cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of the rat thalamus: III. Time and site of origin and settling pattern of neurons of the reticular nucleus.

Short-survival, sequential, and long-survival thymidine radiograms of rat embryos, fetuses, and young pups were analyzed in order to examine the time of origin, settling pattern, migratory route, and site of origin of neurons of the reticular nuclear complex of the thalamus. On the basis of its chronoarchitectonics, the reticular nucleus was divided into a central, medial, and lateral subnucleus. The central subnucleus is the earliest produced component of the entire thalamus with over 50% of its neurons being generated on day E13 and another 40% on day E14. Peak production of neurons of the lateral and medial subnuclei is on day E14. There is a lateral (earlier) to medial (later) neurogenetic gradient between these two components of the reticular complex: only about 12% of the lateral subnucleus neurons, but close to 30% of the medial subnucleus neurons, are generated on day E15. Because the lateral and medial subnuclei display the typical outside-in gradient found in the thalamus, they are considered to constitute a single cytogenetic sector; the early generated central subnucleus, which violates this order, is considered to constitute a separate cytogenetic sector. Observations are presented that neurons of the central reticular subnucleus originate in a unique neuroepithelial region, the reticular protuberance. The migration of heavily labeled cells was traced from this region in rats labeled with 3H-thymidine on day E13 and killed on the subsequent days. The neurons of the lateral and medial reticular subnuclei originate in the reticular lobule of the thalamic neuroepithelium. The migration of heavily labeled, spindle-shaped cells was traced from this region in rats labeled with 3H-thymidine on days E14 and E15 and killed at daily intervals thereafter. The neurogenetic gradient of the reticula thalamic complex seen in postnatal rats is established before birth.
Mathematical biological of social behavior: II

A group of individuals is considered in which each individual has tendencies to exhibit one or another of two mutually exclusive behaviors. Neurobiophysically this may be described in terms of Landahl's reciprocally inhibited parallel reaction chains. The spontaneous excitations e1 and e2 at the central connections of each chain are a measure of the “natural” tendency of the individual toward one or the other of the two behaviors. According to equations derived by H. D. Landahl, the probability of one or the other behavior is determined by the difference e1 − e2. A population of individuals is considered in which e1 − e2 is distributed in some continuous way, and therefore in which the probability of a given behavior is distributed continuously between 0 and 1. The effect of other individuals exhibiting a given behavior is to increase the corresponding e of the individual. Thus behavior of others affects the probability for a given behavior of each individual. It is shown that the equations describing the behavior of the population on the basis of this neurobiophysical picture reduce in the first approximation to the differential equations which were postulated by the author in his previous work on social behavior.
An extreme value paradigm for the effect of size of target volume on end results in radiation oncology.

In clinical radiation oncology, it is commonly reported that complications of normal tissue occur more readily at larger field sizes for a given dose and recurrence of disease is observed more frequently from the larger tumors for a given dose. Cognate phenomena have long been observed in the study of the strength of materials. That is, the larger specimens will fracture under less applied stress, breakdown under less applied voltage, corrode in a shorter time, etc. The statistical theory of extreme values has provided both a rational explanation and a technique for exploitation of these ‘‘size effects’’ on the likelihood of specimen failure. This theory describes the relation which exists between the parameters (in particular, the location parameter) of the frequency distributions of the extreme values [smallest x (1) and largest x (n) ] in a sample from a population of observations x i and the sample size n. It is shown in the present paper that the clinical failure phenomena are not inconsistent with the statistical theory of extreme values. The paper presents heuristic comparisons of the predictions of this theory with the received clinical observations of the effect of the size of the volume of irradiated tissues on the likelihood of occurrence of the misadventures of clinical radiation oncology: recurrence of disease and complication of normal tissue. The concordance of observations and predictions is acceptable. The quality and quantity of the currently available data have precluded the construction of any apodictic representations.
The Mechanics of Initial Transcription: The RNA-DNA Hybrid Pushes on the Protein, and the Protein Pushes Back!

RNA polymerases must couple the energetics of nucleotide addition to drive timed release of strong promoter contacts. RNA polymerases also undergo substantial structural changes in transitioning from sequence-specific initial transcription to stable elongation. Initially transcribing complexes are characteristically unstable, yielding short abortive products, but polymerase mutations have been isolated that dramatically reduce abortive instability. Understanding these mutations is essential to understanding the energetics of initial transcription and promoter clearance. using fluorescence probes of structural changes, we demonstrate that the low-abortive P266L mutant T7 RNA polymerase also transitions to elongation at longer lengths of RNA. We propose that both properties derive from a weakening of the initial barrier to hybrid-driven rotation of the promoter binding N-terminal platform, a motion necessary to drive promoter release. While the hybrid pushes on this protein element, the protein in turn pushes back on the hybrid, leading to the observed instability during initial transcription. Parallel biochemical experiments on bacterial RNA polymerase show that the sigma region 3.2 linker (analogous to the eukaryotic RNA polymerase “B-finger”) functions in a very similar manner. Thus the mechanical “pushing” of the RNA-DNA hybrid against the protein is met by a reciprocal, and destabilizing, pushing of the protein against the hybrid.
Short-lived flare-like phenomena in the quiet chromosphere

Objects resembling small and intense flares that last on the order of tens of minutes and seem to be unrelated to other activity have been observed. They are strikingly evident in full disc Hα cinematograms.
Comparing floral nectar and aphid honeydew diets on the longevity and nutrient levels of a parasitoid wasp

We compared the effects of floral nectar from buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, and honeydew produced by the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Homoptera: Aphididae), on longevity, nutrient levels, and egg loads of the parasitoid Diadegma insulare Cresson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Diadegma insulare lived for 2 days in control treatments of water or clean soybean leaves, for 6-7 days with honeydew, and in excess of 2 weeks with buckwheat nectar. Potential reasons for the superiority of buckwheat nectar over soybean aphid honeydew for extending the longevity of parasitoids include: (i) parasitoids ingest more sugars from floral sources, (ii) oligosaccharides in honeydew have a lower nutritional value than nectar sugars, and (iii) honeydew has antagonistic compounds. Overall sugar levels were lower in honeydew- vs. nectar-fed female wasps, suggesting a lower feeding rate, but other explanations cannot be excluded. Diadegma insulare eclosed with high levels of lipids and glycogen, and low levels of gut and storage sugars. All carbohydrates increased over the life of both nectar- and honeydew-fed wasps, but remained low or decreased in starved wasps. Lipid levels declined over the lifespan of female wasps, but females fed floral nectar showed the slowest rate of lipid decline. Diet did not affect egg load, probably because the females were not given hosts in the experiment.
Semitendinosus Augmentation of Acute Patellar Tendon Repair with immediate Mobilization

We report four cases of acute midsubstance rupture of the patellar tendon that were treated with primary sur gical repair along with semitendinosus autograft aug mentation. The goal of this treatment was to allow im mediate mobilization of the knee with a single operative procedure. We also demonstrate a technique for de termining patellar position intraoperatively. Patients were tested for functional performance at an average final followup of 40 months (range, 20 to 66) including hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength evaluation, completion of a functional questionnaire, functional test performance, range of motion assessment, and patellar tendon length measurement. In evaluating the results, all cases were essentially identical to the nonoperated side, except one knee that had multiple associated liga ment injuries. The multitude of injuries to this knee are likely the cause of the discrepancy. Immediate midsub stance patellar tendon repair with semitendinosus aug mentation allowed immediate mobiliza...
Identification of a messenger ribonucleic acid fraction in human prostatic cancer cells coding for a novel osteoblast-stimulating factor.

Prostatic cancer is frequently associated with new bone formation although the tumor-derived factors responsible for changes in bone cell function have not been identified. We have examined the synthesis of osteoblast-stimulating factors in a cultured human prostatic cancer cell line (PC-3) and show that conditioned medium from PC-3 cells stimulate mitogenesis and alkaline phosphatase in cells with the osteoblast phenotype (cultured rat osteosarcoma cells) and collagen synthesis in fetal rat calvaria. In order to characterize tumor-derived gene products which stimulate cells of the osteoblast phenotype messenger RNA (mRNA) was isolated from PC-3 cells and microinjected into Xenopus laevis oocytes. mRNA-directed translation products which were secreted into the oocyte medium were collected and assayed for a number of osteoblast stimulating properties. Translation products from PC-3 mRNA-injected oocytes stimulated division of cultured osteosarcoma cells by 8-fold and increased DNA synthesis as measured by ...
Three-dimensional transform compression of images from dynamic studies

Transform based compression methods achieve their effect by taking advantage of the correlations between adjacent pLtels in an image. The increasing use of three-dimensional imaging studies in radiology requires new techniques for image compression. For time-sequenced studies such as digital subtraction angiography, pixels are correlated between images, as well as within an image. By using three-dimensional cosine transforms, correlations in time as well as space can be exploited for image compression. Sequences of up to eight 512 x 512 x 8-bit images were compressed using a single full volume three-dimensional cosine transform, followed by quantization and bit-allocation. The quantization process is a uniform thresholding type and an adaptive three-dimensional bit-allocation table is used. The resultant image fidelity vs. compression ratio was shown to be superior to that achieved by compressing each image individually.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The prospects for high resolution optical brain imaging: the magnetic resonance perspective

Various analogs of NMR and MRI are now technically possible in optics; specifically, high-resolution laser-pulse shaping and complex pulse sequence generation with well-defined phase shifts has been demonstrated. Here we summarize this technology and discuss the potential for these methods to enhance optical functional imaging, competing with (and surpassing?) what is possible by functional MRI.
Survival of parenchymal hepatocytes irradiated with 14.3 MeV neutrons

The purpose of these experiments was to estimate the RBE of neutrons for parenchymal hepatocytes as a function of neutron dose and to determine the ability of liver cells to repair potentially lethal damage (PLD) after neutron exposure. Hepatocyte reproductive survival was used as the biological end point in these studies and hepatocyte survival was determined with an in vivo transplantation clonogenic assay system. The 14.3 MeV neutrons were generated by a D-T reaction at the University of Wisconsin's gas target neutron source. The average neutron dose rate was 20 cGy/min. The estimated survival data for neutron exposed hepatocytes were best described by a single hit-single target model (i.e., n = 1.0) with a D0 = 170 cGy. In contrast to the results obtained with 60Co, hepatocytes exposed to neutrons are unable to repair PLD. The RBE value, when the reproductive survival was estimated 30 min after radiation exposure, is independent of neutron dose and equal to 1.6 +/- 0.1. In contrast, when the reproductive survival was estimated 24 hrs after radiation exposure, the RBE was found to increase with decreasing neutron dose and equal 4.2 +/- 0.5 at 50 cGy.
The effect of mergers on implied volatility of equity options

Abstract This paper uses a sample of 25 large mergers from 1996 to 2004 to study the effect of mergers on the implied volatilities of equity options. The results indicate a statistically significant increase in volatility beyond the amount predicted if the transaction were effectively nothing more than a portfolio combination of the target and acquirer. The disparity suggests that, at least for the first 18 months after the transaction becomes effective, market participants expect mergers to increase risk. Integration risk and uncertainty about the extent to which efficiency gains and greater market power are realized are possible explanations for the discrepancy.
Spectral theory of finite volume domains in Rn

Abstract Let Ω be an arbitrary open subset of R n of finite positive measure, and assume the existence of a subset Λ ⊂ R n such that the exponential functions eλ = exp i(λ1x1 + … + λnxn), λ = (λ1,…, λn) ∈ Λ, form an orthonormal basis for L 2 (Ω) with normalized measure. Assume 0 ∈ Λ and define subgroups K and A of ( R n, +) by K = Λ0 = {γ ∈ R n:γ·λ ∈ 2π Z }, A = {a ∈ R n:Ua m U∗a = m }, where Ut is the unitary representation of R n on L 2 (Ω) given by Ute = eitλeλ, t ∈ R n, λ ∈ Λ, and where m is the multiplication algebra of L ∞ (Ω) on L2. Assume that A is discrete. Then there is a discrete subgroup D ⊃ A of dimension n, a fundamental domain D for D, and finite sets of representers RΛ, RΓ, R Ω , each containing 0, RΛ for A K in K0, and R Ω for A K in A such that Ω is disjoint union of translates of D : Ω = ∪a∈RΩ (a + D ), neglecting null sets, and Λ = RΛ ⊕ D0. If RΓ is a set of representers for D A in D, then Γ = RΓ ⊕ K is a translation set for Ω, i.e., Ω ⊕ Γ = R n, direct sum, (neglecting null sets). The case A = R n corresponds to Ω = D , Λ = D0 and Γ = K. This last case corresponds in turn to a function theoretic assumption of Forelli.
A comparative study of joint formulations: application to multibody system tracked vehicles

This paper is focused on the dynamic formulation of mechanical joints using different approaches that lead to different models with different numbers of degrees of freedom. Some of these formulations allow for capturing the joint deformations using a discrete elastic model while the others are continuum-based and capture joint deformation modes that cannot be captured using the discrete elastic joint models. Specifically, three types of joint formulations are considered in this investigation; the ideal, compliant discrete element, and compliant continuum-based joint models. The ideal joint formulation, which does not allow for deformation degrees of freedom in the case of rigid body or small deformation analysis, requires introducing a set of algebraic constraint equations that can be handled in computational multibody system (MBS) algorithms using two fundamentally different approaches: constrained dynamics approach and penalty method. When the constrained dynamics approach is used, the constraint equations must be satisfied at the position, velocity, and acceleration levels. The penalty method, on the other hand, ensures that the algebraic equations are satisfied at the position level only. In the compliant discrete element joint formulation, no constraint conditions are used; instead the connectivity conditions between bodies are enforced using forces that can be defined in their most general form in MBS algorithms using bushing elements that allow for the definition of general nonlinear forces and moments. The new compliant continuum-based joint formulation, which is based on the finite element (FE) absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), has several advantages: (1) It captures modes of joint deformations that cannot be captured using the compliant discrete joint models; (2) It leads to linear connectivity conditions, thereby allowing for the elimination of the dependent variables at a preprocessing stage; (3) It leads to a constant inertia matrix in the case of chain like structure; and (4) It automatically captures the deformation of the bodies using distributed inertia and elasticity. The formulations of these three different joint models are compared in order to shed light on the fundamental differences between them. Numerical results of a detailed tracked vehicle model are presented in order to demonstrate the implementation of some of the formulations discussed in this investigation.
An open letter to cancer researchers.

Over the past two years, panel discussions have been held to propose recommendations to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) regarding critical initiatives in cancer biology. One outcome was a proposal for a new initiative, the Human Cancer Genome Project (HCGP) ([1][1]). This program involves
Formation of local moments on iron in alkali-metal hosts

Calculs d'onde diffusee, de champ auto-coherent et de spin polarise sur des amas de FeM 14 , FeM 26 et FeCa 18 (M=Li, Na, K, Rb), modelisant les environnements locaux d'une impurete isolee de Fe dans des hotes (M)bcc et (Ca)fcc. Explication des resultats en termes d'hybridation
Cooperation and the variation of payoff in non-zero-sum games

The relationship between cooperative play and specific matrix entry values was examined for three non-zero-sum games. A competitive choice in games II and III offered the possibility of equal differential gain over the other player, but differential gain greater than that offered by a competitive choice in game I. The amount of absolute gain available through a competitive choice was the same in games I and II, but greater in game III. Thus, competition offered the least amount of differential gain for game I, equal differential gain for games II and III, equal absolute gain for games I and II, and greatest absolute gain for game III. Ss were found to be highly cooperative in game I, somewhat less cooperative in game II, and markedly less cooperative in game III. The predominantly cooperative behavior of Ss in games I and II is at variance with findings previously reported in the literature.
Depression and self-focused attention

Recent research on self-focused attention has indicated effects that parallel several cognitive and affective phenomena associated with depression. Specifically, discrepancies between perceived real and ideal self, increased affective response, self-attribution for negative events, and accurate self-reports occur both in depression and as a result of self-focused attention. A study is reported that investigated the relationship between depression and a measure of private self-consciousness, a dispositional measure of the tendency to attend to one's inner thoughts and feelings. As predicted, a reliable positive relationship was found. The potential role of self-focused attention in maintaining and exacerbating depression was discussed.
Interacting effects of N-terminal variation and strex-exon splicing on slo potassium channel regulation by calcium, phosphorylation and oxidation

We have investigated the structural basis for the phenotype of a native rat Slo (rSlo) potassium channel (BK(Ca); KCNMA1) in a rat pituitary cell line, GH(4)C(1). Opposing regulation of these calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels by cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases requires an alternatively spliced exon (strex) of 59 amino acids in the cytoplasmic C terminus of the pore-forming alpha subunit encoded by rslo. However, inclusion of this cysteine-rich exon produces a 10-fold increase in the sensitivity of the channels to inhibition by oxidation. Inclusion of the strex exon also increases channel sensitivity to stimulation by calcium, but responses in the physiological ranges of calcium and voltage require coassembly with beta(1) subunits. With strex present, however, beta(1) subunits only stimulated channels assembled from rSlo alpha subunits with a truncated N terminus beginning MDALI-. Thus N-terminal variation and strex exon splicing in rSlo interact to produce BK(Ca) channels with a physiologically relevant phenotype.
Early ventricular restraint after MI: Cautionary results

RESULTS: Relative to sham animals, Plk1 was downregulated 4 weeks after banding. One week after debanding, LVH had functionally regressed and Plk1 expression had normalized. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of Plk1 in cardiomyocytes. BrdU expression in debanded hearts was increased compared to banded animals (22.4 / 2.3 vs. 12.1 / 1.7 positive cells/1000). Finally, Plk1 expression was upregulated in human myocardium following mechanical relief with LVAD therapy.
Behavioural responses of herring gulls Larus argentatus to aircraft noise

Abstract The behaviour of nesting and loafing herring gulls Larus argentatus was compared when the birds were exposed to supersonic transport, subsonic aircraft and normal colony noises at Jamaica Bay National Recreational Area. No effects of subsonic aircraft on nesting gulls were noted. However, when supersonic transports flew over, significantly more nesting gulls flew from their nests, and they engaged in more fights when they landed compared with the other conditions. Many eggs were broken during these fights, and subsequently eggs were eaten by intruders. At the end of the incubation period there were lower mean clutch sizes in dense sections (more potential for fights) of the colony compared with solitary nesting pairs of gulls. For loafing gulls, significantly more birds flushed when planes flew over compared with immediately before and after such plane noises.
Carbohydrate feeding increases total body and specific tissue 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine neogenesis in the rat.

The glucose-fed rat, in contrast to the chow-fed animal, has a higher serum total T3 concentration and an increase in the hepatic content of T4 5′-deiodinase (type I) activity. The mechanism and significance of these glucose-induced changes in T3 metabolism are elucidated in this study. To focus on extrathyroidal thyroid hormone metabolism the kinetic parameters were determined in thyroidectomized T4-replaced rats (1.25 μgT4/100 g BWday). Kinetics of T4 and T3 were studied separately by infusing labeled hormone to equilibrium. Glucose feeding for 72 h (G) significantly increased both the total and free serum T3 concentrations compared to the respective means in the chow-fed control group (P). The glucoseinduced changes in serum T3 reflect the approximate doubling of T3 production to 14.7 ± 0.6 ng/h · 100 g in G rats compared to 7.6 ± 0.7 ng/h · 100 g in P rats. The higher T3 production rate in the G group is due to a significant increase in the fractional total body T4 to T3 conversion (0.33 ± 0.02) compa...
Excited Hyperon of Mass 1520 Mev

Investigations of the K-p interaction at about 400 Mev/c were made. Cross seetions for K- momenta were measured, and momentum dependence of the cross section for reactions K- + p - A + pi /sup +/ + pi - and K- + p - K + n was observed. Existence of an excited hyperon with l520 plus or minus 3 Mev mass, r/2 = 8 Mev half width, 0 isotopic spin, even parity with respect to K-p (D,.), and branching ratios of KN: SIGMA pi of DELTA 2 pi = 3 of 5: 1 was established. (L.N.N.)
Rotational, vibrational and electronic excitation of a neutral nitrogen molecule in the ICP

Abstract Diagnostics of nitrogen molecules in the inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP) have been evaluated with respect to collisional processes with electrons, argon atoms and nitrogen molecules. Based on reaction probabilities, defined as the product of the rate coefficient and number density of colliding species, argon collisions were proposed as the dominant excitation mechanism for rotational transitions of N2, while vibrational transitions showed complex behavior depending upon the vibrational quantum number. Furthermore, the excitation mechanism for electronic levels was considered by applying the collisional-radiative model including heavy particle collisions, such as mutual N2 impact and Penning processes.
Effect of Simulated Shoulder Thermal Capsulorrhaphy Using Radiofrequency Energy on Glenohumeral Fluid Temperature

Purpose: To determine joint fluid temperatures at different time intervals during treatment with radiofrequency energy (RFE) applied in intermittent and continuous treatment manners under flow or no-flow conditions using a simulated shoulder joint model. Type of Study: In vitro measurement of simulated joint fluid temperature during RFE treatment. Methods: A custom-built jig with a chamber (volume size, 25 mL) was used to mimic the adult human shoulder. Three RFE systems: Vulcan EAS plus TAC-S probe (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA); VAPR II plus End-Effect Electrode (Mitek, Westwood, MA); and ArthroCare 2000 plus TurboVac 90° probe (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA) were tested in the chamber with saline solution initially set at 23°C. Each RFE probe was applied in a paintbrush pattern on the capsular tissue in the chamber and a fluoroptic thermometry probe was placed 1 cm above the RFE treatment probe to record the fluid temperature. Both intermittent and the continuous treatment manners were tested under flow and no-flow conditions. For each probe/manner/flow combination, 6 bovine capsular tissue specimens were tested (n = 6). All data were recorded using a HyperTerminal software program (Hilgraeve Inc, Monroe, MI) into a personal computer. Results: When using intermittent and continuous treatment manners with flow, all recorded chamber fluid temperatures for all tested RFE probes at each time interval were below 40°C. Under no-flow conditions, with intermittent treatment, the ArthroCare probe caused joint fluid temperatures to exceed 50°C after 70 seconds of RFE treatment. With the continuous treatment, the ArthroCare caused chamber fluid temperatures to exceed 65°C after 2 minutes of treatment. The highest mean recorded chamber fluid temperature was caused by ArthroCare probe, which reached 80°C at 3 minutes. For all probes, continuous treatment caused significantly higher chamber fluid temperatures than intermittent treatment. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that using flow during thermal capsulorrhaphy could lower joint fluid temperature to prevent heated joint fluid from killing chondrocytes of articular cartilage, and the intermittent treatment manner caused lower fluid temperature compared with continuous treatment within the RFE-treated shoulder joint. Clinical Relevance: Articular cartilage of the humeral head may suffer potential thermal injury from heating of joint fluid during RFE thermal capsulorrhaphy.
Flying Field and Airway Lighting

This paper discusses methods of lighting airports and airways and describes various types of lamps and equipment used for this purpose. In the information on airport illumination are included beacons, obstruction lights, boundary lights, illuminated wind direction indicators, field and building flood lights, signal lights, and ceiling illumination. The portion on airway lighting covers principal and intermediate beacons and emergency field lighting. An extensive bibliography is included.
Bird-feeding ticks transstadially transmit Borrelia burgdorferi that infect Syrian hamsters.

Bird-feeding Ixodes dammini ticks were documented for the first time to successfully molt and transstadially pass Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes that were indistinguishable by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from the type B31 strain. Forty-six of 73 blood-engorged larvae and 50 of 66 fully-fed nymphs, removed from wild-caught birds, successfully molted. Borreliae were isolated from 21 of 78 partially- and fully-fed larvae off birds, including six specimens that molted. Spirochete-positive cultures also were obtained from 35 of 60 partially-and fully-fed nymphs that had fed from birds, including 20 nymphs that molted into adult ticks. Transstadially passed borreliae by bird-feeding larval and nymphal I. dammini were infectious to hamsters, leading us to suggest that these ticks are capable of subsequently transmitting infectious spirochetes to mammals, including humans. An isolate of B. burgdorferi, recovered from a bird-feeding larval Ixodes dentatus, was indistinguishable by s...
High-dose cyclophosphamide in the treatment of refractory lymphomas and solid tumor malignancies

Twenty-two patients with refractory solid tumors or lymphoma were treated with a single course of high-dose cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg intravenously [IV] over 2 days) whereas three patients received two courses each. Marrow infusion was not used. In the 22 courses evaluable for tumor response there were 14 responses (64%) of which 11 were partial responses (PR) (50%) and three complete responses (CR) (14%). In the 12 evaluable courses given in patients with lymphoid malignancies a partial response was obtained in seven (58%) and complete response in two (17%) for an overall response rate of 75%. The median duration of response was short: 2 months (range, 1-12 months). Twenty-seven courses were evaluable for toxicity. All patients had nadir polymorphonuclear leukocytes counts less than 500/mm3 with median time to recovery to a level greater than 500/mm3 of 9 days (range, 6-21 days). The median nadir platelet count was 30,000/mm3. One patient had prolonged thrombocytopenia of 225 days. There were two toxic deaths related to leukopenia, one secondary to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and the second from probable sepsis and cholecystitis. Nineteen patients had previously received cyclophosphamide in standard doses. In the patients with lymphoid malignancies who had previously received cyclophosphamide, 22% achieved a CR with an overall response rate of 78%. High-dose cyclophosphamide may be given with acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated patients. Given the short response duration in patients with progressive disease, the optimal results of such high-dose cyclophosphamide may be achieved when it is employed earlier in the natural history of the disease in conjunction with other alkylators, or as consolidation therapy.
Free swelling and confined smart hydrogels for applications in chemomechanical sensors for physiological monitoring

We investigate thin films of "smart" polymer hydrogels used to convert miniature pressure sensors into novel chemomechanical sensors. In this versatile sensing approach, a smart hydrogel is confined between a porous membrane and the diaphragm of a piezoresistive pressure transducer. An increase in the environmental analyte concentration, as sensed through the pores of the membrane, is detected by measuring the change in pressure exerted by the hydrogel on the pressure transducer diaphragm. We compare the response of such a sensor with the response of a free-swelling hydrogel identical to the one used within the sensor. The sensor and the free hydrogel are observed to have comparable mean response times. However, the time-dependent response curve of the sensor, unlike that of the free hydrogel, is highly asymmetric between swelling and deswelling, with a smaller time constant for deswelling. We also investigate novel methods for increasing sensor sensitivity, such as use of a two-layer membrane with a nanoporous polymer inner layer, and pre-loading of the hydrogel under pressure. In ionic strength response tests, use of an inner membrane increases sensor sensitivity without increasing mean response time, an effect that varies with membrane water fraction.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of four polytypes of SiC

We calculated ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\infty}}}$ and second-order nonlinear coefficients d=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}^{(2)}$/2 for four SiC polytypes as well as ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\infty}}}$ for diamond within the local-density approximation (LDA), and using the LDA wave functions with a self-energy correction in the form of a scissors operator \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathit{P}}_{\mathit{c}\mathbf{k}}$ to adjust the band gaps. For all the wide-band-gap materials we have studied so far, we find that the \ensuremath{\Delta} needed to reproduce the optical response properties is less than the \ensuremath{\Delta} deduced by GW calculations or needed to reproduce the experimentally observed band gaps. This is in contrast to the small- to medium-gap semiconductors we studied previously. For nH SiC with n\ensuremath{\ge}4, our predictions for d are close to the only experimental data. Our calculations show that both d and the local-field corrections to d for nH SiC form a trend as n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}. The ${\mathit{d}}_{113}$/${\mathit{d}}_{333}$ ratios we predicted for different SiC polytypes differ from those of bond-charge-model predictions.
Sequential estimation of means of linear processes

First the minimum risk point estimation as well as the fixed-width confidence interval problems for the mean parameter of a linear process are addressed under the framework of Fakhre-Zakeri and Lee (1992). The accelerated versions of their full sequential methodologies are introduced in order to achieve operational savings. Next, multi-sample analogs are discussed along the lines of Mukhopadhyay and Sriram (1992) both under full sequential as well as accelerated sequential sampling. In either setup, the first-order asymptotic characteristics are highlighted.
Capacitance steps and fusion pores of small and large-dense-core vesicles in nerve terminals

The vesicles that package neurotransmitters fall into two distinct classes, large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) and small synaptic vesicles, the coexistence of which is widespread in nerve terminals1. High resolution capacitance recording reveals unitary steps proportional to vesicle size. Measurements of capacitance steps during LDCV and secretory granule fusion in endocrine and immune cells have provided important insights into exocytosis2,3,4; however, extending these measurements to small synaptic vesicles has proven difficult. Here we report single vesicle capacitance steps in posterior pituitary nerve terminals. These nerve terminals contain neuropeptide-laden LDCVs, as well as microvesicles. Microvesicles are similar to synaptic vesicles in size, morphology5 and molecular composition6,7,8, but their contents are unknown. Capacitance steps of two characteristic sizes, corresponding with microvesicles and LDCVs, were detected in patches of nerve terminal membrane. Both types of vesicles fuse in response to depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry. Both undergo a reversible fusion process commonly referred to as ‘kiss-and-run’, but only rarely. Fusion pores seen during microvesicle kiss-and-run have a conductance of 19 pS, 11 times smaller than LDCV fusion pores. Thus, LDCVs and microvesicles use structurally different intermediates during exocytosis.
Participant Perspectives on a Yoga Intervention for Menopausal Symptoms

A pilot study of the effects of 10 weeks of yoga practice on 11 midlife women's menopausal symptoms was conducted. Qualitative analysis of participants' exit interviews provided information not captured in quantitative measures, including perceptions of the yoga intervention and suggestions for improving the study protocol. The women reported feeling relaxed and physically better after yoga class. Many viewed yoga as a skill they could incorporate into daily life to reduce stress and manage their menopausal symptoms. The class setting provided an opportunity for individualized instruction, peer interaction, and a structured time for self-care. Factors that made it more challenging to practice yoga at home included responsibilities to others as well as limited time, space, and energy. Women suggested providing a more flexible class schedule, increasing peer support, and providing more instruction on developing a home practice. This information will be incorporated into plans for future studies.
State-university collaboration to enhance public psychiatric services in western Pennsylvania.

A collaboration establishedin 1974 between the Pennsylvania State Office of Mental Health and Western Psychiatric institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center provides a comprebensive program of continuing mental health education, skills development, and program consultation to state hospitals and publicly funded community programs in rural and semirural western Pennsylvania. The authors describe the development of the program and discuss its current organization and activities. in 1990-91 a total of 60 faculty and 150 staff members from the institute contributed more than 1,200 hours of direct programming. The collaboration's activities have broadened in both hospital and community sectors and currently involve all of the university's health and medical care schools.
Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are the gold standard biomarkers in determining heart failure (HF) diagnosis and prognosis. These natriuretic peptides may also be useful in guiding HF management, but further studies are needed before they can be routinely recommended for that purpose. A novel natriuretic peptide biomarker, mid-regional pro atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), shows promise in determining diagnosis and prognosis in HF patients. BNP and NT-proBNP may be of use in excluding myocardial infarction and to assist in determining prognosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therapeutic implication of natriuretic peptides in ACS is unclear.
Arctic ocean quaternary microfauna and its relation to paleoclimatology

Abstract Examination of 350 samples from seven deep-sea cores raised in the Arctic Ocean Basin indicates that: (1) faunal variations coincide with changes in sediment characteristics suggesting that regional climatic and hydrologic oscillations caused these alterations, and (2) two distinct sediment types are recognized in the Alpha Rise cores: brown Foraminifera-rich beds and tan or gray Foraminifera-poor beds. The brown beds repsent climatic conditions similar to those of the present, and the gray-tan beds were deposited during intervals with higher temperatures as evidenced by the coexistence of temperate and subartic planktonic Foraminifera with the polar sinistral Globigerina pachyderma. Based on data presently available, the following succession of climatic events emerges: Phase I, contained in the topmost brown bed, characterized by the predominance of cold-water sinistral G. pachyderma, extends from Recent through the Last Glacial, and encompasses approximately the last 70,000 years. Phase II represented by sediments deposited during a warmer interval as evidenced by the microfaunal composition, is thought to have been laid down during an interglacial. Phases III and V — comparable to Phase I, may represent former cold episodes. Phases IV and VI — are much like Phase II and may correspond to earlier interglacials. Radioisotope determinations indicate: (1) that rates of sedimentation were slow in the Arctic Basin, about 2 mm/1,000 years; and (2) that Phase I–II boundary has an age of approximately 70, 000 years.
Near-surface wind characteristics of extreme thunderstorm outflows

Wind engineers have long contemplated how to handle thunderstorm winds. Their flow characteristics are non-stationary and difficult to analyze. Models and simulations have improved the overall understanding of thunderstorm outflows, but full-scale data is scarce making validation difficult. A thunderstorm outflow experiment was conducted in 2002, during which seven mobile towers were deployed in a linear array to obtain high-resolution data from outflows. Two extreme events were captured: a rear-flank downdraft of a supercell, and a derecho. Traditional statistical analysis techniques were modified and employed for the two events. The results were compared to non-thunderstorm winds revealing significant differences.
Empowerment through self-regulation: Group approach for survivors of incest

Patients at high risk are flooding today's short-stay psychiatric inpatient units, presenting with suicidality and other self-destructive behaviors. Many of these patients are unable to regulate their internal experience and their behavior. The Self-Regulation Program described in this article uses cognitive-behavioral techniques that appear to empower patients to control the intensity of feelings, to change irrational thinking patterns, and to develop constructive behavioral responses. As a result of participating in this program, there appeared to be improvement in patients' coping strategies. The patients reported both increased feelings of empowerment and decreased engagement in self-destructive behaviors.
Characterization of porous polymethylmethacrylate space maintainers for craniofacial reconstruction

Porous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used as an alloplastic bone substitute in the craniofacial complex, showing integration with the surrounding soft and hard tissue. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of curing and cured mixtures of a PMMA-based bone cement and a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel porogen. Four formulations yielding porous PMMA of varied porosity were examined; specifically, two groups containing 30% (w/w) CMC gel in the mixture using a 7% (w/v) or 9% (w/v) stock CMC gel (30-7 and 30-9, respectively) and two groups containing 40% (w/w) CMC gel (40-7 and 40-9). An additional group comprising solid PMMA without CMC was investigated. The incorporation of the CMC gel into the PMMA bone cement during polymerization decreased the setting time from 608 ± 12 s for the solid PMMA to 427 ± 10 s for the 40-9 group, and decreased the maximum temperature from 81 ± 4°C for the solid PMMA to 38 ± 2°C for the 40-9 group. The porous PMMA groups exhibited reduced compressive strength and bending modulus and strength relative to the solid PMMA. All the porous PMMA formulations released more unconverted methylmethacrylate (MMA) monomer and N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMT) from cured specimens and less MMA and DMT from curing specimens than the solid PMMA. The data suggest that the physicochemical properties of the porous PMMA formulations are appropriate for their application in craniofacial space maintenance.
Language which is not taught: The discourse marker use of beginning adult learners of English

Abstract This study investigated the classroom interaction and in-home, bilingual interviews of 17 adult learners of English with no previous formal English language instruction in order to find the frequency of use and some functions of forms of language which are not explicitly taught: the discourse markers well, you know, and like. Previous findings in this area are based most often on data from more advanced language learners and do not present a clear picture of which learners use these markers more often or why. Results of the current study show that this set of learners uses few discourse markers. A review of the focal students’ background information (including language use patterns outside the classroom) suggests that the students who use more discourse markers may be the students who are more acculturated to the US. This suggests that the students who comprise the population at the data collection site, in general, remain, to some degree, isolated from English language culture in the US.
Small And Medium-Size Physician Practices Use Few Patient-Centered Medical Home Processes

The patient-centered medical home has become a prominent model for reforming the way health care is delivered to patients. The model offers a robust system of primary care combined with practice innovations and new payment methods. But scant information exists about the extent to which typical US physician practices have implemented this model and its processes of care, or about the factors associated with implementation. In this article we provide the first national data on the use of medical home processes such as chronic disease registries, nurse care managers, and systems to incorporate patient feedback, among 1,325 small and medium-size physician practices. We found that on average, practices used just one-fifth of the patient-centered medical home processes measured as part of this study. We also identify internal capabilities and external incentives associated with the greater use of medical home processes.
Indications and Technique of Thoracic(2) and Thoracic(3 )Neurolysis.

This article reviews the technique of thoracic (T)2 and T3 sympathetic ganglion block and neurolysis. Historic aspects of this technique are described. The concept of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) of T2 and T3 is discussed and the technique is detailed. This procedure is useful for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), vascular compromise, and neuropathic pain syndromes of upper extremities. It is an alternative to stellate ganglion ablation and may be useful for patients with sympathetically maintained pain who have persistent pain after stellate ganglion procedures.
Linkage of large‐vessel carotid atherosclerotic stroke to inflammatory genes via a systematic screen

Background Inflammatory cytokines including the IL-1 family, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mediate the formation of thrombosis on the luminal surface of atherosclerotic plaques. Gene polymorphisms that regulate these cytokines' expression may explain part of the variation in susceptibility to stroke in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in inflammatory genes as they relate to symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. Methods The study included 95 subjects with symptomatic (transient ischaemic attacks or stroke) and 113 subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease. A panel of evenly spaced SNPs including previously reported functionally significant polymorphisms were genotyped for IL-1beta (10 SNPs), IL-1alpha (nine SNPs), IL-1RN (11 SNPs), IL-6 (seven SNPs) and TNF-alpha and TNF-beta (seven SNPs). Results Using single SNP analysis, IL-1RN rs315934 (P=0.025), IL-1RN rs315946 (P=0.042), IL-1RN rs315921 (P=0.035), IL-6 rs1180243 (P=0.018) and IL-1alpha rs2071373 (P=0.025) were associated with decreased odds of symptomatic carotid disease. Additionally, two diplotypes of the IL-1RN gene (P=0.023 and 0.0064) and one diplotype in the IL-1alpha gene (P=0.02) were associated with a protective affect from cerebral ischaemic events. Logistic analysis for interaction of the protective SNPs reveals an additive effect of all SNP pair combinations. Conclusion These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in proinflammatory genes may contribute to interindividual differences in the development of symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease.