cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized trial comparing partial versus complete chordal-sparing mitral valve replacement: Effects on left ventricular volume and function

Abstract Objective: The merits of retaining the subvalvular apparatus during mitral valve replacement for chronic mitral regurgitation have been demonstrated in numerous retrospective clinical investigations but not in a randomized study. In this report we analyzed the early and late effects of complete versus partial chordal preservation on left ventricular mechanics. Methods: Forty-seven patients undergoing isolated surgical correction of mitral insufficiency were prospectively randomized to either total or partial chordal-sparing mitral valve replacement. Complete data from 36 patients were available for analysis. Of these individuals, 15 had preservation of the posterior leaflet only (P-MVR group), and 21 had complete preservation of all chordal structures (C-MVR group). Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at the time of discharge, and after 1 year to determine dimensions, wall stress, left ventricular mass, and ejection function. Results: End-diastolic volume decreased in both groups initially but continued to decline only in the C-MVR cohort. Similarly, although end-systolic volume decreased over time with total chordal preservation, no notable changes were observed in the P-MVR group. In the C-MVR group, end-systolic stress decreased initially but rose slightly by 1 year. In contrast, end-systolic stress remained unchanged at discharge in the P-MVR group and increased at 1 year. In terms of systolic performance, ejection fraction declined after surgical intervention with partial chordal-sparing techniques and did not improve by 1 year. Ejection fraction returned to the preoperative level after an initial decrease in the C-MVR group. Finally, left ventricular mass was reduced in the C-MVR cohort versus no change in the P-MVR group. Conclusion: Complete retention of the mitral subvalvular apparatus during mitral valve replacement confers a significant early advantage by reducing left ventricular chamber size and systolic afterload compared with partial chordal preservation. Furthermore, left ventricular ejection performance continues to improve over time, probably because of more favorable left ventricular remodeling. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:707-14
Legal and policy considerations in treatment of anorexia nervosa patients

This paper discusses legal rules authorizing treatment of anorexic patients who refuse medical care. The author proposes that the risks of forcible interventions, together with societal values protecting individual choice, justify invoking legal mechanisms only when the anorexic patient'ss life and health are seriously endangered or when the patient demonstrates incapacity to understand important facts about the condition and its treatment. The paper also analyzes special issues concerning parental consent on behalf of minor anorexic patients.
Temperature and pH-Dependent Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Amelogenin Molecules: A Dynamic Light-Scattering Analysis

Evidence for the molecular self-assembly of amelogenin proteins to form quasi-spherical particles ("nanospheres") in solution, both in vitro and in vivo, has recently been documented. A particle-size distribution analysis of dynamic light-scattering data was undertaken to investigate the influence of temperature on this molecular self-assembly process at three different pH's. The long-term objective was to correlate these observations to the unusual physiochemical characteristics of the protein, to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of amelogenin "nanospheres" and understanding of their putative relation to amelogenin function in vivo. We analyzed data using two different algorithms: Dynamics and DynaLS. It was found that at pH 8, in a temperature range between 5 and 25 degrees C, the size of the recombinant amelogenin nanospheres is monodisperse, giving rise to particles of 15-18 nm in hydrodynamic radius. However, heterogeneous distribution of particle size was observed at temperature ranges between 27 and 35 degrees C, becoming monodisperse again with larger particles (60-70 nm) after the temperature was elevated to 37-40 degrees C. We interpret these results to suggest that amelogenin molecular self-association possesses a second stage assembly process at temperatures of 30-35 degrees C, creating larger entities which apparently are structured and stable at 37-40 degreesC. The effect of pH on the size of amelogenin "aggregates" was much more noticeable at 37 degrees C compared to that at 25 degrees C. This observation suggests that at physiological temperature (i.e., 37 degrees C) amelogenin molecular self-assembly is extremely sensitive to pH changes. This finding supports the notion that local pH changes in the microenvironment of the enamel extracellular matrix may play critical roles in controlling the structural organization of the organic matrix framework.
TDHF study of the He + collision on atomic He targets at the 8 Be ground state energy.

Experimentally the8Be ground state resonance has been studied in He+ collisions on atomic He atoms. The nuclear resonance manifests itself by satellite resonance lines corresponding to different electron configurations of the Be ion. Experimentally a large probability for the emission of one electron has been deduced. We study the atomic He++He collision within a model in which the evolution of the electron wavefunction is treated dynamically in the TDHF scheme, and the motion of the nuclei is treated classically. In agreement with experiment we find a large probability for one electron to be emitted into the continuum during the lifetime of the8Be ground state resonance.
Line shape of the radiofrequency size effect in potassium

Numerical calculations and measurements of the radiofrequency size effect (RFSE) in the transmission geometry are reported for potassium plates 0.1 mm thick at 1.25 MHz. The agreement between theory and experiment on the line width, line shape, and magnitude of the effect is very good for specimens with unconstrained surfaces, but for specimens with constrained surfaces the observed line shape is qualitatively different from that predicted theoretically. The numerical calculations of the RFSE show that the amplitude of the fundamental and second resonances are proportional to exp (−1.22/1) and exp (−0.92/1), respectively, for 0.25 ≤ 1 ≤ 2, where 1 is the electron mean free path expressed in units of plate thickness. The origin of these dependences and their implications for measurements of the electron mean free path are discussed.
Expectancy Theory as a Predictor of Work Motivation, Effort Expenditure, and Job Performance

The predictive power of expectancy theory with respect to work motivation, effort expenditure, and job performance is tested in four homogeneous samples. The base of behavioral alternatives is expa...
Bases of fuzzy algebraic substructures

Abstract An axiomatic approach is developed concerning the existence of a basis for certain fuzzy algebraic substructures. Let the set of truth values be a complete Brouwerian lattice L . Let G be an Abelian group. We show that there exists an L -subgroup of G which does not have a p -basis even if G is finite. Let F be a field of characteristic p > 0 and let A , B be L -subfields of F such that A ⊇ B . We show there exists an intermediate L -subfield of A / B which does not have a relative p -basis over B even if F has finite relative imperfection degree over the support of B . When L = [0, 1], we show that every fuzzy subgroup of G with the sup property has a p -basis and that every intermediate fuzzy subfield of A / B with the sup property has a relative p -basis if certain compatibility conditions hold.
Diverse nucleotide compositions and sequence fluctuation in Rubisco protein genes

The Rubisco protein-enzyme is arguably the most abundance protein on Earth. The biology dogma of transcription and translation necessitates the study of the Rubisco genes and Rubisco-like genes in various species. Stronger correlation of fractal dimension of the atomic number fluctuation along a DNA sequence with Shannon entropy has been observed in the studied Rubisco-like gene sequences, suggesting a more diverse evolutionary pressure and constraints in the Rubisco sequences. The strategy of using metal for structural stabilization appears to be an ancient mechanism, with data from the porphobilinogen deaminase gene in Capsaspora owczarzaki and Monosiga brevicollis. Using the chi-square distance probability, our analysis supports the conjecture that the more ancient Rubisco-like sequence in Microcystis aeruginosa would have experienced very different evolutionary pressure and bio-chemical constraint as compared to Bordetella bronchiseptica, the two microbes occupying either end of the correlation graph. Our exploratory study would indicate that high fractal dimension Rubisco sequence would support high carbon dioxide rate via the Michaelis- Menten coefficient; with implication for the control of the whooping cough pathogen Bordetella bronchiseptica, a microbe containing a high fractal dimension Rubisco-like sequence (2.07). Using the internal comparison of chi-square distance probability for 16S rRNA (~ E-22) versus radiation repair Rec-A gene (~ E-05) in high GC content Deinococcus radiodurans, our analysis supports the conjecture that high GC content microbes containing Rubisco-like sequence are likely to include an extra-terrestrial origin, relative to Deinococcus radiodurans. Similar photosynthesis process that could utilize host star radiation would not compete with radiation resistant process from the biology dogma perspective in environments such as Mars and exoplanets.
The Oxygen Tension Field within a Discrete Volume of Cerebral Cortex

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to experimentally determine with oxygen microelectrodes the characteristics of the oxygen tension field in a discrete volume of rabbit cortex. Over 20,000 measurements were made in 40 New Zealand white rabbits. These measurements were analyzed: (a) graphically, by plotting oxygen tension versus cortex depth; (b) statistically, by constructing oxygen tension histograms; and (c) mathematically, by calculating the arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The majority of values were between 0 and 40 mm Hg. Often sharp changes occurred within small distances. The measured oxygen tension values ranged from near 0 to 90 mm Hg, but 50% of the values occurred between 5 and 20 mm Hg and 70% of all values were below 35 mm Hg. The arithmetic mean was calculated to be 24.54 mm Hg with a standard deviation of 17.98. The oxygen tension histogram was characterized by a concentration of values between 10 and 20 mm Hg and was skewed toward the higher oxygen tension values.
Induction of immune responses and partial protection in mice after skin immunization with rotavirus VP6 protein and the adjuvant LT(R192G)

Oral or intranasal administration of mice with rotavirus VP6/LT(R192G) vaccine induces between 95 and 99% protection against fecal shedding of rotavirus after challenge. However, mucosal administration of LT(R192G) is controversial. Subcutaneous, intradermal or Biojector injection induced high titers of serum VP6-specific IgG, eliciting only partial to no protection (73, 0 and 26%, respectively), while transcutaneous delivery using gauze pad induced both poor immune responses and no protection (13%). A mixture of VP6-derived synthetic peptides induced >97, 48 and 33% protection after intranasal, gauze pad or Biojector administration, respectively. For needle-free delivery methods to be viable, improvements to these methods must be made to enhance the efficacy of the VP6 vaccine.
Twin concordance: a set theoretic and probability theory approach.

Abstract The concepts and assumptions used in twin concordance studies are made explicit with a mathematical treatment. The logic connecting those assumptions to the usual interpretations of twin studies is substantiated in a rigorous manner through the use of elementary set and probability theory.
The Role of Offender Alcohol Use in Rape Attacks An Analysis of National Crime Victimization Survey Data

The role of offender preassault alcohol use (as perceived by victims) in the outcomes of rape incidents (N = 362) was analyzed using data from the 1992-1996 National Crime Victimization Survey. Offender preassault alcohol use was hypothesized to be related to more risky assault characteristics (e.g., stranger assaults and weapons) and more severe assault outcomes (e.g., completed rapes and physical injury). As predicted, offender alcohol use was associated with stranger assaults, night assaults, outdoor locations, and greater victim resistance. Logistic regression analyses showed that offender alcohol use was associated with less likelihood of rape completion and unrelated to physical injury when demographic variables and assault characteristics were controlled. Suggestions for future research on the role of alcohol in rape incidents are presented.
The amino acid sequence of hemoglobin II from the symbiont-harboring clam Lucina pectinata.

The cytoplasmic hemoglobin II from the gill of the clamLucina pectinata consists of 150 amino acid residues, has a calculatedMm of 17,476, including heme and an acetylated N-terminal residue. It retains the invariant residues Phe 44 at position CD1 and His 65 at the proximal position F8, as well as the highly conserved Trp 15 at position A12 and Pro 38 at position C2. The most likely candidate for the distal residue at position E7, based on the alignment with other globins, is Gln 65. However, optical and EPR spectroscopic studies of the ferri Hb II (Kraus, D. W., Wittenberg, J. B., Lu, J. F., and Peisach, J.,J. Biol. Chem.265, 16054–16059, 1990) have implicated a tyrosinate oxygen as the distal ligand. Modeling of theLucina Hb II sequence, using the crystal structure of sperm whale aquometmyoglobin, showed that Tyr 30 substituting for the Leu located at position B10 can place its oxygen within 2.8 A of the water molecule occupying the distal ligand position. This structural alteration is facilitated by the coordinate mutation of the residue at position CD4, from Phe 46 in the sperm whale myoglobin sequence to Leu 47 inLucina Hb II.
Immunologic factors in pathogenesis and treatment of human and animal diabetes

Recent evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of insulindependent (type I, juvenile onset) diabetes mellitus may have an important autoimmune component, possibly triggered by a viral infection. This evidence includes mononuclear infiltration of the endocrine pancreas, circulating islet cell antibodies, and a strong association with certain HLA alleles (DR3 and DR4). The biologic response (apart from allograft rejection) of diabetic hosts to transplanted islets has been examined in an animal model of spontaneous diabetes which closely resembles the human condition (the BB rat). In this syndrome, MHC-compatible islet allografts suffered autoimmune destruction even when rejection was excluded by experimental design. Implications of this finding with respect to human islet and/or pancreas transplantation are discussed.
Reducing heat stress in dairy cows through sprinkler and fan cooling

Heat stress in dairy cows can reduce both cow comfort and milk production. Sprinkler and fan cooling offers promise as means of reducing heat stress in cows. This article describes a sprinkler and fan cooling system installed at a feed bunk and evaluates system performance in a temperate, humid climate. The results indicate the system increased cow comfort and milk production during the test period.
Chinese character entry for mobile phones: a longitudinal investigation

The increasing popularity of Short Message Services (SMS) in China highlights the need for effective and efficient methods for entering Chinese text on mobile phones. While stroke-based methods have potential advantages over pronunciation-based solutions, usability issues have limited the effectiveness of existing stroke-based methods. One significant usability challenge has been the ambiguous stroke-to-key mapping rules that are typically employed. We proposed a new solution that employs a combination of abstract symbols and example strokes to help users map strokes to keys more effectively. A longitudinal experiment was used to evaluate character entry performance using both objective and subjective measures for our new design as well as the existing solution. The results confirmed that a new design allows for improved performance as well as higher satisfaction levels as compared to the original design. Further, after approximately 1h of experience with the stroke-based method, novices were able to enter Chinese text at speeds comparable to that observed with the pronunciation-based Pinyin method. Results showed that the new design provided users with a better understanding of the system throughout the study, beginning with their first exposure to the keypad. By utilizing a combination of abstract representations and concrete examples of the available strokes, the new design reduced the ambiguity that typically exists regarding stroke-to-key mappings. In this way, usability was improved without any changes to the underlying technologies. Our results demonstrate that stroke-based solutions for Chinese character entry can be effective alternatives for mobile phones, providing an effective alternative for the many individuals who can write Chinese but do not speak the Mandarin dialect that serves as the basis for Pinyin. The improved solution could also be used with a traditional numeric keypad to allow one-handed data entry for desktop or mobile computers.
Long-term enhancement but not short-term in Hermissenda is dependent upon mRNA synthesis.

Abstract The reversible transcription inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-β- d -ribobenzimidazole (DRB) was used to examine the contribution of mRNA synthesis to long-term enhancement (LTE) following one-trial conditioning of Hermissenda. Inhibition of mRNA synthesis by DRB or inhibition of protein synthesis by anisomycin did not significantly affect the induction and maintenance of short-term enhancement (STE) examined 1 h after one-trial conditioning. In contrast to the absence of an effect of the inhibitors on STE, LTE was blocked by DRB or anisomycin applied shortly before and during the presentation of the conditioning trial. Consistent with previous reports, animals that received an unpaired CS and US did not exhibit LTE. In addition, a control group that received a concentration of DRB (10 −7 M ) that does not significantly affect mRNA synthesis exhibited typical LTE when tested 24 h postconditioning. These results demonstrate that the induction of LTE produced by one-trial conditioning is dependent upon transcription and the regulation of gene expression.
Probability distributions of local Liapunov exponents for small clusters.

The probability distribution of the largest local Liapunov exponent is evaluated for a classical Ar{sub 3} cluster at different values of the internal energy {ital E}, for a set of increasing values of the length in which the trajectory is partitioned. These distributions can be directly related to the evolution of ergodic behavior, particularly to how it exhibits distinctive, separable time scales which depend strongly on the energy of the system. Therefore, even though the inequivalence of ergodicity and chaos prohibits a Liapunov exponent itself from being a quantitative index of ergodicity, we find that 2 the sample distributions used to evaluate Liapunov exponents nevertheless can be used for this purpose.
Characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with somatically acquired mutations in NOTCH1 exon 34

Characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with somatically acquired mutations in NOTCH1 exon 34
A Novel Role for MAPKAPK2 in Morphogenesis during Zebrafish Development

One of the earliest morphogenetic processes in the development of many animals is epiboly. In the zebrafish, epiboly ensues when the animally localized blastoderm cells spread, thin over, and enclose the vegetally localized yolk. Only a few factors are known to function in this fundamental process. We identified a maternal-effect mutant, betty boop (bbp), which displays a novel defect in epiboly, wherein the blastoderm margin constricts dramatically, precisely when half of the yolk cell is covered by the blastoderm, causing the yolk cell to burst. Whole-blastoderm transplants and mRNA microinjection rescue demonstrate that Bbp functions in the yolk cell to regulate epiboly. We positionally cloned the maternal-effect bbp mutant gene and identified it as the zebrafish homolog of the serine-threonine kinase Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Activated Protein Kinase 2, or MAPKAPK2, which was not previously known to function in embryonic development. We show that the regulation of MAPKAPK2 is conserved and p38 MAP kinase functions upstream of MAPKAPK2 in regulating epiboly in the zebrafish embryo. Dramatic alterations in calcium dynamics, together with the massive marginal constrictive force observed in bbp mutants, indicate precocious constriction of an F-actin network within the yolk cell, which first forms at 50% epiboly and regulates epiboly progression. We show that MAPKAPK2 activity and its regulator p38 MAPK function in the yolk cell to regulate the process of epiboly, identifying a new pathway regulating this cell movement process. We postulate that a p38 MAPKAPK2 kinase cascade modulates the activity of F-actin at the yolk cell margin circumference allowing the gradual closure of the blastopore as epiboly progresses.
Biomechanical and Histologic Evaluation of Fenestrated and Nonfenestrated Biologic Mesh in a Porcine Model of Ventral Hernia Repair

Background The purpose of this study was to compare tissue incorporation and adhesion characteristics of a novel fenestrated versus nonfenestrated crosslinked porcine dermal matrix (CPDM) (Bard CollaMend) in a porcine model of ventral hernia repair. Study Design Bilateral abdominal wall defects were created in 24 Yucatan minipigs, resulting in 48 defects, which were allowed to mature for 21 days. Twelve defects were repaired with fenestrated CPDM using a preperitoneal technique, 12 with fenestrated CPDM using an intraperitoneal technique, 12 with nonfenestrated CPDM using a preperitoneal technique, and 12 with nonfenestrated CPDM using an intraperitoneal technique. Half of the animals in the intraperitoneal group were euthanized after 1 month, and the other half after 3 months. Similarly, half of the animals in the preperitoneal group were euthanized after 1 month, and the other half after 6 months. Biomechanical testing and histologic evaluation were performed. Results Intraperitoneal placement of the CPDM products resulted in significantly greater adhesed area compared with preperitoneal placement (p Conclusions Histologic findings revealed increased tissue incorporation at fenestration sites compared with nonfenestrated grafts regardless of implant location or time in vivo. However, preperitoneal placement resulted in greater incorporation strength, less adhesed area, and lower adhesion scores compared with intraperitoneal placement for both fenestrated and nonfenestrated CPDM.
Congenital Heart Disease in 56,109 Births Incidence and Natural History

Within a prospective study of 56,109 total births, 457 youngsters have been found to have congenital heart disease. The overall incidence is 8.14/1000 total births, 8.0/1000 for the Negro and 8.3/1...
Changes in Alcohol Behaviour among Adolescents in North-West Russia between 1995 and 2004

Background. Among Russian adults, alcohol consumption with binge drinking was high and increased during past decades. Little is known regarding adolescents’ drinking. The present study investigates changes in alcohol-related behaviour among Russian youth between 1995 and 2004. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the 15-year-old youths from all schools in Pitkaranta, Republic of Karelia, Russia. In 1995, 385 students participated (response 95%), in 2004—395 (response 85%). Results. The proportion of abstainers decreased: boys from 26% to 13% (), girls from 23% to 12% (). The age of first alcohol consumption decreased among both genders. First alcohol drinking with friends increased among boys from 65% to 79% (), among girls from 49% to 70% (). Weekly drinking increased: boys from 13% to 28% (), girls from 6% to 15% (). The prevalence on inebriation increased among girls from 45% to 60% (), beer consumption from 8% to 21% () by 2004. Gender differences were less prominent in 2004. Conclusion. Negative changes: early drinking initiation and more frequent alcohol consumption were observed among Russian youth by 2004. Regular monitoring, effective policy measures, and health education are necessary to prevent further increase in alcohol consumption and subsequent burden of alcohol-related diseases in Russia.
Reporters, Markers, Dyes, Nanoparticles, and Molecular Probes for Biomedical Applications

Understanding the structure and function of living cells from the nano to the micron scale remains a grand challenge. While X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy reveal nanoscale information from cellular structures, they operate with lifeless specimens. By contrast, optical techniques are well suitable for studying live cells. However, the resolution of the far-field “linear” microscopy is approximately 300 nm, a manifestation of Heisenberg’s uncertainty relation. Thus, pushing the biophotonics investigation toward the molecular scale is faced with significant challenges but also with unique opportunities. We will describe various principles dedicated to this goal and present some recent advances in phase sensitive measurements.
Carbon networks based on dehydrobenzoannulenes. 4. Synthesis of "star" and "trefoil" graphdiyne substructures via sixfold cross-coupling of hexaiodobenzene.

The synthesis and characterization of star- and trefoil-shaped polyethynyl aromatic structures, which represent model substructures of the all-carbon network graphdiyne, are described. Assembly of these macrocycles is accomplished via 6-fold Sonogashira cross-coupling of hexaiodobenzene using Pd[P(o-Tol)3]2 and CuI as the catalytic system. The development of these modified Sonogashira conditions is detailed. This work has led to the synthesis of a new family of hexakis(phenylbutadiynyl)benzene derivatives (4a−c), the largest of which is the D3h-symmetric “trefoil” 2 and is composed of three [18]annulenes fused at a common benzene ring. Attempts at the synthesis of “wheel” 3 are also described. Compound 2 represents the largest fragment of the graphdiyne network to date. UV−vis spectroscopic studies indicate enhanced electron delocalization throughout the extended π-system.
Kinetics and multiple rate states of CO oxidation on Pt I. Model development and multiplicity analysis

Abstract This first of a two-part study focuses on the kinetics and rate multiplicity features of CO oxidation on Pt. The objective is to formulate models that predict the kinetics and rate multiplicity features observed by experimentalists over a wide range of catalyst temperature, gas composition, and total pressure. It is demonstrated that the commonly used three-step sequence (model I), consisting of reversible CO adsorption, dissociative oxygen adsorption, and a Langmuir reaction step, capably predicts multiplicity features observed under UHV conditions, such as the shape of the multiplicity region (bifurcation map) in the catalyst temperature-CO pressure plane. A method is presented in which parameter space is divided into regions in which different shapes of temperature-CO pressure bifurcation maps are encountered. This scheme provides a useful means of checking if a model can predict the qualitative multiplicity features, and of bounding parameter values based on the shape of the bifurcation map. It is shown that model I cannot predict the correct CO reaction order in the limits of low and high CO pressure, or the apparent activation energy in the CO inhibition regime. Thus, prediction of the multiplicity features alone is insufficient. Four new kinetic models built upon the model I framework are developed and analyzed. Model II contains three additional steps involving molecularly adsorbed oxygen and reaction steps between gas phase CO and adsorbed oxygen species. Oxygen may adsorb by a direct dissociative route or by a two-step molecular precursor route. Model III consists of the three model I steps, the three model II molecular oxygen steps, and an oxygen site exclusion feature. Model IV incorporates site exclusion for CO and oxygen into the three model I steps. Model V has a structure similar to model II, the main difference being that oxygen adsorption proceeds only by an equilibrated molecular adsorption step and irreversible dissociation. Our analyses show that the three steps involving molecular oxygen (models II, III, and V) or CO site exclusion (model IV) remedy the incorrect model I predictions in the CO inhibition regime. Moreover, the Eley-Rideal type reactions (models II and V) or oxygen site exclusion (models II and IV) remedy the incorrect model I predictions of the CO reaction order for the oxygen covered surface. Bifurcation map constructions also demonstrated at each model can predict the correct qualitative multiplicity features.
Malignant thymoma metastatic to the pelvis: A rare case and considerations for management

Abstract Background. Thymoma is the most common tumor of the anterior mediastinum. Due to its relative rarity, its inconsistent clinical course and its frequent proximity to vital thoracic structures, management of this generally indolent tumor varies considerably. We present an unusual case of recurrent thymoma metastatic to the pelvis and review treatment experience employing surgical, radiotherapeutic and medical modalities. Case report. The present case is that of a 46-year-old woman with recurrent thymoma metastatic to a distal pelvic lymph node. Resection of the pelvic recurrence followed many years of local and systemic treatment for her thoracic primary tumor. Her case is unique for its involvement of pelvic anatomy and her clinical course marked by treatment-related congestive heart failure. Conclusion. While the indolent clinical course of thyomoma frequently necessitates re-treatment and multi-modality therapy in patients suffering recurrences, treatment selection must take into account potential long-term morbidity and attendant quality of life. When anatomically and technically feasible, resection of recurrent disease should be considered in attempts to avoid potential cumulative and long-term toxicity resultant from radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Color vision deficiency

Occupational and environmental health nurses can promote awareness of color vision deficiency in the workplace.
Trotsky in exile: The founding of the fourth international

(1986). Trotsky in exile: The founding of the fourth international. Soviet Studies: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 24-35.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity of Crites's Career Maturity Inventory Attitude Scale, Counseling Form B-1

The multitrait-multimethod matrix procedure was employed to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the five subscales of the Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) Attitude Scale, Counseling Form B-1. The subjects were 97 ninth graders from a suburban high school. The Counseling Form subscales were intercorrelated with five short-answer test items developed for this study and designed to assess the five variables making up the Career Choice Attitudes factor in Crites's theoretical model of Career Maturity. Evidence was found to support the convergent and discriminant validity of the Decisiveness, Involvement, and Independence subscales. Since convergence was not achieved between the Orientation and Compromise subscales of the Counseling Form and the short-answer test items intended to assess these variables, the discriminant validity of these two subscales could not be examined.
Quantitative bone US measurements in neonates and their mothers.

Background Factors that affect quantitative ultrasound (QUS) bone measurements have not been clearly defined for all clinical populations.
Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Moracizine for Ventricular Tachycardia

Moracizine (mean dose 792 ± 84mg, range 600 to 900 mg/day) was evaluated in 18 patients aged 62 ± 7 years for spontaneous nonsustained (n = 3) or sustained monomorphic (n = 12) ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest (n = 1) or syncope (n = 2). All patients had spontaneous or induced sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Diagnoses included coronary artery disease (n = 7) and dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 4), valvular heart disease (n = 2), myocarditis (n = 1), or a combination of these (n = 4). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 32 ± 9% (range 15 to 52%). Prior to moracizine, antiarrhythmic drug administration included a mean of 2 ± 1 trials with class IA (n = 17), IB or IA + IB (n = 6) or IC (n = 5) antiarrhythmic drugs, or amiodarone (n = 3). Prior antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued for either the occurrence of noncardiac side effects or lack of efficacy. On moracizine, new sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia occurred in 3 patients with previous nonsustained ventricular tachycardia; spontaneous sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia recurred in 5 (and appeared to be worse in at least 2) patients with previous sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia; sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was induced in all 11 patients undergoing repeat electrophysiology testing and was more difficult to terminate in 2 patients; 1 patient with an implantable defibrillator died suddenly after receiving multiple implantable defibrillator shocks while on moracizine despite recent electrophysiology testing demonstrating satisfactory defibrillation thresholds. Serious arrhythmic events occurred in 7 patients within 7 days of therapy with the drug. In this patient population with inducible or spontaneous sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, moracizine was not effective and caused frequent, serious (usually early) pro-arrhythmic effects.
Mysticism, Motherhood, and Pathological Narcissism? A Kohutian Analysis of Marie de l’Incarnation

The following paper makes use of Kohutian self-psychology as a hermeneutic for interpreting Marie de l’Incarnation and her perplexing decision to abandon her young son Claude in favor of religious life. The author argues that filtered through the lens of Kohutian self-psychology, Marie de l’Incarnation emerges as a pathological narcissist and the decision to abandon Claude symptomatic of a narcissistic grandiosity.
A simple method to deter retethering in patients with spinal dysraphism

Operative technique The authors describe a technique that may be of benefit to patients with spinal dysraphism and a tethered spinal cord. Twenty pediatric patients (ten initial operations and ten reoperations) after the detethering of their spinal cord had intradural retention sutures placed with subsequent duraplasty using autologous thoracolumbar fascia.
Inside Front Cover: Green Synthesis and Property Characterization of Single‐Crystalline Perovskite Fluoride Nanorods (Adv. Funct. Mater. 1/2008)

The synthesis of single-crystalline, cubic perovskite KMnF3 and NH4MnF3 nanorods, and their rare-earth-ion-doped analogues with reproducible shapes and sizes, has been realized using a modified template-directed approach, report Stanislaus Wong and co-workers on p. 103. The properties of the nanorods and their as-doped counterparts suggest their practical incorporation into functional nanometer-scale devices with applications in a number of fields. The cover shows the crystal structure of perovskite fluorides overlaid on a SEM image of as-prepared KMnF3 nanorods with diameters measuring around 50 nm. The generalized green synthesis of single-crystalline KMnF3 and NH4MnF3 nanorods as well as of their rare-earth ion doped analogues, possessing reproducible shape and controllable size, has been achieved using a modified template-directed approach under ambient room-temperature conditions, with simple inorganic salts as functional precursors. Extensive characterization of the resulting nanorods has been performed using diffraction, electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, as well as magnetic techniques. We have studied the antiferromagnetism of as-prepared ternary metal fluoride nanorods as well as the luminescence of their as-doped counterparts. Our collective data suggest the possibility of the incorporation of these high-quality, chemically pure materials into functional nanoscale devices with various potential applications that exploit the interesting optomagnetic properties of these systems.
The Shapovalov determinant and translation functors for the Virasoro algebra

The Virasoro algebra Vir possesses a triangular decomposition; this decomposition allows us to define the category of modules O and to obtain a decomposition of O by blocks. We use the results of Feĭgin and Fuchs [B.L. Feĭgin, D.B. Fuchs, Representations of the Virasoro algebra, in: Representation of Lie Groups and Related Topics, in: Adv. Stud. Contemp. Math., vol. 7, Gordon and Breach, New York, 1990, pp. 465–554] to describe the blocks of O as group orbits. Also, following the work of Jantzen [J.C. Jantzen, Darstellungen halbeinfacher algebraischer Gruppen und zugeordnete kontravariante Formen, thesis, 1973] in the semisimple Lie algebra setting, we use the Shapovalov determinant to study the translation of Verma modules between blocks. In particular, for the translation (M(μ)⊗L(δ))[ν] of M(μ) to the [ν]-block, we compute certain error terms ajδ(μ) (μ+δ+j∈[ν]) and give a representation-theoretic interpretation for ajδ(μ).
Production and production functions: some implications of a refinement to process analysis

Abstract In process analysis, production is broken down into distinct activities. This paper offers a stylization of this concept derived from the template provided by an actual production process, the process that dominated the steel industry for over 60 years. The resulting model is then applied to the firm’s short-run supply and demand for labor decisions.
Lead Deposition in the Shell of the Bivalve, Mya arenaria: an Indicator of Dissolved Lead in Seawater

A strong correlation is observed between the lead content of the shell of the bivalve, Mya arenaria, and dissolved Pb in the seawater in which it grows. Three intertidal sites populated with Mya were selected for study and monitored at least once per month for dissolved Pb during 1988 and 1989. Organisms were collected at the end of the growing season of each year and the most recent annual growth increment was analysed for Pb. A comparison of lead concentrations in shells to seasonally averaged dissolved Pb determined at each of these sites yields a linear relationship described by: Pbshell(nmol g-1) = (9·99 ± 1·18)Pbwater(nmol kg-1)-0·05 r = 0·97 Lead in the shell of Mya is concentrated by a factor of 10000 relative to seawater making it a sensitive indicator for ambient Pb concentrations. The Pb content of shells excavated from middens left by Indians inhabiting the Boston Harbor islands and radio-carbon dated to be 1600 years old, suggest that pre-industrial dissolved Pb concentrations in Boston Harbor were 24 ± 8 pmol kg-1. Present day concentrations are 25-50 times higher.
Developing an Objective Evaluation Method to Estimate Diabetes Risk in Community-Based Settings

Abstract Background: Exercise interventions often aim to affect abdominal obesity and glucose tolerance, two significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Because of limited financial and clinical resources in community and university-based environments, intervention effects are often measured with interviews or questionnaires and correlated with weight loss or body fat indicated by body bioimpedence analysis (BIA). However, self-reported assessments are subject to high levels of bias and low levels of reliability. Because obesity and body fat are correlated with diabetes at different levels in various ethnic groups, data reflecting changes in weight or fat do not necessarily indicate changes in diabetes risk. To determine how exercise interventions affect diabetes risk in community and university-based settings, improved evaluation methods are warranted. Methods: We compared a noninvasive, objective measurement technique—regional BIA—with whole-body BIA for its ability to assess abdominal obesity and pre...
The Contribution of Relational Theory to Social Work Practice

Abstract Current relational theory is very consonant with traditional social work perspectives, particularly the importance of relationships and of the environment. Further, it is now possible theoretically to describe the manner in which human interactions and the environment are fundamental to identity using the concept of identity complexity. This article examines these ideas, showing the roots of the current developments in cognitive and constructionist theory as well as in psychoanalytic ideas.
Communication efficient adaptive matrix transpose algorithm for FFT on symmetric multiprocessors

Computing fast Fourier transform (FFT) on parallel computers has the same communication requirement to transpose matrices one or more times. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm (the adaptive matrix-transpose algorithm) for transposing matrices, which is based on all-to-all communication. The adaptive matrix-transpose algorithm is efficient since it minimizes the overhead associated with transposing matrices by adaptively choosing the suitable radix based on data size, number of processors, start-up time, and the effective bandwidth. We study the effect of the adaptive matrix-transpose algorithm on the 6-step 1-D FFT using symmetric multiprocessors (SMP).
medpie: an information extraction package for medical message board posts.

Summary: We have developed medpie, a software package for preparing medical message board corpora and extracting patient mentions and statistics for drugs, herbs and adverse effects experienced from them. The package is divided into web-crawling, HTML-cleaning, de-identification and information extraction modules. It also includes a sample controlled vocabulary of drugs, herbs and adverse effect terms. Availability: http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~ungar/medpie.zip Dependencies: Python 2.6 or 2.7 Contact: ude.nnepu.sic@ragnu; ude.nnepu.dem.liam@bnairda
Equal-curvature grazing-incidence x-ray telescopes

We introduce a new type of x-ray telescope design, an equal-curvature telescope. We simply add a second-order axial sag to the base grazing-incidence cone-cone telescope. The radius of curvature of the sag terms is the same on the primary surface and on the secondary surface. The design is optimized such that the on-axis image spot at the focal plane is minimized. The on-axis rms spot diameter of two telescopes that we studied is less than 0.2 arc sec. The off-axis performance is comparable with that of equivalent Wolter type 1 telescopes.
BEYOND SYMPTOMS? INVESTIGATING PREDICTORS OF SENSE OF CAMPUS BELONGING AMONG POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES

This study investigated predictors of sense of campus belonging among postsecondary students with psychiatric disabilities. Participants were 566 current or past students with self-reported diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. Regression results showed that campus engagement and psychosocial inclusion variables accounted for substantially more of the variance in sense of campus belonging than available symptomatological variables. Follow-up path modeling demonstrated the strong mediating role of sense of social exclusion, sense of opportunity, student relationships, and participation in clubs and organizations in the relationship of symptoms factors with sense of belonging. Implications for future research and program development are discussed, with an emphasis on moving beyond symptom-centered interventions to those that stress robust campus integration and engagement.
Bounded awareness: what you fail to see can hurt you

We argue that people often fail to perceive and process stimuli easily available to them. In other words, we challenge the tacit assumption that awareness is unbounded and provide evidence that humans regularly fail to see and use stimuli and information easily available to them. We call this phenomenon “bounded awareness” (Bazerman and Chugh in Frontiers of social psychology: negotiations, Psychology Press: College Park 2005). We begin by first describing perceptual mental processes in which obvious information is missed—that is, simply not seen—by the visual perceiver. Inattentional blindness and change blindness are examples. We then extend this phenomenon to decision making and forecasting, using evidence about focalism to illustrate how people over focus on some information and fail to use other easily available information. We next examine how these processes of bounded awareness may extend to other important domains and across levels of analysis, such as information-sharing in groups, decision making in negotiators, and in competitive bidding situations such as auctions. Bounded awareness is a phenomenon that encompasses a variety of psychological processes, all of which lead to the same error: a failure to see, seek, use, or share important and relevant information that is easily seen, sought, used, or shared.
Modeling of range sensing and object detection, for vehicle active safety

This paper presents a generic range sensing model and method for object detection in 3D space. Due to the complexity and stochastic nature of the physics involved, modeling the physics of sensor and sensing is often very difficult, if not impossible, in particular under unstructured environments. This paper presents a geometric approach that provides an abstraction on the functions of range sensing and objects detection. This is to enable modeling and simulation of vehicle interactions among one another under traffic and with surrounding environment for research and development, early testing and verification of many active safety, driver-assistance and sensor-guided autonomous driving features and functions.
MAYFLIES (EPHEMEROPTERA) OF MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA: NEW SPECIES, DESCRIPTIONS, AND RECORDS

Descriptions and figures of five undescribed species are presented: Lachlania talea, L. iops, Epeorus (Iron) packeri, Rhithrogena notialis, and Heptagenia bella. Heptagenia mexicana Ulmer is tentatively transferred to the genus Stenonema, the nymphal stage is described for Isonychia sicca manca Eaton and Homoeoneuria salviniae Eaton, and new collection records extend the known distributional range of Dactylobaetis mexicanus Traver & Edmunds, D. musseri Traver & Edmunds, D. zenobia Traver & Edmunds, Isonychia sicca manca, Homoeoneuria salviniae, Epeorus (Iron) metlacensis Traver, and Stenonema mexicana.
A new cost-effective analog maximum power point tracker for PV systems

Analog circuitry based maximum power point (MPP) tracker is attractive due to its low cost and capability of easy integration with a normal DC/DC controller such that “plug and play” can be expected for many photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the challenge for analog MPPT controller is how to implement an algorithm and store necessary information (i.e., PV panel voltage V PV and output power P PV ) to find MPP. In this paper, a new cost-effective analog MPPT controller is proposed. By creating a truth table from the perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithm, the algorithm can be implemented with only several logic gates. Thanks to the capacitor based storage cell, information like V PV and P PV in last perturbation cycle can be stored easily. Compared with existing analog MPPT solutions, the proposed controller can find the real MPP dynamically and its operation is independent of converter topologies or its control. The operation principle of the new controller is explained and the cost of proposed solution is evaluated. The tracking performance of the proposed controller has been validated by both of the simulation and experimental results using a single phase PV inverter prototype with 200W PV panels under different sun irradiation level and temperature.