cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TNFSF15 Promotes Antimicrobial Pathways in Human Macrophages and These Are Modulated by TNFSF15 Disease-Risk Variants.

Background & Aims TNFSF15 genetic variants leading to increased TNF superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15) expression confer risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and TNFSF15 is being explored as a therapeutic target in IBD patients. Although the focus for TNFSF15-mediated inflammatory outcomes has been predominantly on its action on T cells, TNFSF15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes in human macrophages. Given the critical role for macrophages in bacterial clearance, we hypothesized that TNFSF15 promotes antimicrobial pathways in human macrophages and that macrophages from TNFSF15 IBD risk carriers with higher TNFSF15 expression have an advantage in these antimicrobial outcomes. Methods We analyzed protein expression, signaling, bacterial uptake, and intracellular bacterial clearance in human monocyte-derived macrophages through flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gentamicin protection. Results Autocrine/paracrine TNFSF15 interactions with death receptor 3 (DR3) were required for optimal levels of pattern-recognition-receptor (PRR)-induced bacterial clearance in human macrophages. TNFSF15 induced pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1-dependent bacterial uptake and promoted intracellular bacterial clearance through reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide synthase 2, and autophagy up-regulation. The TNFSF15-initiated TNF receptor-associated factor 2/receptor-interacting protein kinase 1/RIP3 pathway was required for mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB activation, and, in turn, induction of each of the antimicrobial pathways; the TNFSF15-initiated Fas-associated protein with death domain/mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1/caspase-8 pathway played a less prominent role in antimicrobial functions, despite its key role in TNFSF15-induced cytokine secretion. Complementation of signaling pathways or antimicrobial pathways restored bacterial uptake and clearance in PRR-stimulated macrophages where TNFSF15:DR3 interactions were inhibited. Monocyte-derived macrophages from high TNFSF15-expressing rs6478108 TT IBD risk carriers in the TNFSF15 region showed increased levels of the identified antimicrobial pathways. Conclusions We identify that autocrine/paracrine TNFSF15 is required for optimal PRR-enhanced antimicrobial pathways in macrophages, define mechanisms regulating TNFSF15-dependent bacterial clearance, and determine how the TNFSF15 IBD risk genotype modulates these outcomes.
COMPARING STUDENT BEHAVIORS AND SCHOOL SATISFACTION BETWEEN STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND TYPICALLY DEVELOPING PEERS

School satisfaction for families of students with autism is a well-researched area. However, research comparing levels of school satisfaction and the number of behavioral incidences between students with autism and typically developing peers is imperative to ascertain the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and how they relate to school satisfaction. This study seeks to answer two questions: (1) Is there a difference in the number of behavior problems for students with autism compared to typically developing peers, and (2) Is there a difference in school satisfaction and satisfaction with discipline for students with autism compared to typically developing peers? Using data from the NCES National Household Education Surveys Program of 2016 Our Children’s Future: A Survey of Young Children’s Care and Education study, statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences between the number of times contacted about behavior problems for students with behavior problems and typically developing peers. However, there were no significant differences in levels of school satisfaction or satisfaction of discipline for students with autism compared to typically developing peers. Article visualizations:
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Explain Biological Aging and Longevity

Arguably the last major discovery in the field of aging research occurred over 50 years ago: Hayflick9s discovery of cellular senescence and the existence of a replication counter. Despite this breakthrough and the multitude of theories proposed since then, little progress has been made towards reaching a consensus on why organisms age or why they live as long as they do. In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach is taken in an attempt to understand the root causes of aging and derive a theory of aging with fewer anomalies than existing theories. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics may play a previously unappreciated role in determining longevity by dictating the dynamics of degradation within biomolecular ensembles and the inevitability of information loss. The proposed model offers explanations for aging-related observations that are considered paradoxical within the current paradigms. This framework questions the role of declining selective pressure as the primary driver of aging, and implies a fatal flaw in the disposable soma theory that may be responsible for a number of misconceptions that have impeded progress in the field. In summary, unifying pertinent concepts from diverse disciplines leads to a theory of aging with fewer anomalies, and may be useful in predicting outcomes of experimental attempts to modulate the aging phenotype.
Red Gold: The Managed Extinction of the Giant Bluefin Tuna: by Jennifer Telesca, Minneapolis, MN, University of Minnesota Press, 2020, 311 pp., US$100.00 (cloth), ISBN 978-1-5179-0850-8/US$24.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-5179-0851-5

… if you land a big tuna after a six-hour fishing, fishing him man against fish when your muscles are nauseated with the unceasing strain, and finally bring him alongside the boat, green-blue and s...
Weak {Lambda}{Lambda}K{sup 0} interaction

We calculate the leading contribution to the weak {Lambda}{Lambda}K coupling in heavy baryon chiral perturbation theory, including the SU(3) breaking terms arising at one loop. This coupling gives the leading one-boson exchange amplitude for the process {Lambda}{Lambda}{r_arrow}{Lambda}n and is an important component in understanding the decay of {Lambda}{Lambda} hypernuclei. We predict the S-wave and P-wave amplitudes to be found in the ranges {minus}0.5{approx_lt}A{sup (S)}{approx_lt}1.1 and {minus}8.9{approx_lt}A{sup (P)}{approx_lt}{minus}0.7, respectively. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
The Emerging Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Megaproject Delivery:

As civil infrastructure projects have grown in scale and scope, their cost has increased accordingly. As a result, we have entered what has been termed the era of the infrastructure megaproject; those that typically cost more than US$1 billion (oftentimes much more) and also have major impacts on communities, the environment, and public finance. Although constructed works of enormous cost and impact have existed since ancient times and have often been financed by the private sector, what distinguishes the modern megaproject is its unfortunate association with huge delays in delivery time and large cost overruns. This article examines some of the reasons why megaprojects have become synonymous with poor cost and schedule performance and suggests that innovative project delivery methods, broadly termed public—private partnerships (PPP or P3), have the potential to improve project performance by better integration of the project delivery organization in the allocation and management of risk.
Photopigment self-screening and the determination of macular pigment absorbance using heterochromatic flicker photometry.

Abstract Purpose Heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) is commonly used to determine macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Since HFP in this application is a locus comparison method, an identical relative spectral response at each locus is required for a perfect measure. We know this requirement cannot be strictly true since the optical density of photopigments increases as the foveal center is approached. Thus, the self-screening effect would result in an underestimate of MPOD. An earlier study concluded that the underestimate is on the order of 30%. We examined this issue by manipulating photopigment optical density, and consequently the degree of selfscreening. Methods A continuously exposed, 470 nm, background bleached cone photopigments over a range from 0 to 80%. MPOD was determined 10′ and 30′ from the foveal center. Two subjects were used in the main experiment. Five additional subjects were studied with just the 0% and 80% bleach levels. Spectral measures were obtained at 0% and 70% bleach levels for the two primary subjects. Results Subjects in the main experiment showed MPOD estimates that increased with increasing bleaching. The effect, however, was small: one observer's MPOD increased 0.08 and 0.02 for the 10′ and 30′ loci, respectively; the other observer's values were 0.04 and 0.01 for the same loci. Comparable values were obtained for the other five subjects using the 0% and 80% bleach conditions. Spectral measures were consistent with the findings of the main experiment. Conclusions When self-screening is nearly abolished (80% bleach), a relatively small underestimation is revealed for the unbleached state. For the 1° target we show about 2–3% underestimation. Our 20′ target reveals a larger underestimate (8–9%), consistent with longer photoreceptor outer-segments nearer the foveal center. We conclude that HFP yields values essentially independent of self-screening for targets of 1° diameter or greater. Smaller targets are less than 10% underestimated for near-zero bleach conditions.
A comparison of the effectiveness of the team-based learning readiness assessments completed at home to those completed in class

PURPOSE The readiness assurance process (RAP) of team-based learning (TBL) is an important element that ensures that students come prepared to learn. However, the RAP can use a significant amount of class time which could otherwise be used for application exercises. The authors administered the TBL-associated RAP in class or individual readiness assurance tests (iRATs) at home to compare medical student performance and learning preference for physiology content. METHODS Using cross-over study design, the first year medical student TBL teams were divided into two groups. One group was administered iRATs and group readiness assurance tests (gRATs) consisting of physiology questions during scheduled class time. The other group was administered the same iRAT questions at home, and did not complete a gRAT. To compare effectiveness of the two administration methods, both groups completed the same 12-question physiology assessment during dedicated class time. Four weeks later, the entire process was repeated, with each group administered the RAP using the opposite method. RESULTS The performance on the physiology assessment after at-home administration of the iRAT was equivalent to performance after traditional in-class administration of the RAP. In addition, a majority of students preferred the at-home method of administration and reported that the at-home method was more effective in helping them learn course content. CONCLUSION The at-home administration of the iRAT proved effective. The at-home administration method is a promising alternative to conventional iRATs and gRATs with the goal of preserving valuable in-class time for TBL application exercises.
The Cutting Edge of T Cell Selection

The selection of T cells requires their exposure to a repertoire of peptides generated by an organelle whose structure is thymus-specific.
Abstract 14803: Use of Real-Time Transesophageal Echocardiography to Improve Safety of Lead Extraction

Background: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) carries a small but measurable risk of serious adverse events. Few studies have examined the potential benefit of continuous monitoring with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during this procedure. Objective: Evaluate the utility of TEE during TLE involving both conventional and laser lead removal. Methods: TEE was performed in 100 consecutive patients undergoing TLE. All patients underwent TLE in the operating room with general anesthesia and continuous TEE monitoring. TLE was attempted for 193 leads in 100 patients. Eighty patients required laser lead extraction (80%). Indications for extraction were device endocarditis (28), lead fracture (28), recalled lead (21), pocket infection (17), and other (6). Results: Sixty-seven patients were male and the average age was 56.96 +- 17.01 years. The average length since lead implant was 78±55.19 (1.4-274.43) months. Complete success occurred in 181 leads (94%), partial success in 4 leads (2%), and failure in 8 l...
REVIEW OF HIGH-ENERGY e+ e- PHYSICS

I report on results from high energy electron positron collisions at PETRA and PEP. I will describe the basic physical processes which are important in e+e− then review the present status of the data on the subjects of hadron production, QCD measurements of electroweak effects, and study of B meson decays. Since many experiments have produced quantitative results on similar topics, I will show several comparisons to check the experimental accuracy of the measurements. However, in many cases where the results are of a more qualitative nature, only one example of the data will be given.
Real-time simulator for designing electron dual scattering foil systems

The purpose of this work was to develop a user friendly, accurate, real-time com- puter simulator to facilitate the design of dual foil scattering systems for electron beams on radiotherapy accelerators. The simulator allows for a relatively quick, initial design that can be refined and verified with subsequent Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and measurements. The simulator also is a powerful educational tool. The simulator consists of an analytical algorithm for calculating electron fluence and X-ray dose and a graphical user interface (GUI) C++ program. The algorithm predicts electron fluence using Fermi-Eyges multiple Coulomb scattering theory with the reduced Gaussian formalism for scattering powers. The simulator also estimates central-axis and off-axis X-ray dose arising from the dual foil system. Once the geometry of the accelerator is specified, the simulator allows the user to continuously vary primary scattering foil material and thickness, secondary scat- tering foil material and Gaussian shape (thickness and sigma), and beam energy. The off-axis electron relative fluence or total dose profile and central-axis X-ray dose contamination are computed and displayed in real time. The simulator was validated by comparison of off-axis electron relative fluence and X-ray percent dose profiles with those calculated using EGSnrc MC. Over the energy range 7-20 MeV, using present foils on an Elekta radiotherapy accelerator, the simulator was able to reproduce MC profiles to within 2% out to 20 cm from the central axis. The central-axis X-ray percent dose predictions matched measured data to within 0.5%. The calculation time was approximately 100 ms using a single Intel 2.93 GHz processor, which allows for real-time variation of foil geometrical parameters using slider bars. This work demonstrates how the user-friendly GUI and real-time nature of the simulator make it an effective educational tool for gaining a better understanding of the effects that various system parameters have on a relative dose profile. This work also demonstrates a method for using the simulator as a design tool for creating custom dual scattering foil systems in the clinical range of beam energies (6-20 MeV).
Newborn brain stem auditory evoked responses and perinatal clinical events.

Abstract The technique of brain stem auditory evoked electroencephalographic response testing was applied to 61 newborn infants in an attempt to study the potential influence of perinatal risk factors for hearing impairment and/or asphyxial brain damage. The results, although not conclusive, indicate that birth asphyxia and/or low birth weight may be associated with shortened latencies of evoked potentials. An efferent mechanism may account for this phenomenon.
2. Neutron Sources

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the neutron sources. All neutron sources are based on nuclear reactions that free neutrons bound in nuclei. These are categorized according to the mechanisms by which this is done: fission chain reactions, fusion reactions, e--bremsstrahlung-induced photoneutron and photofission reactions, charged-particle nuclear reactions, and spallation. The last three together termed as accelerator-based reactions. Muon-catalyzed fusion and the neutron focus represent other categories of neutron-producing reactions. Electron-bremsstrahlung sources produce evaporation neutrons with an average energy of a few mega-electron-volts, whether due to photofission or photonuclear reaction. Since the neutron production mechanisms involve first producing bremsstrahlung photons, which then interact to produce neutrons, these sources produce very large gamma-ray fluxes as well, which sometimes represent a troublesome background. Neutron shielding is like that for a reactor. Spallation sources also produce predominantly evaporation neutrons, which boil off in the process of “cooling off” of highly excited nuclei. The types of accelerators that provide the highest intensities are resonant accelerators, which all have inherent pulse structure. In cyclotrons, synchrotrons, and storage rings, bunches of particles circulate at frequencies of a few megahertz.
Reciprocity laws and Galois representations: recent breakthroughs

Suppose f(x) is a monic irreducible polynomial with integer coefficients. If p is a prime number, then reducing the coefficients of f(x) modulo p gives a new polynomial fp(x), which may be reducible. We say that f(x) is split modulo p if fp(x) is the product of distinct linear factors. Example 1.1.1. The polynomial f(x) = x2 + 1 is split modulo 5, since f5(x) ≡ (x + 2)(x + 3) mod 5. But it is not split modulo 7, since f7(x) is irreducible, nor is it split modulo 2, since f2(x) ≡ (x + 1)2 (mod 2) has a repeated factor. The first few p for which x2 + 1 is split modulo p are 5, 13, 17, 29, 37, 41, 53, . . . .
Focal lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum in epileptic patients: antiepileptic drug toxicity?

At one time neurologists focused narrowly on the control of seizures, with insufficient regard for the adverse effects of therapy. Treatment was recommended for every patient with a seizure, and medications were continued indefinitely. The last two decades have spawned an abundance of research
Colonisation rate and adaptive foraging control the emergence of trophic cascades

Ecological communities are assembled and sustained by colonisation. At the same time, predators make foraging decisions based on the local availabilities of potential resources, which reflects colonisation. We combined field and laboratory experiments with mathematical models to demonstrate that a feedback between these two processes determines emergent patterns in community structure. Namely, our results show that prey colonisation rate determines the strength of trophic cascades - a feature of virtually all ecosystems - by prompting behavioural shifts in adaptively foraging omnivorous fish predators. Communities experiencing higher colonisation rates were characterised by higher invertebrate prey and lower producer biomasses. Consequently, fish functioned as predators when colonisation rate was high, but as herbivores when colonisation rate was low. Human land use is changing habitat connectivity worldwide. A deeper quantitative understanding of how spatial processes modify individual behaviour, and how this scales to the community level, will be required to predict ecosystem responses to these changes.
Proteomic Profiling of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells upon Transforming Growth Factor β1 Stimulation

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into different types of cells and have tremendous potential for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β) plays an important role in cell differentiation and vascular remodeling. We showed that TGF-β induced cell morphology change and an increase in actin fibers in MSCs. To determine the global effects of TGF-β on MSCs, we employed a proteomic strategy to analyze the effect of TGF-β on the human MSC proteome. By using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization coupled to quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometers, we have generated a proteome reference map of MSCs, and we identified ∼30 proteins with an increase or decrease in expression or phosphorylation in response to TGF-β. The proteins regulated by TGF-β included cytoskeletal proteins, matrix synthesis proteins, membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, etc. TGF-β increased the expression of smooth muscle α-actin and decreased the expression of gelsolin. Overexpression of gelsolin inhibited TGF-β-induced assembly of smooth muscle α-actin; on the other hand, knocking down gelsolin expression enhanced the assembly of α-actin and actin filaments without significantly affecting α-actin expression. These results suggest that TGF-β coordinates the increase of α-actin and the decrease of gelsolin to promote MSC differentiation. This study demonstrates that proteomic tools are valuable in studying stem cell differentiation and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.
The American Journal of Bioethics today.

The American Journal of Bioethics (AJOB) now stands as one of the must-read journals of bioethics. The impact of AJOB is in its structure; not a series of reports, as in most journals, but a conver...
A 3-D Enlarged Cell Technique (ECT) for the Conformal FDTD Method

In this paper, we present an enlarged cell technique (ECT) to avoid the time step reduction encountered in the conformal finite-difference time-domain (CFDTD) method due to small irregular cells truncated by metallic boundaries. We focus our efforts on the discussion of the accuracy and stability of the ECT and its comparison with other conformal methods, especially the one called the uniformly stable conformal (USC) method. We also provide a simplified ECT, which is much easier to implement. In the ECT, a stability criterion is first constructed to identify instable irregular cells, i.e., those having so small an area to cause instability. Those instable cells are then enlarged into their adjacent cells to obtain a large, stable area. Careful treatment is performed on the communication between the intruding and intruded cells in terms of electromotive force by keeping the total electromotive force conservative. This technique is verified by several 3-D numerical experiments. Results show that the ECT is second-order accurate and numerically stable at the regular Courant time step limit.
Quantitative transformation of hemoglobin into stable tetramers

A method is described for the preparation of human or bovine hemoglobin with a covalent bridge, formed by bispyridoxal-tetraphosphate, between the β chains. The yield is 95% of the total hemoglobin. The location of the two molecules of bispyridoxal-tetraphosphate in the tetramer has been established. The functional properties of the cross-linked hemoglobin, its stability, and particularly, the simplicity of the method for its preparation, make it a promising candidate for an acellular blood substitute.
692 QUANTITATIVE COMPUTERIZED ANALYSIS OF HOUSE-STAFF TRAINING

The larger number of Pediatric residents and the consequent relative decrease in patient population have made it more likely that a resident may not care for an adequate number of patients during his training. At the same time, increased departmental specialization may result in a biased selection of patients managed by a resident. We have developed a Fortran IV program for use with the CDC Cyber 171 computer that records the actual patient population for each resident during his general inpatient experience. The information is collected directly from the supervising residents and is verified with hospital admission and occupancy records. Each patient is listed by his primary diagno sis, chart number, age, sex, dates of admission and discharge and month of care. The patients are sorted by diagnosis providing a cumulative record of the number and variety of patients managed by each resident. The age distribution and daily patient load are calculated and charts are retrievable for review. On our service, a PL-1 typically admitted 30 new inpatients a month and had a daily patient load of 8.4. A resident's individual record is compared to the total patient population of the inpatient service as constructed in this program. Deviations in experience from the complete service and obvious deficiencies are identified. Resident elective time is structured to compensate for these variations. The system is adaptable to register OPD, ER and nursery patients for similar analysis. This record of experience can be combined with monthly subjective faculty assessments and results of the ABP In-Training Examination to accomplish a thorough evaluation of each resident.
Postural constraints for two forms of quadrupedal walking

Summary form only given. Quadrupeds exhibit several forms of locomotion. One area of study is the demands made on the nervous system to meet the constraints of different forms. Two forms of walking, forward (FWD) and backward (BWD), in cats trained to walk on a treadmill (0.6 m/s) are discussed. It is shown that the basic muscle synergies are the same for both forms: extensors are active during stance and flexors during swing. Although synergies during the step cycle are similar, the timing and EMG amplitude, as well as the limb kinematics, are form specific. During FWD walking, for example, the hip extended during stance while the hip flexed during BWD stance. Thus, single-joint muscles such as the anterior biceps femoris, active during stance, shorten during FWD stance and lengthen during BWD stance, and feedback from hip joint and myotatic receptors are different even though the motor output is similar. It is postulated that BWD walking is possible only when the quadruped is able to set appropriate posture. >
Phosphorus movement through a Coastal Plain soil after a decade of intensive swine manure application

Understanding the movement of phosphorus (P) in soils receiving heavy animal waste application is important for nonpoint-source pollution control. We investigated both P accumulation in soil and movement to ground water after 10 yr of intensive swine manure application (at atypical high rates) to a Coastal Plain spray field. Mehlich 3 phosphorus (M3P) was measured in soil cores collected in 1991 (following 4 yr of manure application) and 1997 (after 10 yr of application). Additionally, dissolved phosphorus (DP) was measured in ground water wells installed around the spray field. In both 1991 and 1997, the soil cores (0 to 15 cm) contained high contents of M3P (376-435 mg P kg -1 ) indicating substantial P accumulation. After 10 yr of manure application, soil cores at a depth of 107 cm were also high in soil M3P contents (151 mg P kg -1 ). Control soils were very low in M3P (<10 mg P kg -1 ) throughout the soil profile. Ground water DP concentrations were initially (1992-1995) very low (<40 μg P L -1 ), but by late 1996, DP concentrations in a few wells had increased substantially (48-480 μg P L -1 ). In contrast, ground water control wells (1994-1998) were very low in DP (<40 μg P L -1 ). Thus, the studied field, which received atypical high loading rates, had detectable leaching to shallow ground water as well as substantial P accumulation.
Interactions of plus and minus strand leader RNAs of the New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus with the cellular La protein

Abstract The New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-NJ) was found to synthesize a minus strand leader RNA of 44–46 bases long and a plus strand leader RNA of 47–50 bases long in infected cells. The minus strand leader RNA of VSV-NJ was found associated with the host cell La protein in infected cells by immunoprecipitation with antisera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. These results differ from those reported previously ( J. Wilusz, M. G. Kurilla, and J. D. Keene (1983) . Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 80 , 5827–5831) for the similarly sized species of minus strand leader RNA made by the Indiana serotype of VSV (VSV-IND). Despite sequence differences between the 3′ ends of the plus strand leader RNAs of the two serotypes, the plus strand leader RNA of VSV-NJ was found to have a pattern of La protein accumulation similar to that reported previously for the plus strand leader RNA of VSV-IND. These results provide additional support for a role for La protein in VSV replication and help further delineate the sequence requirements for La protein binding to VSV leader RNAs.
Plasmonically-enhanced localization of light into photoconductive antennas

We present plasmonically-enhanced photoconductive antenna arrays and experimentally demonstrate enhanced light localization into device dimensions less than one-tenth of the wavelength. We present the fabrication and characterization of the device.
Kant and Newton on the a priori necessity of geometry

Abstract In the Transcendental Aesthetic, Kant explicitly rejects Newton’s absolutist position that space is an actually existing thing; however, Kant also concedes that the absolutist successfully preserves the a priori necessity that characterizes our geometrical knowledge of space. My goal in this paper is to explore why the absolutist can explain the a priori necessity of geometry by turning to Newton’s De Gravitatione, an unpublished text in which Newton addresses the essential features associated with our representation of space and the relationship between our geometrical investigation of space and our knowledge of the form of space that is a part of the natural order. Attention to Newton’s account of space in De Gravitatione offers insight into the sense in which absolutist space is a priori and reveals why, in the Aesthetic, Kant could concede a priori geometrical knowledge to his absolutist opponent. What I highlight in particular is that, by Kant’s standards, Newton employs the very constructive method of mathematics that secures the a priori necessity of geometry, even though, as an absolutist, and as emphasized in the arguments of the Aesthetic, Newton fails to provide a metaphysics of space that explains the success of his mathematical method.
A two material constant, nonlinear elastic stress constitutive equation including the effect of compressibility

Abstract A new constitutive equation for compressible, nonlinear elasticity is derived. The stress-deformation relation takes the final form σ ij = 3k 2J (J 2 3 - 1) δ ij + μ J (B ij - j 2 3 δ ij ) where Bij is the left Cauchy-Green deformation tensor. J is the Jacobean of the deformation, and k and μ are the two governing mechanical properties having the same interpretation as in linear, isotropic elasticity theory. In this nonlinear theory, k and μ are separately determinable from large deformation conditions of pure dilatation and simple shear, respectively. Under isochoric conditions, the distortional part of the theory takes the form of the kinetic theory of rubber elasticity. Under conditions of small volume change, the theory coincides with the molecular theory of Flory derived for elastomers, but given explicit from only in the one dimensional case.
Oral antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with cancer: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

In an attempt to reduce the incidence of fever and infection, we randomized patients with cancer to receive trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole plus erythromycin (TMP/SMX + E) versus placebos after each cycle of chemotherapy (no crossover) and to continue until granulocytopenia (polymorphonuclear leukocytes less than 500/mm3) resolved or the patient became febrile. We evaluated 541 episodes (150 patients); 249 episodes (77 patients) with TMP/SMX + E and 292 episodes (73 patients) with placebos. The patients' median age was 17 years. Thirty percent of the patients had leukemia, 23% had lymphoma, and 47% had solid tumors. Compliance with prescribed medication was prospectively rated as excellent in 60.6%, good in 11.7%, poor in 11.1%, and unknown in 16.6%; compliance was better for the placebo group (P = 0.001). The overall incidence of fever or infection was 22.1% for the TMP/SMX + E group versus 26.9% for the placebo group. When only episodes with excellent compliance in which granulocytopenia was documented were compared, the incidence of fever or infection was 18.1% for the TMP/SMX + E group vs 32.2% for the placebo group (P = 0.009), with bacterial infection occurring in 3.8% of the TMP/SMX + E group vs 11.9% of the placebo group (P = 0.019), and unexplained fever in 10.5% of the TMP/SMX + E group vs 19.6% of the placebo group (P = 0.037). Patients with good or poor compliance showed no significant benefit from the TMP/SMX + E, and patients with excellent compliance did best, regardless of whether they were receiving antibiotics or placebos, suggesting that patient compliance is an important independent variable. The incidence of fever or infection was significantly lower for patients with leukemia with excellent compliance who received antibiotics (P = 0.037) than for patients with lymphomas or solid tumors. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the incidence of fever and infection in some granulocytopenic patients, but the benefit was limited and restricted to patients whose compliance was complete.
Trends in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in nine department of veterans affairs outpatient facilities

The average daily dose and need for dose escalations for the drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has frequently been a point of controversy. This study reports on the information gathered from nine Veterans Affairs hospitals over a two six-month periods. Average daily doses of fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline started at 30.9 mg, 24.2 mg, and 87.8 mg and ended at 28.4 mg, 24.2 mg, and 89.8 mg, respectively. Cost, number of prescriptions, and dosage strength data is also presented. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 129–133, 1999.
Pions as collective modes in the glueball condensate vacuum

The glueball condensate vacuum model is extended to incorporate the effects of light quarks. The resulting model exhibits spontaneous breaking of chiral SU(2)/sub f/ symmetry, and has a new kind of collective excitations, pions, which are distinct from the usual bag-model-type states. The dynamics of the pions are described by a sigma model, and the parameters and f/sub ..pi../ are calculated in terms of the radius R of the vacuum cells. The pion mass is related to and m/sub q/ via the usual partial conservation of axial-vector current relation. The model is extended to broken SU(3)/sub f/ using lowest-order chiral perturbation theory, and a mass formula for the eta' meson is obtained by including effects of the axial anomaly.
Librarians and publishers: Finding common ground in the user

La place des bibliotheques dans l'entreprise educative a l'âge du numerique constitue clairement un defi pour les bibliothecaires mais egalement pour les editeurs. Les deux communautes ont besoin de comprendre les demandes et les comportements des utilisateurs dans leur recherche d'information, afin de determiner comment le systeme de communication scientifique evolue en reponse aux preferences et au comportement des utilisateurs. Leur role est de rendre possible un avenir qui serve les utilisateurs et elargisse leur horizon.
Guidelines for breast and ovarian cancer genetic counseling referral: adoption and implementation in HMOs.

Purpose: To describe referral guidelines for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) counseling among a group of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and awareness of such among primary care clinicians. Methods: An organizational assessment of plan policies and a primary care clinician survey. Results: Five of the 7 HMOs reported having HBOC referral guidelines. Differences between plan’s criteria included age of breast cancer onset, inclusion of male breast cancer, and second-degree relatives. Of the 91% clinicians responding, only half were aware of the HBOC guidelines. Awareness was higher in the plan with the most intense implementation effort (OR 3.0, 1.5–5.9) and among gynecologists (OR 2.8, 1.5–5.4). Conclusions: Although HBOC counseling guidelines within participating HMOs identify persons for referral that can be easily incorporated into routine practice, continued work is needed to better understand how to help primary care providers identify high-risk persons, and new models of providing genetic services may need to be considered. Genet Med 2003:5(6):444–450.
The enduring legacy of sham-controlled trials of internal mammary artery ligation.

Abstract In 1959 and 1960 the results of two randomized controlled trials demonstrated that bilateral internal mammary artery ligation was no better than a sham intervention in the treatment of angina. These landmark trials were the first to use blinded placebo controls to evaluate invasive procedures. Revisiting the story of internal mammary artery ligation offers valuable insights into the ethics of sham-controlled trials and the implications of the placebo effect for thinking about risk–benefit assessment of sham procedures.
The Development of Social Networks from Early to Middle Childhood: Gender Differences and the Relation to School Competence.

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in social network development from early to middle childhood and the relation of network characteristics to school competence. Maternal report of 75 children's kin, nonkin adult, and friendship networks were collected at 3, 6, and 9 years of age. Teacher ratings of school competence were obtained at 9 years. While children showed changes in their social networks over time, expected gender differences were not found in the extensive nature of the nonkin network. However, as expected, preference for same-sex friends was noted in early childhood and intensified with age into middle childhood. For girls, but not for boys, social network characteristics were related to teacher ratings of social competence in school.
NMDA and dopamine interactions in the nucleus accumbens modulate cortical acetylcholine release.

The nucleus accumbens (NAC) plays a key role in directing appropriate motor output following the presentation of behaviorally relevant stimuli. As such, we postulate that accumbens efferents also participate in the modulation of neuronal circuits regulating attentional processes directed toward the identification and selection of these stimuli. In this study, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and D1 ligands were perfused into the shell region of the NAC of awake rats. Cortical cholinergic transmission, a mediator of attentional processes, was measured via microdialysis probes inserted into the prefrontal cortex (PFC). NMDA perfusions (150 or 250 lm) into NAC resulted in significant increases in acetylcholine (ACh) efflux in PFC (150‐200% above baseline levels). Co-administration of the D1 antagonist SCH-23390 (150 lm) markedly attenuated (by approx. 70%) ACh efflux following perfusions of 150 lm NMDA but not following 250 lm NMDA, suggesting that D1 receptor activity contributes to the ability of the lower but not the higher concentration of NMDA to increase cortical ACh release. Collectively, these data reveal a positive modulation of NMDA receptors by D1 receptors in NAC that is expressed trans-synaptically at the level of cortical transmission. This modulation may underlie the coordinated linking of attentional processes and motor output following exposure to salient and behaviorally relevant stimuli.
AN EXPLANATION FOR THE HETEROGENEITY IN B LYMPHOCYTE ECTO-5′-NUCLEOTIDASE (ECT0–5′-NT) ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA: 208

Ecto-5'-NT activity was measured in human B cells at different stages of development and compared with the B cells' capacity to synthesis Ig in vitro. Ecto-5'-NT activity was higher in adult B cells from peripheral blood, spleen, or lymph node than in B cells from fetal spleen or cord blood (27.9±12, 29.2 and 33.8 vs 5.02 and 5.59±2.8 nmol/hr/106 cells, respectively). B cell ecto-5'-NT activity increases shortly after birth and is reflected by gradual increases in total lymphocyte ecto-5'-NT activity from 7.0±2.1 in cord blood, to 14.0±4.2 nmol/hr/106 cells in normal infants at 6 mo. B cells from cord blood or 6 mo. old infants could synthesize IgM, but not IgG, in response to Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Adult peripheral B cells separated into mature pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-responsive and less mature PWM-nonresponsive fractions by mouse RBC rosetting had equivalent total ecto-5'-NT activity. Thus, in normal human B cell development, the ability to synthesize IgG in vitro in response to EBV or PWM is acquired subsequent to the acquisition of ecto-5'-NT activity. Therefore, patients with hypogammaglobulinemia might have either normal or low B cell ecto-5'-NT activity depending upon the location of their block in B cell differentiation. Of 11 patients studied, 4 had normal B cell ecto-5'-NT activity while 7 had reduced activity (15.4-58.2 and 2.8-13.2 nmol/hr/106 cells, respectively).
‘European Cities: Containers or Groups of Inhabitants? A Review of some Recent Developments in Early Modern Urban Studies’1

The study of European cities and their inhabitants in the early modern period (approximately from the 14th through the 18th centuries) has changed in emphasis in the last few decades. Instead of focusing on the role of urbanization in the development of modern capitalism, modernity or other major epochal shifts such as the Renaissance or Reformation, scholars from various disciplines look at cities as sites of exchange and conflict where identities are created and power is exercised in specific spatial contexts. These contexts are increasingly international and sometimes global.
A genomic approach to scoliosis pathogenesis

Genetic predisposition contributes to scoliosis in humans. Two syndromes of primary scoliosis occur — congenital scoliosis, which presents at birth, often associated with other abnormalities, and idiopathic scoliosis which becomes apparent between infancy and adolescence. Little is known regarding the genetic transmission of scoliosis risk.Data gleaned from mouse mutations provide a valuable supplement to human family studies. More than 50 mouse mutations include scoliosis, kyphosis, or tail kinks as a phenotype; the locations of the human homologues for 28 of these can be predicted on the basis of synteny conservation. Some mouse mutations are either more penetrant or more fully expressed in one sex. The mouse data provide a basis both for optimism and for caution in understanding human scoliosis. Mouse models provide insight into mechanisms underlying spinal curvature and help direct searches for genes important in human disease. Four types of defects account for most mouse scoliosis: defects of cell–ce...
Caesarean section in a diabetic patient with a recent myocardial infarction

This is a report of a 38-yr-old parturient with multiple medical problems including diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, pre-eclampsia and a recent myocardial infarction. After medical management in the coronary care unit, it was decided to proceed with a Caesarean section. The choice of anaesthetic was made by the patient and had to be modified in accordance with her medical condition. Cardiovascular monitoring included PA catheterisation and transoesophageal echo-cardiography. A general anaesthetic was performed using fentanyl, thiopentone and succinylcholine. The outcome was satisfactory for both parturient and baby.
First- vs second-trimester ultrasound: the effect on pregnancy dating and perinatal outcomes

Objective The objective of the study was to examine the effect of first-trimester obstetric ultrasound (OBUS) on the measurement of the effect of complications ascribed to postterm pregnancies. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all term, singleton pregnancies delivered at our institution who had an OBUS at a gestation of 24 weeks or less. Those women who underwent an OBUS at a gestation of 12 weeks or less (OBUS12) were compared with those who had an OBUS at 13-24 weeks of gestation (OBUS13-24). The primary outcome measures were the rates of postterm pregnancies greater than 41 or 42 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcomes were the differences between the postterm and term gestations in maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results In the OBUS12 group, the rate of postterm pregnancy 42 weeks or longer was lower (2.7%) as compared with the OBUS13-24 group (3.7%, P = .022). With regard to reaching 41 weeks of gestation, the OBUS12 group was again lower (18.2%) as compared with the OBUS13-24 group (22.1%, P P = .017). When comparing perinatal outcomes between those women who reached 41 weeks of gestation and those prior to 41 weeks of gestation, the OBUS12 group demonstrated greater differences between these 2 groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that earlier obstetric ultrasound, which leads to better pregnancy dating, reduces the rate of estimated postterm pregnancies. This may, in turn, reduce unnecessary intervention and lead to better identification of postterm pregnancies at greater risk of complications.
Zur Theorie der kompressiblen Potentialströmungen II. Intermediäre und singuläre Integrale der Grundgleichung der ebenen adiabatisch kompressiblen Potentialströmung

Mit Hilfe einer auf G. Boole zuruckgehenden Methode gelingt die Integration der beiden “integrablen Kombination” der zur Grundgleichung der ebenen adiabatisch kompressiblen Potentialstromung gehorigen beiden Charakteristikensysteme. Damit sind zwei partielle Differentialgleichungen erster Ordnung gewonnen, deren jede Losung auch der Grundgleichung (zweiter Ordnung) fur das Geschwindigkeitspotential des adiabatisch kompressiblen ebenen Stromungsproblems genugt (intermediare Integrale). Die Integration dieser Differentialgleichungen erster Ordnung wird im nichtsingularen Falle nach Cauchys Charakteristikentheorie, im singularen Falle nach Lagranges Theorie des vollstandigen Integrals durchgefuhrt. In beiden Fallen sind die Integralflachen z (x, y), welche das Geschwindigkeitspotential reprasentieren, Torsen. Im singularen Falle verschwindet die Schallgeschwindigkeit im Stromungsfeld, dagegen nicht im allgemeineren nichtsingularen Falle. Fur spezielle Konstantenwahl gehen die Resultate der Untersuchung in mehr oder weniger bekannte Ergebnisse aus der Theorie der Minimalflachen uber.
The distribution of palladium in a Pd-modified 4130 steel

The addition of palladium to a 4130 steel reduces its sensitivity to stress corrosion cracking and to hydrogen-induced cracking. The atom probe field-ion microscope has been used to study the microstructure and microchemistry of these palladium-modified 4130 steels with particular emphasis on the distribution of palladium between the various phases and internal interfaces. The palladium was found to segregate to the ferrite-ferrite lath boundaries to form a mono-atomically thick adsorbate layer. Palladium-manganese precipitates both at the lath boundaries and in the ferrite matrix were also detected. Most of the palladium was found to remain in solution in the ferrite.
Accurate and Efficient Computation of Layered Medium Doubly Periodic Green's Function in Matrix-Friendly Formulation

This communication proposes a novel approach to evaluate the doubly periodic Green's function for layered medium in matrix-friendly formulation. Several techniques, including factorization of the Green's function, generalized pencil of function method and high order Taylor expansion, are employed in a delicate manner to derive the high order asymptotic expressions, which are then evaluated by new fast convergent series derived from Ewald transformation. This approach delivers fast and highly accurate results as well as high order convergence, and also allows fast frequency sweep for calculating Brillouin diagram in eigenvalue problem and for normal incidence in scattering problem.