cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy intersection equations and primary representations

Abstract Let R be a commutative ring. We show that if every ideal of R has a primary representation, then a finitely generated fuzzy ideal μ of R has a fuzzy primary representation which contains a primary representation of the support of μ We show how this result can be applied to a system of fuzzy intersection equations in order to display the crisp part and the fuzzy part of the solution.
Radioactive thyrotropic hormone preparations.

RECENT investigations have established some of the physiologic reactions of the thyrotropic hormone and have raised other questions as to its role in health and disease. Studies made with radioactive iodine indicate that the thyrotropic hormone will promote the release and uptake of thyroid iodine. Leblond and co-workers (1, 2, 3) have demonstrated that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) will promote the collection of radioiodine by the thyroid, and conversely, hypophysectomized rats will show less accumulation of iodine by the thyroid than intact control rats. The first effect of TSH on iodine metabolism in the thyroid would appear to be the purging of the thyroid of its stored iodine (4). This loss of iodine would appear to precede the hypertrophy of the thyroid cell which occurs when TSH is administered (5). De Robertis and his associates (6–11) have suggested that TSH activates to some extent a proteolytic enzyme present in the thyroid colloid.
Transient response exploration of SRAM cell metastable states caused by ionizing radiation with 3D mixed mode simulation

This paper reports on the simulation and experimental results examining the interaction between mismatch and soft-errors in SRAM cells. Multiple bit upsets (MBU) due to ion irradiation are measured and show a significant probability of not upsetting otherwise identical cells, including the stored state. In order to understand this behavior, we use 3D device simulations and show that they may be due to the cells being driven metastable by radiation induced collected charge, whence the final state is strongly determined by the circuit mismatch within the cell.
Discovery of Innovative Therapeutics: Today’s Realities and Tomorrow’s Vision. 1. Criticisms Faced by the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is facing enormous challenges, including reduced efficiency, declining innovation, key patent expirations, fierce price competition from generics, high regulatory hurdles, and a tarnished image. There is a clear need for change in the paradigms designed to address these challenges. Pharma has responded by embarking on a range of initiatives. However, along the way the industry has accrued critics whose accusations have tainted its reputation. The first part of this two-part series will discuss the criticisms that have been leveled at the pharmaceutical industry and summarize the supporting data for and against these criticisms. The second installment will focus on the current challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry and Pharma's responses to address these challenges. It will describe the industry's changing perspective and new business models for coping with the recent loss of talent and declining clinical pipelines as well as present some examples of recent drug discovery successes.
CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS OF THE INNER EAR: A CLASSIFICATION BASED ON EMBRYOGENESIS

Approximately 20% of patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss have radiographic abnormalities of the inner ear. A broad spectrum of anomalous patterns have been described, most of which have been lumped together under the term "Mondini's dysplasia." We feel that this grouping of many dissimilar entities under a single umbrella term is unwarranted. Based on a review of 63 patients with 98 congenitally malformed ears, we have been able to recognize a number of distinct anatomic patterns from their radiographic appearance. A remarkable similarity between these morphologies and the appearance of the inner ear at various stages of embryogenesis was found. This led us to propose a classification system based upon the theory that these deformities result from an arrest of development during varying stages of inner ear organogenesis.
From the cationic to the anionic alkali clusters: how the photoabsorption depends upon the total charge

Abstract The evolution of the optical absorption spectra of alkali microclusters as a function of the total charge is studied using the random phase approximation upon a jellium background, while treating the Coulomb force in the local density approximation. For a specific number of delocalized electrons, the fragmentation of the oscillator strength increases, as one passes from the cationic to the anionic species. The cases of 8, 20, and 40 delocalized electrons are considered.
Improved gas chromatographic assay for the simultaneous determination of nitroglycerin and its mono- and dinitrate metabolites

A sensitive, specific capillary gas chromatographic—electron-capture detection method for the simultaneous determination of nitroglycerin (GTN), 1,2- and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate (1,2-GDN and 1,3-GDN, respectively) and 1- and 2-glyceryl mononitrate (1-GMN and 2-GMN, respectively) is reported. The minimum quantifiable concentration for GTN, GDNs and GMNs is 0.4 ng/ml in plasma, with extraction recoveries for GMNs >76% and for GTN and the GDNs >95%. Over the full range of quantifiable concentrations the inter-run assay precision and accuracy were less than 13 and 11%, respectively, for all five nitrates. Similar intra-run assay precision and accuracy values were found. The method was employed in the preliminary in vitro examination of GTN, GDN and GMN kinetics in human blood. Following addition of GTN to human blood, the ratio of 1,2-GDN to 1,3-GDN maximum concentrations (Cmax) was ca. 7:1, reflecting preferential denitration of the GTN molecule at the primary positions, while the Cmax ratio for 2-GMN to 1-GMN in this system was ca. 6:1, representing a highly selective if not specific primary denitration of the 1,2-GDN molecule. Following the intravenous administration of 1,2-GDN to five healthy male volunteers, 2-GMN/1-GMN Cmax ratios averaged 8.8:1, representing a highly selective but not specific formation of 2-GMN from the 1,2-GDN molecule. The assay will find utility in in vitro studies attempting to address the molecular pharmacology of GTN and its metabolites, and in in vivo clinical pharmacology studies attempting to address the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GTN and its metabolites.
Elimination and ion—molecule reactions of hexamethylethane and trimethylbutane radical cations in ZSM-5

Abstract Hexamethylethane (HME) and trimethylbutane (TMB) radical cations produced in ZSM-5 zeolite by γ radiolysis undergo an elimination process followed by an ion—molecule reaction. The tetramethylethylen radical cation intermediate formed by CH 4 elimination from TMB + is observed directly in the temperature range 120–200 K. The deprotonation product, (CH 3 ) 3 CC (CH 3 ) 2 , of the cation—molecule reaction is observed for temperatures > 200 K. The isobutene radical cation formed by elimination of C 4 H 10 from HME +. is not observed-presumably because of rapid ion—molecule reaction to form the 2-methylallyl radical, which is observed.
The Total Synthesis of Spirotenuipesines A and B

A stereocontrolled total synthesis of spirotenuipesines A and B, illustrating some potentially valuable notions in chirality transfer, is described.
Acetylcholinesterase activity in Nitella.

IT is generally accepted that the process of excitation starts with a localized depolarization of the conducting cell membrane. The adjacent region is then depolarized by the resultant current flow. This process repeats itself at successive points and thereby the impulse is propagated. These electrical phenomena have been widely investigated, but the underlying mechanism is still under discussion. Nachmansohn1 has suggested a theory according to which the acetylcholine system plays an essential part in bioelectrogenesis. Much evidence has been accumulated in favour of this theory during recent years. The evidence is based on experiments with animal cells, mostly nerve and muscle fibres of vertebrates and invertebrates. However, there are plants which resemble nerve and muscle in being able to propagate impulses by electric currents. There is an excitable membrane separating the cell from its environment, in which a sharp decrease in electrical impedance occurs during the passage of an impulse.
What postoperative outcomes matter to pediatric patients

Children are often excluded from making decisions related to their medical treatment, and parents’ proxy reports are often used. This approach fails to consider that parents and children may differ in their perception of the child’s health. In this study, we assessed children’s decision-making proce
Effects of fluid properties on two-phase flow and refrigerant distribution in the vertical header of a reversible microchannel heat exchanger - Comparing R245fa, R134a, R410A, and R32

Abstract This paper explores the effects of fluid properties on refrigerant distribution in the vertical header of a reversible microchannel heat exchanger under heat pump mode, by comparing the visualization and distribution results of R245fa, R134a, R410A, and R32. Each refrigerant enters into the header through five microchannel tubes in the bottom pass and exits through five microchannel tubes in the top pass. The distribution of R245fa is best, and then R134a, R410A, and R32, because the churn flow region of R245fa in the header is largest, so more tubes have opportunities to receive liquid. For R245fa and R134a, the main reason for maldistribution is because of lacking sufficient momentum to lift liquid to the top. Hence, the distribution may be improved by increasing mass flux in the header at both low and high qualities. For R410A and R32, it is difficult to improve distribution by increasing mass flux at high qualities because it is very easy to form semi-annular flow in the bottom part of the header where the liquid film bypasses the bottom exit tubes and these tubes receive less liquid.
La sutura legible y subalterna de la ficción histórica de la chilenidad en Durante la Reconquista (1897) de Alberto Blest Gana

Resumen es: Si el periodo de la Reconquista ha sido visto por la historiografia chilena como un momento fundacional de una identidad politica nacional, la narrativa ...
Excision of subcutaneous facial cysts and lipomas using cosmetic approaches.

Purpose The excisional biopsy of subcutaneoous facial cysts and lipomas can be problematic due to the high esthetic nature of the affected area. Remote scar placement has advantages in allowing access to subcutaneous pathology while placing incision lines in cosmetic locations. This article will review excisional biopsies of subcutaneous facial cysts and lipomas using cosmetic approaches. Patients and Methods Patients with superficial facial cysts or lipomas undergoing excisional biopsies utilizing contemporary cosmetic surgery approaches (rhytidectomy, lower blepharoplasty, and submental) with tumescent anesthesia and either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Results All patients had successful removal of superficial facial pathology with good cosmetic results. Conclusion The use of contemporary cosmetic surgical approaches for the excisional biopsy of superficial facial cysts and lipomas provides adequate surgical access, a cosmetically acceptable result, and is well-tolerated by patients.
The factor proportions problem in Soviet internal trade

to students of the Soviet economy for a long time, and a good deal of research has been devoted to it.1 Generally, the sectors studied have been the 'commanding heights' or heavy industrial type, since these industries are the most likely to be important for economic development because of their high linkage with other parts of the economy. However, our interest in this article is with the domestic or internal trade sector of the Soviet economy, which traditionally has been accorded relatively low priority in the Soviet system. An examination of this sector is interesting today, given the increasing attention to consumer problems in the USSR; at the same time it may be useful as an example of Soviet experience in the allocation of scarce inputs in non-key sectors. Our procedure consists of estimating the inputs of labour and capital into Soviet trade, combining these and then computing the share of each factor in the total. The results are then compared with factor shares in other sectors of the Soviet economy, and very marked differences are found. We then attempt to fill a gap in the statistical picture of US domestic trade by estimating the labour and capital inputs as well as the factor proportions there.2 The contrast between
Genetic analysis of Borrelia.

Abstract DNA homology studies were performed on Borrelia hermsii, B. duttoni, B. crocidurae and the O. coriaceus spirochete. These organisms had a genus level relationship with each other. B. hermsii was 17 to 53% homologous with B. duttoni, B. crocidurae , and the O. coriaceus spirochetes; B. crocidurae was 17–32% related to B. hermsii, B. anserina and the O. coriaceus spirochete, and the O. coriaceus spirochete was 28–50% related to B. hermsii, B. crocidurae and B. anserina . The O. coriaceus spirochete was 10% homologous with B. burgdorferi , the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. Plasmid DNA was detected in these strains of Borrelia . Southern blot analysis of plasmid DNA from these strains suggested little or no homology with plasmid DNA from B. hermsii used as a probe. A plasmid of 9.2 kilobases was seen in B. burgdorferi strain CT1. This plasmid was shown to be a tandem repeat with unit length of 4.6 kilobases. Sequences corresponding to this plasmid were detected in several fresh tick isolates from North America, and were not seen in any animal, human or European isolates surveyed. The role in the biology of the spirochete played by this plasmid is unknown.
Rational design of potent domain antibody inhibitors of amyloid fibril assembly

Abstract Antibodies hold significant potential for inhibiting toxic protein aggregation associated with conformational disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. However, near-stoichiometric antibody concentrations are typically required to completely inhibit protein aggregation. We posited that the molecular interactions mediating amyloid fibril formation could be harnessed to generate antibodies with potent antiaggregation. Here we report that grafting small amyloidogenic peptides (6–10 residues) into the complementarity-determining regions of a single-domain (VH) antibody yields potent domain antibody inhibitors of amyloid formation. Grafted AMyloid-Motif AntiBODIES (gammabodies) presenting hydrophobic peptides from Aβ (Alzheimer’s disease), α-Synuclein (Parkinson's disease), and islet amyloid polypeptide (type 2 diabetes) inhibit fibril assembly of each corresponding polypeptide at low substoichiometric concentrations (1:10 gammabody:monomer molar ratio). In contrast, sequence- and conformation-specific antibodies that were obtained via immunization are unable to prevent fibrillization at the same substoichiometric concentrations. Gammabodies prevent amyloid formation by converting monomers and/or fibrillar intermediates into small complexes that are unstructured and benign. We expect that our antibody design approach—which eliminates the need for immunization or screening to identify sequence-specific domain antibody inhibitors—can be readily extended to generate potent aggregation inhibitors of other amyloidogenic polypeptides linked to human disease.
Peripheral Administration of Translation Inhibitors Reverses Increased Hyperalgesia in a Model of Chronic Pain in the Rat

Chronic pain is extremely difficult to manage, in part due to lack of progress in reversing the underlying pathophysiology. Since translation of messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) in the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor plays a role in the transition from acute to chronic pain, we tested the hypothesis that transient inhibition of translation in the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor could reverse hyperalgesic priming, a model of transition from acute to chronic pain. We report that injection of translation inhibitors rapamycin and cordycepin, which inhibit translation by different mechanisms, at the peripheral terminal of the primed nociceptor produces reversal of priming in the rat that outlasted the duration of action of these drugs to prevent the development of priming. These data support the suggestion that interruption of translation in the nociceptor can reverse a preclinical model of at least 1 form of chronic pain. Perspective: This study provides evidence that ongoing protein translation in the sensory neuron terminals is involved in pain chronification, and local treatment that transiently interrupts this translation may be a useful therapy to chronic pain.
Yeast ARS function and nuclear matrix association coincide in a short sequence from the human HPRT locus.

A sequence that supports extrachromosomal replication of plasmids in yeast has been identified within the first intron of the human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphori bosyltransferase (HPRT) gene. This represents the first isolation of such an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) from an exactly known position in the human genome. This ARS shares similarities of imparted yeast phenotype and DNA sequence with other heterologus ARSs. In addition, this sequence is found to be a matrix association region (MAR) on the basis of specific binding to nuclear matrices prepared from several mammalian cell types. It also exhibits anomalous electrophoretic behavior, characteristic of bent DNA, on polyacrylamide gels. The coincidence of these properties supports the possibility that this region may play a role in DNA replication within its normal chromosomal context.
Adaptation in health behavior: Modern and traditional medicine in a west Mexican Community

Abstract This paper describes the health perceptions and behavior of traditionally-oriented and modern-oriented persons in a modernizing community in Jalisco, Mexico. Results of data obtained from a questionnaire administered to a sample of 41 mothers-of-families are presented. Respondents were compared on the basis of (1) familiarity with and (2) experience of traditional and modern diseases, (3) hospitalization, and (4) on-going illness episodes. It was found that traditionally-oriented women are heterogeneous health actors, participating equally in these four dimensions in both the modern and the traditional medical systems. Modern-oriented women participate fully in the modern medical system, but are less familiar with traditional diseases and experience them less. Both traditional and modern women however, conceptualize disease etiology and disease process in traditional cognitive models. This paper suggests then that behavioral change proceeds faster than cognitive change, and that the reason is to be found in the fact that professional modern medical practitioners typically do not discuss disease etiology and process with their clients. Thus modern medical practices and materials are available as alternatives to traditional counterparts, but medical cognitive models remain effectively hidden from observation, and therefore, from acceptance.
A Minimal Promoter for the GABAA Receptor α6‐Subunit Gene Controls Tissue Specificity

The ability of nerve cells to regulate the expression of specific neurotransmitter receptors is of central importance to nervous system function, but little is known about the DNA elements that mediate neuron specific gene expression. The type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor alpha6-subunit gene, which is expressed exclusively in cerebellar granule cells, presents a unique opportunity to study the cis elements involved in restricting gene expression to a distinct neuronal population. In an effort to identify the regulatory elements that govern cerebellar granule cell-specific gene expression, the proximal 5' flanking regions for the human, rat, and mouse alpha6 genes were cloned and sequenced, and a major transcriptional initiation site was identified in the rodent genes. Functional analysis of rat alpha6 gene-reporter constructs in primary neuronal cultures reveals that a 155-bp TATA-less promoter region (-130 to +25 bp) constitutes a minimal promoter that can drive cerebellar granule cell-specific expression. Internal deletion and decoy competition studies demonstrate that the minimal promoter contains a 60-bp region (-130 to -70 bp) that is critical for enhanced promoter activity in cerebellar granule cells. Activity of the compromised promoter containing the deletion cannot be rescued by placing the 60-bp region downstream of the reporter gene, demonstrating that it is not a classical enhancer but rather a positionally dependent regulator. An additional cerebellar-specific activating sequence is located between -324 and -130 bp, and a downstream negative regulatory region (+158 to +294) has been shown to be active in fibroblasts but inactive in cerebellar granule cells. Taken together, the results suggest a possible mechanism for the control of cerebellar granule cell-specific expression of the GABA(A) receptor alpha6 subunit gene.
Target thickness dependence of bremsstrahlung from solid films

Abstract We report initial results of a study of the target thickness dependence of bremsstrahlung from solid film targets. The electron beam energy is 50 keV and bremsstrahlung is observed at 90°. Targets are aluminium and gold. Target thicknesses from 50 μg/cm 2 , where single interaction conditions apply, to twice the electron range, where a multiple interaction model applies, were studied. We observe the transition from thin to thick film spectra. The purpose is to investigate whether the polarization bremsstrahlung contribution may be suppressed in solid film targets.
Models, Pictures, and Unified Accounts of Representation: Lessons from Aesthetics for Philosophy of Science

Several prominent philosophers of science, most notably Ron Giere, propose that scientific theories are collections of models and that models represent the objects of scientific study. Some, including Giere, argue that models represent in the same way that pictures represent. Aestheticians have brought the picturing relation under intense scrutiny and presented important arguments against the tenability of particular accounts of picturing. Many of these arguments from aesthetics can be used against accounts of representation in philosophy of science. I rely on Dominic Lopes' recent summary of arguments against various views of picturing and reformulate some of them to fit the philosophy of science context. My specific targets here are Giere and Steven French. I go on to argue that assuming all scientific models and images represent in the same way is not the best guide to understanding scientific practice.
Imaging attention networks

The study of attention has largely been about how to select among the various sensory events but also involves the selection among conflicting actions. Prior to the late 1980s, locating bottlenecks between sensory input and response dominated these studies, a different view was that attentional limits involved the importance of maintaining behavioral coherence rather than resulting from a bottleneck. In both cases ideas of resource limits taken over from economics were important. Early evidence relating to the anatomy of attention came from neurological investigations of lesioned patients, but the major impetus for the anatomical approach came from neuroimaging studies that provided evidence of brain networks related to orienting to sensory events and control of response tendencies. The presence of a functional anatomy has supported studies of the development of attention networks and the role of neuromodulators and genetic polymorphisms in their construction. Together these developments have enhanced our understanding of attention and paved the way for significant applications to education, pathology and prevention of mental illness.
Histone propinquity using imidoesters.

Abstract Native chromatin was reacted with bifunctional protein cross-linking reagents of varying molecular sizes. Short cross-linkers do not produce significant yields of polymeric histones whereas intermediate-sized materials such as dimethyladipimidate produce extensive interaction between histones. Dimethylsuberimidate reacts with all histone fractions but only generates polymers of F1 and of F2b and F2a2.
The influence of peripheral site ligands on the reaction of symmetric and chiral organophosphates with wildtype and mutant acetylcholinesterases

Abstract The rates of inhibition of mouse acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (EC 3.1.1.7) by paraoxon, haloxon, DDVP, and enantiomers of neutral alkyl methylphosphonyl thioates and cationic alkyl methylphosphonyl thiocholines were measured in the presence and absence of AChE peripheral site inhibitors: gallamine, d -tubocurarine, propidium, atropine and derivatives of coumarin. All ligands, except the coumarins, at submillimolar concentrations enhanced the rates of inhibition by neutral organophosphorus compounds (OPs) while inhibition rates by cationic OPs were slowed down. When peripheral site ligand concentrations extended to millimolar, the extent of the enhancement decreased creating a bell shaped activation profile. Analysis of inhibition by DDVP and haloxon revealed that peripheral site inhibitors increased the second order reaction rates by increasing maximal rates of phosphylation.
Cortical Midline Structures and Autobiographical-Self Processes: An Activation-Likelihood Estimation Meta-Analysis

The autobiographical self refers to a mental state derived from the retrieval and assembly of memories regarding one’s biography. The process of retrieval and assembly, which can focus on biographical facts or personality traits or some combination thereof, is likely to vary according to the domain chosen for an experiment. To date, the investigation of the neural basis of this process has largely focused on the domain of personality traits using paradigms that contrasted the evaluation of one’s traits (self-traits) with those of another person’s (other-traits). This has led to the suggestion that cortical midline structures (CMSs) are specifically related to self states. Here, with the goal of testing this suggestion, we conducted activation-likelihood-estimation (ALE) meta-analyses based on data from 28 neuroimaging studies. The ALE results show that both self-traits and other-traits engage CMSs; however, the engagement of medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) is greater for self-traits than for other-traits, while the posteromedial cortex (PMC) is more engaged for other-traits than for self-traits. These findings suggest that the involvement CMSs is not specific to the evaluation of one’s own traits, but also occurs during the evaluation of another person’s traits.
Low-energy neutrino-two-photon interactions.

We present a systematic study of low-energy neutrino-two-photon interactions to lowest order of $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\mathrm{em}}{G}_{F})$. General structures of such interactions are analyzed. Differences due to whether neutrinos are Dirac particles or Majorana particles are discussed. Simple formulas are derived from which one can easily obtain the corresponding effective neutrino-two-photon interaction in all theoretical models. The compatibility of a small neutrino mass with a large neutrino-two-photon interaction is explored. Some physical implications of such interactions are also examined.
TIME STUDY OF INCORPORATION IN VIVO OF INORGANIC PHOSPHATE (P32) INTO PHOSPHOLIPIDS OF MITOCHONDRIA.

Summary. In vivoIncorporation of Pi32 into the phospholipids of rat liver mitochondria, hamster liver and kidney mitochondria was investigated. The time course from 0.5 to 10 hours is given. The specific activity time curves give no evidence of any inter-conversion of the phospholipids in mitochondria.
Disparities in lung transplantation before and after introduction of the lung allocation score

Background In May 2005, the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) became the primary method for determining allocation of lungs for organ transplantation for those at least 12 years of age in the United States. During the pre-LAS period, black patients were more likely than white patients to become too sick or die while awaiting transplant. The association between gender and lung transplant outcomes has not been widely studied. Methods Black and white patients aged ≥ 18 years registered on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) lung transplantation waiting list from January 1, 2000, to May 3, 2005 (pre-LAS, n = 8,765), and from May 4, 2005, to September 4, 2010 (LAS, n = 8,806), were included. Logistic regression analyses were based on smaller cohorts derived from patients listed in the first 2 years of each era (2,350 pre-LAS, and 2,446 LAS) to allow for follow-up time. Lung transplantation was the primary outcome measure. Multivariable analyses were performed within each interval to determine the odds that a patient would die or receive a lung transplant within 3 years of listing. Results In the pre-LAS era, black patients were more likely than white patients to become too sick for transplantation or die within 3 years of waiting list registration (43.8% vs 30.8%; odds ratio [OR], 1.84; p p = 0.74). Black patients were less likely to undergo transplantation in the pre-LAS era (56.3% vs 69.2%; OR, 0.54; p p = 0.74). Women were more likely than men to die or become too sick for transplantation within 3 years of listing in the LAS era (16.1% vs 11.3%; OR, 1.58; p p = 0.08). Conclusion Racial disparities in lung transplantation have decreased with the implementation of LAS as the method of organ allocation; however, gender disparities may have actually increased in the LAS era.
ADVANCED TESTICULAR CANCER: UPDATE FOR UROLOGISTS

AbstractPurpose: Testicular cancer is a model for a curable neoplasm. We review past and present accomplishments in treating testis cancer and emphasize controversial surgical issues of interest to the urologist.Materials and Methods: We reviewed early and recent chemotherapy trials of germ cell tumors, stressing random prospective phase III studies. In addition, we address specific and complicated issues that are of particular relevance for the urologist, analyzing recently published articles.Results: Cisplatin combination chemotherapy has dramatically improved the cure rate for patients with germ cell tumors. The indications for post-chemotherapy resection for residual masses are discussed.Conclusions: The major goal 25 years ago was to develop a successful chemotherapy regimen for disseminated disease, which has now been accomplished with cisplatin combination chemotherapy. Present issues include optimal treatment in patients with poor prognostic characteristics, salvage chemotherapy strategies and ind...
Judging Architectural Value edited by William S. Saunders

William S. Saunders (Ed.), Judging Architectural Value (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2007).In The Timeless Way of Building (1979), Christopher Alexander explored qualities that const...
A Putative Drosophila Homolog of the Huntington's Disease Gene

huntingtin, we isolated and sequenced a cDNA encoding a protein that is a likely homolog of the HD gene product in Drosophila melanogaster. We also determined the complete sequence of 43 125 contiguous base pairs of genomic DNA that encompass the Drosophila HD gene, allowing the intron‐exon structure and 5'- and 3'flanking regions to be delineated. The predicted Drosophila huntingtin protein has 3583 amino acids, which is several hundred amino acids larger than any other previously characterized member of the HD family. Analysis of the genomic and cDNA sequences indicates that Drosophila HD has 29 exons, compared with the 67 exons present in vertebrate HD genes, and that Drosophila huntingtin lacks the polyglutamine and polyproline stretches present in its mammalian counterparts. The Drosophila HD mRNA is expressed in a broad range of developmental stages and in the adult, a temporal pattern of expression similar to that observed for mammalian HD transcripts. We can discern five regions of high similarity from multiple sequence alignments between Drosophila and vertebrate huntingtins. These regions may define functionally important domains within the protein.
Copy detection for intellectual property protection of VLSI designs

We give the first study of copy detection techniques for VLSI CAD applications; these techniques are complementary to previous watermarking-based IP protection methods in finding and proving improper use of design IP. After reviewing related literature (notably in the text processing domain), we propose a generic methodology for copy detection based on determining basic elements within structural representations of solutions (IPs), calculating (context-independent) signatures for such elements, and performing fast comparisons to identify potential violators of IP rights. We give example implementations of this methodology in the domains of scheduling, graph coloring and gate-level layout; experimental results show the effectiveness of our copy detection schemes as well as the low overhead of implementation. We remark on open research areas, notably the potentially deep and complementary interaction between watermarking and copy detection.
Person perception and autonomic nervous system response: The costs and benefits of possessing a high social status

This research was designed to investigate the relationship between sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to the perception of social targets varying in social status. Participants varying in subjective financial status were presented with faces assigned with either a low, average, or high financial status. Electrocardiographic and impedance cardiography signals were recorded and measures of sympathetic (pre-ejection period; PEP) and parasympathetic (high frequency heart rate variability; HF HRV) cardiac control were derived. These measures associated with the presentation of each face condition were examined in relation to the subjective status of the perceivers. Participants with high subjective financial status showed reduced sympathetic activity when viewing low- and medium-status targets as compared to high-status targets, and lower parasympathetic response when viewing high- and medium-status targets relative to low-status targets.
Neonatal or hepatocyte growth factor–potentiated adult gene therapy with a retroviral vector results in therapeutic levels of canine factor IX for hemophilia B

Hemophilia B is a bleeding disorder resulting from factor IX (FIX) deficiency that might be treated with gene therapy. Neonatal delivery would correct the disease sooner than would transfer into adults, and could reduce immunological responses. Neonatal mice were injected intravenously with a Moloney murine leukemia virus-based retroviral vector (RV) expressing canine FIX (cFIX). They achieved 150% to 280% of normal cFIX antigen levels in plasma (100% is 5 microg/mL), which was functional in vitro and in vivo. Three newborn hemophilia B dogs that were injected intravenously with RV achieved 12% to 36% of normal cFIX antigen levels, which improved coagulation tests. Only one mild bleed has occurred during 14 total months of evaluation. This is the first demonstration of prolonged expression after neonatal gene therapy for hemophilia B in mice or dogs. Most animals failed to make antibodies to cFIX, demonstrating that neonatal gene transfer may induce tolerance. Although hepatocytes from newborns replicate, those from adults do not. Adult mice therefore received hepatocyte growth factor to induce hepatocyte replication prior to intravenous injection of RV. This resulted in expression of 35% of normal cFIX antigen levels for 11 months, although all mice produced anti-cFIX antibodies. This is the first demonstration that high levels of FIX activity can be achieved with an RV in adults without a partial hepatectomy to induce hepatocyte replication. We conclude that RV-mediated hepatic gene therapy is effective for treating hemophilia B in mice and dogs, although the immune system may complicate gene transfer in adults.
E-SPART Analyzer Based on a Stationary-Fringe LDV

This paper introduces a novel E-SPART analyzer for the dust particle analysis for Mars mission. The E-SPART analyzer is based on a stationary-fringe LDV (laser Doppler velocimeter) which can simplify the system hardware composition and reduce both the physical size and weight of the system. The paper presents the operatingl principle, the signal processing method and the algorithm. Experimental results are provided to confirm the effectiveness of the principle and algorithms.
Control strategy for upper-limb prostheses

Designers of arm prosthesis control mechanisms have generally been guided by a designer's previous experience and his or her innovative thinking. In this paper, a design strategy guided by some theoretical control concepts and physiological knowledge is described. A preliminary design based on this strategy is proposed. However, as Stephen Toulmin has pointed out, "Theory has to answer to the high court of practice." Our laboratory still has limited clinical experience and practice with this design procedure.
Pattern Recognition In Acoustic Emission Experiments

Pattern recognition methods are described for classifying acoustic emission (AE) signals according to their source types. Simple time and frequency domain features of the AE waveforms are used in the classification to distinguish one type from another. Methods for classification using labeled waveforms, and clustering using unlabeled waveforms have been developed and applied to the detection of a fatigue crack growing from a fastener hole in a simulated aircraft structure. Sources of AE in this monitoring application are crack growth, crack face rubbing, fastener fretting, mechanical impacts, electrical transients, and hydraulic noise. Classification of labeled data to separate crack-related AE from the other types produced a 96-100% accuracy, and clustering of unlabeled data pro-duced an 82-94% accuracy. A system calibration method needs to be developed before the pattern recognition algorithms can reliably accommodate specimen geometry changes.
Surgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

ABSTRACT Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common human malignancy. An estimated 2.75 million patients worldwide are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, with more than one million in the United States alone. Treatment for skin cancer includes methods such as cryosurgery, curettage and electrodessication, local excision, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Regardless of the method used, the goal is to provide the patient with the safest, most cost-effective and curative treatment. AORN J 71 (March 2000) 552–564.
Variation in salinity tolerance, gill Na+/K+-ATPase, Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter and mitochondria-rich cell distribution in three salmonids Salvelinus namaycush, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salmo salar.

SUMMARY We compared seawater tolerance, gill Na + /K + -ATPase and Na + /K + /2Cl – cotransporter (NKCC) abundance, and mitochondria-rich cell (MRC) morphology of three salmonids, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush , brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar . They were transferred directly from 0 p.p.t. (parts per thousand; freshwater) to 30 p.p.t. seawater, or transferred gradually from 0 to 10, 20 and 30 p.p.t. at 1-week intervals and kept in 30 p.p.t. for 3 weeks. The survival rates of lake trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon were 80%, 50% and 100% following direct transfer, and 80%, 100% and 100% during gradual transfer, respectively. Plasma Na + , K + and Cl – concentrations in surviving lake trout increased rapidly and remained at high levels in 30 p.p.t. of both direct and gradual transfer, whereas those in brook trout showed a transient increase following direct transfer but did not change significantly during gradual transfer. Only minor changes in plasma ions were observed in Atlantic salmon smolts in both direct and gradual transfer. These results suggest that lake trout retains some degree of euryhalinity and that brook trout possesses intermediate euryhalinity between lake trout and Atlantic salmon smolts. Gill Na + /K + -ATPase activity of lake trout and brook trout increased in seawater, whereas that of Atlantic salmon smolts was already upregulated in freshwater and remained high after seawater exposure. NKCC abundance was upregulated in parallel with gill Na + /K + -ATPase activity in each species. Immunocytochemistry with anti-Na + /K + -ATPaseα -subunit and anti-NKCC revealed that the two ion transporters were colocalized on the basolateral membrane of gill MRCs. Immunopositive MRCs were distributed on both primary filaments and secondary lamellae in all three species kept in freshwater; following transfer to seawater this pattern did not change in lake trout and brook trout but lamellar MRCs disappeared in Atlantic salmon. Previous studies on several teleost species have suggested that filament and lamellar MRCs would be involved in seawater and freshwater acclimation, respectively. However, our results in lake trout and brook trout suggest that lamellar MRCs could be also functional during seawater acclimation.
Metasynthesis: A Goldmine for Evidence-Based Practice

Metasynthesis is a technique that can help establish qualitative research as a viable source of evidence. Using this approach, results from multiple qualitative research studies on the same topic are combined and synthesized to reveal the best evidence. This article addresses metasynthesis and its application to perioperative evidence-based care. Noblit and Hare's method for synthesizing qualitative research is described and illustrated using a previously published metasynthesis of postpartum depression research.
Conductivity in CdSe quantum dots and TiO/sub 2/ nanoparticles: what can THz spectroscopy tell us?

Terahertz spectroscopy emerged about 14 years ago with the demonstration that nearly single cycle pulses of far-infrared (FIR) radiation could be generated, sent through free space, and subsequently detected in the time-domain. Since then, THz spectroscopy has become an active area with studies ranging from condensed matter physics to gas-phase spectroscopy to biomedical imaging. One of the most unique aspects of THz spectroscopy is that the pulses are of sub-picosecond duration, and it is possible to characterize the time-dependent ac conductivity in the FIR on ultrafast timescales. That is, it is a non-contact electrical probe with sub-picosecond temporal resolution. We have applied time-resolved THz spectroscopy to novel systems such as low-temperature grown GaAs, semiconductor quantum dots, and sintered colloidal TiO/sub 2/. This paper will describe the transient photoconductivity in CdSe quantum dots and nanocrystalline TiO/sub 2/ as a function of size and morphology.
The application of symbolic computing to chemical kinetic reaction schemes

Given a reaction mechanism we show how a symbolic computation approach can be used to develop the kinetic equations by identifying the reaction scheme with an equivalent matrix. Our method is also applicable in cases where the stoichiometric matrix approach fails. The specific algorithm that is written applies to schemes where individual reactions are at most ternary, but the way to generalize the procedure is also discussed. By using symbolic computing it is possible to determine general properties of the system. We demonstrate this by showing how to use the matrix to determine the system's conservation laws, which in turn can be used to reduce the number of equations in the system. As another application it is shown how to determine some of the species which have a zero equilibrium state. To illustrate the procedure, example reaction schemes are investigated.
Additional Costs And Risks In Software Acquisition Projects

Organizations usually contract their software projects to avoid the risks associated with developing the software internally and to control their costs. However, a study of two-dozen contracted project indicates that such organizations face unique risks and hidden costs that are particular to software aquisitions. This paper describes research done to estimate the effort expended by organizations in overseeing and participating in contracted software projects and the implications for predicting costs and identifying risks of such projects. It presents a framework for collecting and measuring costs incurred before, during and after the contract award. For many of the organizations that participated in the survey, realizing the actual costs and risks of a project was an eye opener – hidden costs and risks are significant and they are typically not managed. The research results emphasize the need for institutionalizing processes for the collection of data about contracting costs within an organization so that databases of metrics about completed projects can be built and later used to forecast costs for future projects to improve decision-making processes. The research results also emphasize the need to acknowledge the risks involved so they can be mitigated to improve the relationship with the contracor and the chances for project success. The authors are engaged in research directed toward assisting such organizations in identifying the risks and costs and improving the acquisition process.
Legal Ethics in a Time of Change: An Assessment of the American Bar Association's Ethics 20/20 Commission

Bob Dylan sang "Times They are a-Changin'." A line from that song is "you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone." This could easily be the theme of the 2013 Law Review Symposium. The Symposium was about change. Change that has come, is coming, and will (or should) come to the world of legal ethics and professional responsibility - as well as the consequences of refusing to recognize and adapt to change. The Symposium was prompted by work of the American Bar Association's Ethics 20/20 Commission, established in 2009 by then President Carolyn B. Lamm. The Commission was tasked with evaluating (with 20/20 vision) the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and making recommendations for necessary revisions as a result of "advances in technology and global legal practice developments." The goal of the Symposium was to consider issues addressed by the Commission as well as those left unaddressed.
Getting it Right: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins in the Formation and Management of the Family Limited Partnership

In the last few years, estate planners have turned to the "Family Limited Partnership" as a means of obtaining a valuation discount for their clients' estates in order to ultimately reduce the estate tax to be paid at death. While case law supports the use of the technique in reducing the estate tax, recent case law highlights the divide between success and failure. In particular, seven key areas have been relied upon by courts to require the inclusion of contributed assets in the gross estate of the wealthy decedent, thus causing the technique to fail. This paper will discuss the Family Limited Partnership technique, the recent cases that have been decided in favor of both taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and will provide some guidelines for successful implementation of the technique as well as discuss some actions and inactions that have caused courts to reject the Family Limited Partnership technique. This paper proposes that Congress should enact a safe harbor for taxpayers wishing to use the technique. Finally, this paper concludes with an example of a Family Limited Partnership that would likely survive judicial scrutiny and be entitled to a valuation discount.