cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diving for drugs: tunicate anticancer compounds

The marine biosphere boasts tremendous biodiversity replete with structurally unique, active and selective secondary metabolites. Bioprospecting for antitumor compounds has been rewarding, and tunicates have been especially successful in yielding prospective cancer therapies. These compounds are now subjected to clinical trials in Europe and the USA. With the ongoing search for potent and specific anticancer drugs, in this article we discuss the unique perspectives, compounds and opportunities afforded by this rich source of potential pharmaceuticals. We discuss marine-derived antitumor drugs, their structures, and their various types and levels of antitumor activities in bench and bedside efforts.
Discount pricing and the 'cost' of liver transplantation

Context: Liver transplantation is among the most costlyof medical services, yet few studies have addressed the relationship between the resources utilized for this procedure and specific patient characteristics and clinical practices. Objective: To assess the association of pretransplantpatient characteristics and clinical practices with hospital resource utilization. Design: Prospective cohort of patients who received liver transplants between January 1991 and July 1994. Setting: University of California, San Francisco; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn; and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Patients: Seven hundredeleven patients who received single-organ liver transplants, were at least 16 years old, and had nonfulminant liver disease. Main Outcome Measure: Standardized resourceutilization derived from a database created by matching all services to a single price list. Results: Higheradjusted resource utilization was associated with donor age of 60 years or older (28% [$53 813] greater mean resource utilization; P = .005), recipient age of 60 years or older (17% [$32 795]; P = .01), alcoholic liver disease (26% [$49 596]; P = .002), Child-Pugh dass C (41% [$67 658]; P Conclusions: Clinical, economic andethical dilemmas in liver transplantation are highlighted by these findings. Recipients who were older, had alcoholic liver disease, or were severely ill were the most expensive to treat; this suggests that organ allocation criteria may affect transplant costs. Clinical practices and resource utilization varied considerably among transplant centers; methods to reduce variation in practice patterns, such as clinical guidelines, might lower costs while maintaining quality of care.
Spectrum of myeloid neoplasms and immune deficiency associated with germline GATA2 mutations

Guanine-adenine-thymine-adenine 2 (GATA2) mutated disorders include the recently described MonoMAC syndrome (Monocytopenia and Mycobacterium avium complex infections), DCML (dendritic cell, monocyte, and lymphocyte deficiency), familial MDS/AML (myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia) (myeloid neoplasms), congenital neutropenia, congenital lymphedema (Emberger's syndrome), sensorineural deafness, viral warts, and a spectrum of aggressive infections seen across all age groups. While considerable efforts have been made to identify the mutations that characterize this disorder, pathogenesis remains a work in progress with less than 100 patients described in current literature. Varying clinical presentations offer diagnostic challenges. Allogeneic stem cell transplant remains the treatment of choice. Morbidity, mortality, and social costs due to the familial nature of the disease are considerable. We describe our experience with the disorder in three affected families and a comprehensive review of current literature.
Pulmonary problems following multiple trauma in children

Acute respiratory failure (ARF=hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia) is a frequent finding in the polytraumatized patient. Multiple injury is often accompanied by injury of the central nervous system, and the presence or absence of ARF may play a key role for survival and late morbidity. This paper reviews the incidence of pulmonary problems after severe head injury and the possible dysfunctions of the respiratory apparatus following single or multiple trauma. Diagnostic work-up in ARF includes consideration of the mechanisms of injury, clinical examination, determinations of arterial blood gases and chest radiographs which are all essential for the choice of an effective treatment. This frequently includes supportive treatment by continuous positive pressure ventilation.
Immune response of male baboons to testis-specific LDH-C4

Abstract Four sexually mature male baboons ( Papio sp.) were immunized with a chimeric peptide containing a B-cell epitope of the testis-specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C 4 ) and a promiscuous T-cell epitope of tetanus toxin. LDH-C 4 is the testis-specific isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase, and antibodies to this protein reduce fertility significantly in female nonhuman primates. Animals were immunized on Day 0 and received booster injections at Days 29, 61, and 344 after priming. Serum specific antibodies were determined at regular intervals during the initial 6 months and after the last booster. Testis biopsies were taken at Days 61, 127, and 183 after the primary immunization. Sperm-zona binding was assessed prior to and three times after the last booster. The present study demonstrated that this epitope of LDH-C 4 did not cause autoimmune disease and that sperm from these immunized males had a diminished zona binding capacity. These results suggest that a safe male immunocontraceptive based on development of anti-sperm antibodies may be feasible.
Ciliary activity by laser light-scattering spectroscopy

The frequency of ciliary beat was measured by laser light-scattering spectroscopy in cultures of ciliated cells of the rabbit oviduct. Measurements performed by this new method agree with those obtained by high speed cinematography. When beating cilia are illuminated by a laser beam, the scattered light shows a frequency modulation due to the oscillatory motion of cilia. The spectral structure of the scattered light depends on the frequency and time-space coherence of ciliary beat. This paper reports the experimental validation of this technique and the theoretical basis for obtaining the frequency and coherence of ciliary beat from the autocorrelation function of the spectrum of light scattered from moving cilia. Fiber optic light transmission could permit the extension of this method to assess ciliary activityin situ for applications in animal experimentation and clinical studies.
Computation of Maximum Likelihood Estimates in Association Models

Abstract In association models for cross-classified data, computation of maximum likelihood estimates (MLE's) is relatively difficult due to the nonlinear constraints on the parameters. Currently available procedures based on the scoring algorithm for constrained maximum likelihood are relatively unreliable, and other cyclic procedures are relatively slow and do not provide estimated asymptotic standard deviations as by-products of calculations. To facilitate computations, it is noted that in standard association models, removal of constraints results in underidentification of parameters but does not affect the model itself, so that the MLE's of cell probabilities and conditional probabilities are unaffected. Given this observation, maximum likelihood estimation may be accomplished by unconstrained maximization of an objective function with two components: a log-likelihood ratio and a sum of squares representing deviations of parameters from their constraints. The objective function is then maximized by u...
Cataract surgery in the small adult eye

Microphthalmos is a rare condition that is often associated with several other ocular abnormalities. Given the considerable differences between microphthalmic and anatomically normal eyes, cataract surgery is technically demanding in these patients, and special attention must be given to adequate preoperative planning of these procedures. Furthermore, the unique nature of these surgeries creates a particular subset of intraoperative and postoperative complications. However, with the advent of piggyback intraocular lens placement, the visual outcomes of cataract surgery in small adult eyes have improved considerably over the past 20 years. This review discusses the nature of the microphthalmic eye, and addresses proper pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of the microphthalmic patient.
Cell Junctions in Arthropod Ion-transport Systems

Synopsis. The epithelial cells involved in the movement of ions and water form a major subset of all epithelial cell types. Both the form and the functions ofcell junctions present in these cells are essentially the same as those found elsewhere. Gap junctions are believed to regulate intercellular communication; desmosomes and hemidesmosomes provide mechanical anchorage to other cells and the extracellular matrix; septate junctions play roles in providing cell to cell anchorage, and perhaps in sealing the lateral surfaces of adjacent cells together to prevent paracellular fluid and solute movement; tight junctions (of limited distribution in insects) are seals between adjacent cells. They form a barrier to the paracellular movement of solutes and water. Examination of the junctions in salivary glands and midgut provide insight into the roles of these junctions in the development and function of ion transport systems. In Manduca sexta (Johannsen) the cells ofthe salivary gland are joined by pleated septate and gap junctions. Individual salivary cells have numerous folds and canaliculi. The walls of the canaliculi consist of extensively folded plasma membrane in intimate association with mitochondria. Gap junctions connect adjacent parts of the same cell across membrane folds, effectively shortening diffusion distances in the cells. Hemidesmosomes are present in the walls of developing canaliculi. They are attached to pore filaments that occupy the lumen of the developing canaliculi. The hemidesmosomes and pore filaments may have a morphogenetic role as they disappear after the canaliculi are formed. In Manduca sexta the midgut cells are joined by gap and septate junctions. These junc? tions differ in morphology from their counterparts in the salivary gland; physiological studies show the goblet cells are not coupled to neighboring tail columnar cells. We have shown the gap junctions joining them are typical of non-coupling junctions. Preliminary studies suggest that the gap junctions change form when the cells are coupled.
River Jordan: African American Urban Life in the Ohio Valley

Since the nineteenth century, the Ohio River has represented a great divide for African Americans. It marked the passage to freedom along the underground railroad, and during the Industrial age it was a boundary between the Jim Crow South and the urban North. Consequently, the Ohio became known as the "River Jordan, " symbolizing the path to the promised land. Beginning with the arrival of the first blacks in the Ohio Valley, Trotter traces the development of African American urban centers through the civil rights movement. River Jordan broadens our understanding of the black experience in the United States and illuminates the impact of the Ohio River in the context of the larger American story.
Voices of Strength and Resistance A Contextual and Longitudinal Analysis of Women's Responses to Battering

An ethnically and economically heterogeneous (majority well educated, African American, and poor) urban community sample of women, self-identified as having a serious problem in an intimate relationship, were interviewed three times over 2½ years. The inclusion criteria of battering was repeated physical and/or sexual assault within a context of coercive control. Feminist action research was used, combining interview and measurement instruments. Thematic analysis (coding, clustering, “subsuming particulars into the general,” confirming) was used for a random subset of 31 women's in-depth interviews. The patterns of response identified were complicated and iterative, demonstrating resistance and resourcefulness. A process of achieving nonviolence was identified for most of the participants, although relationship status did not necessarily correspond to abuse status and there was continued violence after leaving the relationship. Identifiable themes included (a) active problem solving, including conscious d...
Conservatively radical Java in CS1

Java is fast becoming the language of choice in CSI, but we have yet to figure out how to take full advantage of it's special features. The conservatives teach the old course in Java syntax. The radicals restructure the course to include Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and concurrency. I prefer a “conservatively radical” middle ground where I use modern GUI programs to teach the old course concepts. I write GUI/concurrent code and ask my students to complete the program by supplying a particular class or two. Thus, they work on interesting problems without having to understand the details of how my code works. And in the process, they get a practical introduction to the modern programming experience of writing a small piece of a much larger program, allowing me to emphasize abstraction early.
Decreased dietary protein or energy intake and plasma growth hormone levels of the pregnant pig, its fetuses and developing progeny.

The effects of low protein diets on plasma growth hormone were studied in pregnant pigs, fetuses and the developing progeny. Preg nant pigs were fed 18%, 3% or 0.5% protein diet throughout the gestation period. At 10, 13 and 15 week of gestation, fetuses were removed from the uterus after the dam had been bled to death. Plasma samples were used for growth hormone determinations. In a second experiment, 2-day old pigs from another set of pregnant pigs fed the diet containing 18%, 3% or 0.5% protein during gestation were cross-fostered to control nursing dams and weaned at 4 weeks of age to a standard diet. Plasma obtained at regular intervals was used for growth hormone determination. Plasma growth hormone was significantly higher in dams fed 0.5% protein after week 13 of gestation. High growth hormone (ten times the dam GH level) was ob served in all fetuses irrespective of maternal dietary manipulation. Offspring of severely protein deprived pigs (0.5% protein) had significantly elevated growth hormone levels up to 12 weeks of age in spite of cross fostering to a control dam after birth. The data suggest that there is little or no effect of maternal protein restriction on fetal growth hormone levels but the per sistent high growth hormone levels in the progeny of severely malnourished pigs indicate a possible impairment of the production, release or catabolism of growth hormone and/or its releasing factor. J. Nutr. 106: 940-946, 1976.
Frequency Stability of an Implantable Pressure Telemetry Capsule

An implantable pressure telemetry capsule was developed to permit monitoring cuff pressure in an artificial urethral sphincter during chronic conditions. Following implantation, the baseline frequency of the capsule was observed to increase by nearly 2 percent. A series of experiments was then conducted to determine whether this increase was caused by the temperature rise after implant, by fluid migration through the Silastic diaphragm, or by permeation of water vapor through the epoxy encapsulating the electronics. Elevated temperatures accounted for 84.5 percent of the frequency increase, migration through the diaphragm 11.85 percent of the total, and water permeation through the epoxy 3.65 percent.
Effects of short-term resistance training and subsequent detraining on the electromechanical delay.

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USAAccepted 10 December 2012ABSTRACT: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to exam-ine and compare the effects of 3 days of dynamic constant externalresistance (DCER) and isokinetic (ISOK) training and subsequentdetraining on the electromechanical delay (EMD). Methods:Thirty-one men [age 22.264.2 years, body mass 77.9612.9 kg, height173.965.4 cm (mean6SD)] were randomly assigned to a DCERtraining group, ISOK training group, or control (CONT) group.Results: No significant changes were found for EMD from pre- toposttraining assessments 1, 2, and 3 [4.5 60.2 ms, 4.760.2 ms,4.560.1 ms, 4.560.2 ms, respectively (mean6SE)] (P>0.05). Con-clusions: It can be hypothesized that increases in strength observedafter a short-term resistance training program may not be attributedto stiffness changes in the series-elastic component.
PLANETARY WAVES ON BETA-PLANES

Abstract The problem of linearized oscillations of the gaseous envelope of a rotating sphere (with periods in excess of a day) is considered using the β-plane approximation. Two particular β-planes are used—one centered at the equator, the other at a middle latitude. Both forced and free oscillations are considered. With both β-planes it is possible to approximate known solutions on a sphere. The use of either β-plane alone, however, results in an inadequate description. In particular it is shown that the equatorial β-plane provides good approximations to the positive equivalent depths of the solar diurnal oscillation, while the midlatitude β-plane provides good approximations to the negative equivalent depths. The two β-planes are also used to describe Rossby-Haurwitz waves on rapidly rotating planets, and the vertical propagatability of planetary waves with periods of a day or longer.
Family Conversations About Television

This is an examination of two kinds of conversations that parents and children sometimes have about television programs: first, conversations in which parents and children seek and / or exchange information about some aspect of reality portrayed or referred to on television; second, conversations in which family members discuss the appropriateness or inappropriateness of behavior shown or mentioned on television as a model for their own or other people's conduct. Examples taken from an observational study of families watching television in their homes are used to illustrate some of the forms these conversations can take, and, on the basis of these illustrations and of some previous research, speculations are offered about the role such conversations might play in family members' developing relationships to one another and to the “outside” world.
The Old Dark House and the Space of Attraction

Writers have invoked the concept of the “cinema of attractions,” from early cinema studies, to claim that horror films sacrifice narrative integrity to deliver sudden frights and spectacular shocks. An examination of the history of the concept of the attraction, however, finds it heavily theorized by Sergei Eisenstein as something that can bind films together in powerful ways. In one horror film, The Old Dark House (1932), slamming doors, quaking thunder, shattering glass and a rampaging mute butler, while scary, also figure in James Whale’s scheme to criss-cross his film with motifs and other repetitions and produce a work that gains with every viewing. Even with its thin narrative, stock characters and, already in 1932, very familiar story about characters trapped in an old dark house, the film hangs together in intricate ways. Most elaborately, Whale embeds attractions in a grid that overlays the tiered spaces of the setting. Characters move up and down the creaky staircases and along the suspended hallways, chasing each other, scuffling, and withholding and disclosing secrets. Scenographic and narrative space mesh into a tight unity lit up by a constellation of “fun house” jolts. Props, including lamps and knives, circulate through these spaces as well, tracing patterns that startle viewers while simultaneously rendering the film rigorously and beautifully coherent.
Is there a fundamental limitation on the measurement of spatial coherence for highly incoherent fields

We investigate a fundamental limitation on the measurement of spatial coherence for highly incoherent fields. We model the near-field detection scheme, required for such a measurement, with pointlike induced dipoles. We find that this fully vector model sets a characteristic length scale beyond which the spatial coherence of an optical field cannot be accurately measured. This length scale forms an uncertainty relationship with the photodetector integration time.
Effect of combined adoptive immunotherapy and radiotherapy on tumor growth.

Advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are difficult to control despite optimal surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, and the tumors are usually not immunogenic. Because of the anatomic accessibility of the tumors, local adoptive immunotherapy of these tumors is feasable and may interact with radiotherapy to retard tumor growth. It is hypothesized that antigens released from tumor cells injured by radiation may stimulate, in the presence of interleukin-2, an enhanced immunocytodestruction of live tumor cells by adoptively transferred lymphokine activated killer cells and recruited tumor cytotoxic cells. DBA/2 mice were injected subcutaneously with 5 × 105 syngeneic squamous cell carcinoma cells in the thigh and the resulting tumors were treated for two weeks with daily peritumoral injections of interleukin-2 (1,000 International Units) or saline, four radiation treatments of 625 cGy each, and four peritumoral injections of 107 lymphokine activated killer cells. The results suggested that radiotherapy combined with peritumoral injection of lymphokine activated killer cells and interleukin-2 resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.01) of tumor size whereas radiation alone, at the same dose, failed to produce a significant effect. Such results may have direct clinical application in enhancing the response of tumors to radiotherapy and in reducing the incidence of tumor recurrence. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 7:22–29, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reflections on liberalism, policulturalism, and ID-ology: citizenship and difference in South Africa

How do nation-states in the twenty-first century, nation-states increasingly forced to come to terms with the ethnic heterogeneity of their citizens, deal with the problem of cultural difference? How, in particular, does the Constitution of post-apartheid South Africa — widely believed to be the most enlightened in the contemporary world, the most tolerant of diversity — strike a balance between the ‘One Law’ of ‘The Nation’ and the plurality of customary beliefs sustained, as a matter of right, by the various peoples who make up this postcolony? What happens, in the course of everyday existence, when Constitution and Custom appear to contradict one another — and to do so in such a manner as to raise questions of basic human rights, of freedom of belief, even of life-and-death? These questions are addressed in the paper through a critical, broadly situated analysis of the confrontation between the Constitution of South Africa and the Kingdom of Custom that continues to prevail in one of its provinces, the...
Women's experiences with doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a qualitative study.

Abstract Objective To explore how doula support influences women's experiences with first-trimester surgical abortion. Study Design We conducted semistructured interviews with women given the option to receive doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion in a clinic that uses local anesthesia and does not routinely allow support people to be present during procedures. Dimensions explored included (a) reasons women did or did not choose doula support; (b) key aspects of the doula interaction; and (c) future directions for doula support in abortion care. Interviews were transcribed, and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient themes are presented. Results Thirty women were interviewed: 19 received and 11 did not receive doula support. Reasons to accept doula support included (a) wanting companionship during the procedure and (b) being concerned about the procedure. Reasons to decline doula support included (a) a sense of stoicism and desiring privacy or (b) not wanting to add emotion to this event. Women who received doula support universally reported positive experiences with the verbal and physical techniques used by doulas during the procedure, and most women who declined doula support subsequently regretted not having a doula. Many women endorsed additional roles for doulas in abortion care, including addressing informational and emotional needs before and after the procedure. Conclusion Women receiving first-trimester surgical abortion in this setting value doula support at the time of the procedure. This intervention has the potential to be further developed to help women address pre- and postabortion informational and emotional needs. Implications In a setting that does not allow family or friends to be present during the abortion procedure, women highly valued the presence of trained abortion doulas. This study speaks to the importance of providing support to women during abortion care. Developing a volunteer doula service is one approach to addressing this need, especially in clinics that otherwise do not permit support people in the procedure room or for women who do not have a support person and desire one.
How Not to Learn Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Would-be learners of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be hampered by learning traps that impede effective acquisition of the skills necessary to provide this type of therapy to clients. Among these pitfalls are the possibility of isolation, therapeutic fanaticism, lack of seriousness, therapeutic drift, and thinking CBT is antipsychodynamic or antipsychoanalytic. The author advocates immersion learning of CBT, arguing that theoretical learning must be supplemented by supervision and active use of the method in one's patients. Presented are two case vignettes demonstrating therapeutic drift and therapeutic fanaticism to highlight potential therapeutic impasses that may ensue from these pitfalls.
Beyond fear--forging a new path.

I have chosen to speak about something that everyone in this audience has felt—fear. In some situations, it can preserve us; in others, it can destroy us. Fear is the starting point of my speech. However, as the title suggests, I plan to move well past it. By acknowledging and even embracing our fears, we can use that energy to our own advantage. In Chinese characters, the word crisis is represented by danger on one side and by opportunity on the other. Throughout history, it has always been the same: one door closes as another opens. The American Orthopaedic Association has a new mission and a new direction, and I intend to see that our efforts are not thwarted by what is within or what is without. Despite its many detractors, the future looks very bright, as I will describe later, but some of us may be a little too mired in the present to see it. During times of vast, sweeping change, humans respond in a variety of different ways. However, when the change is relatively sudden, the most pervasive initial response is fear. Fear is a four-letter word in every sense. Edmund Burke said: “No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” Fear or anxiety can have disastrous long-term and short-term results. It causes a narrowing of one's perspective on time so that only the present matters. It also often results in an inability to attend to more than one task at a time or to complete any task effectively. It interrupts and distorts organized thought processes. The central feature that characterizes fear is a feeling that one will not be able to master future events. Sound familiar? There is no doubt that fear has become a pervasive emotion …
Design Techniques for a Self-Checking Self-Exercising Processor

Dormant faults and latent errors can impair recovery of fault tolerant systems. For some, a relatively long time may occur before detection. This can jeopardize recovery because hardware faults or transient errors can accumulate. Since most fault recovery mechanisms are only designed to cope with a single fault, accumulated faults during the recovery process may cause system failure. Several studies have shown that latent faults cannot be ignored in highly reliable systems [ShMc 75], [ShMc 76], [Chil 86], [Shin 86] and [Swer 87]. This is especially a problem in some aerospace systems which must operate in very severe environments in which high rates of transient errors are expected and external disturbances may cause multiple faults. This paper investigates VLSI design techniques which can search for these latent faults actively to allow rapid recovery before multiple errors build up. The basic principle of these techniques is to implement a system with concurrent error detection. Very short test cycles are then inserted into the system periodically as it performs its normal program execution in order to expose and detect latent errors and faults. The rate of inserting these test cycles is chosen (typically every 100 execution cycles) such that the entire system can be exercised in a fraction of a second. The goal is to achieve self-exercising without an excessive hardware overhead (beyond the initial design for concurrent fault-detection which is needed for fault-tolerance anyway) or significantly degrading the system performance. These techniques are also used to provide rapid hardware diagnosis, to simplify initial testing, (a major expense in space programs) and to provide the possibility of on- line acceptance testing (i.e. testing a circuit by just running applications programs.) A previous paper described how self-checking, self-exercising design could be effectively employed in memory [Renn 86]. This paper extends the approach to the processor.
Guillain-Barré syndrome as first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: a rare manifestation complicated by IVIg-induced splenic infarct.

A 44-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening neurological symptoms of 1 week duration. Physical examination revealed absent reflexes of the lower extremities and proximal muscle weakness, bilaterally. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and electrophysiological studies were consistent with the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and the patient was started on intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. Along with positive neurological findings, rheumatological work up revealed elevated antinuclear antibody titres, positive double-stranded DNA and anti-Smith antibodies. These results, in conjunction with positive clinical findings, confirmed an underlying diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient's hospital course was complicated by an episode of severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, tachycardia and elevated inflammatory markers. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a splenic infarct following completion of IVIg infusion, making this a contributor to thrombus formation in the setting of an already thrombophilic state, and a rare complication of an approved method of treatment.
Book Review of Vicki Jackson, Constitutional Engagement in a Transnational Era, Oxford University Press, 2010

This essay reviews and critiques Vicki C. Jackson's book on constitutional engagement and comparative constitutional law.
Factors associated with failure of nonoperative treatment of complicated appendicitis in children

Abstract Appendicitis remains the most common cause for emergency abdominal surgery in children. Immediate appendectomy in complicated, perforated appendicitis can be hazardous and nonoperative therapy has been gaining use as an initial therapy in children. Previous studies have reported failure rates in nonoperative therapy in such cases ranging from 10% to 41%. Factors leading to treatment failures have been studied with various and disparate results. We reviewed our institutional experience in treated complicated appendicitis, with focus on those initially managed nonoperatively. Methods Records of all children admitted with the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis to NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital Center from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2013 were reviewed. The diagnosis was made with ultrasound and/or computed tomography scan. Those with abscesses amenable to drainage underwent aspiration and drain placement by an interventional radiologist. Broad spectrum intravenous (IV) antibiotics were given until the patient became afebrile, pain free and tolerating a regular diet. Oral antibiotics were continued for an additional week and interval appendectomy was done eight weeks later. The primary outcome measure was treatment response with failure defined as those who did not improve or required readmission for additional IV antibiotics and/or early appendectomy. Multiple patient and treatment related variables, including those previously reported as predicting failure in nonoperative therapy, were studied. Continuous variables were reported as means ± standard error and compared using 2-tailed unpaired t tests; nonparametric variables were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U tests. Categorical variables were reported as medians ± interquartile ranges and compared using Chi-square testing. Statistical significance was accepted for p Results Sixty-four patients were identified as undergoing initial nonoperative therapy. Fifty-two (81%) were categorized as treatment successes being treated nonoperatively and 12 (19%) were failures. Variables showing no significance in predicting treatment failures included duration of symptoms, presence of appendicolith, presence of phlegmon, presence of abscess, initial white blood cell count, and SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) positive. The variables that predicted failure of nonoperative therapy vs. successes were presence of bandemia (75% vs. 40%, p=0.052) and small bowel obstruction on imaging (42% vs. 15%, p=0.052) and presence of bandemia ≥15% which was highly predictive of failure (67% vs. 4%, p Conclusions Predicting which patients with complicated perforated appendicitis will respond well to nonoperative therapy may allow us to more effectively treat patients with complicated perforated appendicitis. In our study the presence of small bowel obstruction and bandemia, especially ≥15% correlated with treatment failure; this suggests that these select patients may need a modified treatment strategy.
An analysis of k- p -- > lambda pi+ pi- in the region of the lambda(1520)

The rate for the decay $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1520)\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(1385)\ensuremath{\pi}$ has been measured in a study of the reaction sequence ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1520)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(1385)\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. A sample of 9200 events of the type ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ has been obtained in the Berkeley 25-in. hydrogen bubble chamber. The incident momenta range from 300 to 470 MeV/c. An energy-independent partial-wave analysis was performed using an isobar model. The model included a coherent mixture of six partial waves to describe all mass distributions, angular distributions, and the polarization of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$. The $\ensuremath{\Sigma}(1385)\ensuremath{\pi}$ decay mode was found to dominate the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1520)$, in disagreement with the results of a production reaction study of the same decay. The width for the decay was measured to be 1.40 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.26 MeV. Mixing between the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1520)$ and the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1690)$ has been used in the past to describe the ${J}^{P}={\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ baryons as SU(3) singlet and octet. Combining our rate for $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1520)$ with a recently measured rate for $\ensuremath{\Lambda}(1690)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(1385)\ensuremath{\pi}$, we calculate the mixing angle $|\ensuremath{\theta}|=63\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} \mathrm{to} 83\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. This is in strong disagreement with the mixing angle derived from the two-body $D$-wave decays of the singlet and octet of -25 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Thus, some modification of the usual SU(3) description of these states needs to be made.
Hadza cooperation: Second-party punishment, yes; Third-party punishment, no.

Strong reciprocity is an effective way to promote cooperation. This is especially true when one not only cooperates with cooperators and defects on defectors (second-party punishment) but even punishes those who defect on others (third-party, “altruistic” punishment). Some suggest we humans have a taste for such altruistic punishment and that this was important in the evolution of human cooperation. To assess this we need to look across a wide range of cultures. As part of a cross-cultural project, I played three experimental economics games with the Hadza, who are hunter-gatherers in Tanzania. The Hadza frequently engaged in second-party punishment but they rarely engaged in third-party punishment. Other small-scale societies engaged in less third-party punishment as well. I suggest third-party punishment only became more important in large, complex societies to solve more pressing collective-action problems.
A Functional Analysis of 2012 Presidential Primary TV Spots

In 2012, only the GOP had a contested primary. As of March 2012 none of the four candidates remaining in the race (Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum) had secured enough delegates to claim the nomination, indicating that this primary season would drag on (McCain clinched the 2008 Republican nomination on March 4, 2008). This protracted primary meant that the Republicans had to devote most of their efforts to their immediate opponents, rather than concentrating on President Barack Obama. Obama did not have to worry about attacks from his own party. This study applies Benoit’s functional theory to 143 primary television spots from this campaign. This sample of ads broke with tradition by attacking as much as they acclaimed. The topic of utterance was split about evenly between policy and character.
The Effects of a Social Skills Training Package on Social Engagement of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in a Generalized Recess Setting

The present study provides a preliminary evaluation of the effects of the Superheroes Social Skills program, a practice-ready, multimedia social skills program, on social engagements of elementary-...
Reciprocation: The relationship between man and organization.

The concept of reciprocation, which focuses attention on the relationship between a man and the organization in which he works, offers the possibility of integrating a wide range of data and concepts front industrial psychology, sociology, and clinical psychology. It explains the psychological meaning of the organization to the man and vice versa, an area so far almost untouched by psychological investigation in industry. It therefore provides the basis for better psychological understanding of morale and motivation studies, of leadership and training problems, of job evaluation and personnel selection, and of research on role performance. It also offers the clinical psychologist the possibility of access to a wide range of data, which, heretofore without a dynamic base and unrelated to the psychology of the individual, had little relevance for him. Harry Levinson is director of the Division of Industrial mAental Health, The Menninger Foundation.
Space-time Clustering of Large Earthquakes: A Western U. S. Perspective with Implications for the East

Results of ongoing paleoseismicity studies along the Wasatch fault zone, Utah, and Lost River fault zone, Idaho, suggest that spatial and temporal clustering of large magnitude surface-faulting earthquakes occur on each. The timing of individual past events is based primarily on radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dating of faulted deposits and on identification of displaced volcanic ashes, all observed in trenches. Figure 1 shows the faulting history of the Wasatch for the past 6 ka. Even though there is variability, distinct patterns emerge. Five of the seven active segments ruptured between 0.3 and 1 ka; if the Salt Lake segment is included, six segments have ruptured between 0.3 and 1.5 ka. From Salt Lake south, a similar sequence of events occurred between about 4.5 and 6 ka. Figure 2 shows timing of events along the Lost River during the past 12 ka. No events occurred from at least 12 ka until middle Holocene. Between 5.5 and 8 ka the northern three segments ruptured; actual timing of events could have been considerably closer. The Thousand Springs segment produced the 1983, M S 7.3, Borah Peak earthquake. These observations suggest thousands of years of quiescence can occur between clusters of activity during which adjacent segments fail in short periods of time (hours, months, decades, a few hundred years?). Segments adjacent to historical ruptures may have a higher potential to produce the next earthquakes, especially if they have elapsed times similar to the historical rupture segment. Similar clustering with even longer periods of quiescence could characterize seismic sources in the East.
Technical Study and Application of Elastic Bolt/Sprayed Steel Fiber Concrete Coupling Support in Large Deformation Roadway

For the sake of improving stability of large deformation roadways under bedding geological conditions and prolonging the service life a coupling support technology of elastic combined sprayed steel fiber concrete and elastic rock bolt was used.Firstly,damage feature and law of high stress soft rock roadway in bedding geological conditions were studied and the relationship between structure and aging coupling was revealed.On the other hand,the relationship between steel fibber content and concrete strength was studied and the reasonable steel fiber content was obtained by dynamic and static load experiments with steel fiber content samples.Bearing it in mind that at the beginning of excavation of a large deformation roadway,the deformation was large and the roadway was more prone to fracture quickly,a new elastic bolt with energy-absorption was designed.The coupling support technology of elastic combined sprayed steel fiber concrete and elastic rock bolt was tested in the field.The displacement monitoring result shows that the stability of test roadway is greatly improved and the displacement is shorten by 50%.After 10 months there were no cracks in the test roadway.
Solutions to the Problems with Library Construction in Todays' Hospitals

The article,based on its analysis of the status of the hospital library development in Ningbo,attempts to reveal the issue and problem that the information resources construction and information service capacity cannot meet the demand of current medical research and development,which has affected the libraries' service quality for researches on medicine and education.And also,it considers the outlook of the hospital library development and the service pattern,in the hope of advancing the libraries service and the professional quality.
Technical note: a simplified procedure for vitamin E determination in beef muscle.

A simplified method for the determination of α-tocopherol concentration in beef muscle was developed and evaluated. The method consists of a saponification step applied to 1-g samples of intact, fresh muscle, followed by a single isooctane extraction of the saponified samples. α-Tocopherol in the extract was separated by normal phase chromatography and quantified by fluorescence detection. A single extraction with the simplified method accounted for 95% of the total muscle α-tocopherol concentration obtained by two extractions with the Arnold et at. (J. Food Sci. 58 :28, 1993) method. Recovery of added α-tocopherol standard after two extractions of a saponified muscle sample was 91% for the simplified method, which was not different (α =.78) from recovery using the Arnold method, and the efficiency of the single extraction in the simplified method was 89%. The coefficients of variation for the simplified and Arnold methods were both 3.1%. This method should permit the duplicate analysis of 100 fresh muscle samples within 24 h.
ALK-targeted therapy in NSCLC: likely to be of benefit but not quite ready for prime time.

In 2004, Dr. Thomas Lynch[1] and others[2] first reported the presence of somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in patients who exhibited great sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Left ventricular stroke work in mitral regurgitation: an animal experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY Most studies on mitral regurgitation have focused on evaluating the regurgitant volume. The effects of mitral regurgitation and its associated cardiac workload on left ventricular function and mechanics may be equally important both in assessing the impact of regurgitation as well as in planning and evaluating therapy. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interrelationships of the regurgitant volume, hemodynamics and left ventricular work in an experimental animal model of chronic mitral regurgitation in which the regurgitant volume could be measured directly with electromagnetic flow probes. METHODS A total of 21 hemodynamic states were studied in six sheep with surgically created mitral regurgitation. Regurgitant flow rates were obtained from electromagnetic flow meters. Left ventricular and atrial pressures were recorded using high-fidelity catheters. Regurgitant jet velocity was recorded by continuous wave Doppler. Left ventricular stroke work and energy losses due to the regurgitation were calculated. RESULTS There was a close correlation between left ventricular stroke work and both jet energy and left atrial systolic pressure rise (r = 0.81, p = 0.0001 and r = 0.92, p = 0.0001, respectively). A moderate correlation to the regurgitant volume was found (r = 0.52, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The regurgitant volume itself is only one of the determinants of left ventricular stroke work in mitral regurgitation. Other factors such as left atrial mechanical properties and the regurgitant kinetic jet energy are at least as important for assessing cardiac work in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Switched virtual networking

The Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology is frequently seen only under the aspects of bandwidth gain and the suitability for multi-media communication. An essential advantage of ATM however is its potential for new concepts of connection management in complex networks. By the ability of ATM to create virtual subnets the separation of the logical network topology from the physical location of the subnet participants becomes possible. In conjunction with other switching LAN technologies like switched Ethernet and switched Token Ring extremely flexible and dynamic communication structures can be build which reflect the organisational requirements of nowadays business processes.