cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo CTL immunity can be elicited by in vitro reconstituted MHC/peptide complex

Abstract The use of peptides as a vaccine is a potentially powerful immunization strategy. We explored the possibility of inducing an efficient cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) mediated immune response in mice, using in vitro reconstituted major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I/peptide complexes as the immunogen. Recombinant derived H-2Kb and β2-microglobulin (β2m) were properly folded into an MHC class I complex using the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-8mer from the natural nucleocapsid proteinN52–59 (RGYVYQGL), an immunodominant Kb epitope in C57BL 6 (B6) mice. After immunizing mice with the H-2Kb class I/VSV peptide complex and a subsequent in vitro stimulation with the VSV peptide alone, a specific CTL response was demonstrated. The method was also applicable to other peptides, for example, the Sendai virus (SV) peptideN324–332 (FAPGNYPAL). The CTL response was mediated by CD3 + CD8 + T cells and was shown to be allele specific, as only peptide loaded target cells expressing the H-2Kb allele could be recognized. It is of interest that extremely small amounts of injected MHC class I/peptide complex (i.e. 500 pg) could generate a measurable CTL response. The MHC class I/peptide complex had to be intact and properly folded to elicit an immune response, suggesting that the complex protected the peptide for internalization by antigen presenting cells (APCs) or for delivering to the proper site for peptide exchange on the cell surface of APCs. The described immunizing method can be routinely used to prime a CTL response by employing in vitro folded MHC class I/peptide complexes, without the use of adjuvants. It appears to be efficient, sensitive and specific. By using the recombinant protein system, unlimited amounts of MHC class I/peptide complex can be produced for immunization. Moreover, this protocol permits different in vitro combinations of allelic MHC class I molecules and peptide variants.
Influence of Si3N4 passivation on surface trapping in SiC metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors

The SiC metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFETs) have been reported to have current instability and strong dispersion caused by trapping phenomena at the surface and in the substrate, which degrade direct-current (DC) and radio-frequency (RF) performance. This paper illustrates the change in electrical characteristics of SiC MESFETs after Si3N4 passivation. Because of a reduction of surface trapping effects, Si3N4 passivation can diminish current collapse under pulsed DC conditions, increasing the RF power performance. The reduction of surface trapping effects is verified by the change in the ratio of the drain current to the gate current under pinch-off conditions.
Nonmodal Linear Theory for Space Plasmas

The nonmodal approach is a linear theory formalism that emphasizes the transient evolution of a perturbed equilibrium. It differs from the normal-mode analysis by not assuming an exponential behavior of physical perturbations. We discuss works that have applied the nonmodal formalism to the problem of solar wind heating and acceleration. We briefly review the methodology of the Kelvin formalism and of the Generalized Stability Theory, and discuss the cases of both sheared and non-sheared plasmas. The results and methodology reviewed in this paper could form the basis for a trend of research in solar wind dynamics that has not been yet systematically explored.
Increased retinal neovascularization in Fas ligand-deficient mice.

PURPOSE. To investigate whether the absence of the Fas-Fas ligand system of apoptosis regulation affects hyperoxia-in-duced retinal vaso-obliteration and retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. METHODS. C57BL/6 (B6) and congenic Fas ligand- deficient generalized lymphoproliferative disease (gld) mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (P)7 to P12 and then allowed to recover in room air. Eyes obtained from P7, P8, P10, P12, P14, P17, and P21, from both hyperoxia-injured and room air control animals were processed for histopathologic examination. Retinopathy was also qualitatively assessed in FITC-dex-tran perfused retinas by fluorescence microscopy. TUNEL assays were used to compare apoptosis in B6 and gld mice. Intraretinal blood vessel formation was quantitated by immunolabeling with an anti-type-IV collagen antibody. Retinopathy was further assessed by quantitation of preretinal neovascular nuclei on P17. RT-PCR was used to examine retinal expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) over a time course of hyperoxiainduced retinopathy. RESULTS. In hyperoxia-injured mice, the same degree of vaso-obliteration was apparent on P8, P10, and P12 in B6 and gld mice. By P17, the hyperoxia-exposed FITC-perfused retinas of both strains exhibited preretinal neovascular tufts. However, P17 gld hyperoxia-exposed retinas exhibited approximately a 50% increase in preretinal neovascular nuclei compared with B6 mice. In addition, a subset of apoptotic cells located solely within the neovascular tufts on P17 were significantly decreased in hyperoxia-exposed gld retinas, compared with B6 control animals. RT-PCR showed an increase in the expression levels of Fas in both strains of mice as a result of hyperoxiainduced injury. CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that the Fas-FasL interaction plays an important role in retinal neovascularization after hyperoxia-induced injury. The absence of functional FasL leads to an increased incidence of preretinal neovascular nuclei and decreased retinal apoptosis suggesting that this pathway may serve as a means of regulating endogenous endothelial cell populations in pathologic angiogenesis.
Doctor on DVD: Virtual health consultation using interactive DVDs

Healthcare facilities in rural areas often lack staff, necessary resources and infrastructure. People in rural areas have to travel long distances to avail basic healthcare facilities. The cost of travel and healthcare consultation in nearby towns is prohibitive for many low-income people. We have anecdotally observed that the penetration of Television (TV) and DVD players in rural areas is higher than smartphones. In this work-in-progress concept note, we advocate an interactive DVD based healthcare decision support system for diagnosis and consultation of common diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, pneumonia etc. on the basis of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines. The interactive components of the DVD, videos of doctors speaking in local language, graphics, and animations can be used to provide contextual health information in a usable and intuitive manner.
The lifetime of Wannier ladder states

Abstract I study the width of the Wannier ladder states, i.e, Bloch electrons in external homogeneous field. For periodic potentials with a finite number of gaps, a formula for the width is obtained showing that the width vanishes exponentially fast with the field in accordance with Zener tunneling. The case of infinitely many gaps is studied qualitatively, and it is argued that although the width decreases exponentially “on the average”, the detailed bahavior is very complicated. In particular the width oscillates over different orders of magnitude as the field changes slightly. The oscillations are a consequence of a resonance phenomenon.
An in vivo murine model of rosiglitazone use in pregnancy.

Objective To identify the effects of rosiglitazone use during murine pregnancy. Design The effect of rosiglitazone on blastocyst development was determined by culturing two-cell mouse embryos with rosiglitazone for 72 hours. From January to June 2005, five independent groups of ICR/CD1 female mice were treated with rosiglitazone during pregnancy, from the time of identification of seminal plugs until delivery of pups. Setting Controlled animal facility. Animal(s) Two-cell mouse embryos and an outbred line of mice, ICR/CD1. Intervention(s) Two-cell embryos were cocultured with rosiglitazone (10 μM) for 72 hours and scored. Ten-week-old female ICR mice were mated. Females with seminal plugs then were randomized to rosiglitazone (10 or 0.1 mg/kg per day) or to carrier alone, by gavage, until delivery. Weekly weights were obtained, and pregnancy outcomes were documented. Main Outcome Measure(s) Blastocyst development, number of pups and pup weights, and morphological changes. Result(s) Embryos exposed to rosiglitazone progressed to the blastocyst stage within 72 hours. Pregnant animals demonstrated normal weight gain throughout pregnancy. Postnatal growth and litter size were not statistically different between groups. No changes in normal mouse neonate development were observed. Conclusion(s) Rosiglitazone did not impair murine blastocyst development in vitro or cause phenotypic harm to the mouse fetus when administered during pregnancy, suggesting potential safety for rosiglitazone use in pregnancy.
On the design of traveling-wave-fed longitudinal shunt slot arrays

An existing design procedure, applicable to standing-wave-fed longitudinal shunt slot arrays, and which accounts for the variability of mutual coupling, has been extended to situations in which a traveling wave feed is employed, i.e., the slots are not \lambda_{g}/2 on centers. The extension permits the design of slot arrays to give an input match and a sum pattern for which the main beam is not at broadside. The technique is also amenable to difference pattern applications.
A simple answer for a splicing conundrum.

A Simple Answer for a Splicing Conundrum. Douglas L. Black The medieval philosopher William of Occam admonished that it is best to minimize the postulated entities needed to explain a system. This concept of choosing the simplest explanation of unknown phenomena is now known as the Principle of Parsimony or Occam's Razor. However, in biology, where systems tend to evolve towards states of greater complexity, Occam's Razor can be a dangerous tool. Most often the known components of a biological process increase with study. It is not always safe to assume a limited number of factors are involved. Sometimes though, we do find a simple explanation of a puzzling phenomenon that requires no new unknowns to be added to the model. Such an event is described in this issue of PNAS, where three groups nicely explain a long-standing puzzle in eukaryotic mRNA processing [1]. Specifically, they demonstrate a plausible mechanism for how exons are always linked in order during the pre-mRNA splicing process, without a single exon being skipped. Eukaryotic mRNAs are transcribed as long precursor molecules containing intervening sequences, or introns separating the coding or otherwise functional portions of the transcript called exons (Figure 1A). To form a mature mRNA ready for translation, the cell must precisely excise the introns and ligate the exons together. This process of pre-mRNA splicing is carried out in the cell nucleus by a large macromolecular complex called the spliceosome [2]. Components of the spliceosome recognize special sequences at the intron ends called splice sites. The 5' splice site (at the 5' end of the intron) is initially bound by the U1 snRNP, and the 3' splice site is bound by the protein U2 Auxiliary Factor (U2AF) [3, 4]. These components interact to bring the two ends of the intron together, before going on to assemble the rest of the spliceosome that ultimately catalyzes the cleavage/ligation reactions. Early on, two questions of how splice sites are chosen for pairing during splicing were seen as particularly mysterious [5-7]. First, introns can be very long (>1000 nt.) and have within them many copies of the splice site consensus sequences. It was not understood how the correct sites at the intron ends were recognized, while the other cryptic sites were avoided. Second, pre-mRNAs can contain many exons that must
Prototype of a New Lunar-Gravity Simulator for Astronaut Mobility Studies

The results of a study of existing lunar-gravity simulators indicated that a number of improvements could be made in the simulators being used to study the effects of reduced or lunar gravity on man's self-locomotive capability. This paper presents a review of a prototype lunar-gravity simulator which was designed, built, and delivered to NASA Langley Research Center by the Case Western Reserve Institute and the Cleveland Institute of Art. The simulator utilizes novel magnetic air bearings with constant-force motors and a unique body support system in that each of the body members are independently supported.
Targeted Mutagenesis by Duplication Insertion in the Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans: Radiation Sensitivities of Catalase (katA) and Superoxide Dismutase (sodA) Mutants

Deinococcus radiodurans R1 is extremely resistant to both oxidative stress and ionizing radiation. A simple and general targeted mutagenesis method was developed to generate catalase (katA) and superoxide dismutase (sodA) mutants. Both mutants were shown to be more sensitive to ionizing radiation than the wild type.
Kissing Balloon Angioplasty of a Circumflex Artery Bifurcation Lesion: A New Approach Utilizing Two Balloon-on-Wire Probes and a Single Guiding Catheter

A new approach to angioplasty of a coronary artery bifurcation lesion is described. Via a single guiding catheter, two ultra low-profile balloon-on-wire probes were advanced into the AV sulcus branch and a large obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex artery. The balloons were inflated simultaneously. The technique was easy to perform and remarkably effective.
The mathematics of perfect shuffles

There are two ways to perfectly shuffle a deck of 2n cards. Both methods cut the deck in half and interlace perfectly. The out shuffle O leaves the original top card on top. The in shuffle I leaves the original top card second from the top. Applications to the design of computer networks and card tricks are reviewed. The main result is the determination of the group generated by the two shuffles, for all n. If 2n is not a power of 2, and if 2n 12,24, then has index 1, 2, or 4 in the Weyl group B"n (the group of all 2^nn! signed n x n permutation matrices). If 2n = 2^k, then is isomorphic to a semi-direct product of Z"2^k and Z"k. When 2n = 24, is isomorphic to a semi-direct product of Z"2^1^1 and M"1"2, the Mathieu group of degree 12. When 2n = 12, is isomorphic to a semi-direct product of Z"2^6 and the group PGL(2,5) of all linear fractional transformations over GF(5).
Ureaplasmas and human disease.

(1990). Ureaplasmas and Human Disease. Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 161-168.
Spatial and temporal regulation of GLUT4 translocation by flotillin-1 and caveolin-3 in skeletal muscle cells

SPECIFIC AIMSThe aim of the present study is to investigate whether flotillin-1 and caveolin-3 coordinately modulate the insulin-stimulated signaling cascades that lead to the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in skeletal muscle cells.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. GLUT4 moves together with flotillin-1 from intracellular stores to the plasma membrane upon insulin stimulation in skeletal muscle cells through PI3K- and PKCζ-dependent pathwaysDifferentiated skeletal muscle cells were subjected to immunofluorescent labeling using antibody probes against flotillin-1 and GLUT4. Figure 1⤻ (upper panels) illustrates that the two proteins are colocalized to a perinuclear compartment in the absence of insulin. After insulin stimulation (160 nM for 10 min), flotillin-1 together with GLUT4 moved to the sarcolemma (Fig. 1⤻ , lower panels). The translocation from a perinuclear compartment to the plasma membrane was PI3K- and PKCζ-dependent, as shown by the perinuclear localization of flotillin-1 and GLUT4 after insul...
An adaptive management architecture for ad hoc networks

Ad hoc networks, where mobile nodes communicate via multihop wireless links, facilitate network connectivity without the aid of any preexisting networking infrastructure. The intrinsic attributes of ad hoc networks, such as dynamic network topology, limited battery power, constrained wireless bandwidth and quality, and large number of heterogeneous nodes, make network management significantly more challenging than stationary and wired networks. In particular, the conventional client/server-based manager/agent management paradigm falls short of addressing these issues. We describe the Guerrilla management architecture to facilitate adaptive and autonomous management of ad hoc networks. The management capability of Guerrilla is scalable to accommodate the sheer number and heterogeneity of nodes, autonomous and survivable to adapt to network dynamics, and economical to minimize management overhead.
A Simple Synthesis of (S, S)-2, 5-Hexanediol

Abstract Asymmetric reduction of carbonyl compounds by yeas thas been well documented1 and often provides a convenient routeto enantiomerically pure secondary alcohols. Our need for certain optically active diols prompted us to examine the reduction of acetonylacetone which was expected based on precedent to give the S,S-diol shown below.
MODIFIED DISTORTED BORN ITERATIVE METHOD WITH AN APPROXIMATE FRECHET DERIVATIVE FOR OPTICAL DIFFUSION TOMOGRAPHY

In frequency-domain optical diffusion imaging, the magnitude and the phase of modulated light propagated through a highly scattering medium are used to reconstruct an image of the scattering and absorption coefficients in the medium. Although current reconstruction algorithms have been applied with some success, there are opportunities for improving both the accuracy of the reconstructions and the speed of convergence. In particular, conventional integral equation approaches such as the Born iterative method and the distorted Born iterative method can suffer from slow convergence, especially for large spatial variations in the constitutive parameters. We show that slow convergence of conventional algorithms is due to the linearized integral equations’ not being the correct Frechet derivative with respect to the absorption and scattering coefficients. The correct Frechet derivative operator is derived here. However, the Frechet derivative suffers from numerical instability because it involves gradients of both the Green’s function and the optical flux near singularities, a result of the use of near-field imaging data. To ameliorate these effects we derive an approximation to the Frechet derivative and implement it in an inversion algorithm. Simulation results show that this inversion algorithm outperforms conventional iterative methods.
Detecting Medication Order Discrepancies in Nursing Homes: How RNs and LPNs Differ

Medication order discrepancies pose safety risks when nursing home residents transition between health care settings. In nursing homes, both registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) frequently are assigned to detect medication order discrepancies, using the process of medication reconciliation. This study was undertaken to examine the extent to which licensure (RN, LPN), years of experience performing medication reconciliation, and the perceived Need for Closure were related to differences in the detection of medication order discrepancies. The Multiple Segment Factorial Vignette design was used to explore and compare nursing home nurses’ detection of such discrepancies. RNs ( n = 32) and LPNs ( n = 70) from 12 Missouri nursing homes responded to four resident transfer vignettes embedded with medication order discrepancies. The study found that years of experience and the Need for Closure were not related to reports of discrepancies. However, RNs detected discrepancies involving orders for high-risk medications significantly more often than LPNs. No significant differences existed between RNs and LPNs when identifying discrepancies in orders for low-risk medications. These findings regarding the discrepancies detected in orders for high-risk medications and those detected in orders for low-risk medications have implications for resident safety.
Effects on Moisture on CdTe Cell I-V Characteristics

This paper focuses on the effect of water on CdTe solar cells provided by Dr. Sampath's group at Colorado State University, that have not been encapsulated.. Bare cells were subjected to damp heat conditions defined by 60 degC and 90% Relative Humidity (RH). Current voltage characteristics were acquired periodically over a thousand hour period. Bare, unencapsulated CdTe cells appear to exhibit changes in current collection and current loss mechanisms as well as degradation of contact interfaces as a result of damp heat. XPS analyses have been conducted in an effort to identify effects of moisture ingress. The XPS studies indicate that one possible effect of moisture on CdTe cells is to convert the CdO at grain boundaries to Cd(OH)2. Since it is generally assumed that CdO acts as an effective electron reflector on CdTe grain boundaries, formation of the hydroxide could explain the degradation of current voltage characteristics of CdTe cells subjected to damp heat
A survey of QoS multicasting issues

The proliferation of QoS-aware group applications over the Internet has accelerated the need for scalable and efficient multicast support. We present a multicast "life cycle" model that identifies the various issues involved in a typical multicast session. During the life cycle of a multicast session, three important events can occur: group dynamics, network dynamics, and traffic dynamics. The first two aspects are concerned with maintaining a good-quality (e.g., cost) multicast tree taking into account member join/leave and changes in the network topology due to link/node failures/additions, respectively. The third aspect is concerned with flow, congestion, and error control. We examine various issues and solutions for managing group dynamics and failure handling in QoS multicasting, and outline several future research directions.
Approach to Extrapolating Reliability of Circuits Operating in a Varying and Low Temperature Range

We present an approach to extrapolating circuit reliability to use conditions with a varying and low temperature range. The approach integrates the impact of the statistical nature of transistor lifetime on circuit reliability to give a more realistic circuit reliability projection. Even though the approach is demonstrated for low temperature applications by focusing on hot carrier aging failure mechanism, it can be applied and easily extended to other failure mechanisms for any varying temperature operating conditions.
Cancer Digital Slide Archive: an informatics resource to support integrated in silico analysis of TCGA pathology data

Background The integration and visualization of multimodal datasets is a common challenge in biomedical informatics. Several recent studies of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data have illustrated important relationships between morphology observed in whole-slide images, outcome, and genetic events. The pairing of genomics and rich clinical descriptions with whole-slide imaging provided by TCGA presents a unique opportunity to perform these correlative studies. However, better tools are needed to integrate the vast and disparate data types. Objective To build an integrated web-based platform supporting whole-slide pathology image visualization and data integration. Materials and methods All images and genomic data were directly obtained from the TCGA and National Cancer Institute (NCI) websites. Results The Cancer Digital Slide Archive (CDSA) produced is accessible to the public ( ) and currently hosts more than 20 000 whole-slide images from 22 cancer types. Discussion The capabilities of CDSA are demonstrated using TCGA datasets to integrate pathology imaging with associated clinical, genomic and MRI measurements in glioblastomas and can be extended to other tumor types. CDSA also allows URL-based sharing of whole-slide images, and has preliminary support for directly sharing regions of interest and other annotations. Images can also be selected on the basis of other metadata, such as mutational profile, patient age, and other relevant characteristics. Conclusions With the increasing availability of whole-slide scanners, analysis of digitized pathology images will become increasingly important in linking morphologic observations with genomic and clinical endpoints.
Wire length prediction based clustering and its application in placement

In this paper, we introduce a metric to evaluate proximity of connected elements in a netlist. Compared to connectivity by S. Hauck and G. Borriello (1997) and edge separability by J. Cong and S.K. Lim (2000), our metric is capable of predicting short connections more accurately. We show that the proposed metric can also predict relative wire length in multipin nets. We develop a fine-granularity clustering algorithm based on the new metric and embed it into the Fast Placer Implementation (FPI) framework by B. Hu and M. Marek-Sadowska (2003). Experimental results show that the new clustering algorithm produces better global placement results than the net absorption of Hu and M. Marek-Sadowska (2003) algorithm, connectivity of S. Hauck and G. Borriello (1997), and edge separability of J. Cong and S.K. Lim (2000) based algorithms. With the new clustering algorithm, FPI achieves up to 50% speedup compared to the latest version of Capo8.5 in http://vlsicad.ucsd.edu/Resources/SoftwareLinks/PDtools/, without placement quality losses.
Strategies for Intervention: Commentary and Debate

The typical American diet is top-heavy in comparison with the Food Guide Pyramid-high in added sugars and fats at the Pyramid's tip, and low in most other food components at the Pyramid's base, especially fruit and green leafy vegetables. Improving the healthfulness of the diet would therefore require not only a major reduction in the consumption of fats and sweets but also a sharp increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruit. This report discusses the potential effects on diet quality of three general dietary strategies for obesity prevention and treatment: (a) reducing the fat content of foods, (b) increasing nutrition knowledge and (c) manipulating food prices. It concludes that improving food choices may require a combination of strategies and interventions carefully targeted at changing specific behaviors among diverse population groups.
Hablando en chiquito: -ito en el español de Houston

Estudios de lenguas en contacto han entregado evidencia que indica que la morfologia ofrece gran resistencia en situaciones de tension linguistica. Algunos morfemas se mantienen altamente productivos; sobre los diminutivos ya Lenz senalaba que estos eran la parte mas viva de la gramatica castellana. Estudios sociolinguisticos han demostrado la preferencia de las hablantes femeninas por su uso. El presente trabajo intenta determinar el grado de vigencia que el diminutivo –ito tiene en el espanol de Houston. Para ello, examina la produccion de hablantes distribuidos en grupos generacionales y de acuerdo al sexo, y datos de hablantes mexicanos. Los resultados apuntan no solo a la plena vigencia del diminutivo, sino a un aumento marcado en las generaciones con mayor contacto con el ingles. La diferencia entre hombres y mujeres revela que el grupo monolingue se ajusta a hallazgos previos; en la situacion de contacto, sin embargo, la preferencia se ha invertido.
Nonnative grass litter enhances grazing arthropod assemblages by increasing native shrub growth

Recent theory and research have highlighted how the brown (detritus-based) world may control the trophic structure of the green (grazing) world. Detritus can alter bottom-up control of green webs by affecting autotroph biomass and quality through its ability to alter ecosystem properties, including soil moisture and nutrient cycling. Additionally, the role of detritus as the food resource base of brown webs may subsidize omnivorous predators that can provide top-down control of green webs. Brown-green connections may be especially important following plant invasions, which often lead to increased detritus and altered food webs. I combine field experiments, observational data, and path analysis to understand how nonnative grasses impact native arthropod communities in a semiarid shrub system. Theory and correlative evidence predict that decreased shrub growth and nutritional quality, and increased feeding of detrital predators on the grazing web, would decrease the abundance of shrub arthropods. In contrast, I found nonnative litter increased shrub growth via increased soil moisture and produced a strong bottom-up increase of the grazing arthropod web; effects of detrital predators and plant quality were comparatively unimportant. I link these findings to the apparent lack of overlapping predators between the brown and green webs, and to the important abiotic role of litter in this xeric system, which increased native plants and the abundance and richness of arthropods on them.
Consensus of multiple uncertain mechanical systems and its application in cooperative control of mobile robots

This paper considers the design of control laws for multiple mechanical systems with parameter uncertainty such that the state of each system converges to a point which moves along a desired trajectory. Adaptive cooperative control laws are proposed with the aid of the passivity property of system dynamics and the results for graph theory. As an application, the proposed results are used to solve the cooperative control problem of multiple mobile robots with parameter uncertainty such that multiple mobile robots converge to a desired pattern which moves along a desired trajectory. To show effectiveness of the proposed results, simulation results are presented.
Psychosocial Outcomes in Adult Survivors of Retinoblastoma

Purpose Survival rates for individuals diagnosed with retinoblastoma (RB) exceed 95% in the United States; however, little is known about the long-term psychosocial outcomes of these survivors. Patients and Methods Adult RB survivors, diagnosed from 1932 to 1994 and treated in New York, completed a comprehensive questionnaire adapted from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), by mail or telephone. Psychosocial outcomes included psychological distress, anxiety, depression, somatization, fear of cancer recurrence, satisfaction with facial appearance, post-traumatic growth, and post-traumatic stress symptoms; noncancer CCSS siblings served as a comparison group. Results A total of 470 RB survivors (53.6% with bilateral RB; 52.1% female) and 2,820 CCSS siblings were 43.3 (standard deviation [SD], 11) years and 33.2 (SD, 8.4) years old at the time of study, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, RB survivors did not have significantly higher rates of depression, somatization, distres...
The Effects of New Synthetic Progestogens on Endometriosis in the Human Female

The synthetic progestogens employed to produce pseudopregnancy in 36 patients with endometriosis were ethynodiol diacetate with mestranol (Metrulen) chlormadinone with mestranol (Lormin) and megestrol acetate with ethinyl estradiol. The optimum maintenance dose was in the range of 4-6 mg of ethynodiol diacetate or chlormadinone plus .2 mg mestranol or 5-10 mg megestrol acetate plus .2 mg ethynyl estradiol daily. There was a marked variation in the amount required to suppress ovulation and yet prevent break-through bleeding. Side effects such as nausea vaginal discharge and breast tenderness were fewer than with previously used combinations. Excessive weight gain (5 pounds) was noted in almost 50% of the patients treated. Only slight changes if any were noted in 17-ketosteroids 17-ketogenic steroids protein-bound iodine and iodine-131 uptake. No change was noted in bromsulphalein excretion. Satisfactory objective and subjective remissions were obtained in 82% of the patients. Pregnancy had occurred subsequent to treatment in 11 of 22 patients who were infertile and desired pregnancy. It was concluded that these compounds are effective in the management of patients with endometriosis and are well tolerated. The cost is low and the precise dose and length of therapy depends on the individual patient.
A psychoanalytic study of aggression.

Eleven participants carried out a study of aggression by utilizing clinical data from the analyses of patients who manifested significant problems in the management of aggression. The purpose of the study was to increase understanding of the intrapsychic factors that determine the nature and intensity of aggressive tendencies, the place they occupy in the psychic economy, their patterns of expression, and the extrapsychic factors that trigger them. The findings of the study indicate, first, that aggression is multiply determined by developmental, genetic (experiential), and dynamic variables; second, that each cluster of variables affects the nature, intensity, and expression of aggression in a fairly specific way; third, the importance of aggression in the psychic economy is proportional to the extent to which it is overdetermined. The successful analysis of aggressive individuals depends not solely on interpretation and insight, but on the relationship to the analyst as new parent who does not threaten and prohibit. The relationship to the analyst permits developmental change, particularly the ability to organize, structure, and control aggression. As a result, it need not be expressed destructively, but may be placed in the service of constructive thought and action. Language: en
Copper oxide nanoparticles analysis with water as base fluid for peristaltic flow in permeable tube with heat transfer

The peristaltic flow of a copper oxide water fluid investigate the effects of heat generation and magnetic field.The mathematical formulation is presented, the resulting equations are solved exactly.The obtained expressions for pressure gradient, pressure rise, temperature, velocity profile are described through graphs for various pertinent parameters.The streamlines are drawn for some physical quantities to discuss the trapping phenomenon. The peristaltic flow of a copper oxide water fluid investigates the effects of heat generation and magnetic field in permeable tube is studied. The mathematical formulation is presented, the resulting equations are solved exactly. The obtained expressions for pressure gradient, pressure rise, temperature, velocity profile are described through graphs for various pertinent parameters. It is found that pressure gradient is reduce with enhancement of particle concentration and velocity profile is upturn, beside it is observed that temperature increases as more volume fraction of copper oxide. The streamlines are drawn for some physical quantities to discuss the trapping phenomenon.
Delineation of Phenoregions in Geographically Diverse Regions Using k-means++ Clustering: A Case Study in the Upper Colorado River Basin

Phenological monitoring and modeling over a geographically diverse area has long been a problem due to the spatially variable nature of phenological forcing. Phenoregions, which are phenologically and climatically self-similar clusters, have many potential benefits as a geographic unit for monitoring and modeling of vegetation dynamics. This research develops an improved method to delineate regions of similar phenological forcing in geographically diverse regions, using the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) as a case study. Principal component analysis plus k-means++ clustering are adopted to delineate phenoregions in the UCRB, using variables related to elevation, temperature, precipitation, soil, and vegetation history. Raster data at 1 km spatial resolution are used to extract these variables. A series of hierarchical, non-nestable phenoregion maps is generated. The optimal phenoregion map is selected based on spatial homogeneity and spatial concordance with other phenoregion maps generated using diffe...
Biology of Chiridotea caeca (Say, 1818) (Isopoda: Idoteidae) in the surfe zone of exposed sandy beaches along the coast of southern New Jersey, USA

Abstract Chiridotea caecainhabits the intertidal zone of sandy beaches of the north Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Florida. A New Jersey population was studied periodically from 1987 to 2001, during which time all stages in the life history were identified and characterized mor-phometrically. C. caecabecomes ovigerous in the early winter, and broods of embryos develop slowly until early May when the first instars (mancas; mean length 2.5 mm) are released, followed by the second instar (also morphologically identifiable; mean length 3.4 mm). After approximately six instars isopods become mature (at = 10 mm long), females doing so following a maturity molt while in amplexus with males. Maturity is recognized in males and females by the length of the appendices masculinae and the presence of the ooste-gites, respectively. Fecundity was positively correlated with the body length (17 to 74 embryos per brood, mean 44, n =147). The molting line is between the fourth and fifth tergal segments of the pereon, w...
Characterizing Power Functions by Volumes of Revolution

(1998). Characterizing Power Functions by Volumes of Revolution. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 40-41.
Some Spiders Associated with Banana Plants in Panama

Spiders were collected from various habitats in the banana plantation at Changuinola, Panama. Vertical stratification of the 47 species collected was very marked; 2 were collected only from the ground, 14 only from ground-cover vegetation, 10 only from pseudostems and hanging leaves, 3 only from webs suspended between leaf petioles, and 3 only from extended banana leaves. Fifteen species were collected from more than 1 stratum. Immature spiders outnumbered adults 3.5 to 1 on extended banana leaves, but the 2 stages were in equal abundance on older, hanging leaves, and the immatures were much less abundant on pseudostems. The family Argiopidae was represented in collections by the largest number of species, and of the 14 species collected, 7 have extensive geographical distributions ranging northward into the United States. Three of the other species collected also range into the United States. Gasteracantha cancriformis (L.) was studied more extensively than other species collected and some of its predators and parasites were observed and recorded as well as the degree of parasitization. Several species of spiders were observed feeding on larvae of lepidopterous banana pests in the field.
Parathyroid hormone receptor signalling in osterix-expressing mesenchymal progenitors is essential for tooth root formation

Dental root formation is a dynamic process in which mesenchymal cells migrate toward the site of the future root, differentiate and secrete dentin and cementum. However, the identities of dental mesenchymal progenitors are largely unknown. Here we show that cells expressing osterix are mesenchymal progenitors contributing to all relevant cell types during morphogenesis. The majority of cells expressing parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) are in the dental follicle and on the root surface, and deletion of its receptor (PPR) in these progenitors leads to failure of eruption and significantly truncated roots lacking periodontal ligaments. The PPR-deficient progenitors exhibit accelerated cementoblast differentiation with upregulation of nuclear factor I/C (Nfic). Deletion of histone deacetylase-4 (HDAC4) partially recapitulates the PPR deletion root phenotype. These findings indicate that PPR signalling in dental mesenchymal progenitors is essential for tooth root formation, underscoring importance of the PTHrP-PPR system during root morphogenesis and tooth eruption.
Upper Airway Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Past, Present, and Future.

ABSTRACT Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly prevalent clinical problem with significant effects on both personal and public health. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has demonstrated excellent efficacy and low morbidity; long-term adherence rates approach 50%. Although traditional upper airway surgical procedures target the anatomic component of obstruction, upper airway stimulation tackles the twin goals of improving anatomic and neuromuscular pathology. After decades of trials demonstrating proof of concept of hypoglossal nerve stimulation in animal and human subjects, the results of a large multicenter, prospective trial were recently published. The trial demonstrated that hypoglossal nerve stimulation led to significant improvements in objective and subjective measurements of the severity of OSA. This novel approach is the first to combine sleep surgery techniques with a titratable medical device for the treatment of OSA. Further research is required to define optimal patient selection and device performance and to demonstrate long-term effectiveness.
Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Triamcinolone Acetonide Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of Macular Edema

Objective To optimize intervention measures for macular edema.Methods 146 patients(160 eyes)with macular edema were randomly divided into triamcinolone acetonide group(73 cases,79 eyes)and combination group(73 cases,81 eyes).Triamcinolone acetonide group was treated by intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide,and the combination group was treated by triamcinolone acetonide combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction.The courses of treatment in two groups were 2 months.Results ①At l2 weeks after treatment,the rate of improvement,stable and descended were 58.03%,38.27% and 3.70% in combination group respectively,and 43.04%,48.10% and 8.86% in triamcinolone acetonide group.The clinical efficacy of combination group was better than triamcinolone acetonide group(P0.05).②The central macular thickness(CMT)in both groups reducd significantly after treatment(P0.05),but the decreasing degree of CMT in combination group was more remarkable(P0.05).③The intraocular pressure in both groups increased after the treatment(P0.05),but the combination group had less increasing amplitude compared with triamcinolone acetonide group(P0.05).④The recurrence rate of triamcinolone acetonide group and combination group was 27.8% vs 18.3%,there was no statistical significance(P0.05).Conclusion Treatment by integrated Chinese and western medicine could improve the short-term efficacy in patients with macular edema,and reduce the side effects of glucocorticoid ocular hypertension.
Relationship between sunspot cycle and outbreak years of Nilaparvata lugens(Stl)

On the basis of the data of the outbreak years of Nilaparvata lugens(Stl) in eastern Asia during 1912-2006,the outbreak years of N.lugens in southeastern Asia during 1959-2010,and the relative number of sunspots from 1880 to 2009,by adopting the methods of correlation analysis,phase analysis,key time analysis and cycle analysis,this paper studied the relationship between the sunspot cycle and the outbreak years of N.lugens in Asia.The results showed that there was a very significant positive correlation between the outbreak year(grade) of N.lugens in both eastern Asia and southeastern Asia and the relative number of sunspots in the 17th year before that(P0.01).The outbreak years of N.lugens in both eastern Asia and southeastern Asia appeared mostly at the declining stage of sunspot activity cycle.Sunspot activity cycle had no significant influence on the outbreak year of N.lugens in both eastern Asia area and southeastern Asia area(P0.10).The periodicity of the outbreak of N.lugens is 8-9 years in some parts of eastern Asia,while it is 1-2 years in parts of southeastern Asia.
Dependence of Renal Vasodilator Effect of Captopril on Prevailing Plasma Renin Level in the Dog: Influence of DOCA–Salt Treatment

1. The blood pressure and renal blood flow response to captopril (0·2 mg/kg, intravenously) was studied in low salt, normal, and high salt fed conscious dogs, and in a group of DOCA-salt treated dogs. 2. Mean arterial blood pressure was decreased and renal blood flow increased most in the low salt group, but significant changes were also obtained in the normal group. The high salt and DOCA-salt groups were only marginally affected by captopril. 3. When the data from all four groups of dogs were subjected to regression analysis, there was a significant relationship ( r = 0·68) between the prevailing plasma renin activity and the increase in renal blood flow caused by captopril. 4. The results suggest that renal vasodilatation resulting from converting enzyme inhibition is mainly due to a decrease in the level of circulating angiotensin II, and that even in the normal conscious dog the prevailing plasma renin activity can affect blood pressure and renal blood flow.
Hamlet and Time-Consciousness: A Neurophenomenological Reading

Matthew Kibbee notes the timeliness of literary studies’ turn to consciousness, not only because the cognitive sciences have recently reengaged with fundamental questions about consciousness, but because that engagement challenges historicist approaches to subjective aesthetic experience.
Some Suggestions for Linguists

Linguists who agree to work with attorneys on trademark cases might consider the descriptions of the ten cases described here and consider the following general suggestions.
Intestine Disorder: Neoliberalism and Biomial Politics

An initial foray into the world of microbial lives and their respective human hosts, “Intestine Disorder” represents a new turn in body politics. This chapter integrates cutting-edge science on the human microbiome—the colony of trillions of organisms inhabiting the human body—with older meditations on the politics of immunity and autoimmunity. It approaches the question of the endemic by meditating briefly on the work of Foucault and Priscilla Wald and moves from there to an interrogation of the neoliberal appetite for risk at the extremophile margins of life. Representing an attempt to think through what Geroux calls the politics of the biome, “Intestine Disorder” approaches the key questions of this volume in a way that unsettles fundamental assumptions in the field of contemporary political theory.
Unexpected, Latent Radical Reaction of Methane Propagated by Trifluoromethyl Radicals

Thorough mechanistic studies and DFT calculations revealed a background radical pathway latent in metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions of methane at low temperatures. Use of hydrogen peroxide with TFAA generated a trifluoromethyl radical (•CF3), which in turn reacted with methane gas to selectively yield acetic acid. It was found that the methyl carbon of the product was derived from methane, while the carbonyl carbon was derived from TFAA. Computational studies also support these findings, revealing the reaction cycle to be energetically favorable.
Ce: Preventing Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury

: Diagnostic radiographic imaging scans using intravascular iodinated contrast media can lead to various complications. The most salient of these is contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) or contrast-induced nephropathy, a potentially costly and serious patient safety concern. Prevention strategies are the cornerstone of evidence-based clinical management for patients receiving contrast agents. These include preprocedure screening, stratification of patients based on risk factors, and protective interventions, the most important of which is hydration both before and after the radiographic imaging scan. There is a gap, however, between best evidence and clinical practice in terms of exact hydration protocols. Nurses play an important role in nephropathy prevention and need to be familiar with CI-AKI as a potential complication of radiographic imaging scans. In order to ensure safe, high-quality care, nurses must be involved in efforts to prevent CI-AKI as well as interventions that minimize patients' risk of kidney injury.