 is light-dependent. COP1 acts within the nucleus to repress photomorphogenic development, but light inactivates COP1 and diminishes its nuclear abundance [2]. Here, we report the identification of a mammalian COP1 homologue that contains all the structural features present in Arabidopsis COP1 (AtCOP1). When expressed in plant cells, a fusion protein comprising mammalian COP1 and β-glucuronidase (GUS) responded to light by changing its subcellular localization pattern in a manner similar to AtCOP1. Whereas the mammalian COP1 was unable to rescue the defects of Arabidopsis cop1 mutants, expression of the amino-terminal half of mammalian COP1 in Arabidopsis interfered with endogenous COP1 function, resulting in a hyperphotomorphogenic phenotype. Therefore, the regulatory modules in COP1 proteins that are responsible for the signal-dependent subcellular localization are functionally conserved between higher plants and mammals, suggesting that mammalian COP1 may share a common mode of action with its plant counterpart in regulating development and cellular signaling.
Mapping of Poynting flux and widths of inertial Alfvén wave structures in high‐latitude plasmas

[1] Downward propagating inertial Alfven waves (IAWs), transporting electromagnetic energy along high-latitude Earth's magnetic field lines, are a well-established phenomenon in the magnetosphere. Such waves have been detected now from Freja, FAST, and Polar satellites, showing that at the altitudes of the former two satellites, the latitudinal widths of the IAW structures are a few electron-skin depths. Since IAWs have a nonzero group velocity component Vg⊥ perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field B(r), the latitudinal fanning of the finite-width wave must impact the scaling of the wave Poynting flux S with the geocentric altitude r. We estimate the effect of the fanning on the scaling of S on B(r), showing that commonly assumed scaling S ∼ B might not be true for the narrow IAW structures. For the ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves having frequencies in the range of a few mHz, it turns out that the width of such IAWs becomes nearly constant in altitude and S ∼ B1/2 due to the convergence of magnetic field in longitude only. Like IAWs, even the kinetic Alfven waves are expected to show a similar scaling.
Statistical pattern recognition—early development and recent progress

The area of statistical pattern recognition has experienced about three decades of continued progress. In this paper, early development of the area is examined by reviewing the activities of the first decade. Recent progress in major topics of statistical pattern recognition including classification rules, feature extraction, contextual analysis and cluster analysis, are then reviewed. Particular notes are made on the important contributions of the late Prof. Fu, which have profound impact on the development of statistical pattern recognition. The future outlook of the area is indeed bright as many applications making use of statistical pattern recognition are explored to seek more reliable recognition performance. Efforts on efficient hardware implementation and less costly recognition software packages as well as the combined statistical-structural approach are also likely to increase significantly.
Path-dependent neutralization of Ne + and Na + scattered from Ag(001)

Recent surface crystallographic studies involving impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (ICISS) have utilized beams of Ne+ ions as the probe and an electrostatic analyzer as the detector. The data were analyzed under the assumption that the path dependent neutralization could be neglected for scattered Ne+ ions of at least 4 keV incident kinetic energy. We have investigated this assumption by collecting energy and angle dispersive ICISS distributions with a time-of-flight analyzer while separating the ion and neutral yields by application of a potential to the free flight region. This investigation shows that both 5 and 10 keV Ne+ scattered from Ag(001) display considerable path-dependent neutralization, but that of Na+ is very small.
Pathways by Which Traumatic Stress and Ether Induce Increased ACTH Release in the Rat1

Removal of all forebrain anterior to the superior colliculus, but leaving an intact isolated median eminence, stalk and pituitary, permits a rise in adrenocortical secretion in response to ether anesthesia, with or without additional traumatic stress, equal to that of intact controls. However, if Nembutal anesthesia is used, traumatic stress does not induce a rise in adrenocortical secretion unless a large “peninsula” is left connecting the hypothalamus to the dorsal mesencephalon and remaining hindbrain. A similar prevention of the rise in adrenal secretion occurs if leg break is produced distal to a section of the spinal cord in otherwise intact animals, but only if Nembutal and not ether anesthesia is used. It is concluded that ether apparently directly stimulates the median eminence to cause increased ACTH release. Traumatic stress induces ACTH release through ascending neural pathways feeding to the hypothalamus through the dorsal mesencephalon. (Endocrinology 74: 981, 1964)
A Model of Collaborative Design Decision Making Using Timed Petri-Net

This paper presents a Petri-net process model that captures the dependency relationships of design decision making and information exchanges among multiple design problems in a distributed environment. The Model of Distributed Design (MDD) allows quantitative representation of a collaborative design process in which designers from multiple disciplines can effectively work together. The MDD is developed based on the Petri-net graph, which allows various performance analysis to be performed to evaluate and improve a collaborative design process. In this paper, the compromise Decision Support Problem (c-DSP) formulation is used to describe the design problems and the Petri-net is utilized to explicitly describe the propagation of shared design variables and the interactions. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through an example design problem that requires collaboration among four design disciplines. The design processes based on the example are modeled and then analyzed to obtain process features and performance evaluations. Based on the analysis results, an improved design process is given which shortens the design time.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Evaluation of the consolidation period during osteodistraction using computed tomography.

Abstract The use of distraction osteogenesis offers an alternative approach to the correction of craniofacial deformities. However, little is known with respect to the appropriate length of the consolidation period for the newly formed bone. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by quantitative computed tomography, the regenerate bone produced during osteodistraction of the dog mandible at three different consolidation times. Twelve skeletally mature male beagle dogs were equally separated into three experimental groups. Each dog underwent 10 mm of bilateral distraction osteogenesis to lengthen the mandible. After the distraction period, the bone was allowed to consolidate for 4, 6, or 8 weeks, at which time the animals were sacrificed and the mandibles harvested for computed tomographic imaging. The results demonstrate a significantly lower mean bone density of the regenerate in the 4 week group when compared with either the 6 or 8 week groups (P
Patterns of late diameter change after balloon angioplasty of branch pulmonary artery stenosis: Evidence for vascular remodeling

Angiographic diameters of 36 pulmonary artery stenoses (26 patients; median age, 3.3 years) before and after balloon angioplasty and at repeat angiography after 2-64 months were compared to diameters of 31 untreated pulmonary artery stenoses (20 patients) at a median age of 3.6 years and after 4-76 months. In the treatment group, an acute diameter gain of > 50% was achieved in 58%. On follow-up, 16 lesions remained unchanged, 6 lesions had > 20% late loss, and 12 lesions had > 20% late gain. The three patterns of vascular response were confirmed when compared to the control group. In the late gain group, overall diameter increase was 125% compared to 41% initial increase. The net result was a long-term success rate of 57%. Patterns of late diameter change appear to suggest vascular remodeling after balloon angioplasty of pulmonary arteries.
Hybrid-LP

The simplex method has proven its efficiency in practice for linear programming (LP) problems of various types and sizes. However, its theoretical worst-case complexity in addition to its poor performance for very large-scale LP problems has driven researchers to develop alternative methods for LP problems. In this paper, we develop the hybrid-LP; a two-phase approach for solving LP problems. Rather than following a path of extreme points on the boundary of the feasible region as in the simplex method, the first phase of the hybrid-LP moves through the interior of the feasible region to obtain an improved and advanced initial basic feasible solution (BFS). Then, in the second phase simplex or other LP methods can be used to find the optimal solution.Since the introduction of polynomial-time methods for LP, a considerable amount of research has focused on interior-point methods for solving large-scale LP problems. Although fewer iterations are needed for interior-point methods to converge to a solution, the iterations are computationally intensive. Our approach is a hybrid method that uses a computationally efficient pivot to move in the interior of the feasible region in its first phase. This single iteration is able to bypassing several extreme points to an improved BFS, which can then be used as a starting point in any LP method in the second phase of the method. Our approach can also be modified to perform a number of interior pivots in the first phase based on the trade-off between the number of iterations and the running time.The hybrid-LP uses an efficient pivoting iteration which is computationally comparable to the standard simplex iteration. Another feature is adaptability in finding the advanced starting point by avoiding the boundaries of the feasible region. In addition, the hybrid-LP has the ability to start from a feasible point which may not be a BFS. Our computational experiments demonstrate that the hybrid-LP reduces both the number of iterations and the running time compared to the simplex method on a wide range of test problems.
Quasideuteron mechanism and the photodisintegration of He 4 at intermediate energies

The $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},p)^{3}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},n)^{3}\mathrm{He}$ reactions from ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}60$ MeV to ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}170$ MeV are considered, along with the $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},pnd)$ reaction from threshold up to intermediate energies. The absorption of photons in the intermediate energy range up to pion threshold is expected to occur predominantly via the quasideuteron mechanism as is indicated from the reaction $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},pnd)$. For the ($\ensuremath{\gamma},pnd$) amplitude, the breakup of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ into a deuteron and quasideuteron is calculated using a $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ Gaussian ground-state wave function fitted to the form factor, a quasideuteron $S$-wave scattered state, and a deuteron effective range wave function. The photobreakup of the quasideuteron can be expressed in terms of the amplitude for the photobreakup of the deuteron as shown by Levinger. The photoamplitude for the ($\ensuremath{\gamma},pnd$) reaction is used to obtain the photoamplitude for the ($\ensuremath{\gamma},n$) and ($\ensuremath{\gamma},p$) reactions. The contribution to the ($\ensuremath{\gamma},p$) and ($\ensuremath{\gamma},n$) reactions from the quasideuteron mechanism is calculated as a rescattering of a nucleon-deuteron pair to form a triton. For both nucleon-triton reactions, this yields angular distributions with forward peaking in agreement with the forward asymmetry obtained experimentally. The cross section at intermediate energy appears to be dominated by the quasideuteron effect. Finally, the alternative quasideuteron calculation using nucleon-nucleon short-range correlations is shown to be equivalent to the present quasideuteron calculation.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},pnd)$, $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},p)$, $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma},n)$; calculated $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}})$, $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{{d\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{N}}$ (${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=60\ensuremath{-}170$ MeV), quasideuteron mechanism.
Dynamic mechanical behavior of poly[ethylene terephthalate] from 4.2 to 300°K

The dynamic shear behavior of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been investigated in the 4.2—300°K temperature region using a freely oscillating torsion pendulum at frequencies of 0.4 to 2 cp...
Fat and fertility: demographic implications of differential fat storage.

Anthropologists interested in human nutrition have become intrigued by the possibility of a link between nutritional status fat stores and fertility. Frisch (1978) and Frisch and McArthur (1974) have hypothesized such a link based on studies of body composition at menarche and menstrual dysfunction in anorectics. This review indicates that both over- and undernutrition may interfere with reproductive function but probably do so only when extreme. Evidence for fat as a regulator of fecundity is conflicting and is best documented for age at puberty. Effects of fat on birth interval (a demographically more significant parameter) are confounded by the influence of lactation. A review of hormonal and metabolic patterns in obesity and inanation indicate similarities between these conditions and general or psychological stress. It is suggested that fat is better seen as an indicator of systemic function than as a single independent factor. The adaptive value of fat for human populations may lie in its ability to enhance work performance as much as in its influence on fecundity. (authors)
Interleukin 7 receptor α-chain-mutation severe combined immunodeficiency without lymphopenia: correction with haploidentical T-cell–depleted bone marrow transplantation

Background Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a rare primary immunodeficiency characterized by abnormal lymphocyte development and lymphopenia. It often presents during the first year of life with recurrent, opportunistic infections, failure to thrive, and malabsorption. Objective To advocate newborn screening for SCID. Methods We reviewed the case histories of dizygotic twins with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) at the age of 6 months. Results Full-term fraternal twin girls were born to nonconsanguineous parents. Twin A developed recurrent oral candidiasis at 2 months, followed by pneumococcal bacteremia and PCP. At 5 months she had failure to thrive, but her absolute lymphocyte count was normal (5,887 cells/mm 3 ). Subsequently, twin B presented with acute respiratory distress and was also diagnosed as having PCP; her absolute lymphocyte count was 5,852 cells/mm 3 . Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes from both girls demonstrated a T − B + NK + phenotype consistent with interleukin 7 receptor α-chain–mutation SCID. Both girls received a haploidentical T-cell-depleted bone marrow transplant from their mother. In the interim, a homozygous point mutation in the interleukin 7 receptor α-chain gene was identified in twin B. Both parents were found to be carriers. Twin A died of chronic lung disease 8 months after transplantation; twin B is currently thriving. Conclusions Early diagnosis and treatment of SCID are associated with an increased rate of survival and improved long-term outcome. Some patients with SCID can present without lymphopenia. Thus, we advocate that more sensitive screening tests be considered for inclusion in the newborn screening program currently used in most states.
Administration of IL-1β to the 4th ventricle causes anorexia that is blocked by agouti-related peptide and that coincides with activation of tyrosine-hydroxylase neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract

Inflammation-associated cachexia is associated with multiple chronic diseases and involves activation of appetite regulating centers in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in the brainstem has also been implicated as an important nucleus involved in appetite regulation. We set out to determine whether the NTS may be involved in inflammation-associated anorexia by injecting IL-1 beta into the 4th ventricle and assessing food intake and NTS neuronal activation. Injection of IL-1 beta produced a decrease in food intake at 3 and 12h after injection which was ameliorated at the 12h time point by a sub-threshold dose of agouti-related peptide (AgRP). Investigation into neuron types in the NTS revealed that IL-1 beta injection was associated with an increase in c-Fos activity in NTS neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Additionally, injection of IL-1 beta into the 4th ventricle did not produce c-Fos activation of neurons expressing pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ARH, cells known to be involved in producing anorexia in response to systemic inflammation. Double-label in situ hybridization revealed that TH neurons did not express IL-1 receptor I (IL1-RI) transcript, demonstrating that c-Fos activation of TH neurons in this setting was not via direct stimulation of IL-1 beta on TH neurons themselves. We conclude that IL-1 beta injection into the 4th ventricle produces anorexia and is accompanied by an increase in activation in TH neurons in the NTS. This provides evidence that the brainstem may be an important mediator of anorexia in the setting of inflammation.
Hepatitis C infection: dying with or from the infection?

Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Sections of Health Services Research and Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Boulevard (152), Houston, TX 77030, USA Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Boulevard (152), Houston, TX 77030, USA
Variations in early child care: Do they predict subsequent social, emotional, and cognitive differences?

A sample of 236 predominantly middle class 8-year-olds from a state with minimal child care standards were examined for possible differences associated with earlier child care histories. In comparison to children in part-time child care (less than 30 hours a week) or exclusive maternal care, children with more extensive child care experiences since infancy were rated by teachers and parents as having more poor peer relationships, work habits, and emotional health, and as being more difficult to discipline. In this minimal standard environment, extensive infant care was also associated with more negative nominations from classmates, poorer academic and conduct report card grades, and lower standardized test scores. In stepwise regressions that included family social class, parents' marital status, family size, number of family moves, child gender, childbirth order, and current after school care, children's extensive experience in infant care was the single best predictor (in a negative direction) of ratings by parents, teachers, and peers, and of report card grades and standardized test scores. Child care history continued to be a significant negative predictor of child outcomes in full regression models that incorporated child and family variables. These results are in marked contrast with Andersson's (1989) findings of positive social and cognitive development associated with early, extensive child care in Sweden (a country characterized by high child care standards and opportunities for paid parental leave during early infancy).
The Volume of Nipple Aspirate Fluid Is Not Affected by 6 Months of Treatment with Soy Foods in Premenopausal Women

Based on the hypothesis that soy food consumption may influence breast tissue activity, we examined its effect on the production of nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), a possible indicator of breast cancer risk. Of 310 premenopausal women screened, 112 (36%) produced at least 10 μL of NAF, the minimum for study participation. In a crossover design, we randomized 96 women to 2 groups who, in reverse order, consumed a high-soy diet with 2 soy servings/d (1 serving = 177 mL soy milk, 126 g tofu, or 23 g soy nuts) and a low-soy diet with <3 servings/wk of soy for 6 mo each separated by a 1-mo washout period. During each diet period, 3 NAF samples were obtained (baseline and 3 and 6 mo) using a FirstCyte Aspirator and 4 urine samples (baseline and 1, 3, and 6 mo) were analyzed for isoflavonoids by liquid chromatography tandem MS. Adherence to the study protocol according to 24-h dietary recalls and urinary isoflavonoid excretion was high. The drop-out rate was 15% (n = 14); 82 women completed the intervention. The 2 groups produced similar mean NAF volumes at baseline (P = 0.95) but differed in age and previous soy intake and in their response to the intervention (P = 0.03). In both groups, NAF volume decreased during the first 3 mo of the high-soy diet period and returned to baseline at 6 mo, but there was no effect of the high-soy diet on NAF volume (P = 0.50 for diet; P-interaction = 0.21 for diet with time). Contrary to an earlier report, soy foods in amounts consumed by Asians did not increase breast tissue activity as assessed by NAF volume.
The Impact of Competition on Performance Disparities in Organizational Systems Baseball as a Case Study

Stephen Jay Gould suggests that individual ability has an upper bound in competitive endeavors and tends to improve as a result of that competition. Consequently, over time there is a diminution in the differences in individual performance that will be observed in, and have an impact on, organizational systems. Major League Baseball offers an interesting opportunity for exploring that suggestion in depth. Based on seven performance categories, this article suggests that there has not been any long-term trend toward lessening the talent disparities in baseball. Rather, the bulk of the empirical evidence leads to the conclusion that the disparities have widened. Gould offers his thesis as an explanation for the observed long-term trend of increased competitive balance in the majors. Because the thesis fails the empirical test, the economic explanation of rational profit-maximizing owners who recognize the need to maintain fan interest through competitive games and pennant races retains its pride of place.