cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-Stage Versus One-Stage Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Timing of Surgery Prevents Nipple Loss.

BACKGROUND Devascularization of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) before nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) enhances blood flow to the skin. This study analyzed the effect of the interval between stages in two-stage (2S) operations and compared the ischemic events with those of one-stage (1S) NSM. METHODS Ischemic complications were defined as partial/reversible (PR) or full-thickness/irreversible (FI) skin necrosis of the NAC or flap. The latter encompassed limited areas of the NAC, resulting in loss of nipple height or areolar circumference without affecting the integrity or appearance of the NAC. Outcomes between the two groups were compared using chi-square and both uni- and multivariate analyses. RESULTS From 2015 to 2019, 109 breasts underwent 2S NSM and 103 breasts underwent 1S NSM. Grade 2 or 3 breast ptosis was more common in the 2S group than in the 1S group (60.5% vs 30.5%; p < 0.01). The median time between devascularization and NSM was 30 days (range, 11-415 days). After devascularization, ischemic events occurred in 25.7% of the breasts. Nipple loss occurred in 7.8% of the 1S group and 0% of the 2S group. Both PR and FI NAC ischemic events were observed in 66.7% of the breasts when NSM took place fewer than 20 days (n = 9) after devascularization versus 15% when NSM took place 20 days or longer afterward (n = 100). Overall, NAC, flap ischemic complications, or both occurred in 35.9% of the 1S group versus 20.2% of the 2S group (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of ischemic complications in the 2S versus the 1S group was 0.38 (range, 0.19-0.75). CONCLUSIONS Fewer ischemic complications and no nipple loss occurred in 2S NSM. Ischemic events are fewer when the interval between devascularization and NSM is 20 days or longer.
Comparative untargeted metabolomic profiling of induced mitochondrial fusion in pancreatic cancer

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that constantly alter their shape through the recruitment of specialized proteins, like mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Mfn2 induces the fusion of nearby mitochondria, while Drp1 mediates mitochondrial fission. We previously found that the genetic or pharmacological activation of mitochondrial fusion was tumor suppressive against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in several model systems [1]. The mechanisms of how these different inducers of mitochondrial fusion reduce pancreatic cancer growth are still unknown. Here, we characterized and compared the metabolic reprogramming of these three independent methods of inducing mitochondrial fusion in KPC cells: overexpression of Mfn2, genetic editing of Drp1, or treatment with leflunomide. We identified significantly altered metabolites via robust, orthogonal statistical analyses and found that mitochondrial fusion consistently produces alterations in the metabolism of amino acids. Our unbiased methodology revealed that metabolic perturbations were similar across all these methods of inducing mitochondrial fusion, proposing a common pathway for metabolic targeting with other drugs.
The Leader as Transformer

Change has affected libraries in many ways in the past decade. In addition to ever changing technology, law libraries also now face budget and personnel shortfalls. To avoid being labeled as a "book repository" the author argues that library leaders must now be transformational change leaders by designing new customer service priorities.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Incidence, Diagnosis, Management, and Future Directions.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an antigen-mediated esophageal disease defined by the presence of esophageal eosinophilia and symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. The pathophysiology involves an allergen-driven Th2 T cell response that triggers infiltration of eosinophils into the esophagus leading to inflammation, remodeling, and fibrosis. This results in disruption of esophageal function and accompanying symptoms - most notably dysphagia. Effective therapies target inflammation or fibrostenotic complications and include proton pump inhibitors, swallowed topical steroids, dietary exclusion, and dilation. Clinical trials testing promising biologic therapies are ongoing.
Quaternary Quadratic Forms: Computer Generated Tables

These tables of positive quadratic forms in four variables (quaternary forms) through discriminant 1732 have been compiled with the use of a fast, modern computer. They have been condensed onto a single 3.5 inch disk and are ready for uploading onto researchers' own computers. This accessibility has been designed to enable mathematicians to investigate and answer questions about quaternary forms by means of exhaustive computer searches, an increasingly important technique not only in setting conjectures, but also in formulating new ones. The forms in the tables are separated into classes and genera. Included are the number of automorphs for each class and the mass of each genus as well as much other complex and computer-intensive information. The book begins with an introductory section containing historical background, explanations of the techniques used to generate the tables and many examples. This is followed by a printed version for small discriminants and for several discriminants of special interest, included to enable the reader to peruse the tables directly without having to upload them into a computer.
Intracellular Zinc Dyshomeostasis Caused by a Disrupted TRPML1-TMEM163 Protein Interaction

Dysfunctional Mucolipin-1 (TRPML1) ion channel protein causes the human lysosomal storage disorder Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). Cells affected by MLIV display higher intracellular zinc levels comp...
The Austrian Business Cycle: A Vector Error-Correction Model with Commercial and Industrial Loans

A vector error-correction model (VECM) of output, consumption, investment, and credit is identified and estimated, employing the Johansen-Juselius (1990) test for cointegration. Because the Austrian school views economic activity as a disequilibrium process, VECM estimates offer an empirical methodology especially amenable to interpretation through Austrian business cycle theory. Austrian business cycle (ABC) theory was pioneered by Ludwig von Mises (1912, 1949) and Friedrich Hayek (1933, 1935, 1941). Harwood's (1932) account of the business cycle is very similar. ABC theory focuses on credit expansion, which artificially lowers interest rates creating an investment boom and unsustainable business expansion. ABC theory is presented prominently by Haberler (1937) as a leading modern theory of the business cycle, and yet has largely fallen out of favor with orthodox economists. This is especially surprising because only ABC theory can claim much success in providing coherent and plausible explanations of historic business cycles. Rothbard (1963) explains the Great Depression in terms of ABC theory, concluding that overexpansion of the money supply in the late 1920s caused the stock market crash, and exceptionally unskilled policy responses created the prolonged secondary contraction by preventing the economy from liquidating the accumulated malinvestment and unemployment. Although their explanation of the dynamics of the depression differs and is distinctly non-Austrian, Friedman and Schwartz (1963) agree that bad policy greatly exacerbated what would have been an unexceptional recession. Garrison's (2001) restatement of ABC theory and his applications to historical cycles should lead to renewed interest in Austrian capital theory. According to ABC theory, recession constitutes the process of liquidating resources and production plans misallocated during the unsustainable boom. This paper finds compelling evidence of such cycles of malinvestment and liquidation in 1959-2003 U.S. data.
Mind as action

Contemporary social problems typically involve many complex, interrelated dimensions--psychological, cultural, and institutional, among others. But today, the social sciences have fragmented into isolated disciplines lacking a common language, and analyses of social problems have polarized into approaches that focus on an individual's mental functioning over social settings, or vice versa. In Mind as Action, James V. Wertsch argues that current approaches to social issues have been blinded by the narrow confines of increasing specialization in the social sciences. In response to this conceptual blindness, he proposes a method of sociocultural analysis that connects the various perspectives of the social sciences in an integrated, nonreductive fashion. Wertsch maintains that we can use mediated action, which he defines as the irreducible tension between active agents and cultural tools, as a productive method of explicating the complicated relationships between human action and its manifold cultural, institutional, and historical contexts. Drawing on the ideas of Lev Vygotsky, Mikhail Bakhtin, and Kenneth Burke, as well as research from various fields, this book traces the implications of mediated action for a sociocultural analysis of the mind, as well as for some of today's most pressing social issues. Wertsch's investigation of forms of mediated action such as stereotypes and historical narratives provide valuable new insights into issues such as the mastery, appropriation, and resistance of culture. By providing an analytic unit that has the possibility of operating at the crossroads of various disciplines, Mind as Action will be important reading for academics, students, and researchers in psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, sociology, literary analysis, and philosophy (http://books.google.com/books?id=73Vv7Y3vf14C&printsec=frontcover&hl=fr#v=onepage&q&f=false)
EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR AND FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR-2 HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON NEURAL PROGENITORS IN THE ADULT RAT BRAIN

Neurons and glia are generated throughout adulthood from proliferating cells in two regions of the rat brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampus. This study shows that exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have differential and site-specific effects on progenitor cells in vivo. Both growth factors expanded the SVZ progenitor population after 2 weeks of intracerebroventricular administration, but only FGF-2 induced an increase in the number of newborn cells, most prominently neurons, in the olfactory bulb, the normal destination for neuronal progenitors migrating from the SVZ. EGF, on the other hand, reduced the total number of newborn neurons reaching the olfactory bulb and substantially enhanced the generation of astrocytes in the olfactory bulb. Moreover, EGF increased the number of newborn cells in the striatum either by migration of SVZ cells or by stimulation of local progenitor cells. No evidence of neuronal differentiation of newborn striatal cells was found by three-dimensional confocal analysis, although many of these newborn cells were associated closely with striatal neurons. The proliferation of hippocampal progenitors was not affected by either growth factor. However, EGF increased the number of newborn glia and reduced the number of newborn neurons, similar to the effects seen in the olfactory bulb. These findings may be useful for elucidating the in vivo role of growth factors in neurogenesis in the adult CNS and may aid development of neuronal replacement strategies after brain damage.
Development of a rechargeable lithium cell power source

The development of a rechargeable lithium cell power source as a replacement for silver-oxide-zinc cells in naval underwater vehicles is described. Progress made for the most promising lithium system, lithium-cobalt oxide, which has 2.5 times the theoretical energy density of silver-oxide-zinc, is summarized. Initial laboratory cell studies showed cobalt oxide can meet or exceed program goals. Recent work has scaled the fractional Ah capacity laboratory cells up to 1.1 and 2.5 Ah size. At this level also, many of the cells tested reached or surpassed required energy density and cycle-life requirements. >
Ultrasonographically Monitored Postocclusive Reactive Hyperemia in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

The femoral artery postocclusive reactive hyperemia response was monitored by transcutaneous Doppler ultrasonography. Normal values which were established from a group of 25 volunteers included a mean percentage increase [See Equation in PDF File] of 225.8% and a mean recovery half time of 25.2 secs. In a group of 22 patients with angiographically documented arterial occlusive disease, the respective mean values were 55.9% and 47.1 secs (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage velocity increases in repeat examinations. On the other hand, the recovery half time of the second postocclusive reactive hyperemia response was significantly shorter than the preceding one. The described technique proved to be very useful as a simple and objective procedure to screen and follow-up the development of arterial occlusive disease before and after reconstructive vascular surgery.
Effects of Estrogen Upon Thyroidal I131 Release and Excretion of Thyroxine in Ovariectomized Rats

Estradiol benzoate (1.5 μg/100 g) increased the amount of exogenous l-thyroxine necessary to prevent thyroidal I131 release in ovariectomized rats. This effect was not mediated by a direct action on the thyroid gland since estradiol failed to evoke discharge of thyroidal I131 when thyrotropin was totally suppressed by exogenous thyroxine, whereas marked acceleration of thyroidal I131 release occurred during partial thyrotropin suppression. Daily administration of the same level of estradiol for 4 weeks to ovariectomized rats significantly increased 24- and 48- hour urinary and fecal excretions of radioactivity following a single administration of I131 l-thyroxine, without significantly altering serum PBI or thyroid weight. These data suggest that estrogen, in the proper dosage, may stimulate the rate of thyroxine secretion by the thyroid gland while also increasing its rate of degradation by the organism.
Penalized Covariance Matrix Estimation Using a Matrix-Logarithm Transformation

For statistical inferences that involve covariance matrices, it is desirable to obtain an accurate covariance matrix estimate with a well-structured eigen-system. We propose to estimate the covariance matrix through its matrix logarithm based on an approximate log-likelihood function. We develop a generalization of the Leonard and Hsu log-likelihood approximation that no longer requires a nonsingular sample covariance matrix. The matrix log-transformation provides the ability to impose a convex penalty on the transformed likelihood such that the largest and smallest eigenvalues of the covariance matrix estimate can be regularized simultaneously. The proposed method transforms the problem of estimating the covariance matrix into the problem of estimating a symmetric matrix, which can be solved efficiently by an iterative quadratic programming algorithm. The merits of the proposed method are illustrated by a simulation study and two real applications in classification and portfolio optimization. Supplementa...
Restart of natural circulation in a PWR–PKL test results and s-relap5 calculations

Abstract At reduced primary water inventory in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) with heat transfer to the secondary by means of reflux-condensation (i.e. after a small-break loss-of-coolant-accident), condense with low boron concentration may accumulate in the primary system. The restart of natural circulation after the refilling of the primary can then lead to displacement of low borated water into the reactor pressure vessel and finally into the core, which can result in a recriticality of the reactor. The restart of natural circulation was investigated in the test facility PKL, which is operated by Framatome ANP GmbH (former Siemens/KWU) in Erlangen/Germany. The test results as well as the results of a post-test calculation using the computer code s-relap 5, which are both subjects of this presentation, demonstrated that despite symmetrical injection of emergency core coolant (ECC), the restart of natural circulation takes place at different times with varying intensities in the individual loops. In a PWR, this would favor the mixing of water flows with different boron concentrations in the reactor pressure vessel downcomer, which again would reduce the risk of a recriticality transient.
Multigenic control of thyroid hormone functions in the nervous system.

Thyroid hormone (TH) has a remarkable range of actions in the development and function of the nervous system. A multigenic picture is emerging of the mechanisms that specify these diverse functions in target tissues. Distinct responses are mediated by α and β isoforms of TH receptor which act as ligand-regulated transcription factors. Receptor activity can be regulated at several levels including that of uptake of TH ligand and the activation or inactivation of ligand by deiodinase enzymes in target tissues. Processes under the control of TH range from learning and anxiety-like behaviour to sensory function. At the cellular level, TH controls events as diverse as axonal outgrowth, hippocampal synaptic activity and the patterning of opsin photopigments necessary for colour vision. Overall, TH coordinates this variety of events in both central and sensory systems to promote the function of the nervous system as a complete entity.
Impact of antenna coupling on diversity performance: complete network theory analysis

In antenna diversity systems, mutual coupling of closely-spaced antennas alters the element radiation and impedance properties, thereby impacting the system diversity performance. Past studies have emphasized the effect of the distorted pattern and largely neglected the effect of altered impedance (and therefore receive signal-to-noise ratio) on the diversity behavior. Here, we present a new network analysis which facilitates a complete characterization of the system and comparison of diversity performance for various impedance terminations. Representative results reveal that for closely-spaced antennas, the termination can play a noticeable role in determining the diversity gain offered by coupled antennas.
The impact of dietary oxalate on kidney stone formation

The role of dietary oxalate in calcium oxalate kidney stone formation remains unclear. However, due to the risk for stone disease that is associated with a low calcium intake, dietary oxalate is believed to be an important contributing factor. In this review, we have examined the available evidence related to the ingestion of dietary oxalate, its intestinal absorption, and its handling by the kidney. The only difference identified to date between normal individuals and those who form stones is in the intestinal absorption of oxalate. Differences in dietary oxalate intake and in renal oxalate excretion are two other parameters that are likely to receive close scrutiny in the near future, because the research tools required for these investigations are now available. Such research, together with more extensive examinations of intestinal oxalate absorption, should help clarify the role of dietary oxalate in stone formation.
Molecular Biogeography in the Pocket Mice (Perognathus and Chaetodipus) and Grasshopper Mice (Onychomys): the Late Cenozoic Development of a North American Aridlands Rodent Guild

Paleoecological and geological evidence previously have been used to infer a sequential development of arid landscapes in western North America composed of: a gradual Miocene development of savanna and semidesert habitats; a rapid late-Miocene expansion of regional deserts, grasslands, and shrubsteppes; cyclical late Pliocene-Pleistocene changes in the distribution and composition of aridlands biotas. Rodents that characterize aridlands regions in western North America include lineages detectable in the fossil record back to the late Oligocene as well as mid-Miocene immigrants from Asia. In this study, nucleotide-sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA genes COIII and cytochrome b were used to analyze phylogeny, genetic divergence, and geographic structure within the pocket mice ( Perognathus and Chaetodipus ) and grasshopper mice ( Onychomys ). Molecular phylogenies, estimates of divergence times, and geographic distributions suggest that middle to late Pleistocene glacial cycles appear to have had little influence on lineage divergence in aridlands rodents. Rather, a correspondence between molecular, distributional, paleoecological, and geological evidence suggests that divergence and current distributions of most extant lineages can be attributed to late Tertiary-early Quaternary development of the western North American cordillera. These data are used to produce a predictive generalized model of late Cenozoic area relationships among arid regions in western North America.
Local Environment of Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in a Mid-Sized U.S. City

As the U.S. population ages, almost half of elderly householders have lived in their current home for more than 20 years, and a significant majority wish to remain in their current residence or community for as long as possible as they age. Concern with how communities will cope with these trends has led to a growing interest in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), which are neighborhoods or housing complexes that house a concentration of older adults, and their potential to enhance efforts to support aging-in-place. In this article, we examine the local built and social environment of neighborhood NORCs in Tallahassee, Florida, a low-density mid-sized city. We found that a large proportion of NORCs are located in neighborhoods with an urban form, or physical design, that is presumed to be less supportive of active aging, and associated with poor access to amenities, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks. Another substantial portion of NORCs are located in neighborhoods with some as...
STUDIES ON INFLUENZA VIRUS : THE COMPLEMENT-FIXING ANTIGEN OF INFLUENZA A AND SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUSES.

Influenza complement fixation tests designed for use with ferret serum are described. Complement-fixing antigens derived from influenza ferret lungs were unsatisfactory due to their low content of soluble antigen; those prepared from mouse lungs or developing chick embryo membranes proved to be better antigenically and were reliable when the various reagents in the test were properly adjusted to eliminate non-specific fixation of complement. The results of cross complement fixation tests indicated that the soluble antigens of the PR8 and W.S. strains of influenza A virus were closely similar, if not identical. They indicated also that the soluble antigen of swine virus possessed components present in the antigens of the human strains of virus.
Simulated annealing of rings using an exact ring closure algorithm

Abstract The method of simulated annealing has been combined with an exact ring closure algorithm to locate the global minimum of hydrocarbon rings without energy minimization. A new program called ANNEAL-RING carries out simulated annealing by computation of the exact new positions of three or more atoms and then application of the Metropolis Monte Carlo accept-reject criterion [exp(-ΔE/RT)] with cooling. Cyclononane, cyclodecane, cycloundecane and cycloheptadecane were studied.
Specific Trophic Factor ‐ Receptor Interactions: Key Selective Elements in Brain Development and “Regeneration”

An hypothesis is presented which emphasizes the key role of specific trophic factor-receptor interactions in the development of the brain. We postulate that very early in development neurons become dependent on external factors (mainly neuropeptides) for guidance and survival. These requirements are the key to the selection process which results in the creation of a functional nervous system. These specific localized trophic factor requirements are postulated to persist throughout life. Disruptions in specific trophic factor-receptor systems are postulated to be responsible for a variety of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The implications of recent animal and human transplant experiments in the context of the theoretical framework discussed above are profound. It would appear that the mature mammalian brain possesses an exquisite ability to regenerate specific connections to replace those lost due to death or injury to nerve cells. Unfortunately, it does not contain a population of undifferentiated stem cells to supply the necessary healthy neurons. The reason for this appears obvious based on the theoretical considerations given above, that the specific trophic factor-receptor interactions needed to produce a functional brain circuitry are necessarily stringently selective. Therefore, a significant stem cell population does not survive. However, if an appropriate stem cell population, ie, a fetal transplant, is provided, the brain will "heal itself" according to the program outlined above. In the future it may be technically feasible to perform genetic testing of newborns to determine to which genetic neurological diseases they are susceptible and at an appropriate time provide the appropriate fetal transplant. Obviously, society will have to deal with the profound ethical questions this technology will raise.
Measuring the value of public health systems.

I applaud Neumann et al.'s examination of the disconnect between health economists and public health practioners.1 Their findings are similar to the decade-old observations of Weinstein and Melchreit in the field of HIV prevention.2 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched HIV prevention community planning in 1993 as a participatory process by which health departments were to garner broad, structured, evidence-based input when setting priorities.2 By 1994, the cost and effectiveness of HIV prevention programs were clearly identified as factors that should be considered in the community planning process and early technical assistance documents on economic evaluation became available.2 In 1998, Weinstein and Melchreit reflected on the nascent experiences of using economic evaluation in community planning and other HIV prevention policy making.2 They asserted that key barriers to further utilization of economic evaluation methods and data included: (1) lack of useful studies, (2) lack of in-house expertise, (3) conflicts of interest, (4) lack of generalizability of studies across jurisdictions, (5) studies focusing on individual interventions rather than on program portfolios, (6) legal prohibitions of cost-effective yet controversial interventions, and (7) unintended consequences of using economic evaluations.2 Weinstein and Melchreit also surveyed 57 health departments about using economic evaluations.2 Of the 26 health departments that participated in the survey, 14 had completed at least 1 economic evaluation since 1993.2 Interviews of respondents revealed that they found economic analyses very labor intensive and that the results were not always conclusive or comprehensive enough to clearly guide decision making.2 Nevertheless, Weinstein and Melchreit asserted that economic evaluation information was important for HIV prevention decision making and that more work to fine-tune the process was urgently needed.2 These findings seem mirrored by Neumann et al.,1,2 so we ask, why has so little changed and what can be done? I agree with Neumann et al.'s recommendations for furthering the use of health economics in public health practice. I also argue that we have too few conceptual frameworks that attempt to articulate how quantitative policy analysis can foster linkages between researchers and practitioners.3 Further, we need on-going analyst and practitioner partnerships able and willing to address policy questions under the high pressure demands of tight time limits and major public health consequences,4 and we need funding for such partnerships. Additionally, many practitioners are interested in performance standard-setting, and transparent, practical, underutilized methods like threshold analysis can be highly informative.5 Last, we should routinely include cost analyses in public health effectiveness studies so as to enable at least retrospective economic evaluations.6 We must act now to avoid having a third paper in 2018 that brings us again to similar conclusions.
Discovery of a Rhombohedral Form of the Li-Exchanged Aluminogermanate Zeolite RHO and Its Pressure-, Temperature-, and Composition-Induced Phase Transitions

The influence of pressure, temperature, and composition on the crystal structure of Li-exchanged zeolite RHO with an aluminogermanate framework was investigated using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. At ambient conditions, aluminogermanate RHO adopts either a rhombohedral (R3) or cubic (I23) symmetry depending on the Li-exchange level. Under hydrostatic conditions mediated by an alcohol and water mixture in a diamond-anvil cell, the rhombohedral 68% Li−AlGe−RHO transforms to a cubic structure near 3 GPa, whereas the cubic 57% Li−AlGe−RHO first transforms to a rhombohedral phase near 0.4 GPa and then back to a cubic structure near 3 GPa. The rhombohedral distortion angle, an order parameter of the low-symmetry structure, increases continuously with pressure while approaching the transition to the cubic form, where it decreases abruptly to the equivalent cubic angle. All of these materials show progressive volume contraction under increasing pressure and the calculated bulk moduli suggests that the rho...
Modeling Patient Decision-Making: The Role of Base-Rate and Anecdotal Information

Guidelines for managing patient–physician relationships often stem from either paternalistic or shared decision-making perspectives. Despite a number of advantages shown for the shared decision-making model, questions remain as to whether lay people make the most optimal decisions about their health care. This study explored the influence of anecdotal and base-rate information on health-care decisions. Three hundred and seventeen undergraduates read two vignettes describing a fictitious disease, followed by a description of two potential treatment protocols. The comparison treatment was 50% effective and accompanied by an anecdote that described a patient whose treatment resulted in an ambiguous outcome. A second treatment was presented as 30, 50, 70, or 90% effective, and accompanied by an anecdote that described a patient whose treatment resulted in a positive, ambiguous, or negative outcome. Subjects weighted anecdotal information more heavily than base-rate, or statistical, information when the anecdotal information was clearly positive or negative. Subjects presented with ambiguous anecdotal information weighed base-rate information most heavily. Implications for enhancing patient decision-making are discussed.
The extended family revisited: grandparents rearing grandchildren.

Census data are presented to document the increase of children under age 18 who are not living with either natural parent and the large numbers being reared by grandparents. The literature is reviewed and discussed in terms of the recent changes in the family, the traditional role of grandparents, and questions concerning elderly people rearing young children. A project is described that identified grandparent guardians of grandchildren receiving outpatient psychotherapy in a university-based child guidance clinic.
Enemies and friends: Arendt on the imperial republic at war

Hannah Arendt's existential, republican concept of politics spurned Carl Schmitt's idea that enmity constituted the essence of the political. Famously, she isolated the political sphere from social conflict, sovereign regimes, and the realm of military violence. While some critics are now interested in applying Arendt's more abstract political ideas to international affairs, it has not been acknowledged that her original reconceptualization of politics was in fact driven by her analysis of global war, and in particular, the startling new challenges raised by nuclear warfare. Arendt's early, unpublished manuscript on the nature of politics contains important reflections on the nature of war and empire. Surprisingly, these reflections tentatively explore the relationship between war and political freedom. A close reading of this work on war can help explain both her later, more radical non-violent concept of political action, and the difficulties she faced integrating her existential republicanism within the global context of conflict in the Cold War.
Statistical theory of estimation in doubly-stochastic poisson processes☆

Abstract A statistical approach is presented for recursive estimation of the intensity process of a doubly-stochastic Poisson process (DSPP). The mathematical arguments used have an intuitive appeal and can be given a degree of validity by careful interpretation. By using concepts of probability density functional and likelihood functional, the problem is cast into one in optimization theory. Basic results in the calculus of variations are then used to derive equation for a posteriori most probable estimates. A well-known approximation scheme gives the recursive filter, the validity of which has already been established in the literature.
Accurate and economical solution of the pressure-head form of Richards' equation by the method of lines

Abstract The pressure-head form of Richards' equation (RE) is difficult to solve accurately using standard time integration methods. For example, mass balance errors grow as the integration progresses unless very small time steps are taken. Further, RE may be solved for many problems more economically and robustly with variable-size time steps rather than with a constant time-step size, but variable step-size methods applied to date have relied upon empirical approaches to control step size, which do not explicitly control temporal truncation error of the solution. We show how a differential algebrain equation implementation of the method of lines can give solutions to RE that are accurate, have good mass balance properties, explicitly control temporal truncation error, and are more economical than standard approaches for a wide range of solution accuracy. We detail changes to a standard integrator, DASPK, that improves efficiency for the test problems considered, and we advocate the use of this approach for both RE and other problems involving subsurface flow and transport phenomena.
Individual Solvent/Solute Interactions through Social Isomerism

Reversible coencapsulation of a solute molecule and a single solvent molecule takes place in solution at ambient temperature. Two isomeric complexes are formed (social isomers), and their relative energies are assessed by NMR methods. Intermolecular interactions between 3 aromatic solutes and 15 common solvents are evaluated.
Development of Pulmonary Hypertension After Placement of a Ventriculoatrial Shunt

The ventriculoatrial shunt (VAS) was developed to control hydrocephalic syndromes effectively. Several complications, however, have been described after the procedure. One of the most serious consequences is the development of severe pulmonary hypertension attributed to multiple and recurrent pulmonary embolization caused by the catheter of the VAS; however, the frequency is exceedingly low. Herein we describe the experience with three patients in whom severe pulmonary hypertension developed after a VAS procedure. In two patients, refractory heart failure developed, an outcome that caused death within a brief period. The third patient underwent atrial thrombectomy and then pulmonary thromboendarterectomy; recovery was complete. Scientific evidence shows that initial embolization predisposes pulmonary vessels to develop further in situ thrombosis; thus, the vascular lung disease progresses despite removal of the embolic source. A review of the literature revealed that in patients with a VAS, pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension were clinically diagnosed in only 0.4% and 0.3% of the cases, respectively, whereas postmortem diagnoses of pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension were established in 59.7% and 6.3%, respectively. These discrepancies point out the difficulty of establishing the diagnosis of these serious pulmonary vascular complications while the patient is alive.
Carboplatin in previously treated multiple myeloma. A Cancer and Leukemia Group B phase II trial.

Carboplatin 400 mg/m 2 per month was evaluated as a single agent in 15 patients with multiple myeloma who had had one prior chemotherapy regimen. All but three were judged to have had some degree of refractoriness to prior therapy. Hematologic toxicity was frequent and sometimes severe. There were no responses. Further evaluation of standard-dose single-agent carboplatin in refractory myeloma does not appear warranted
Campus-Based Women’s Centers: A Review of Problems and Practices

Campus-based women’s centers can provide a wealth of resources to feminist social workers, yet little has been written about their structure and practices. This article reports on a study of 75 campus-based women’s centers in the United States during academic year 1999-2000. Responses to the portions of the survey that were devotedto the programs of these centers are summarized, with particular attention to the various means of fostering the participation of specific populations on campus. Barriers to the successful operation of women’s centers that were identified by the respondents are also discussed.
INMATE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV TRANSMISSION IN PRISON

Research Summary: The prevalence of AIDS infection is approximately four times higher in state and Federal prisons than among the general U.S. population. It is also apparent that high-risk HIV transmission behaviors occur inside prison; however, data that validly document cases of HIV transmission in prison are rare. This study uses data from a large sample of state prison inmates and logistic regression to determine what inmate characteristics are associated with contracting HIV inside prison. Findings indicate that inmates who are nonwhite and younger and who have been convicted of sexual crimes and have served longer sentences are more likely to contract HIV inside prison. Policy Implications: Documenting that HIV is transmitted inside prisons justifies the need for additional research and effective prevention strategies. Modeling what types of inmates might be at risk for contracting HIV inside prison can help public and correctional health researchers and officials improve their current prevention practices and ultimately reduce or prevent HIV transmission both inside and outside prison.
What's new in neurological surgery.

There were major advances this past year in nearly all areas of neurosurgery. The most important clinical changes are being seen as the field of endovascular neurosurgery evolves. With the unveiling of FDA approval for artificial lumbar disks this year, spinal neurosurgery is posed to reassess its recent focus on techniques for ensuring the adequacy of spinal fusion. Perhaps the most far-reaching changes, however, are in the field of functional neurosurgery, in which research on brain-machine interfacing has the potential for making the science fiction of the past a realityofthepresent.Inthisarticle,recentadvancesineach of the subspecialty fields will be reviewed separately. Trauma For what should be the last time, the practice of using steroids to treat head injuries has been reevaluated. Roberts and colleagues, 1 in a multicenter, international, collaborative trial on the treatment of head injury with steroids (CRASH), disclosed the unmasked results early and stopped recruitment to the study before its completion. There were 10,008 adults with head injury and a Glasgow Coma Score of 14 or less, who were evaluated within 8 hours of injury and were randomly allocated 48 hours of corticosteroid infusion with methylprednisolone or placebo.The risk of death in the head injury group from all causes within 2 weeks of injury was higher in the group allocated corticosteroids than in the placebo group. The results were conclusive and should alter practice habits worldwide. In another head injury study by investigators from Brazil, remarkably good outcomes from severe head injury treatment were found with early administration of very high doses of mannitol. Cruz and associates 2 studied 23 patients with major head injury who received ultra-early and fast, IV high-dose mannitol treatment (approximately 1.4 g/kg) and compared them with a control group that received half that dose (approximately0.7g/kg).Improvementinpupillarydilationwas more notable in the high-dose early mannitol group than in the conventional-dose group. There also were considerably better 6-month clinical outcomes. Ourknowledgeaboutsports-relatedbraininjurieshas greatlyimprovedinthepastyear.Avideoanalysisof313
Sample size determination in fixed‐dose combination drug studies

In this paper, the application of the intersection–union test method in fixed-dose combination drug studies is discussed. An approximate sample size formula for the problem of testing the efficacy of a combination drug using intersection–union tests is proposed. The sample sizes obtained from the formula are found to be reasonably accurate in terms of attaining the target power 1−β for a specified β. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multimedia teleradiology: using multimedia for remote radiologic consultation

Powerful communication methods based upon multi-media and network technology are becoming available at reasonable cost. At the same time there is an increased awareness of the need to control costs and improve use of scarce resources by effective use of technology. Combining powerful communication methods with teleradiology will enhance its effectiveness and may aid in reduction of costs.
Reality-Based Television Programming and the Psychology of Its Appeal

Despite the general presence of reality-based television programming for more than a decade and its recent increasing popularity, the extant literature on the phenomenon is limited. In Study 1, we considered how the viewing public constructs the so-called genre of reality-based TV. Multidimensional space analysis based on the Q-sort responses of 38 city residents indicated reality-based TV shows (a) are largely distinct from most major programming genres, although they do not form a particularly cohesive genre of their own, and (b) are viewed as only moderately real. In Study 2, we evaluated the lay hypothesis that reality-based TV is popular because it appeals to the voyeuristic nature of the U.S. population. We also considered other gratifications received from viewership as well as personality traits that might predict reality-based TV consumption. The results of a survey of 252 city residents suggested that (a) the role of voyeurism in the appeal of reality-based television is questionable, (b) regula...
Overexpression of human α-synuclein causes dopamine neuron death in rat primary culture and immortalized mesencephalon-derived cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the appearance of intracytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies (LB) in dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and the progressive loss of these neurons. Recently, mutations in the alpha-synuclein gene have been identified in early-onset familial PD, and alpha-synuclein has been shown to be a major component of LB in all patients. Yet, the pathophysiological function of alpha-synuclein remains unknown. In this report, we have investigated the toxic effects of adenovirus-mediated alpha-synuclein overexpression on dopamine neurons in rat primary mesencephalic cultures and in a rat dopaminergic cell line - the large T-antigen immortalized, mesencephalon-derived 1RB3AN27 (N27). Adenovirus-transduced cultures showed high-level expression of alpha-synuclein within the cells. Overexpression of human mutant alpha-synuclein (Ala(53)Thr) selectively induced apoptotic programmed cell death of primary dopamine neurons as well as N27 cells. The mutant protein also potentiated the neurotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). By contrast, overexpression of wild-type human alpha-synuclein was not directly neurotoxic but did increase cell death after 6-OHDA. Overexpression of wild-type rat alpha-synuclein had no effect on dopamine cell survival or 6-OHDA neurotoxicity. These results indicate that overexpression of human mutant alpha-synuclein directly leads to dopamine neuron death, and overexpression of either human mutant or human wild-type alpha-synuclein renders dopamine neurons more vulnerable to neurotoxic insults.
Developing Sources of Native Grass Seed for Revegetation in Florida

On the Ground As with much of the eastern United States, the native plant communities present in Florida when European settlers arrived have been converted to crop-land, pastureland, and industrial forest production. Increasingly, both public and private entities have been making efforts to restore some of the converted acreage to a semblance of the original plant community for reasons of water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. The lack of a commercial source of seed for Florida ecotypes of native grasses is one of the main costs associated with current revegetation efforts. A long-term program, by the USDA, NRCS, Brooksville Plant Materials Center and various cooperating public and private institutions, has fostered the development of a commercial, native grass-seed industry in the state.
Diatom frustule photonic crystal geometric and optical characterization

Diatom algae are single-celled, photosynthetic organisms with a cell wall called a frustule—a periodically patterned nano-structure made of silica. Throughout the last decade, diatom frustules have been studied for their potential uses as photonic crystals and biomimetic templates for artificially developed metamaterials. A MATLAB program characterizing their pore structure as a function of angle was developed, potentially giving insight into how their geometric characteristics determine their optical properties.
2D and 3D Writing of Silver Nanostructures Through Multiphoton Photoreduction

We present a technique for direct writing silver nanostructures in 2D and 3D. Nonlinear optical interactions between a silver-ion doped resin and femtosecond pulses create silver nanostructures inside a dielectric matrix.
Analysis of a carbon composite overwrap pipeline repair system

A relatively new method has been developed to stop external corrosion and structurally reinforce steel pipes by external wrapping of damaged sections using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. Several different defect geometries representing corrosion patches on steel pipe were characterized using finite-element analysis, by changing the circumferential length of the defect. Pipe vessels containing these defects along with the composite structural repairs were modeled and the results were compared to field tests to determine the effectiveness of the repairs. It was found that the defect width around the circumference had little impact on the ultimate rupture pressure of the repaired vessel, but influenced the stress state in the underlying pipe substrate.
Preparation and Characterization of Colloidal ZnS Particles

Abstract : The preparation of particles of uniform size, shape, and composition has been of interest to colloid chemists and has received serious attention in the ceramic processing community recently. The interest in making monodispersed sols is not based solely on esthetic appeal of such systems but has evolved from high tech applications which place stringent requirements on the properties of ceramic components and so on starting powders. Uniform particle size and shape are also essential for the evaluation of validity of various sintering models as well as optical, magnetic, and electrokinetic properties of colloidal systems developed assuming uniform particle size and shape.