cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of extinction coefficients of human hemoglobin in various redox states.

The role of hemoglobin (Hb) redox forms in tissue and organ toxicities remain ambiguous despite the well-documented contribution of Hb redox reactivity to cellular and subcellular oxidative changes. Moreover, several recent studies, in which Hb toxicity were investigated, have shown conflicting outcomes. Uncertainties over the potential role of these species may in part be due to the protein preparation method of choice, the use of published extinction coefficients and the lack of suitable controls for Hb oxidation and heme loss. Highly purified and well characterized redox forms of human Hb were used in this study and the extinction coefficients of each Hb species (ferrous/oxy, ferric/met and ferryl) were determined. A new set of equations were established to improve accuracy in determining the transient ferryl Hb species. Additionally, heme concentrations in solutions and in human plasma were determined using a novel reversed phase HPLC method in conjugation with our photometric measurements. The use of more accurate redox-specific extinction coefficients and method calculations will be an invaluable tool for both in vitro and in vivo experiments aimed at determining the role of Hb-mediated vascular pathology in hemolytic anemias and when Hb is used as oxygen therapeutics.
Evaluation of antiangiogenic therapy with bevacizumab in addition to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer.

e12115Background: Anti-angiogenic therapy improves outcomes in cancer therapy; we hypothesized an improved outcome with the addition of bevacizumab to dose dense neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ddNAC) in...
Writing beyond trauma: Assia Djebar, Maissa Bey, and new national identities after Algeria’s civil war

ABSTRACTAs they confront the convergence of political terror and religious fanaticism in their literary works, Assia Djebar and Maissa Bey mobilise ethical values to articulate a scathing denunciation of violence and terrorism. Their fiction presents new and decolonised forms of Islamic and national identity within traditional Algerian society. This article examines how two authors respond to terrorism and authoritarianism by rethinking and rewriting the question of identity in Algeria in terms that escape the oppressive rhetoric and future imposed either by fundamentalists or the state.
The gut microbiome, symptoms, and targeted interventions in children with cancer: a systematic review.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining children’s health and in preventing and treating children’s disease. Current application of the gut microbiome in childhood cancer is still lacking. This study aimed to systematically review the following: (1) alternations in the gut microbiome throughout cancer treatment trajectories in children, (2) the associations between the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and psychoneurological symptoms (PNS), and (3) the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in the gut microbiome in children with cancer. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology abstract were searched. Eligible studies included all study types in which the gut microbiome was primarily reported in children with cancer. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the methodology quality of included studies. Seven studies met our eligibility criteria, including two cohort studies, two case-control studies, and three randomized controlled trails. The findings showed that the diversity estimates of the gut microbiome in children with cancer were lower than those of healthy controls both pre- and post-treatment. Children with cancer showed a significantly lower relative abundance of healthy gut microbiome (e.g., Clostridium XIVa and Bifidobacterium) during and after cancer treatment. No adequate literature was identified to support the associations between dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and GI symptoms/PNS. The use of prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium or Lactobacilli) appears to improve the microenvironment of the gut around 1 month (4–5 weeks) during chemotherapy rather than at the beginning of treatment. Data also suggest that both prebiotic and probiotic interventions decrease clinical side effects (e.g., infection and morbidity risk) in children with cancer. This study adds to the evidence that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome can be improved using prebiotic and probiotic supplementations in children with cancer. More well-designed experimental studies are needed to confirm this conclusion. Further studies are needed to examine the associations between the gut microbiome and GI symptoms/PNS in childhood cancer.
The uses of silane and surface treatment in bonding.

Abstract Silane (gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) has been used in composite materials since their inception as the coating on filler particles that binds them to a resin matrix. But silane has been found to have other useful purposes. This article will describe clinical techniques utilizing the latest scientific information in repairing or adding to composite restorations, repairing porcelain restoration, and bonding porcelain restorations, posts, and other materials utilizing a resin luting material either alone or in conjunction with other surface treatments such as sandblasting.
Complement Components, C3 and C4, and the Metabolic Syndrome.

Introduction Increased systemic inflammation plays a significant role in the development of adult cardiometabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The complement system is a part of the innate immune system and plays a key role in the regulation of inflammation. Of particular importance is the activation of complement components C3 and C4. C3 is produced primarily by the liver but is also produced in adipocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells, all of which are present in adipose tissues. Dietary fat and chylomicrons stimulate C3 production. Adipocytes in addition to producing C3 also have receptors for activated C3 and other complement components and thus also respond to as well as produce a target for complement. C3adesArg, also known as acylation stimulation factor, increases adipocyte triglyceride synthesis and release. These physiological effects play a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Epidemiologically, obese adults and non-obese adults with cardiometabolic disease who are not obese have been shown to have increased complement levels. C4 levels also correlate with body mass index. Genetically, specific C3 polymorphisms have been shown to predict future cardiovascular events and. D decreased C4 long gene copy number is associated with increased longevity. Conclusion Future research is clearly needed to clarify the role of complement in the development of cardiovascular disease and mechanisms for its action. The complement system may provide a new area for intervention in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.
Phorbol Esters Stimulate Calcium Influx via Voltage-Dependent Channels in A 7 r 5 Vascular Smooth-Muscle Cells

Phorbol esters have been shown to cause a slowly developing and sustained contraction of vascular smooth muscle from a variety of species (Rasmussenet al., 1984; Danthuluri and Deth, 1984; Forderet al., 1985; Gleason and Flaim, 1986; Sybertzet al., 1986; Chatterjee and Tejada, 1986). This action of phorbol esters is presumed to be due to stimulation of protein kinase C., a Ca2+ -phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (Nishizuka, 1984; Castagnaet al., 1982). Phorbol ester-stimulated vascular smooth muscle contraction in many systems is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ (Rasmussenet al., 1984; Danthuluri and Deth, 1984; Forderet al., 1985; Gleason and Flaim, 1986). In rabbit aorta, phorbol-stimulated contraction is inhibited by organic Ca2+ channel antagonists, and is facilitated by the Ca2+ channel agonist BAY K 8644 or by an increase in extracellular Ca2+ concentration (Forderet al., 1985).
Who Do Managers Perceive As Competitors? Real Time Competitive Interactions

This paper explains why spatial distance and competitor similarity influence firm identification of perceived competitors in geographically differentiated markets. In contrast to prior studies that have used surveys or geographic area to identify competitors, I identify the revealed relative importance of a firm’s competitors by examining the competitive actions and responses of firms using data that captures the timing of price changes in the Los Angeles retail gas market. Consistent with predictions, I find that managers monitor a very small number of rivals. The results demonstrate that distance to a rival and similarity between competitors on price and the number of pumps at a station interact to influence the weights assigned to competitors.
Direct Frequency Locking of Lasers to RF Oscillators

A hybrid-integrated frequency-locked loop is presented where an opto-electronic oscillator with a dispersive optical delay line is used to directly frequency lock a semiconductor laser to an RF synthesized source. A tracking range of 4.1 pm at a total power consumption of 33 mW is achieved.
Participation as a Safety Valve: Police Reform Through Participatory Security in Latin America

The institutionalization of community participation in the context of policing has become increasingly common in Latin America as a means of addressing the seemingly intractable increase in crime and insecurity. The creation of formal spaces for community participation in security differs markedly from how police forces have historically operated. Moreover, opening spaces for citizen input and oversight could potentially limit an executive’s control over the police, an important political tool. Why, then, do politicians sometimes turn to “participatory security” when reforming the police? This article argues that politicians choose participation as a safety valve to disaggregate societal discontent, particularly when police-society relations are fractious and police capacity and resources are low. Drawing on qualitative evidence from Buenos Aires Province, Sao Paulo State, and Colombia, this study demonstrates that participation can serve a range of strategic purposes, which, in turn, shape the institutional design of the participatory mechanism.
An extended finite volume model for implicit cohesive zone fracture propagation in a poroelastic medium

Abstract Models for fluid-driven fractures in a poroelastic medium involve the simultaneous simulation of multiple physical processes—diffusion of pore pressure, poroelastic stresses, fluid injection into a fractured porous medium, and fracture propagation. To simulate the above-mentioned physics, many algorithms and discretization techniques have been used in the past. The finite volume method has been gaining popularity for simulating solid mechanics problems. The discretization algorithms discussed in the past have used a segregated method for solving the poroelastic momentum balance, where iterations are necessary to obtain a converged solution for each component of the displacement vector. This segregated approach, when coupled with fluid-driven fracture propagation, can lead to excessive simulation times because of the coupled nature of the problem. In this study, an implicit formulation was designed to construct a linear system of equation for the components of the displacement vector to solve the poroelastic momentum balance equation (without iterating between components). Within this formulation, a fluid-driven fracture propagation model was implicitly incorporated using a cohesive zone approach. This methodology provided accurate solutions as shown by the validations in this paper where simulated results were compared with various well-known analytical solutions. The implicitness of the new model allowed significant improvements in computation speed when solving multi-physics problems. The simulation speed-ups were found to be 2 to 8 times when compared with the segregated method.
Halide-assisted metal ion reduction: emergent effects of dilute chloride, bromide, and iodide in nanoparticle synthesis

Understanding the competing effects of growth-directing additives, such as halide ions, on particle formation in solution phase metal nanoparticle syntheses is an ongoing challenge. Further, trace halide impurities are known to have a drastic impact on particle morphology as well as reproducibility. Herein, we employ a “halide-free” platform as an analogue to commonly used halide-containing surfactants and metal precursors to isolate and study the effects of micromolar concentrations of halide ions (chloride, bromide, and iodide) on the rate of metal ion reduction. In the absence of competing halides from precursors and surfactants, we observe a catalytic effect of low concentrations of halide ions on the rate of metal ion reduction, an influence which is fundamentally different from the previously reported role of halides in metal nanoparticle growth. We propose that this halide-assisted metal ion reduction proceeds via the formation of a halide bridge which facilitates the adsorption of the metal precursor to a growing nanoparticle and, subsequently, electron transfer from the particle surface. We then demonstrate that this process is operative not only in the well-controlled “halide-free” platform, but also in syntheses involving high concentrations of halide-containing surfactants as well as metal precursors with halide ligands. Importantly, this study shows that halide-assisted metal ion reduction can be extended to bimetallic systems and provides a handle for the directed differential control of metal ion reduction in one-pot co-reduction syntheses.
Self-assembly and organization of nanowires

Abstract This chapter mainly discusses recent advances made in general assembly strategies for rational organization of semiconductor nanowires into well-ordered arrays and further integrating these architectures to functional devices. Progress toward nanowire device assembly and integration based on different interactions and/or directed forces, including flow-assisted alignment, Langmuir–Blodgett technique, bubble-blown technique, electric/magnetic field-directed assembly, contact printing, and chemically/biologically driven assembly, is presented. These methods show great potential in organization of nanowires with controlled orientation, alignment density, and spatial position onto various device substrates, which are ultimately necessary for fabrication of future-generation electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, bioelectronic interfaces, and energy conversion and storage systems.
Monitoring Team Interviews during Fieldwork: Some Lessons from India

This article contributes to methodological discussions of monitoring interviewer-administered surveys during fieldwork on wife abuse in India. Researchers collecting primary data often have to navi...
Anti-programmed Death-1 Immunotherapy for Endometrial Cancer with Microsatellite Instability-High Tumors.

Among gynecologic malignancies, mismatch repair–deficient endometrial cancers show the greatest response to anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, such as pembrolizumab. Routine immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular testing should be performed on all endometrial cancers at the time of diagnosis in order to identify endometrial cancers with mismatch repair deficiency that may show improved response to anti-PD-1 therapy in the progressive or metastatic setting. Institutional effort to enroll patients in clinical trials investigating the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in endometrial cancer should be prioritized.
Rate of Motion and Object Perception in the Blind

The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between rate of motion of a blind observer and his ability to perceive obstacles.The subject was a totally blind boy of 11 years who...
Chapter 5 – Shape Operators

Publisher Summary The shape of a surface M in Euclidean space R3 is described infinitesimally by a linear operator S defined on each of the tangent planes of M. This chapter justify this infinitesimal measurements by proving that two surfaces with “the same” shape operators are, in fact, congruent. The algebraic invariants of its shape operators thus have geometric meaning for the surface M. The chapter highlights efficient ways to compute these invariants, and test them on a number of geometrically interesting surfaces. The shape operator is an algebraic object consisting of linear operators on the tangent planes of M, and it is by an algebraic analysis of S that the main geometric invariants of a surface in R3 such as its principal curvatures and directions and its Gaussian and mean curvatures can be achieved. The chapter also describes a way to compute the geometry of a surface M⊂R3 that has a nonvanishing normal vector field Z defined on the entire surface. Here, the notation M⊂R3 means a connected surface M in R3.
Use of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: a National Cancer Database (NCDB) study

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a well-established therapeutic option for patients with locally advanced disease often allowing downstaging and facilitation of breast conserving therapy. With evolution of better targeted treatment regimens and awareness of improved outcomes for significant responders, use of NAC has expanded particularly for triple negative and HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. In this study, we explore utility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative (HR+ HER2−) patients. Patients with HR+ HER2− breast cancer treated with chemotherapy before or after surgery were identified from 2010 to 2015 in the NCDB. Multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates were used to determine associations within these groups. Among 134,574 patients (clinical stage 2A, 64%; 2B, 21%; 3, 15%), 105,324 (78%) had adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and 29,250 (22%) received NAC. Use of NAC increased over time (2010–2015; 13.2–19.4% and PR = 1.34 for 2015; p < 0.0001). Patients were more likely to receive NAC with cT3, cT4, and cN+ disease. Patients less likely to receive NAC were age ≥ 50, lobular carcinoma, increased Charlson-Deyo score, and government insurance. Complete response (pCR) was noted in 8.3% of NAC patients. Axillary downstaging occurred in 21% of patients, and predictors included age < 50 years, black race, poorly differentiated grade, invasive ductal histology, and either ER or PR negativity. NAC use among HR+ HER2− breast cancer patients has expanded over time and offers downstaging of disease for some patients, with pCR seen in only a small subset, but downstaging of the axilla in 21%. Further analysis is warranted to determine the subgroup of patients with HR+ HER2− disease who benefit from this approach.
EARLY ONSET INFECTION IN NEONATES IN A PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: BACTERIOLOGICAL ASPECTS AND IMPACT ON ANTIBIOTIC STRATEGY

Objective To identify the bacteriological profile of germs causing early onset infection in neonates and their impact on empiric antibiotic prescription. Methods Retrospective review of charts of all neonates, aged less then 4 days admitted to a tertiary PICU with the diagnosis of early neonatal culture-proven infection between 1998 and 2007. A special emphasis on type of germ and its antibiotic-related sensibility was made. Results 110 newborns with early onset culture-proven infection were analysed. Mean gestational age (GA) was 34±3 weeks and 60% had GA⩽34 SA. Postnatal age at admission was 13±12 hours. Mean birth weight was 2500±500 grs. Two-thirds of patients had received antibiotics before admission. Overall mortality rate was 16.7%. 61% of isolated bacteria was Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequent species was: group B Streptococcus (38.2%) and Escherichia coli (32%). Multi-drug resistant species was observed in 3.6% and Listeria monocytogenes in one case. Group B Streptococcus was the major germ isolated in term or near term newborn with GA⩾34 weeks (62%) and had a constant sensibility to ampicillin (100%). Escherichia coli species was resistant to ampicillin and to gentamicin in respectively, 37% and 5.7% of cases. Conclusions Gram-negative bacilli still the major cause of early onset neonatal infection. The most frequent isolated bacteria were group B Streptococcus, constantly ampicillin-sensible, and Escherichia coli. Gram-positive cocci were the major causes in neonates ⩾34 weeks and restriction of empiric third-cephalosporin prescription seems to be useful in such neonates.
Creating a More Meaningful Detention Statute: Lessons Learned from Hedges v. Obama

In 2004, the Supreme Court affirmed the President’s power to indefinitely detain members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Nearly ten years later, however, the substantive parameters of executive detention remain unclear. Post-9/11 detention law has been largely shaped by the lower federal courts on a case-by-case basis as they evaluate habeas corpus petitions from detainees held at Guantanamo Bay. In 2012, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress attempted, for the first time, to codify a substantive detention standard in section 1021. Instead of providing clarity, however, section 1021 contained ambiguous terms and created more confusion. On January 13, 2012, a group of writers and activists led by Pulitzer Prize winning–journalist Christopher Hedges challenged this detention law in the Southern District of New York. They argued that section 1021 was vague and might allow for detention based on protected First Amendment activities. In Hedges v. Obama, Judge Katherine Forrest held that a key portion of section 1021 was unconstitutional and permanently enjoined it. That injunction has since been stayed, and the case is currently on appeal in the Second Circuit. This Notes argues that congressional legislation is essential to define and limit the executive’s detention authority but that section 1021 of the NDAA failed to achieve this purpose. The Note provides recommendations for how to create a more meaningful detention statute that imposes clear substantive limits on executive authority. A congressional detention statute with clearly articulated definitions and concepts will not only provide guidance to the President, it will also provide the courts with a coherent standard to use when evaluating the legality of specific detentions.
Benchmark Bird Surveys Help Quantify Counting Accuracy in a Citizen-Science Database

The growth of biodiversity data sets generated by citizen scientists continues to accelerate. Yet, error, bias, and noise continue to be serious concerns for analysts. Counts of birds contributed to eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity online database, present a potentially useful resource for tracking trends over time and space in species’ abundances. We quantified counting errors in a sample of 1406 eBird checklists by comparing numbers contributed by birders (N=246) who visited a popular birding location in Oregon, USA, with numbers generated by a professional ornithologist engaged in a long-term study creating benchmark (reference) measurements of daily waterbird counts. We focused on waterbirds, which are easily visible at this site. We evaluated potential predictors of count differences, including characteristics of contributed checklists, of each species, and of time of day and year. Count differences were biased toward undercounts, with 76% of counts being below the daily benchmark value. When only checklists that actually reported a species known to be present were included, median count errors were -29.1% (range: 0 to -42.8 %; N=20 species). Model sets revealed an important influence of each species’ reference count, which varied seasonally as waterbird numbers fluctuated, and of percent of species known to be present each day that were included on each checklist. That is, checklists indicating a more thorough survey of the species richness at the site also had, on average, lower counting errors. However, even on checklists with the most thorough species lists, counts were biased low and exceptionally variable in their accuracy. To improve utility of such bird count data, we suggest three strategies. 1) assess additional options for analytically determining how to select checklists that have the highest probability of including less biased count data, and explore options for correcting bias during the analysis stage. 2) add options for users to provide additional information in checklists, such as tagging checklists where they focused on obtaining accurate counts. 3) explore opportunities to effectively calibrate citizen-science bird count data by establishing a formalized network of marquis sites where dedicated observers regularly contribute carefully collected benchmark data.
Splenic Artery Embolization for Treatment of Iatrogenic Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon Following Failed Endovascular Splenic Artery Aneurysm Repair.

Stent grafts are utilized to treat and exclude visceral arterial aneurysms while preserving flow through the vessel. Stent-associated thrombocytopenia is a rare complication not typically seen with...
Elucidating the surface compositions of Pd@PtnL core–shell nanocrystals through catalytic reactions and spectroscopy probes

The catalytic behaviors or properties of bimetallic catalysts are highly dependent on the surface composition, but it has been a grand challenge to acquire such information. In this work, we employ Pd@PtnL core-shell nanocrystals with an octahedral shape and tunable Pt shell thickness as a model system to elucidate their surface compositions using catalytic reactions based upon the selective hydrogenation of butadiene and acetylene. Our results indicate that the surface of the core-shell nanocrystals changed from Pt-rich to Pd-rich when they were subjected to calcination under oxygen, a critical step involved in the preparation of many industrial catalysts. The inside-out migration can be attributed to both atomic interdiffusion and the oxidation of Pd atoms during the calcination process. The changes in surface composition were further confirmed using infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This work offers insightful guidance for the development and optimization of bimetallic catalysts toward various reactions.
Providing different levels of network availability in high-speed networks

One of the desired properties of high-speed networks is the ability to provide different levels of grade of service (GOS) to various types of traffic. To achieve this property, each call is assigned a virtual circuit or connection. The network treats each connection and the data packets flowing in it differently according to the GOS parameters specified at the time the connection is established. During nonstationary network conditions when the network is under stress (for example due to link/node failures or during peak hours), it is desirable to provide higher network availability for calls of greater value (or higher priority) than others. This may require that ongoing low-priority calls be preempted to make room for new or rerouted high-priority calls. Call preemption when coupled with the capability to reroute calls (preempted due to preemption or link/node failures) creates a function whose behavior is an interesting phenomenon. The authors investigate the call preemption problem, introduce a simple connection-oriented call control protocol, present an efficient algorithm for selecting calls to be preempted, and present a simulation study of call preemption.
M1--E2 MIXING RATIOS AND CONVERSION-ELECTRON PARTICLE PARAMETERS FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC TRANSITIONS IN $sup 75$As.

Measurements have been made of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and the conversion-electron-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ directional correlations of the 121-280-keV and the 136-265-keV cascades in ${\mathrm{As}}^{75}$ following the decay of ${\mathrm{Se}}^{75}$. High-resolution Ge(Li) and Si(Li) detector systems were used exclusively, providing a significant degree of independence of these results from the effects of competing cascades. The Si(Li) electron spectrometer included a cooled field-effect transistor preamplifier to enhance its operation. The data are used to obtain the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ multipole mixing ratios $\ensuremath{\delta}$ and the internal-conversion particle parameters ${b}_{2}$ for transitions in ${\mathrm{As}}^{75}$. A precise definition of the mixing ratios in terms of reduced emission matrix elements is given in order to determine their sign unequivocally so that a comparison with theoretical predictions will be unambiguous. The results are $\ensuremath{\delta}(280\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{keV} \ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.392\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.011$, $\ensuremath{\delta}(265\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{keV} \ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.06\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$, ${b}_{2}(E1; 121\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{keV} K{e}^{\ensuremath{-}})=\ensuremath{-}1.96\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$, ${b}_{2}(E1; 136\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{keV} K{e}^{\ensuremath{-}})=\ensuremath{-}1.87\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.23$. These values for the mixing ratios are discussed in light of those obtained in other experiments, and a comparison is presented of the results for the particle parameters with the theoretical predictions based on the point- and the finite-size-nucleus pictures.
An Acknowledgment of Concern and a Concern for Lack of Acknowledgment

Connor, U. (1991). Linguistic/rhetorical measures for evaluating ESL writing. In L. Hamp-Lyons (Ed.), Assessing second language writing in academic contexts (pp. 215-226). Norwood, NJ: Ablex. Connor, U., & Carrell, P. L. (in press). The interpretation of tasks by writers and readers in holistically rated direct assessment. In J. Carson & I. Leki (Eds.), Reading in the composition classroom: Second language perspectives. Boston: Newbury House. Schneider, M., & Connor, U. (1990). Topical structure in ESL essays: Not all topics are equal. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 12, 411-427.
Surgical Management of Osseous Hemangioblastoma of the Thoracic Spine: Technical Case Report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spinal hemangioblastomas usually occur as isolated, intramedullary, central nervous system masses, often as a component of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. They may occasionally occur extradurally and give the appearance of vertebral hemangioma. Rarely, they may be purely osseous lesions. The surgical management of these lesions has not been elaborated. We present a case and discuss the management of multilevel osseous hemangioblastoma of the thoracic spine. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old woman with a history of thoracic hemangioblastoma 3 years prior presented with progressive paraparesis. Imaging revealed circumferential tumor involvement of T7 to T9, inclusive. There was severe spinal cord compression. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent surgery via a bilateral lateral extracavitary approach to the tumor. This permitted a complete spondylectomy of T7, T8, and T9, complete tumor removal, and decompression of the spinal cord. Pathological analysis confirmed hemangioblastoma. The spine was reconstructed with an interbody expandable cage and pedicle screw fixation, all placed via the dorsal approach. The patient improved neurologically after the operation. CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, hemangioblastomas may occur in a purely osseous location. They may resemble vertebral hemangioma. Treatment should include aggressive surgical removal, although arduous, if appropriate. A bilateral lateral extracavitary approach is ideal for complete spondylectomy. With this technique, ventral and dorsal reconstruction of the spine through the same incision is possible.
Research on agrichemicals in water resources

A plan to study the effects of agricultural systems on the occurrence of agricultural chemicals in ground and surface waters is being formulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Geological Survey. Initial research will focus on the herbicides atrazine and alachlor, the insecticide carbofuran, and plant nutrient, nitrate, in the midwest cornbelt. The cornbelt has uniquely similar agriculture over a large area. Many hydrologic and agronomic scientific disciplines from several federal and state agencies are being integrated to conduct research at several scales. The integration of information from this research is intended to lead to the identification of major processes affecting agrichemical fate and ultimately to development of farming systems that protect, improve, or remediate water quality.
Physiological effects upon Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) infected with Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)

Unfed adult Amblyomma americanum were exposed to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Ticks exposed to the fungus exhibited reduced survival and increased water loss as indicated by change in weight. Treated ticks survived 7.2 ± 0.22 days (mean ± SE) and controls survived 17.9 ± 0.73 days (P = 0.01; df = 57). At death, ticks exposed to the fungus had lost 25.2 ± 0.84% of their starting weight; control ticks had lost 14.1 ± 0.85% of their starting weight (P = 0.01; df = 96). Water loss was highest immediately following inoculation, although losses continued to be higher than in uninoculated ticks. This suggests that fungal penetration causes sufficient cuticle damage to cause desiccation, although other water-loss avenues exist, including increased time of spiracular opening. Additionally this study did not eliminate the possibility of a negative impact on water vapor uptake. This is the first study to investigate the effect of an entomopathogenic fungus on the water balance of a tick.
Pseudodiverticulosis: Unusual appearance for metastases to the ureter

A rare pseudodiverticular pattern of metastatic malignancy to the ureter is reported along with pathologic findings at postmortem examination in three patients. There was no clinical or pathological obstruction. This pattern is due to malignancy-induced edema in the subepithelial connective tissues and muscularis propria causing displacement of these layers into the ureteral lumen resulting in an undulating epithelial surface. The epithelium itself is normal. Metastases to the ureter is uncommon in life unless associated with ureteral obstruction. Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis found in vivo in a nonobstructed patient with known metastatic malignancy is likely due to inflammatory causes and usually reversible with antibiotic and medical therapy. A patient with widespread malignancy showing nonreversibility of the ureteral pseudodiverticular pattern, even in the absence of obstruction, should be considered a candidate for impending obstruction and followed closely for ureteral stent placement.
A meta-analysis of 36 crisis intervention studies.

This article is designed to increase our knowledge base about effective and contraindicated types of crisis intervention. A number of crisis intervention studies focus on the extent to whichpsychiatricmorbidity(e.g.,depressivedisorders,suicideideation, andposttraumatic stress disorder) was reduced as a result of individual or group crisis interventions or multicomponent critical incident stress management (CISM). In addition, family preservation, also known as in-home intensive crisis intervention, focused on the extent to which out-of-home placement of abused children was reduced at follow-up. There are a small number of evidence-based crisis intervention programs with documented effectiveness. This exploratory meta-analysis of the crisis intervention research literature assessed the results of the most commonly used crisis intervention treatment modalities. This exploratory meta-analysis documented high average effect sizes that demonstrated that both adults in acute crisis or with trauma symptoms and abusive families in acute crisis can be helped with intensive crisis intervention and multicomponent CISM in a large number of cases. We conclude that intensive home-based crisis intervention with families as well as multicomponent CISM are effective interventions. Crisis intervention is not a panacea, and booster sessions are often necessary several months to 1 year after completion of the initial intensive crisis intervention program. Good diagnostic criteria are necessary in using this modality because not all situations are appropriate for it. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 6:10–21 (2006)]
Limited field-of-view multimodal sensor adaptation for data association

We have investigated the utility of field-of-view adaptation for multimodal sensing in cluttered multi-target environments. Measurement data from multiple integrated sensors are collected at a fusion center, which employs a soft association procedure to integrate them into the estimation procedure. A variance penalty model for the limited fields-of-view property is incorporated into the state estimation procedure. This model also forms the basis of an optimization problem that determines the best next-step sensing parameters for the changing target environment. Numerical simulations demonstrate the benefit of the proposed method for both tracking and association metrics compared to a non-adaptive tracker.
The Approximate Representation of the Distant Field of Linear Radiators

After a brief resume of the general theory of the distant field of arrays of linear radiators in terms of the vector potential (including the definition of a radiation function, radiation resistance, and directivity), approximate representations in terms of a sine distribution of current and in terms of an "equivalent" uniform distribution with an "effective length" are considered. It is shown that the conventional definition of an "effective height or length" 2h e for a symmetrical, center-driven antenna of length 2h, viz., 2Ih e = f^ I z dz, does not give the best approximation. This is obtained by expanding the field characteristic in a Fourier series and defining a new "effective length" to be the coefficient of the leading term. It is shown that a reasonably good approximate representation in terms of an "effective length" is possible for antenna half lengths h which are less than λ/π, but not for longer ones. The case of two crossed antennas is discussed as an illustration of the simplification obtained using the approximate formulas.
Characterization of the mitral isthmus for atrial fibrillation ablation using intracardiac ultrasound from within the coronary sinus

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation involving the mitral isthmus and/or the coronary sinus (CS) may result in circumflex artery (Cx) or other collateral structure damage. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) imaging from within the CS to characterize mitral isthmus anatomy and guide ablation. Methods A 9-Fr sheath was introduced into the CS of 30 patients before AF ablation. A 9-Fr rotational ICE catheter was then advanced within the sheath to the distal CS adjacent to the lateral left atrial (LA) wall. Serial cross-sectional images to document the relations of the LA, Cx, CS, esophagus, and pericardium were obtained at multiple points within the CS during a pullback to the CS ostium. Results The Cx was identified in 62/150 positions in 25/30 patients. The median (range) of the LA-Cx distance was 3.3 mm (0.7–19.6 mm), and the median CS-Cx distance was 2.0 mm (0.4–9.7 mm). The esophagus was seen in 36/150 positions in 17/30 patients. The median CS-esophagus distance was 4.0 mm (1.4–16.2 mm). The proximity of the Cx and esophagus to the LA and CS varied considerably. The median CS-mitral annulus distance was 11.9 mm (4.1–21.6 mm). After CS cannulation, the ICE imaging took 5 ± 2 minutes and required 120 ± 60 seconds of fluoroscopy. Conclusions Mitral isthmus anatomy can be accurately characterized by rotational ICE imaging from within the CS. There is great variability in the location and proximity of the Cx, CS, esophagus, and pericardium to the LA. Real-time identification of these structures could help to plan ablation strategies and potentially reduce complications.
Hydrodynamic motions of large molecules

Abstract Advances in the theory and simulation of the hydrodynamic motion of large biological molecules have been made in three major areas. The first of these is the important connection between the diffusive motion of molecules and their biochemical reactions, for which Brownian dynamics simulation theory has been employed to predict reaction rates in which diffusion plays a dominant role. Second is the nature of hindered diffusion of large molecules in crowded solutions such as exist in vivo. Third is the continued work on realistic inclusion of internal flexibility in treatments of macromolecular transport.
On Haldane’s formulation of Luria and Delbrück’s mutation model

Two formulations of Luria and Delbruck's mutation model have been in common use since the 1940s. While mathematicians focused their attention on the formulation of Lea and Coulson that assumes asynchronous cell growth, biologists found more appealing the formulation of Haldane that assumes synchronous cell growth. This article attempts to solve several outstanding issues for the latter formulation. First, it provides an exact, closed-form expression for the mutant distribution by correcting a minor error in the literature. Second, it presents a novel algorithm for computing the mutant distribution, which leads to novel methods for computing point and interval estimates of mutation rates based on the maximum likelihood principle. Third, it critically examines existing methods based on the mean number of mutants. Finally, it compares the two formulations to underline their strengths and shortcomings.
Spent nuclear fuel and residential property values: the influence of proximity, visual cues and public information

This article examines whether public knowledge of spent fuel storage at nuclear power plants, and any local adverse risk perceptions that may have occurred, affect the sale price of single-family residential properties. We present evidence from the Rancho Seco, California, plant on residential property values using an hedonic modeling framework. We include a large number of control variables, data with a high level of spatial detail and a number of public information variables in order to model property market effects within a fifteen mile radius of the plant. Our findings indicate that proximity and visual reminders of the plant have some influence on local property markets, and that there is a small media coverage effect on single-family home sale prices.
Facilitating the Furrowed Brow: An Unobtrusive Test of the Facial Feedback Hypothesis Applied to Unpleasant Affect.

Abstract We examined the hypothesis that muscle contractions in the face influence subjective emotional experience. Previously, researchers have been critical of experiments designed to test this facial feedback hypothesis, particularly in terms of methodological problems that may lead to demand characteristics. In an effort to surmount these methodological problems Strack, Martin, and Stepper (1988) developed an experimental procedure whereby subjects were induced to contract facial muscles involved in the production of an emotional pattern, without being asked to actually simulate an emotion. Specifically, subjects were required to hold a pen in their teeth, which unobtrusively creates a contraction of the zygomaticus major muscles, the muscles involved in the production of a human smile. This manipulation minimises the likelihood that subjects are able to interpret their zygomaticus contractions as representing a particular emotion, thereby preventing subjects from determining the purpose of the experi...
The electromagnetic compatibility research of electronic transformer under simulated complex environment

Electronic transformers have reliability problem during practical application. The operation of breaker or disconnector could cause to the fault of electronic transformer which hinders the further generalization of electronic transformer in intelligent substation. This paper studies EMC technique of electronic transformer by simulating complex substation environment. Lighting impulse experimental circuit, short time current experimental circuit and 220kV GIS disconnector switching on/off experimental circuit are constructed. Based on these experimental circuits, this paper investigates EMC technique of electronic transformer under high voltage and short circuit current, EMC technique of electronic transformer during operating disconnector. The results show that experienced manufacturers have rip experience of EMC techniques under high voltage and short circuit current. The faults of electronic transformers appeared during transient process are consistent with the faults appeared during practical application in intelligent substation. EMC testing data of experimental circuit exceed the demands of national standard of electronic transformer. The present EMC standard of electronic transformer is a general standard, parts of test demands are far lower than EMC level of substation. EMC standard of electronic transformer which accords with EMC level of substation should be formulated. This paper provides forceful foundation to EMC test method and test standard of electronic transformer.
Developmental effects of Brugia pahangi (Nematoda: Filarioidea) to high temperature in susceptible genotypes of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

The sensitivity of developing Brugia pahangi larvae to high temperature stress was tested in 3 known susceptible genotypes of Aedes aegypti . Three-day-old female mosquitoes wcre fed on infectcd jirds ( Meriones unguiculatus ), then subjected to 27° (control), 32°, and 37°C. Mosquitoes were dissected 8 to 10 days after infection and the number of active, fully developed 3rd-stage larvae per female mosquito was analyzed. All 3 strains demonstrated an average decrease of 17% in susceptibility when maintained at 37°C. Both the PUGU and SOFI strains were decreased by 34% and 11%, respectively. The BWAMBA strain gave a slight decrease of 7%. However, the mean number of infective larvae (L3) per female supported at 37°C was reduced significantly. BWAMBA and PUGU displayed a 2-fold decrease in L3; SOFI gave a 1-fold decrease, which was also significant (t = 2.945, P<0.01). Although both the BWAMBA and SOFI strains showed slight increases in susceptibility and mean L3 at 32°C, these differences were not statistically significant when compared to the controls at 27°C.
Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil

Objective To characterize the patient population referred for radiation therapy for tonsillar cancer and to assess the effectiveness of use only radiation therapy in this population. Design We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1970 through 1988 for radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsillar region. Material and Methods The median age of the 21 study patients was 65 years (range, 45 to 92), and the male:female ratio was 12:9. In all patients, follow-up continued until death or for 2.25 to 16.25 years. Of the 21 patients, 17 had tumors that were either surgically unresectable or medically inoperable, and 20 had clinical stage III or IV disease. The median total dose of irradiation was 55 Gy. Results Local control of the tonsillar cancer was as follows: T2, four of five patients; T3, seven of seven; and T4, five of nine. Thus, the local control rate was 76%. No associations were discovered among local control, total dose of radiation therapy, dose per fraction, overall duration of treatment, age, sex, or reason for referral for radiation therapy. Control of metastatic cervical adenopathy was as follows: clinical stage N1, seven of seven patients; N2, six of seven; and N3, one of one. (Six study patients had no nodal involvement.) The estimated 5-year cause-specific survival and overall survival rates were 77% and 31%, respectively. Conclusion This study substantiates the effectiveness of radiation therapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.