cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Budd-Chiari syndrome in urology: Impact on nephrectomy for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Objectives : Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a poorly understood entity in urology. It results from obstruction of the hepatic veins and the subsequent complications. It has been infrequently reported to be secondary to hepatic venous obstruction from invasion by an inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We report the largest known series of patients with RCC and BCS. Patients and Methods : Ten patients presented to a tertiary hospital with locally advanced RCC with IVC tumor thrombus. All were evaluated and had clinical or radiographic evidence of BCS. All underwent nephrectomy, IVC thrombectomy or ligation, and tumor removal from the hepatic veins. The perioperative and pathological factors were measured. These included estimated blood loss (EBL) and transfusions. Inpatient factors including duration of intubation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and overall length of stay (LOS) were recorded. The tumor-free status was evaluated. Results : The average age was 59 years. No intraoperative deaths occurred. Two intraoperative complications were noted. The mean EBL was 4244 cc; mean surgery length was 8 hours 12 minutes; and the mean ICU stay was nine days. The overall LOS averaged 13.25 days. One patient died postoperatively of sepsis and multisystem organ failure. One patient required reoperation for an abdominal wall hematoma caused by subcutaneous enoxaparin administration. Average follow-up was 28 months. Five patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Conclusions : Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare entity in urology, with a potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical excision of the primary tumor along with thrombectomy results in alleviation of BCS and improvement in the patient.
Image processing and control of a programmable spatial light modulator

The heart of the National Ignition Facility is a megajoule-class laser system consisting of 192 beams used to drive inertial confinement fusion reactions. A recently installed system of programmable, liquid-crystal-based spatial light modulators adds the capability of arbitrarily shaping the spatial beam profiles in order to enhance operational flexibility. Its primary intended use is for introducing "blocker" obscurations shadowing isolated flaws on downstream optical elements that would otherwise be damaged by high fluence laser illumination. Because an improperly shaped blocker pattern can lead to equipment damage, both the position and shape of the obscurations must be carefully verified prior to high-fluence operations. An automatic alignment algorithm is used to perform detection and estimation of the imposed blocker centroid positions compared to their intended locations. Furthermore, in order to minimize the spatially-varying nonlinear response of the device, a calibration of the local magnification is performed at multiple sub-image locations. In this paper, we describe the control and associated image processing of this device that helps to enhance the safety and longevity of the overall system.
Metabolic changes in activated T cells : an NMR study of human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Using NMR spectroscopy, we studied purified, human T lymphocytes in a serum-free medium. Purified cells were entrapped inside agarose beads and induced to proliferate by the mitogens phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and ionomycin. T lymphocytes in standard culture and inside agarose beads exhibit comparable viability, and similar extent and kinetics of DNA synthesis and interleukin-2 secretion. 31P-NMR revealed decreased phosphomonoester and increased phosphodiester content in cells stimulated for two days or longer. 13C-glucose utilization and 13C-lactate production rates showed that 85% of the utilized glucose was converted to lactate. 1H-NMR spectra of the perfusing media indicated that lactate was also produced from substrates other than glucose or glycogen. Glucose accounted for 25% of the lactate produced by quiescent cells, and for 67% of lactate production by stimulated cells. Glycolysis was enhanced 6-fold within the first 2 hours following stimulation, and 15-fold by 48 or 96 h. Aerobic lactate production was increased 3-fold by 48 h, with only a minor enhancement during the first 12 h of stimulation. Our results indicate a shift from mostly aerobic to mostly anaerobic lactate production in T lymphocytes within the first 90 min of the G0 to G1 transition during cell cycle progression.
What We Know About Engendering Civic Identity

Taking the position that there is a developmental process in the formation of citizenship, the authors reviewed studies that reported a link between youth's participation in organized activities and civic behaviors 15 or more years later in adulthood. Data uniformly showed that students who participated in high school government or community service projects, meant in the broad sense, are more likely to vote and to join community organizations than are adults who were nonparticipants during high school. Results support the authors' view that participation during the youth era can be seminal in the construction of civic identity that includes a sense of agency and social responsibility in sustaining the community's well-being.
Within ratio responding during fixed ratio performance

Five rats were trained in steps from FR 10 to FR 120 or FR 160. Response rate increased to a maximum between FR 40 or FR 80 although the reinforcement frequency continually declined from FR 10 to higher ratios. Measurement of interresponse times revealed that changes in within ratio responding were inversely correlated with changes in response rate.
Brief report: retrospective case series of oxcarbazepine for irritability/agitation symptoms in autism spectrum disorder.

We examined response to oxcarbazepine prescribed for irritability/agitation symptoms in a retrospective case series of 30 patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The average patient was 12.0 years old (range 5–21) and taking two other psychotropic medications (range 0–4). Fourteen patients (47 %) had a clinical global impression of improvement score of ‘much improved’ during treatment. Ten patients (33 %) showed an improvement on their clinical global impression of severity score. Seven patients (23 %) had a clinically significant adverse event or side effect leading to oxcarbazepine discontinuation. Without a placebo group, it is not possible to evaluate whether oxcarbazepine provides benefit for irritability/agitation symptoms in ASD. The high rate of adverse events suggests its use should be accompanied by caution.
Ternary diffusion: The ( 2 ~D) matrix of an ideal solid solution

The elements (~Dik3) of the (2~D) matrix of an interdiffusing ideal ternary solid solution have been determined for Manning’s random alloy model, and the relationships among the elements and the tracer diffusion coefficients (Di*’s) of the atom species have been examined. It is shown that for physically realistic choices of tracer diffusion coefficients a quasi-linear relationship exists between the ~Dik3 of the ith atom species and its atom fraction over the entire composition triangle. It is also, shown that a ~Dii3 diagonal element will never be negative for any physically realistic values of the Di*’s. Finally, the implications of the equality ~D223 = ~D223 are demonstrated.
Human serum albumin and its structural variants mediate cholesterol efflux from cultured endothelial cells

In the present study, we used the human EA.hy926 endothelial cell line as the model system to investigate the effect of human serum albumin (HSA) and its structural variants on cholesterol efflux. Initial studies showed that HSA promoted cholesterol efflux in a dose- and time-dependent manner, reaching a plateau at 10 mg/ml at 90 min. As a control, gelatin displayed no significant effect on efflux, while HSA was significantly more efficient than ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in promoting cholesterol efflux. Equal molar concentrations of HSA and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) showed that apoA-I had considerably higher efficiency in efflux. However, the prevailing high plasma concentrations of HSA may compensate for its lower efflux rate compared to apoA-I. To characterize the mechanism of HSA-mediated cholesterol efflux, we studied the effects of cAMP and temperature on efflux using both EA.hy926 endothelial cells and murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that HSA-mediated efflux occurred via a cAMP-independent and relatively temperature-insensitive pathway. We next examined the nature of HSA-cholesterol interaction by comparing the effects of various HSA mutants to wild-type HSA on cholesterol efflux. We found specific interactions between subdomains 2A and 3A and cholesterol, as indicated by the changes in the efflux rate of various HSA mutants. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the role of HSA in cholesterol efflux, and shows that the substitution of specific amino acid residues in subdomains of 2A and 3A may be important structural determinants in its ability to bind to cholesterol and participate in cholesterol efflux.
An iterative Fourier-Bessel algorithm for reconstruction of helical structures with severe Bessel overlap.

Abstract Classical Fourier–Bessel methodology fails when used to reconstruct helical structures with severe Bessel overlap on the layer lines. In the reconstruction of a peculiar type of double-layered helical tube of GDP-tubulin, we face the problem of Bessel overlap on all the layer lines due to the superposition of the Fourier components from the inner and outer layers of the tube. In order to decompose the Fourier terms of the inner and outer layers more than one image of the tubes must be combined and the orientations of their inner and outer layer helices must be determined. While there is no direct analytical method to determine these orientational parameters, we have devised an iterative Fourier–Bessel algorithm to calculate the correct orientations and thus allow us to obtain a reconstruction from multiple images of the double-layered tubes. The algorithm successfully works for the reconstruction of computer-modeled double-layered helical tubes as well as with real images obtained by cryo-electron microscopy. The algorithm has also been applied with very satisfactory results to the reconstruction of 13-protofilament microtubules, which is another helical structure that suffer Bessel overlap, suggesting its generality.
First occurrence of hippocampal spatial firing in a new environment.

Abstract Previous work has identified “spatial units” in recordings from dorsal hippocampus of rats. These units fire at high rates only when rats are in specific localized regions of the recording environment. An investigation was made of the time course with which such spatial firing first appears in a new environment. Rats were pretrained to perform an operant task in a straight-line shuttle box for food reward and then transferred to a T-maze (requiring similar behavior) to which they had never before been exposed. Recordings from dorsal hippocampus showed specific spatial firing immediately in 10 of 12 cases. In the remaining cases firing began within 10 min of the rats' initial exposure to the maze.
Exploring the Political Economy of Labour Market Institutions

Labour markets How reforms took place Many economists argue that the European unemployment problem relates to large labour market rigidities. This paper argues that many of those inflexibilities (and the underlying institutional regulations) can be understood as the outcome of political influence by incumbent employees. This is because many policies that increase unemployment actually benefit these insiders. An empirical investigation of the determinants of labour market institutions demonstrates that the observations are consistent with this view. The findings imply: (1) Higher exposure of the employed to unemployment facilitates a reduction in the level of employment protection. (2) Unemployment benefits are lower, the more employment reacts to wages. (3) A higher level of unemployment and the existence of a right-wing government slow down the growth rate of the minimum wage. —Giles Saint-Paul
Partition as a Solution to Ethnic Conflict

Over the past 60 years, civil wars have been more frequent, have lasted longer and have caused many more casualties and displacements than inter-state wars.1 Consequently, the body of research devo...
HIF1A overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in a cohort of 731 colorectal cancers.

Tissue hypoxia commonly occurs in tumors. Hypoxia- inducible factor (HIF)-1 and HIF-2, which are essential mediators of cellular response to hypoxia, regulate gene expression for tumor angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, and resistance to oxidative stress. Their key regulatory subunits, HIF1A (HIF-1alpha) and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1; HIF-2alpha), are overexpressed and associated with patient prognosis in a variety of cancers. However, prognostic or molecular features of colon cancer with HIF expression remain uncertain. Among 731 colorectal cancers in two prospective cohort studies, 142 (19%) tumors showed HIF1A overexpression, and 322 (46%) showed EPAS1 overexpression by immunohistochemistry. HIF1A overexpression was significantly associated with higher colorectal cancer-specific mortality in Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test, P or = 30 kg/m2) (P = 0.039). In conclusion, HIF1A expression is independently associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer, suggesting HIF1A as a biomarker with potentially important therapeutic implications.
Remote Sensing of Canopy Dynamics and Biophysical Variables Estimation of Corn in Michigan

Remotely sensed data can aid in estimating biophysical variables of corn (Zea mays L.). This study identifies spectral wavelengths, spectral vegetation indices (SVIs), and timing needed for estimating yield and leaf area index (LAI) for corn. Canopy reflectance (460-810 nm range) was measured periodically in 1999 and 2000 within a field study varying N and irrigation management for corn. Corn grain yield was strongly related to canopy reflectance for either individual wavelengths or for SVIs, reaching an optimum (R 2 > 0.9) at R5 dent stage in both years. Green reflectance based on simple ratio (green simple ratio index, GSRI) had the highest R 2 , lowest RMSE, and most consistent slope and intercept between years. In contrast, LAI was best predicted by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (RSME = 0.426) while green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) performed poorly (RMSE = 0.604). Corn grain yield in this study was best predicted at stage R5 using the green simple ratio index.
Impaired angiogenesis, early callus formation, and late stage remodeling in fracture healing of osteopontin-deficient mice.

OPN is an ECM protein with diverse localization and functionality. The role of OPN during fracture healing was examined using wildtype and OPN−/− mice. Results showed that OPN plays an important role in regulation of angiogenesis, callus formation, and mechanical strength in early stages of healing and facilitates late stage bone remodeling and ECM organization. Introduction: Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with diverse localization and functionality that has been reported to play a regulatory role in both angiogenesis and osteoclastic bone remodeling, two vital processes for normal bone healing. Materials and Methods: Bone repair in wildtype and OPN−/− mice was studied using a femoral fracture model. μCT was used for quantitative angiographic measurements at 7 and 14 days and to assess callus size and mineralization at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Biomechanical testing was performed on intact bones and on fracture specimens at 14, 28, and 56 days. Histology and quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate cellular functions related to ECM formation and bone remodeling. Results: OPN deficiency was validated in the OPN−/− mice, which generally displayed normal levels of related ECM proteins. Intact OPN−/− bones displayed increased elastic modulus but decreased strength and ductility. Fracture neovascularization was reduced at 7 but not 14 days in OPN−/− mice. OPN−/− mice exhibited smaller fracture calluses at 7 and 14 days, as well as lower maximum torque and work to failure. At 28 days, OPN−/− mice had normal callus size but a persistent reduction in maximum torque and work to failure. Osteoclast differentiation occurred normally, but mature osteoclasts displayed reduced functionality, decreasing late stage remodeling in OPN−/− mice. Thus, at 56 days, OPN−/− fractures possessed increased callus volume, increased mechanical stiffness, and altered collagen fiber organization. Conclusions: This study showed multiple, stage-dependent roles of OPN during fracture healing. We conclude that OPN deficiency alters the functionality of multiple cell types, resulting in delayed early vascularization, altered matrix organization and late remodeling, and reduced biomechanical properties. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the role of OPN in vivo and provide new insight into mechanistic control of vascularization and bone regeneration during fracture repair.
Diffusion behavior in titanium-chromium hydrides

Abstract NMR measurements of the proton relaxation times T1, T1ρ, and T2 have been performed on the low (i.e. α-phase) and intermediate (i.e. α'-phase) hydrogen concentrations in CO-stabilized TiCr2Hx with both the hexagonal (C14) and cubic (C15) Laves structures. The relaxation times indicate rapid proton diffusion above 200 K for all the TiCr2Hx phases; however, large differences in the diffusion activation energies are observed. This behavior is structure sensitive and has been associated with variations between interstitial site occupancies and diffusion pathways for the C15 and C14 structures. The estimated 300 K diffusion constants in the α'-phase of TiCr2Hx are comparable to the literature values for HfV2H2.1, LaNi5H6.5 and PdH0.70 but are orders of magnitude larger than the proton diffusion constant in TiFeH1.0.
Conflicting Storylines in Teacher Leadership: How One Literacy Coach Struggled to Position Herself and Her Work

This study examines the enactment of literacy coaching—one kind of formal teacher leader role—in two districts using data collected from daily activity logs and weekly interviews with 6 coaches over 7 weeks. To provide an in-depth examination, we highlight the case of Diane, a full-time literacy coach working at two elementary schools in one district. Examining the findings through the lens of positioning theory indicates that school and district leaders and the regional literacy coach preparation program held differential storylines and expectations for coaching, positioning the coach role in ways that were contradictory. As a result, Diane struggled to position herself and her work in the context of these conflicting perspectives. This struggle resulted in coaching activities that aimed more at providing support for existing practices and less on improving instruction.
Insurgent Architecture: An Alternative Approach to Design‐Build

This ongoing experiment in community-based, design-build pedagogy tests the deployment of direct action as a form of “insurgent architecture.” Through this we are developing strategies for design practices to mesh more productively with the everyday life of a recovering New Orleans neighborhood. While addressing both social and educational demands, this project also explores an alternative approach to architectural practice.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral MRI Volumetric Abnormalities in Chronic Unilateral Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and their Clinical Correlates

Summary: Purpose: To assess the presence, extent, and clinical correlates of quantitative MR volumetric abnormalities in ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus, and temporal and extratemporal lobe regions in unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods: In total, 34 subjects with unilateral left (n = 15) or right (n = 19) TLE were compared with 65 healthy controls. Regions of interest included the ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus as well as temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobe gray and white matter. Clinical markers of neurodevelopmental insult (initial precipitating insult, early age of recurrent seizures) and chronicity of epilepsy (epilepsy duration, estimated number of lifetime generalized seizures) were related to magnetic resonance (MR) volume abnormalities. Results: Quantitative MR abnormalities extend beyond the ipsilateral hippocampus and temporal lobe with extratemporal (frontal and parietal lobe) reductions in cerebral white matter, especially ipsilateral but also contralateral to the side of seizure onset. Volumetric abnormalities in ipsilateral hippocampus and bilateral cerebral white matter are associated with factors related to both the onset and the chronicity of the patients’ epilepsy. Conclusions: These cross-sectional findings support the view that volumetric abnormalities in chronic TLE are associated with a combination of neurodevelopmental and progressive effects, characterized by a prominent disruption in ipsilateral hippocampus and neural connectivity (i.e., white matter volume loss) that extends beyond the temporal lobe, affecting both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. Ke yW ords: Temporal lobe epilepsy—Quantitative MRI.
Cloning and characterization of the mouse cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV gene.

cDNA for mouse cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COXIV) was isolated by screening mouse liver and kidney cDNA libraries with a bovine COXIV cDNA probe. The 679-nucleotide nearly full length cDNA codes for a 22-amino acid presequence and a 147-amino acid mature protein which show 77 to 95% positional identity with the predicted sequences of human, bovine, and rat subunits. Screening of mouse genomic λ EMBL3 library using the mouse cDNA probe yielded two overlapping clones. Restriction mapping and sequencing of the clones show that the mouse COXIV mRNA sequences are contained in five exons ranging from 58 to 236 base pairs, and four introns in a 7-kilobase region of the mouse genome. Southern blot analysis of restriction-digested genomic DNA indicates the presence of a single gene for COXIV in the mouse genome. Primer extension analysis using a synthetic 22-mer oligonucleotide, together with the 0.68-kilobase size of the mRNA shown by the Northern blot analysis, indicates that the major transcription start site of the COXIV gene is located 59 nucleotides upstream of the translation start site. The COXIV gene is highly GC rich and lacks TATA and CAAT elements in the immediate upstream region of the transcription start site. The putative promoter region, however, contains a number of GC boxes similar to those involved in the binding of Sp1 transcription factor. The unique features of the gene, as well as its characteristics common to other nuclear genes coding for different mitochondrial proteins, have been discussed.
Multiscale site-response mapping: A case study of Parkfield, California

The scale of previously proposed methods for mapping site-response ranges from global coverage down to individual urban regions. Typically, spatial coverage and accuracy are inversely related. We use the densely spaced strong-motion stations in Parkfield, California, to estimate the accuracy of different site-response mapping methods and demonstrate a method for integrating multiple site-response estimates from the site to the global scale. This method is simply a weighted mean of a suite of different estimates, where the weights are the inverse of the variance of the individual estimates. Thus, the dominant site-response model varies in space as a function of the accuracy of the different models. For mapping applications, site-response models should be judged in terms of both spatial coverage and the degree of correlation with observed amplifications. Performance varies with period, but in general the Parkfield data show that: (1) where a velocity profile is available, the square-root-of-impedance (SRI) method outperforms the measured V S 30 (30 m divided by the S -wave travel time to 30 m depth) and (2) where velocity profiles are unavailable, the topographic slope method outperforms surficial geology for short periods, but geology outperforms slope at longer periods. We develop new equations to estimate site response from topographic slope, derived from the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) database.
Guarantees for decentralized event correlation

Many distributed applications rely on forms of event correlation, which result in atomic delivery of multiple events aggregated by following process-specific criteria. Generally, more than one process is aggregating events, implying that events are multicast. While delivery guarantees for multicast scenarios with single event/message delivery are well understood, existing systems and models for aggregated deliveries either consider only unicast, centralized setups, or focus on efficiency thus providing only best-effort guarantees.This paper first reviews properties and grammar previously proposed for decentralized event correlation. While these properties compose an essential set for fair correlation of events in a decentralized setting, there are further properties that may be explored. This paper will also discuss these additional properties and describe the challenges and open questions they present.
New Class of Soluble-Model Boltzmann Equations

The Boltzmann equation considered by Bobylev, and Krook and Wu (BKW) is rewritten in the form of a stochastic equation, similar in form to the kinetic equations of Tjon and Wu, and Ernst. A new class of models, which reflects the transformation of the BKW model to other dimensionalities, is constructed, and its equilibrium distributions, non-equilibrium solutions (corresponding to the BKW mode), and $H$ theorems are found.
Fractionation of Monomeric and Polymeric Anthocyanins from Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca L.) Juice by Membrane Ultrafiltration

Concord grape juice with 20% polymeric and 60% monomeric anthocyanin (Acy) forms was ultrafiltrated using polyvinylidene fluoride flat sheet membranes ranging from 10 to 1000K molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) to obtain different permeate and retentate fractions. Permeate flux, membrane resistance, Acy rejection, fouling, Acy content and composition, color properties, and antioxidant activity (AOX) were characterized. Results showed that permeate flux declined with lower MWCO, while membrane resistance increased and related exponentially with fouling. Anthocyanin membrane rejection differed for polymeric and monomeric Acy forms. Polymeric Acy increased (36−66%) and monomeric Acy decreased (12−20%) in retentate fractions with membrane pore size of <100K MWCO, while polymeric Acy decreased (11−28%) and monomeric Acy increased (5−7%) in permeate fractions. Fraction properties showed that AOX related linearly with the total phenolic content, while lightness and chroma color properties related linearly to the mon...
Fatigue behaviour and mean effects in grey cast iron

Abstract Strain cycle fatigue concepts are well integrated into fatigue life prediction methodologt for wrought components. Concepts developed for wrought materials cannot be directly extended to cast materials because of differences in the fatigue mechanisms, but the framework of a life prediction method for cast iron components will be similar. Observations and results of constant-amplitude completely reversed fatigue tests performed in strain and load control are reported for a pearlitic grey cast iron. Mean amplitude tests in both control modes have been conducted to evaluate the effects of mean stresses and strains. A parameter of the form (σmaxΔ∈) gives good correlation of all the fatigue tests performed and provides a simple relationship to fatigue life.
Radar target identification using spatial matched filters

Abstract The application of spatial matched filter classifiers to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) problem is being investigated at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Initial studies investigating the use of several different spatial matched filter classifiers in the framework of a 2D SAR ATR system are summarized. In particular, a new application is presented of a shift-invariant, spatial frequency domain, 2D pattern-matching classifier to SAR data. Also, the performance of this classifier is compared with three other classifiers: the synthetic discriminant function, the minimum average correlation energy filter, and the quadratic distance correlation classifier.
Authority in Church and Society: Latin American Models

This article examines the relationship between the Catholic Church's self- image and the way its leaders and organizations perceive the world around them and act within it. By focusing on the development of central religious concepts, (most notably ‘authority’ and ‘the Church’) and their changing expression in organizational structures and patterns of behavior, a first step is taken toward a more complete and adequate analysis of the Church's evolving role in Latin American society and politics.
Managerial flexibility and the wealth effect of new product introductions

This paper examines whether investors recognize the value of managerial flexibilities, as proxied by real options, in their valuation of new product introductions. We define a firm’s real options portfolio as the difference between the firm’s market value and its assets in place. A firm’s strategic flexibilities are modeled as the ratio of its real option portfolio to its book value. Using a sample of new product introductions from 1998–2007, we find our real options measure is positively related to announcement period abnormal returns. This result holds after we control for other variables known to be correlated with the announcement effect in previous studies. Our result is robust to alternative measures of real options based on analysts’ earnings expectations and whether a firm has one or multiple segments. In summary, our results suggest that a firm’s perceived strategic and operating flexibilities are an important factor in the valuation of new products.
Reduced atrial fibrillation incidence by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: a possible contributing mechanism.

With great interest we read the study by L'Allier et al. ([1][1]) regarding a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive subjects treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. The investigators mention several possible mechanisms contributing toward this effect. We and
Comparative Discrete-Particle Versus Continuum-Based Computational Investigation of Soil Response to Impulse Loading

Two representative soil models are compared and contrasted within two transient nonlinear dynamics computational analyses. The first soil model is representative of a discrete-particle group of models, while the other is a typical continuum-type consolidated-soil model. The two computational analyses involved: (a) the case of a soil slug impacting a rigid flat surface and (b) the case of detonation of a mine shallow buried in soil and the interaction of the resulting gaseous detonation products, mine fragments, and soil ejecta with a plate-like deformable steel target. The results obtained show that the use of the computationally more expensive particle mechanics-based soil models is fully justified only in the case of loose (low-density) soil. In addition, the magnitude of the particle-to-particle coefficient of restitution has been found to have a second-order effect on the extent of momentum transferred from the moving soil to the target and that it may be substantially different from its effective counterpart for the entire loose-soil agglomerate.
Sinuous step instability on the Si(001) surface.

On slightly miscut Si(001) surfaces, straight steps are predicted to be unstable against the formation of long-wavelength undulations. These undulations lower the energy, by, in effect, reducing the size of the stress domains; they are thus analogous to the spontaneous step formation proposed by Alerhand et al. However, step undulations are expected to be kinetically favored, and therefore to preempt spontaneous step formation. Moreover, they lead to an unexpected distinct thermodynamic phase in the surface phase diagram at small angles.
Printed circuit board based modulated retroreflector using three large-area quantum well modulators

We demonstrate a modulated retroreflector that utilizes large- area multiple quantum well modulators on all three faces of a retroreflec- tor. The large-area devices, fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, are characterized in terms of the yield and leakage currents. A yield higher than that achieved previously using devices fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy is observed. The retroreflector module is con- structed using a standard FR4 printed circuit board PCB technology, thereby simplifying the wiring issue. A high optical contrast ratio of 8.23 dB is observed for a drive of 20 V. A free-standing PCB retroreflec- tor is explored and found to have insufficient angular tolerances ±0.5 deg. We show that the angular errors in the corner-cube con- struction can be corrected for using off-the-shelf optical components as opposed to mounting the PCBs on a precision corner cube, as has been done previously. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.3249750
Use of Orthoclone monoclonal antibodies in the study of selected dermatologic conditions.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies recognizing human T cell differentiation antigens were used to study lymphocyte populations in three cutaneous diseases. Neoplastic lymphocytes from patients with varying phases of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome and related presentations) were reactive with OKT1 and OKT3 (pan T cell reagents) and OKT4 (an antibody defining the functional “helper” T cell subset). The malignant cells lacked membrane antigens reactive with OKT5 and OKT8 (markers of “suppressor” T cells). The presence of an OKT1+, OKT3+, OKT4+, OKT5−, OKT8− phenotype on the neoplastic T lymphocytes of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) supports the clinical impression that all phases of CTCL represent a single disease entity. A patient with pemphigus vulgaris, a disease of autoreactive, antiepidermal antibodies was shown to consistently have a marked expansion of the peripheral blood OKT4 reactive T lymphocyte population. These findings suggest that autoantibodies in pemphigus vulgaris may occur in the context of a profound OKT4/OKT5 immunoregulatory imbalance. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with extensive psoriasis vulgaris had a normal profile of reactivity with the OKT antibodies. In addition, OKT6 (marker of intrathymic T cells) has been shown to react with Ia+ dendritic cells in the epidermis suggesting that this antibody may recognize Langerhans' cells.
Molecular genetic analysis of familial neuroblastoma

Abstract Neuroblastoma has several clinical and molecular genetic parallels with the other paediatric embryonal tumours, such as retinoblastoma, including a hereditary form of the disease. We hypothesised that neuroblastoma susceptibility is due to germline mutations in a tumour suppressor gene and that this predisposition gene may be involved in sporadic neuroblastoma tumorigenesis as well. We therefore aimed to localise the familial neuroblastoma predisposition gene by linkage analysis in neuroblastoma kindreds. Eighteen families segregating for neuroblastoma were ascertained for candidate locus linkage analysis. Although many of the 49 affected individuals in these families were diagnosed as infants with multifocal primary tumours, there was marked clinical heterogeneity. We originally hypothesised that familial neuroblastoma predisposition would map to the telomeric portion of chromosome band 1p36, a genomic region likely to contain a sporadic neuroblastoma suppressor gene. However, neuroblastoma predisposition did not map to any of eight polymorphic markers spanning 1p36.2–.3 in three large kindreds. In addition, there was strong evidence against linkage to two Hirschsprung disease susceptibility genes ( RET and EDNRB ), a condition that can cosegregate with neuroblastoma as in one of the kindreds tested here. We conclude that the neuroblastoma susceptibility gene is distinct from the 1p36 neuroblastoma suppressor and two of the currently identified Hirschsprung disease susceptibility genes.
Food calling in the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus: the role of external referents and deception

Gallinaceous birds give food calls in association with tidbitting behaviour. The use of this vocalization by males in male-female interactions was studied by observing pairs of domestic chickens, Gallus gallus, under semi-naturalistic conditions, concentrating especially on the hypothesis that the call refers to an edible object and can be used deceptively. Of all calling, 45% occurred when no identifiable object was present. When food was present variations in calling rate were related to food quality but not to the occurrence of waltzing or variation inter-mate distance. Also, calls given when no edible object was present occurred when the female was significantly further from the male than when food was present. The results are consistent with a referential interpretation, with food objects as a referent. The responses of hens to calling with and without edible objects are consistent with the assumption that the male can use food calling deceptively, but do not exclude alternative explantations.
Assessment of Exercise Oxygen Consumption as Preoperative Criterion for Lung Resection

Abstract Determination of preoperative pulmonary function is crucial in avoiding complications from pulmonary resection. Many have employed static pulmonary function testing in an attempt to decrease morbidity and mortality from lung resections. The purpose of the present study was to correlate preoperative static pulmonary function, one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV 1 ), and exercise O 2 consumption (MVo 2 ) with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Fifty consecutive patients underwent preoperative FEV 1 and MVo 2 determinations. A criterion for surgical resection included an FEV 1 greater than 1.7 liters for pneumonectomy, greater than 1.2 liters for lobectomy, and greater than 0.9 liters for wedge resection. The surgeon was blinded as to the results of MVo 2 studies. Mean age was 63.8 years (range, 47 to 76 years). There were 10 pneumonectomies, 28 lobectomies, and 12 wedge resections. Among the 50 surgical candidates selected solely on the standard FEV 1 values, mortality was 4% (2/50) and morbidity, 12% (6/50). Stratification on the basis of exercise performance showed a 29% mortality (2/7) and a 43% morbidity (3/7) in patients with an MVo 2 less than 10 ml/kg/min. Patients with an MVo 2 less than 20 but greater than 10 ml/kg/min had a 10.7% morbidity (3/28), and there were no deaths. No patients with an MVo 2 greater than 20 ml/kg/min sustained any morbidity or died ( p 2 less than 10 ml/kg/min is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Spermine-DNA interactions: a theoretical study.

Abstract Models for the interaction of spermine and DNA were studied by performing conformational energy calculations on spermine and molecular mechanics calculations on major and minor groove complexes of spermine and oligomers of DNA. Docked into the major groove of B-DNA, spermine stabilizes the complex by maximizing interactions between proton acceptors on the oligomer and proton donors on spermine. This is achieved by bending the major groove of DNA over spermine and altering oligomer sugar puckering and interstrand phosphate distances. By comparison, Liquori's minor groove model appears to be less stable than the major groove model. This evidence favors a preferential binding of spermine to certain sites in DNA, which provides a powerful force for the modification of DNA conformation.
Heat transfer characteristics in subcooled flow boiling with hypervapotron

Abstract An experimental study of subcooled boiling heat transfer was conducted using R-134a in compact hypervapotron structures. The investigated flow and condition parameters in R-134a were: (1) inlet pressure of 5–8 bar, (2) mass flux of 186–310 kg/m 2 s, (3) subcooling temperature of 10–30 °C. Two distinctive zones were identified in the boiling process of the hypervapotron. It was found that the fully developed boiling curve has a slope range of 2.1–3.0 under tested conditions, which shows good agreement with Bjorge’s observations for flat surface channels. Shah and Kandlikar’s correlations are utilized to predict the heat transfer coefficient for fully developed boiling regions and some important parameters are suggested for hypervapotron applications based on the experimental results.
Alkylamine Salts and Amides: In Vitro Inhibition of S mutans 6715

Our studies with the salts and amides of alkylamines have shown that the undecylenate salts have significant in vitro activity against S mutans No. 6715, suggesting that these agents are worthy of additional evaluation. The attempt to increase activity by combining undecylenic acid with the alkylamines was not successful; however, better attachment to tooth surfaces and/or retention during washing did occur. Our results suggest that the free amino group of alkylamines and the free acid group of undecylenic acid are required for these two classes of agents to demonstrate antibacterial activity.
Activity concentrations and dose rates from decorative granite countertops

The gamma radiation emitted from a variety of commercial decorative granites available for use in U.S. homes has been measured with portable survey meters as well as an NaI(Th) gamma spectrometer. The (40)K, U-nat, and (232)Th activity concentrations were determined using a full-spectrum analysis. The dose rates that would result from two different arrangements of decorative granite slabs as countertops were explored in simulations involving an adult anthropomorphic phantom.
Feasibility and use of an Internet support service for diabetes self-management.

Diabetes self-management is a challenging task due to its complexity and ever-present barriers to self-care. A key issue for patients, providers, and healthcare systems is how to deliver personalized behavioral support in ways that are affordable and can reach most patients. The Internet offers several advantages in this regard because it is available 24 hours a day, low cost, and capable of reaching thousands of patients. Although Internet sites for diabetes support are popular, they have not been evaluated. For this study, a Web site for diabetes self-management that emphasized personalized goal setting, feedback, and social support was developed. Over a 10-week period, 111 different persons logged onto D-NET for a total of 21 046 accesses. Users included persons across a broad age range (up to age 77 years) and duration of diabetes. The most popular areas of the site were the Social Support Conference and the Diabetes Information Pages. User ratings revealed high satisfaction with the service. The Inte...
Liverpool Care Pathway: life-ending pathway or palliative care pathway?

Wrigley disagreed with the decision to phase out the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) from clinical practice in end-of-life care of terminally ill and dying patients in England.1 The decision was made by the Department of Health based on the recommendation of an independent review by Neuberger.2 In his analysis, Wrigley outlined some of the potential harms to patients from indiscriminately applying the LCP in clinical practice. The Neuberger Review outlined some of the fatal flaws in the LCP: (1) life-ending decisions were made in patients who might not have been imminently dying; (2) basic medical care was withheld or withdrawn (including nutrition and hydration) early in the end-of-life trajectory; and (3) pharmacological means of symptom control were …
Timing in multimodal turn-taking interactions: control and analysis using timed Petri nets

Turn-taking interactions with humans are multimodal and reciprocal in nature. In addition, the timing of actions is of great importance, as it influences both social and task strategies. To enable the precise control and analysis of timed discrete events for a robot, we develop a system for multimodal collaboration based on a timed Petri net (TPN) representation. We also argue for action interruptions in reciprocal interaction and describe its implementation within our system. Using the system, our autonomously operating humanoid robot Simon collaborates with humans through both speech and physical action to solve the Towers of Hanoi, during which the human and the robot take turns manipulating objects in a shared physical workspace. We hypothesize that action interruptions have a positive impact on turn-taking and evaluate this in the Towers of Hanoi domain through two experimental methods. One is a between-groups user study with 16 participants. The other is a simulation experiment using 200 simulated users of varying speed, initiative, compliance, and correctness. In these experiments, action interruptions are either present or absent in the system. Our collective results show that action interruptions lead to increased task efficiency through increased user initiative, improved interaction balance, and higher sense of fluency. In arriving at these results, we demonstrate how these evaluation methods can be highly complementary in the analysis of interaction dynamics.
String Perturbation Theory and Effective Lagrangians

We isolate logarithmic divergences from bosonic string amplitudes on a disc. These divergences are compared with ‘tadpole’ divergences in the effective field theory with a cosmological term, which also contains an effective potential for the dilaton. Also, corrections to β-functions are compared with variations of the effective action. In both cases we find an inconsistency between the two. This is a serious problem which could undermine our ability to remove divergences from the bosonic string.
Spatial Distribution of Epiphytic Diatoms on Lotic Bryophytes

Abstract In stream ecosystems, bryophytes greatly increase substrate heterogeneity and support a high density and diversity of lotic primary producers, such as epiphytic algae. However, there is little information about how the spatial distribution and density of epiphytic diatoms varies with respect to bryophyte morphology. This study examined epiphytic diatom communities from the contrasting bryophyte morphologies of mosses and liverworts. We predicted that mosses, with morphologies that create more crevices, would have a higher density of epiphytic diatoms than liverworts, with leaves highly exposed to the turbulence of the stream current. Six species of bryophytes (two mosses and four liverworts) were collected from streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 37 species of epiphytic diatoms were identified on these bryophytes. Diatom density was significantly higher on the adaxial leaf surface of mosses compared to the abaxial leaf area (ANOVA, df = 29, P < 0.001). There was no difference ...
Recovery of Campylobacter from Segments of the Reproductive Tract of Broiler Breeder Hens

SUMMARY. Three groups of >60-wk-old broiler breeder hens were assessed for the presence of Campylobacter within segments of the reproductive tract. In the first group, after stunned, the hens were bled, scalded, and defeathered, the reproductive tracts were aseptically excised from 18 hens, six from each of three adjacent floor pens that were feces positive for Campylobacter. The reproductive tract segments (infundibulum, magnum–isthmus, shell gland, vagina, and cloaca) were pooled by pen. In the second group, 10 individual hens were sampled from the pens; the reproductive tract was divided into the following segments: magnum, isthmus, shell gland, vagina, and cloaca. For the third group, hens were obtained from two commercial farms that had been determined to be feces positive for Campylobacter, and the reproductive tract was divided into five segments, as described for the second group. Segments of the reproductive tract were placed into sterile plastic bags and suspended 1:3 (w/v) in Bolton enrichment ...