cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcome of partial hepatectomy for large (> 10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Surgical resection for large (> 10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is believed by many to be ineffective. The objective of the current study was to review the outcome of partial hepatectomy in patients with large HCC. METHODS Between 1985 and 2002, 193 consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC were identified from a prospective database. The 82 patients with tumors > 10 cm were compared with the remaining 111 patients with ≤ 10 cm tumors. Clinicopathologic features were analyzed and prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS The 5-year overall survival for patients with large HCC was 33% with a median of 32 months. Patients with ≤ 10 cm tumors had similar survival. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the groups in operative mortality (2% in large HCC vs. 6%) or recurrence rate. In patients with large HCC, vascular invasion by tumor and intraoperative blood loss > 2 liters predicted overall survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Partial hepatectomy is safe for patients with large HCC. In selected patients with large tumors, resection achieves similar overall survival and recurrence-free survival to that of patients with smaller tumors. Minimizing intraoperative blood loss appears to be critical for favorable long-term outcome in patients with large HCC. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Territorial contestation and repressive violence in civil war

This study models the structural sources of variation in the use of selective (discriminate) repression within 89 civil wars fought between 1981 and 2005. The severity of repressive violence is modeled as a function of the amount of territory being contested by the insurgents. This idea is operationalized using measures of the location, size, and density of insurgency violence. The analysis finds evidence that the repressive behavior of both governments and rebel groups is linked to conflict geography. Governments violate physical integrity rights more frequently and kill more civilians the greater the overall amount of territory under contestation. Rebels kill more civilians in highly dispersed insurgencies that lack a clear epicenter.
Evaluation of organic nephrotoxins in rabbit renal cortical slices.

An in vitro cortical-slice system was used to assess the toxicity of several organic nephrotoxins that require transport and/or bioactivation in order to induce toxicity. The toxins cephaloridine, hexachlorobutadiene, S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine and gentamicin all produce site-specific proximal tubular injury when administered in vivo. Damage was assessed in vitro by observing alterations in intracellular potassium, intracellular lactate dehydrogenase, and organic anion and cation accumulation. Histopathology was studied to assess the localization of injury. All four compounds produced dose- and time-dependent decreases in the biochemical parameters as well as site-specific lesions in the S3 region. The results illustrate the usefulness of renal cortical slices in acute studies of organic nephrotoxins.
Opposing selection and environmental variation modify optimal timing of breeding

Studies of evolution in wild populations often find that the heritable phenotypic traits of individuals producing the most offspring do not increase proportionally in the population. This paradox may arise when phenotypic traits influence both fecundity and viability and when there is a tradeoff between these fitness components, leading to opposing selection. Such tradeoffs are the foundation of life history theory, but they are rarely investigated in selection studies. Timing of breeding is a classic example of a heritable trait under directional selection that does not result in an evolutionary response. Using a 22-y study of a tropical parrot, we show that opposing viability and fecundity selection on the timing of breeding is common and affects optimal breeding date, defined by maximization of fitness. After accounting for sampling error, the directions of viability (positive) and fecundity (negative) selection were consistent, but the magnitude of selection fluctuated among years. Environmental conditions (rainfall and breeding density) primarily and breeding experience secondarily modified selection, shifting optimal timing among individuals and years. In contrast to other studies, viability selection was as strong as fecundity selection, late-born juveniles had greater survival than early-born juveniles, and breeding later in the year increased fitness under opposing selection. Our findings provide support for life history tradeoffs influencing selection on phenotypic traits, highlight the need to unify selection and life history theory, and illustrate the importance of monitoring survival as well as reproduction for understanding phenological responses to climate change.
Management of the highly experienced patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The availability of new agents active against drug-resistant viruses provides new opportunities for HIV-infected patients with multidrug treatment experience. Understanding the emerging principles that guide this treatment is essential to maximize the impact of these new drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Infection with multidrug-resistant virus is associated with increased risk of mortality. The use of more than one active agent is critical to treatment success in patients with triple class treatment experience. New protease inhibitors such as tipranavir and darunavir offer the opportunity to achieve virologic suppression when teamed with a second active agent (such as enfuvirtide). Higher CD4 lymphocyte counts, lower viral loads, and greater numbers of active agents in the treatment regimen are all associated with a more favorable prognosis. When virologic suppression is no longer a viable option, it may be possible to achieve durable immunologic stability despite an inability to suppress viral replication. SUMMARY New drugs and new approaches to the management of HIV-infected patients with multidrug-resistant infections have emerged recently and offer new hope to this difficult-to-treat population. Clinical research continues to define the best approach to treating these patients and is likely to lead to additional new agents and new strategies in the future.
Residual Stress Profile Assessment by Eddy Current for Shot Peened Nickel Superalloy

Eddy current (EC) measurements have shown promise toward becoming a nondestructive method of residual stress characterization, particularly for nickel-base superalloys. However, previous studies on shot-peened materials have shown apparent discrepancies between directly measured residual stress profiles and those determined from EC data. Here, we report a study of the inter-relationship among electrical conductivity deviation, residual stress and texture of shot peened materials, in order to improve understanding of the piezoresistivity effect that is essential to the on-going efforts to make EC measurements a viable technique for residual stress assessment. Specifically, we develop a macroscopic piezoresistivity theory for polycrystalline materials influenced by texture. The theory was applied to analyze the swept high frequency eddy current data obtained from a shot peened Inconel 718 sample, which was found to exhibit shot-induced texture in the near surface region using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and orientation imaging microscopy (OIM). The residual stress profile of the peened sample was inverted from EC data using a physics model-based approach, and was found to agree with the residual stress profiles measured independently using the standard layer removal XRD technique.
Normal left atrial function determined by 2-dimensional echocardiography

To obtain normal values for left atrial function noninvasively, volumes of the left atrium and ventricle were calculated in 52 volunteers by 2-dimensional echocardiography. A light pen digitizing and computation system, controlled by a microprocessor, was used to outline the left atrium and ventricle in orthogonal apical views. Then, to calculate end-systolic and end-diastolic atrial and ventricular volumes, a modified Simpson's rule formula was used. End-systolic left atrial volume (mean +/- standard deviation) was 37 +/- 11.7 ml or 21 +/- 6.6 ml/m2. The change in left atrial volume from end-systole to end-diastole was 24 +/- 7.6 ml or 13.5 +/- 4.3 ml/m2, which represented 37 +/- 12.9% of left ventricular stroke volume. The mean fractional emptying of the left atrium was 65 +/- 8.9% and the conduit volume was 41 +/- 14.0 ml or 23 +/- 7.9 ml/m2. These values are similar to those reported in studies in which left atrial function was calculated from contrast angiography.
Why Be Immoral

Developing themes in the work of Thomas Hill, I argue that servility is an underappreciated but pervasive reason for moral transgression. Recognizing servility as a basic cause of immorality obliges us to reconsider questions about the rationality of morality. Traditional answers to the problem of the immoralist, which tend to be stated in terms of enlightened self-interest, fail to properly engage the problems posed by 'servile immorality.' In response to these problems, I develop a Humean version of a traditionally Kantian strategy for substantiating the rationality of morality: (i.e.) agents' conceptions of themselves commit them to accepting morality's authority. Servile behavior implies cognitive dissonance, which can restructure or dissolve those particular desires, beliefs, and projects that constitute agents' most highly valued contingent conceptions of themselves. I conclude that agents have reason to abstain from servility even on a parsimonious Humean account of practical reasons.
The impact of diamond nanocrystallinity on osteoblast functions.

Nanocrystalline diamond has been proposed as an anti-abrasive film on orthopedic implants. In this study, osteoblast (bone forming cells) functions including adhesion (up to 4 h), proliferation (up to 5 days) and differentiation (up to 21 days) on different diamond film topographies were systematically investigated. In order to exclude interferences from changes in surface chemistry and wettability (energy), diamond films with nanometer and micron scale topographies were fabricated through microwave plasma enhanced chemical-vapor-deposition and hydrogen plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements verified the similar surface chemistry and wettability but varied topographies for all of the diamond films prepared on silicon in this study. Cytocompatibility assays demonstrated enhanced osteoblast functions (including adhesion, proliferation, intracellular protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular calcium deposition) on nanocrystalline diamond compared to submicron diamond grain size films for all time periods tested up to 21 days. An SEM study of osteoblast attachment helped to explain the topographical impact diamond had on osteoblast functions by showing altered filopodia extensions on the different diamond topographies. In summary, these results provided insights into understanding the role diamond nanotopography had on osteoblast interactions and more importantly, the application of diamond films to improve orthopedic implant lifetimes.
Adenylate cyclase and potassium channels are involved in forskolin- and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin–induced inhibition of pregnant rat uterus contractility*

Abstract Objective: We sought to study the contribution of potassium channels in the effect of forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin on uterine contractility in the pregnant rat. Study Design: Rings taken from the middle portions of uterine horns from rats at 16 days of gestation were positioned in organ chambers containing physiologic salt solution bubbled with 5% carbon dioxide in air (37°C, pH ~7.4) for isometric tension recording under 2 g passive tension. The effects of cumulative concentrations of forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin in the absence or presence of an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (MDL-12,330A, 10 –5 mol/L), a nonselective potassium channel blocker (tetrabutylammonium, 10 –4 mol/L), or an adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channel blocker (glibenclamide 10 –5 mol/L) were studied. Results: Both forskolin and, to a lesser extent, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin inhibit uterine contractions. Tetrabutylammonium, glibenclamide, and MDL-12,330A attenuated the effects of forskolin, whereas glibenclamide was less effective against 1,9-dideoxyforskolin. Conclusion: Activation of adenylate cyclases, as well as adenosine triphosphate–dependent potassium channels and, to a greater extent, calcium-dependent potassium channels, is involved in the inhibitory effect of forskolin in uterine rings from rats at 16 days of gestation. Inhibition of uterine contractions by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin is less than that by forskolin and involves activation of adenylate cyclase and calcium-dependent potassium channels. Whether activation of guanylate cyclase is involved in the effect of the agents on calcium-dependent potassium channels needs further investigation. 1,9-Dideoxyforskolin is not an inactive isomer of forskolin in rat uterine rings. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:620-4.)
Instabilities of interacting electrons on the triangular lattice

Motivated by the recent finding of superconductivity in layered ${\mathrm{CoO}}_{2}$ compounds, we investigate superconducting and magnetic instabilities of interacting electrons on the two-dimensional triangular lattice. Using a one-loop renormalization-group scheme for weak- to moderate-coupling strengths, we find that for purely local interactions $Ug0$ and small Fermi surfaces the renormalization-group flow remains bounded down to very low scales and no superconducting or other instabilities can be detected. Antiferromagnetic exchange interactions J generate a wide density region with a ${d}_{{x}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{y}^{2}}{+id}_{\mathrm{xy}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{w}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{v}\mathrm{e}$ superconducting instability similar to recent proposals for the strongly correlated $t\ensuremath{-}J$ model. For larger Fermi-surface volumes the interactions flow to strong coupling also for purely local interactions $Ug0.$ We find a singlet-pairing instability in the vicinity of strong magnetic ordering tendencies at three wave vectors for the Van Hove filling.
Acute Gastric Dysfunction After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder characterized by slow gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Rarely, acute cases of gastroparesis can present as an extracardiac complication caused by vagus nerve injury following radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of refractory atrial fibrillation. This presentation is rare and may present a challenge for management since only a few cases have been described in the literature. We report a case of acute delayed gastric empting as a consequence of percutaneous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, which improved after symptomatic treatment with prokinetic agents. J Med Cases. 2015;6(4):143-145 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2050w
Chairman's corner IEEE SAC

A friend, the dean of a medical school, explains the order of education in his field as, “We have to teach them to cut before we can teach them to sew.” We all have such constraints. Engineering, in particular, is tightly structured — as we are reminded during every registration period. We must fit together mathematics, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design courses, all in the proper sequence. Every profession passes on some body of knowledge — how to do what members of that profession do — that forms the basis of the professional school in the university. For engineers, this process continues well beyond school, probably over the entire lifetime of the engineer.
G -invariant hermitian forms and G -invariant elliptical norms

Let $\mathcal{V}$ be a finite-dimensional inner-product space over ${\mathbb C}$ or $\mathbb{R}$, and let G be a subgroup of the group of unitary operators on $\mathcal{V}$. The Hermitian forms and elliptical norms on $\mathcal{V}$ that are invariant under the operators in G are studied. The results are then applied to matrix spaces to obtain characterizations of Hermitian forms or elliptical norms that are invariant under unitary similarities, unitary equivalences, unitary congruences, or unitary row equivalences.
Meta‐analysis of self‐report data on the effectiveness of public speaking anxiety treatment techniques

(1989). Meta‐analysis of self‐report data on the effectiveness of public speaking anxiety treatment techniques. Communication Education: Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 54-76.
A comparison of nine monthly air-sea flux products

A comparison is conducted between nine monthly turbulent air–sea flux products. The analysis includes in situ-based (Florida State University fluxes, FSU3 and National Oceanography Centre, NOC), satellite-based (Hamburg Ocean-Atmosphere Parameters from Satellite data, HOAPS2 and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, IFREMER), hybrid (Goddard Satellite-based Surface Turbulent Fluxes, GSSTF2 and objectively analysed fluxes, OAFLUX), and reanalysis (National Centers for Environmental Prediction, NCEPR2, Japanese 25-year reanalysis, JRA, and European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis, ERA-40) products. Objectives include documenting the varying analysis methodologies and quantifying the differences and similarities between the nine products. Recommendations are made for developers of future flux products and to guide users to select products most suitable for their application. The comparison examines turbulent fluxes of heat and momentum along with the forcing variables (air temperature, wind speed, humidity, and ocean skin temperature) that are necessary to estimate turbulent fluxes. The wide range of turbulent flux parameterisations, sampling patterns, and averaging techniques within the products are described, including some of the difficulties product differences pose when trying to compare or apply the individual products. Global comparisons of monthly means tend to reveal similar spatial patterns in latent heat flux (LHF) and sensible heat flux (SHF) for the nine products; however, the magnitudes and patterns of variability (expressed as maps of standard deviations) are widely different. Basin scale and regional analysis further reveals large differences in the products (in some cases the interquartile ranges (IQRs) do not overlap for different products), but also reveals potential sources of the differences. For example, some of the variations in LHF can be explained by large differences in the distribution of specific humidity between the products. As a final analysis, we examine how each product represents the variations in turbulent fluxes in the equatorial Pacific (EP) Ocean. This analysis provides an example of how the choice of a flux product, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of that product, can alter research findings. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Some Views on Chronostratigraphic Classification

In continuation of comments made in a previously published discussion (for reference, see this Bibliography Vol. 31, No. 9, 18 E67-08160) reply is made to points of criticism of the work of the International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification appearing in subsequently published papers.
Effect of Hydrophobic Surfactant Proteins SP-B and SP-C on Phospholipid Monolayers. Protein Structure Studied Using 2D IR and βν Correlation Analysis

We have applied two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) and betanu correlation spectroscopy to in-situ IR spectroscopy of pulmonary surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C in lipid-protein monolayers at the air-water interface. For both SP-B and SP-C, a statistical windowed autocorrelation method identified two separate surface pressure regions that contained maximum amide I intensity changes: 4-25 mN/m and 25-40 mN/m. For SP-C, 2D IR and betanu correlation analyses of these regions indicated that SP-C adopts a variety of secondary structure conformations, including alpha-helix, beta-sheet, and an intermolecular aggregation of extended beta-sheet structure. The main alpha-helix band split into two peaks at high surface pressures, indicative of two different helix conformations. At low surface pressures, all conformations of the SP-C molecule reacted identically to increasing surface pressure and reoriented in phase with each other. Above 25 mN/m, however, the increasing surface pressure selectively affected the coexisting protein conformations, leading to an independent reorientation of the protein conformations. The asynchronous 2D IR spectrum of SP-B showed the presence of two alpha-helix components, consistent with two separate populations of alpha-helix in SP-B-a hydrophobic fraction associated with the lipid chains and a hydrophilic fraction parallel to the membrane surface. The distribution of correlation intensity between the two alpha-helix cross peaks indicated that the more hydrophobic helix fraction predominates at low surface pressures whereas the more hydrophilic helix fraction predominates at high surface pressures. The different SP-B secondary structures reacted identically to increasing surface pressure, leading to a reorientation of all SP-B subunits in phase with one another.
Instantaneous Helical Axis Methodology to Identify Aberrant Neck Motion

Abstract Background Neck pain afflicts 30–50% of the U.S. population annually; however we currently have poor diagnostic differentiation techniques to inform individualized treatment. Planar neck kinematics has been shown to be correlated with neck pain, but neck motion is much more complex than pure planar activities. Our objective was to define a methodology for determining aberrant neck kinematics and assess it. Methods We examined a complex neck kinematic activity of neck circumduction and computed the pathway of motion using the instantaneous helical axis approach in 81 patients with non-specific neck pain and in 20 non-matched symptom free subjects. Neck circumduction, or rolling of the head, represents a complex neck kinematic activity, investigating the innate coupled motion of the cervical spine at the end ranges of motion in all directions. Instance of discontinuities in the helical axis patterns, or folds, were identified and labeled as occurrences of aberrant motion. Findings The instances of aberrant motion, or folds, which are nearly non-existent in the healthy sample group, are present in both the pre- and post-treatment neck pain patients. Following a treatment intervention of the symptomatic patients, pain and neck disability index decreased significantly (P Interpretation The present study highlights a new technique using an instantaneous helical axis approach to detect subtle abnormalities in the pathway of motion of the head about the trunk, during a neck circumduction exercise.
Impact of coercive tactics on the decision-making of adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Background High rates of victimisation have raised concerns about the ability of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) to avoid and escape from harmful situations and to make decisions in their own best interest. The present study was designed to assess the impact of specific coercive tactics on the decision-making of adolescents with ID. Method Forty-eight adolescents with ID participated in the study. They were asked to respond to a series of brief vignettes depicting equal numbers of situations involving coercion with a lure, coercion with a threat, and no specific coercive tactic. Performance was assessed in terms of independent, prevention-focused decisions, reporting decisions and responses to fact and inference comprehension questions. Results Overall, participants suggested independent, prevention-focused decisions only about half the time. They were more likely to suggest independent, prevention-focused decisions in situations with no specific coercive tactic or coercion with a lure than in situations involving a threat. However, reporting decisions were more likely in situations involving coercion with a threat than in the other Correspondence: Dr Linda Hickson, Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities, Box 23, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West I20th Street, New York, USA (e-mail: lh76@columbia.edu). two conditions and both fact and inference comprehension were best in situations involving coercion with a threat. Conclusions Results indicated that adolescents with ID are not well-prepared to handle situations on their own that involve coercion, especially coercion with a threat. Because comprehension did not appear to be a key source of the decision-making difficulty in this study, further research is needed to examine all aspects of the decision-making process as a basis for the design of effective interventions.
A direct comparison of LEC GaAs grown using low- and high-pressure techniques

A direct comparison has been made between the properties and implant behavior of undoped semi-insulating (SI) low- and high-pressure liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) GaAs. Although the properties of high-pressure LEC had previously been well characterized, this is the first detailed study of the quality of low-pressure LEC material. It is shown that both material types are similar in structural quality, purity, and in the characteristics of conducting layers formed by direct ion implantation. Arsenic-rich melts and B 2 O 3 with greater than 500-ppm H 2 O content are required for obtaining reproducible and stable SI behavior growing from quartz crucibles.
Development and testing of a low-cost diagnostic tool for upper limb dysfunction

The overall goal of our research is to create a low-cost, home-based diagnostic and rehabilitation tool to assist the rapid functional recovery of people with upper limb (UL) dysfunction (due to muscular dystrophy and stroke)-the diagnostic aspect of which is discussed in this paper. Viewed in the broader context of robot-assisted neurorehabilitation, the proposed framework takes advantage of manipulation of an instrumented manipulandum along prescribed movement patterns to create a sensitive, quantitative, computer-based assessment/diagnostic tool. Specifically, in this paper, we discuss various aspects of an implementation using a COTS force-feedback driving wheel, interfaced to a PC to create a virtual driving environment (VDE). Coupled with the exercise/movement protocols (structured as driving exercises along paths of varying complexity), this results in creation of a low-cost, user-friendly and immersive personal-movement trainer that is well suited for deployment in patients' homes. Our initial analysis of data collected from 5 healthy subjects indicates that the tool has adequate sensitivity/resolution to distinguish even between healthy subjects and shows considerable promise for diagnosis in diseased population (which is currently underway).
New Pathway for Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Regulation

Circulating levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) are correlated with risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with clinical atherosclerosis and in the general population, but a simple causal interpretation of this association belies epidemiological and regulatory complexity (eg, Ref. 1 and references therein). tPA, encoded by the PLAT gene, is an enzyme that is secreted from the vascular endothelium and cleaves circulating plasminogen to form plasmin, an enzyme with fibrinolytic activity. Most of the circulating tPA is bound in an inactive complex with its inhibitor PAI-1, encoded by the SERPINE1 gene. The association of higher levels of tPA with increased risk of incident CVD may thus seem paradoxical because formation rather than dissolution of a thrombus is the critical clinical event in clinical progression of atherosclerosis. Similarly, in the therapeutic setting, exogenous administration of tPA is an approved treatment for both myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. The apparent discrepancy may be resolved by recognizing that elevated tPA may reflect, in …
Integrated Rib Waveguide-Photodetector Using Si/Si1−xGex Multiple Quantum Wells for Long Wavelenghts

We have investigated the structural, electrical, and optical quality of epitaxial Si and Si1−xGex films grown by MBE on SIMOX (Separation by IMplanted OXygen) silicon substrates. Epitaxial films grown on these SOI substrates have been characterized using planar and cross-sectional TEM, high resolution X-ray diffraction, SIMS, and Seeco chemical etching to delineate defects. We have fabricated Si/SiGe P-i-N photodetectors integrated with Si waveguides on SOI for long wavelength applications. Low reverse leakage current densities were seen in these device structures. The photodetector exhibited an internal quantum efficiency of 50% at 1.1 μm with a frequency response bandwidth of 2 GHz.
Validation of SABER temperature measurements using ground-based instruments

The sounding of the atmosphere using broadband emission radiometry (SABER) instrument is one of four instruments mounted on the thermosphere ionosphere mesosphere energetics and dynamics (TIMED) satellite. SABER sounds the MLTI (the mesosphere and lower thermosphere/ionosphere) region of the earth's atmosphere by measuring infrared limb emission. The instrument measures accurate values of atmospheric limb radiance that are ground processed to retrieve temperature, ozone, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and key parameters describing the energetics of the high atmosphere. SABER results are being used to study the chemistry and dynamics of the mesosphere and the effects on the atmosphere due to major solar storm events. The temperature data from SABER measurements is plotted against temperature measurements collected from several ground based instruments for the purpose of verifying the SABER data. These ground based instruments are located all over the world, including e.g. Boulder, Colorado; Mauna Loa, Hawaii; and parts of Russia. The ground based instruments used for validation of SABER temperatures have already undergone scrutiny and error analyses, and are used as a benchmark to validate data collected from SABER. Furthermore, nitric oxide measurements collected during is period of heightened solar activity is used to create global plots to illustrate the changing atmosphere as the Sun's radiation interacts with the Earth's atmosphere. These solar activity global plots illustrate the effects on the atmosphere as a result of solar flares, solar storms, and other solar activities
Oxidative modification and down-regulation of Pin1 in Alzheimer's disease hippocampus: A redox proteomics analysis

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized neuropathologically by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and of extracellular senile plaques (SP), the central core of which is amyloid beta-peptide (A) derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP), a transmembrane protein. AD brain has been reported to be under oxidative stress that may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. The present proteomics study is focused on identification of a specific target of protein oxidation in AD hippocampus that has relevance to the role of oxidative stress in AD. Here, we report that the protein, Pin1, is significantly down-regulated and oxidized in AD hippocampus. The identity of Pin1 was confirmed immunochemically. Analysis of Pin1 activity in AD brain and separately as oxidized pure Pin1 demonstrated that oxidation of Pin1 led to loss of activity. Pin1 has been implicated in multiple aspects of cell cycle regulation and dephosphorylation of tau protein as well as in AD. The in vivo oxidative modification of Pin1 as found by proteomics in AD hippocampus in the present study suggests that oxidative modification may be related to the known loss of Pin1 isomerase activity that could be crucial in AD neurofibrillary pathology. Taken together, these results provide evidence supporting a direct link between oxidative damage to neuronal Pin1 and the pathobiology of AD.
Severe sepsis and septic shock: the role of gram-negative bacteremia.

AbstractAlthough Gram-negative bacteria have often been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis and septic shock, how they trigger these often lethal syndromes is uncertain. In particular, the role played by blood-borne bacteria is controversial. This review considers two alternatives. In the first, circulating Gram-negative bacteria induce toxic reactions directly within the vasculature; in the second, the major inflammatory stimulus occurs in local extravascular sites of infection and circulating bacteria contribute little to inducing toxic responses. Evidence for each alternative is found in the literature. Bacteremia and severe sepsis are not so closely linked that the most striking cases can be a model for the rest. Intravascular and extravascular triggers may warrant different approaches to prevention and therapy.
Acid Reactivity of Carbonated Apatites with Strontium and Fluoride Substitutions

Carbonated apatites containing approximately 3.0 or 6.5% CO3were precipitated in the presence of sodium, strontium, and/or fluoride at various concentrations. Almost all the available strontium and fluoride was incorporated into the crystals, whereas only a portion of the carbonate and sodium present was taken up. When incorporated together, Sr and F improved the crystallinity of carbonated apatites and markedly reduced their acid reactivity. This phenomenon may partially explain the observed reduction in caries for populations whose drinking water contains optimum levels of Sr at 5-10 mg/l and Fat 1-2 mg/l.
Marc (Menahem) Hirshman. Torah for the Entire World . Tel Aviv: Hakibbutz Hameuchad, 1999. 189 pp. (Hebrew).

Hirshman's cautious study promises a focus upon “a universalistic stream in the Tannaitic literature and its relationship to the wisdom of the nations.” The “universalism” he hopes to identify is a modest one: the notion that the Torah of Israel is intended ab origine to be a possession of all human communities (with some pointed exceptions, such as the Amalekites).
A Camp-based Intervention Targeting Independence Among Individuals with Spina Bifida

Objective To design and evaluate a camp-based intervention, the goal of which was to increase independence among children, adolescents, and adults with spina bifida. Methods An intervention targeting independence was embedded within a typical week long camp experience. The intervention consisted of the following: collaborative (i.e., parent and camper) goal identification, group sessions consisting of psycho-education and cognitive tools, and goal monitoring by camp counselors. Camper and parent report of demographic variables, goal attainment, spina bifida knowledge, and independence were gathered. Interventionist report of adherence to the treatment manual was also collected. Results Campers made significant gains in individual goals, management of spina bifida responsibilities, and independence with general spina bifida tasks, with medium effect sizes observed in goal attainment. Conclusions Results indicated that significant progress was made on individually oriented goals from pre- to post-camp. Design issues are discussed.
The Body Remembers: Grieving and a Circle of Time

Using a phenomenological perspective, the author explored the experience of body memory following a significant loss. Ten women who had experienced the loss of a special loved one participated. Uncovered in this research were the hidden processes involved in grief work, which were cyclical and nonrational. Body memory experienced by each participant was unique in its expression, the common pattern being that it was relived as it was originally lived. This study brings to light processes of grieving that have been hidden and have remained silent in response to a social world that has been unwilling to accept a grieving process that extends out of the boundaries of the expected norm.
Amplification of biomolecular interactions using liquid crystals and nanostructured surfaces

It has long been known that the orientations assumed by liquid crystals near surfaces are often controlled by a precarious and complex balance of long-ranged (e.g., electrostatic or elastic) and short-ranged (e.g., chemically-specific) interactions. These interactions are defined by the structure of surfaces over a wide range of length scales (0.1-1000 nm). Our research exploits the sensitivity of liquid crystals to the nanometer-scale structure of surfaces to amplify molecular and biomolecular interactions into optical signals. The author describes the use of liquid crystals and nanostructured surfaces to selectively amplify recognition events between proteins and their receptors into optical signals. Recent work aimed at the development of principles suitable for profiling of regulatory signaling proteins are also discussed.
Burkitt Lymphoma in Pregnancy: Two Cases of Successful Treatment and Continued Fertility; With a Review of the Literature

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) can occur during pregnancy and be fatal within days if untreated. Standard treatment is multiagent chemotherapy that includes high-dose alkylating agents, a schedule of frequent, repetitive drug administration, and central nervous system prophylaxis. Pregnant women are no exception to requiring such treatment. High-dose alkylating agents are notorious for inducing infertility. We present 2 cases of pregnant women who underwent successful treatment for BL and maintained fertility; one continues to menstruate without hormonal supplementation and the other has birthed a child. Our experiences with these 2 patients suggest that pregnancy might provide protection from chemotherapy-related infertility. This provides hope for pregnant women faced with the prospect of undergoing intensive chemotherapy for treatment of malignancy.
New coil end design for the RHIC arc dipole

The racetrack-shaped coils for the RHIC arc dipoles are wound with 32 turns of flat cable interleaved in the curved ends with insulating material {"spacers"} of varying thickness. To simplify production, the number of spacers, about 64 in each coil end, was reduced by making some of them thicker, to about 23. A new computer program was written which gives a description of each turn closely resembling the turn as made. The output of this program is processed by newly written computer programs which change the parts descriptions into forms which are used by a computer-controlled, 5-axis milling machine. The solid spacers replace spacers assembled from laminations and improve the fit as well. The parts will be molded during production. The calculated harmonic content of the ends is compared with measurements on the first magnets built with the new ends. >
Small Complete Arcs in Projective Planes

In the late 1950’s, B. Segre introduced the fundamental notion of arcs and complete arcs [48,49]. An arc in a ﬁnite projective plane is a set of points with no three on a line and it is complete if cannot be extended without violating this property. Given a projective plane $${\user1{P}}$$, determining $$n{\left( {\user1{P}} \right)}$$, the size of its smallest complete arc, has been a major open question in finite geometry for several decades. Assume that $${\user1{P}}$$ has order q, it was shown by Lunelli and Sce [41], more than 40 years ago, that $${\left( {\user1{P}} \right)} \geqslant {\sqrt {2q} }$$. Apart from this bound, practically nothing was known about $$n{\left( {\user1{P}} \right)}$$, except for the case $${\user1{P}}$$ is the Galois plane. For this case, the best upper bound, prior to this paper, was O(q3/4) obtained by Szőnyi using the properties of the Galois field GF(q).In this paper, we prove that $$n{\left( {\user1{P}} \right)} \leqslant {\sqrt q }{\kern 1pt} \log^{c} q$$ for any projective plane $${\user1{P}}$$ of order q, where c is a universal constant. Together with Lunelli-Sce’s lower bound, our result determines $$n{\left( {\user1{P}} \right)}$$ up to a polylogarithmic factor. Our proof uses a probabilistic method known as the dynamic random construction or Rodl’s nibble. The proof also gives a quick randomized algorithm which produces a small complete arc with high probability.The key ingredient of our proof is a new concentration result, which applies for non-Lipschitz functions and is of independent interest.
Rearrangeable and nonblocking [w, f] -distributors

We formulate a graph model called [w, f]-distributors which is useful in analyzing the structures and comparing the quantitative complexities and qualitative features of optical multicast cross-connects. Using the formulation we show that two strictly nonblocking multicast optical cross-connects under two different request models are equivalent topologically, even though one request model is much less restrictive than the other. We then investigate the tradeoff between the depth and the complexity of an optical multicast cross-connect using the graph model. Upper and lower complexity bounds are proved. In the process, we also give a generic recursive construction that can be used to construct optimal and near-optimal [w, f]-distributors. The recursive construction can also be used to construct cost-effective optical multicast cross-connects. Another important result that follows is the exact asymptotic behavior of the size of optimal [w, f]-connectors, the unicast version of [w, f]-distributors.
Transgene translatability increases effectiveness of replicase-mediated resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus

Transgenic tobacco plants expressing an altered form of the 2a replicase gene from the Fny strain of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) exhibit suppressed virus replication and restricted virus movement when inoculated mechanically or by aphid vectors. Additional transformants have been generated which contain replicase gene constructs designed to determine the role(s) of transgene mRNA and/or protein in resistance. Resistance to systemic disease caused by CMV, as well as delayed infection, was observed in several lines of transgenic plants which were capable of expressing either full-length or truncated replicase proteins. In contrast, among plants which contained nontranslatable transgene constructs, only one of 61 lines examined exhibited delays or resistance. Once infected, plants never recovered, regardless of transgene translatability. Transgenic plants exhibiting a range of resistance levels were examined for transgene copy number, mRNA and protein levels. Although ribonuclease protection assays demonstrated that transgene mRNA levels were very low, resistant lines had consistently more steady-state transgene mRNA than susceptible lines. Furthermore, chlorotic or necrotic local lesions developed on the inoculated leaves of transgenic lines containing translatable transgenes, but not on inoculated leaves of lines containing nontranslatable transgenes. These results demonstrate that translatability of the transgene and possibly expression of the transgene protein itself facilitates replicase-mediated resistance to CMV in tobacco.
Strained Si NMOSFETs for high performance CMOS technology

Performance enhancements in strained Si NMOSFETs were demonstrated at L/sub eff/<70 nm. A 70% increase in electron mobility was observed at vertical fields as high as 1.5 MV/cm for the first time, suggesting a new mobility enhancement mechanism in addition to reduced phonon scattering. Current drive increase by /spl ges/35% was observed at L/sub eff/<70 nm. These results indicate that strain can be used to improve CMOS device performance at sub-100 nm technology nodes.
High-dose diazepam facilitates core cooling during cold saline infusion in healthy volunteers

Studies have suggested that inducing mild hypothermia improves neurologic outcomes after traumatic brain injury, major stroke, cardiac arrest, or exertional heat illness. While infusion of cold normal saline is a simple and inexpensive method for reducing core temperature, human cold-defense mechanisms potentially make this route stressful or ineffective. We hypothesized that intravenous administration of diazepam during a rapid infusion of 30 mL.kg-1 of cold (4 degrees C) 0.9% saline to healthy subjects would be more comfortable and reduce core body temperature more than the administration of cold saline alone. Fifteen subjects received rapidly infused cold (4 degrees C) 0.9% saline. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive, intravenously, 20 mg diazepam (HIGH), 10 mg diazepam (LOW), or placebo (CON). Main outcomes were core temperature, skin temperature, and oxygen consumption. Data for the main outcomes were analyzed with generalized estimating equations to identify differences in group, time, or a group x time interaction. Core temperature decreased in all groups (CON, 1.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C; LOW, 1.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C; HIGH, 1.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C), while skin temperature was unchanged. Mean (95% CI) oxygen consumption was 315.3 (253.8, 376.9) mL.kg-1.min-1 in the CON group, 317.9 (275.5, 360.3) in the LOW group, and 226.1 (216.4, 235.9) in the HIGH group. Significant time and group x time interaction was observed for core temperature and oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Administration of high-dose diazepam resulted in decreased oxygen consumption during cold saline infusion, suggesting that 20 mg of intravenous diazepam may reduce the shivering threshold without compromising respiratory or cardiovascular function.
Hydroxyurea and Zileuton Differentially Modulate Cell Proliferation and Interleukin-2 Secretion by Murine Spleen Cells: Possible Implication on the Immune Function and Risk of Pain Crisis in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Hydroxyurea (HU) reduces major complications associated with sickle cell disease in part because of the induction of fetal hemoglobin. However, because of its antiproliferative property, its long-term use may impair immunity. Zileuton, a derivative of HU, also induces fetal hemoglobin and has antiinflammatory properties, a feature that can reduce the risk of sickling. Our goal was to investigate the capacity of both drugs to modulate the secretion of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a regulatory cytokine for immune responses. Methods: Spleen cells obtained from 11 4-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were incubated without and with 10 µ/mL HU or zileuton, 2.5 µ/mL concanavalin A (ConA), 20 µ/mL phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and 50 ng/mL anti-CD3 antibody for 12-48 h. IL-2 was measured in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell proliferation byH-thymidine uptake. Results: While HU reduced lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens (P<0.05), zileuton did not. Baseline IL-2 concentration and PHA-induced IL-2 were not significantly affected by either drug. Contrary to what we expected, while HU increased IL-2 supernatant levels 1.17-fold to 6.5-fold in anti-CD3 antibody–treated cells (P<0.05), zileuton decreased them 35%- 65% (P<0.05). Zileuton likely reduced IL-2 levels by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, hence leukotriene B4 production, an IL-2 inducer. HU did not decrease IL-2 secretion likely because of its lack of effect on mRNA and protein synthesis. Conclusion: Modulation of IL-2 secretion by zileuton and/or reduced lymphocyte proliferation by HU may impair the immune response of patients with sickle cell disease but may also be beneficial by attenuating inflammation independently of fetal hemoglobin induction.
Exercise Electrocardiogram Stress Testing for Evaluation of Chest Pain

We read the study by Demir et al1 on 2 hospital's approach to evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease. Hospital A performed exercise treadmill stress testing (ETT) alone as the first diagnostic test in a chest pain clinic. Of the 483 patients, 43.3% were excluded because of inability to exercise or abnormal baseline electrocardiogram (EKG). In our experience, much greater percentage of patients are able to exercise on the treadmill. Some may require bicycle testing because of orthopedic problems.