cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allelic exchange and site‐directed mutagenesis probe the contribution of ActA amino‐acid variability to phosphorylation and virulence‐associated phenotypes among Listeria monocytogenes strains

To test the hypothesis that actA allelic variation contributes to virulence differences among Listeria monocytogenes strains, cell-to-cell spread and intracellular ActA phosphorylation patterns were characterized for 14 wild-type isolates and selected isogenic mutants. Our data show that (i) while actA allelic variation is not responsible for enhanced cell-to-cell spread observed in epidemic clone I strains, actA allelic variation may contribute to reduced plaque size observed in some isolates, (ii) actA sequence alone determines phosphorylation-dependent ActA banding patterns, and (iii) sequence variation at the positively selected ActA residue 498 does not contribute to ActA phosphorylation patterns or to differences in cell-to-cell spread.
Virchow's node, jaundice, and weight loss—lymphoma mimicking gastrointestinal malignancy

Background A 46-year-old white male with a history of well-controlled paranoid schizophrenia presented with painless jaundice, progressive anorexia, weight loss, and dyspnea of 3 months' duration. His only medication at presentation was the antipsychotic olanzapine, taken orally. Investigations Physical examination and laboratory tests, including a complete blood cell count, electrolyte, lactate dehydrogenase and haptoglobin levels, liver function tests, and a Coombs' test; CT scan of the chest and abdomen; invasive investigations, including thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis, bone-marrow biopsy, and left supraclavicular lymph-node biopsy. Diagnosis Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Management Large-volume thoracentesis. Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone chemotherapy followed by dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin chemotherapy, and autologous stem-cell transplantation.
Changes to cervical cancer prevention guidelines: Effects on screening among U.S. women ages 15–29

Objective A shift toward later initiation of cervical cancer screening for women began in 2002. We generated national estimates of screening prevalence rates and guideline-consistent screening among U.S. women ages 15–29 before and after the first evidence-based recommendations for reduced cervical cancer screening.
Myocardial recovery with left ventricular assist devices.

Advanced heart failure (HF) is a condition that is rarely thought of in terms of cure. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), like no therapy before them, provide complete decongestion of the left ventricle, with resulting favorable changes at all levels, from reversal of hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes to recovery of normal geometry and function of the ventricles. Although not a frequent phenomenon at most institutions, LV recovery is achieved in 20–25 % of LVAD recipients in some programs. Patients with good chances for recovery are usually young, with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and short duration of HF symptoms. After LVAD removal, patients with recovered function remain asymptomatic for years. To reach this level of sustainable restoration of cardiac function, several steps need to be taken: 1) myocardial recovery has to be recognized as a therapeutic goal, especially in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy; 2) HF medications have to be restarted and aggressively uptitrated after LVAD implantation; 3) regular monitoring for signs of myocardial recovery (eg, echocardiography or hemodynamics) should become a standard practice in LVAD centers; and 4) weaning protocols should be discussed and accepted at each LVAD program. While some protocols involve extensive several-day testing both at rest and with exercise, others are mostly guided by echocardiographic evaluation.
Type-checking OQL queries in the ODMG type systems

Several negative results are proved about the ability to type-check queries in the only existing proposed standard for object-oriented databases. The first of these negative results is that it is not possible to type-check OQL queries in the type system underlying the ODMG object model and its definition language ODL. The second negative result is that OQL queries cannot be type-checked in the type system of the Java binding of the ODMG standard either. A solution proposed in this paper is to extend the ODMG object model with explicit support for parametric polymorphism (universal type quantification). These results show that Java cannot be a viable database programming language unless extended with parametric polymorphism. This is why type-checking OQL queries presents no problem for the type system of the C++ binding of the ODMG standard. However, a type system that is strictly more powerful than any of the type systems of the ODMG standard is required in order to properly type ordered collectgions and indices. The required form of polymorphism is bounded type quantification (constrained genericity) and even F-bounded polymorphism. A further result is that neither static nor the standard dynamic object-oriented type-checking is possible for Java OQL, in spite of the fact that Java OQL combines features of two strongly and mostly statically-typed languages. Contrary to one of the promises of object-oriented database technology, this result shows that the impedance mismatch does not disappear in the ODMG standard. A type-safe reflective technique is proposed for overcoming this mismatch.
THE MUSEUM, THE ORIGINAL EXPONENT OF VISUAL EDUCATION1

We hear a great deal in these days about the value of visual education, and a society has been organized for the promotion of this method of teaching. This is indeed one of Nature’s most effective methods of teaching her children the laws of the universe. It is said that we acquire much more information through the eye than through any other sense organ of the body. One often hears the expression “seein’ is believin’,” which expresses this truth in a homely way.
Measurements of neutron spectra and fluxes at spallation-neutron sources and their application to radiation effects research

Abstract We have measured the neutron spectra, fluxes, and flux distributions produced by nuclear spaliation resulting from 478 MeV proton bombardment of tantalum and depleted uranium targets surrounded by a thick lead neutron reflector. The configuration was chosen to simulate a radiation effects facility at a spallation-neutron source. The method of multiple foil activation with spectrum unfolding by the STAYSL computer code was used to measure the neutron spectra. The experimental results are compared in detail with the results of computer calculations on the same configuration of targets and reflector. The neutron production and transport codes HETC and VIM were employed in these calculations. The neutron spectra, and characteristic parameters for studies of radiation effects, are compared with those of fission-neutron sources. Based on the above measurements, the predicted performance and capabilities of the Radiation Effects Facility at the Intense Pulses Neutron Source at Argonne National Laboratory are discussed.
Discriminative stimulus effects of the 5HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT: attenuation by mu but not by kappa opioids

The ability of mu and kappa opioids to alter the discriminative-stimulus and rate-decreasing effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT was examined in rats trained to discriminate either a low (0.1 mg/kg) or a high (0.3 mg/kg) dose of 8-OH-DPAT from water using a two-lever food-reinforced drug discrimination procedure. The mu opioids, morphine and fentanyl, and the kappa opioids, U50,488 and bremazocine, failed to substitute for the 8-OH-DPAT stimulus, even when tested up to doses that substantially reduced rates of responding. During antagonism tests, selected doses of the mu opioids, morphine and fentanyl, administered at various pretreatment times, attenuated the stimulus effects of both training doses of 8-OH-DPAT. Moreover, morphine (135-min pretreat) and fentanyl (15-min pretreat) produced rightward shifts in the 8-OH-DPAT dose-effect curve that were partially surmountable and naltrexone-reversible. In contrast to the effects of the mu opioids, the kappa opioids, U50,488 and bremazocine, failed to alter the stimulus effects of the training dose of 8-OH-DPAT, regardless of dose or pretreatment time. The ratedecreasing effects of 8-OH-DPAT were not altered substantially by either the mu or kappa opioids examined. The present study demonstrates that the stimulus effects, but not the rate-decreasing effects, of 5-HT1A receptor agonists can be modulated by mu opioids, whereas neither of these effects are changed by kappa opioids.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES IN INSULIN TREATMENT OF ACUTE SCHIZOPHRENIA PULSE RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

THE PULSE RATE and blood pressure were investigated as part of an extensive study of the effects of insulin treatment of schizophrenia. In view of earlier indications of an increased sympathetic activity (1, 2) following prolonged treatment, it was considered that investigation of these two criteria might yield valuable information. Basal pulse rates were observed on each of 22 patients suffering from schizophrenia of recent onset. The pulse rates were recorded on 4 occasions in the 2 weeks preceding insulin treatment and on 4 occasions in the 2 weeks following treatment. Four observations of the basal pulse in normal subjects were also recorded over a 2-week period. The mean pulse rates and the intraindividual standard deviations are given in table 1. Both groups of patients had initially approximately the same mean pulse rate as the normal controls, but were markedly less stable in this function as indicated by the high intra-individual standard deviations.
Reinsertion or Degradation of AMPA Receptors Determined by Activity-Dependent Endocytic Sorting

Both acute and chronic changes in AMPA receptor (AMPAR) localization are critical for synaptic formation, maturation, and plasticity. Here I report that AMPARs are differentially sorted between recycling and degradative pathways following endocytosis. AMPAR sorting occurs in early endosomes and is regulated by synaptic activity and activation of AMPA and NMDA receptors. AMPAR intemalization triggered by NMDAR activation is Ca2+-dependent, requires protein phosphatases, and is followed by rapid membrane reinsertion. Furthermore, NMDAR-mediated AMPAR trafficking is regulated by PKA and accompanied by dephosphorylation and rephosphorylation of GluR1 subunits at a PKA site. In contrast, activation of AMPARs without NMDAR activation targets AMPARs to late endosomes and lysosomes, independent of Ca2+, protein phosphatases, or PKA. These results demonstrate that activity regulates AMPAR endocytic sorting, providing a potential mechanistic link between rapid and chronic changes in synaptic strength.
Changes in Amino Acid Neurotransmitters and Cerebral Blood Flow in the Ischemic Penumbral Region following Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rat: Correlation with Histopathology

We simultaneously measured neurotransmitter amino acids by the microdialysis technique and cortical CBF by laser-Doppler flowmetry in the ischemic penumbral cortex of rats subjected to 2-h normothermic (36.5-37.5 degrees C) transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) clip-occlusion. Brains were perfusion-fixed 3 days later and infarct volume measured. CBF (% of preischemic values) fell to 32 +/- 2% (mean +/- SD) during ischemia and rose to 157 +/- 68% during recirculation. Extracellular glutamate levels increased from a baseline value of 7 +/- 3 microM to a peak value of 180 +/- 247 microM 20-30 min following onset of ischemia but subsequently returned to near baseline levels after 70 min of ischemia despite ongoing MCA occlusion. The threshold CBF for moderate glutamate release was 48%. Massive glutamate release was seen during the first 60 min of MCA occlusion in the two animals showing the largest infarcts and occurred at CBF values < or = 20% of control levels. Mean CBF during ischemia exhibited an inverse relationship with infarct volume, and the magnitude of glutamate release during ischemia was positively correlated with infarct volume. Extracellular gamma-aminobutyrate and glycine changes were similar to those of glutamate but showed no significant correlation with infarct volume. These results suggest that (a) accumulation of extracellular glutamate is an important determinant of injury in the setting of reversible MCA occlusion and (b) reuptake systems for neurotransmitter amino acids may be functional in the penumbra during transient focal ischemia.
Emerging treatment modalities: Balancing efficacy and safety

Purpose. The advantages and disadvantages of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (i.v. PCA) and epidural analgesia are discussed. New approaches to the management of patients with acute post-operative pain are described. The results of controlled clinical trials with these modalities are presented. Summary. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, while effective, is a burdensome technology requiring approximately 125 steps and at least 6 staff members. Furthermore, medication and pump programming errors may lead to patient injury. Epidural analgesia via catheter has a high reported failure rate, causing analgesic gaps and requiring a high level of staff intervention. In a clinical trial involving hip arthroplasty, extended-release epidural morphine demonstrated a 48-hour duration of action with a marked reduction in need for supplemental analgesia. The fentanyl Iontophoretic Transdermal System has demonstrated therapeutic equivalence with morphine intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and similar safety. Selective opioid antagonists are under development that may selectively block gastrointestinal opioid receptors while preserving analgesia. Conclusion. Recently approved agents and those in development may address a variety of unmet needs in the management of patients with post-operative pain.
Collective violence as social control

Collective violence is often social control: self-help by a group. It typically defines and responds to conduct as deviant. When unilateral and nongovernmental, it appears in four major forms—lynching, rioting, vigilantism, and terrorism—each distinguished by its system of liability (individual or collective) and degree of organization (higher or lower). Following Donald Black's paradigm of pure sociology, the central assumption is that collective violence varies with its location and direction in social space—the conflict structure. I offer ten propositions that predict and explain the likelihood and severity of collective violence in general and the four forms of collective violence in particular. Conflict structures with a high degree of relational distance, cultural distance, functional independence, and inequality between the adversaries are associated with collective violence in general. Each of the four forms depends on the degree of social polarization between the parties as well as the continuity of the deviant behavior to which the violence responds.
The effect of electromodulation upon ellipsometric measurements of adsorption in the double layer

Abstract Relative phase changes (Δ) of polarized light on reflection at a gold-electrolyte solution interface have been measured by ellipsometry for various wavelengths. The dependence of δΔ accompanying a 0.5 V change of potential on the wavelength of light was accounted for in terms of the combined effect of ionic adsorption and modulation of the optical properties of gold by the surface charge. The contributions of the two effects are of the same order of magnitude within the range of wavelengths studied (4500–7000 A), for gold electrodes in 0.01 N Br− solution.
What's in a Name? A Paradigm Shift for Clinical Research

A myriad of terms are used to describe the types of research activities required to translate basic science and technological advances into health benefits. Examples include clinical, patient-oriented, translational, health services, and effectiveness research. The various terms have profound implications for funding, interdisciplinary interactions, promotion and tenure metrics, and the workforce, as well as the way such researchers are perceived by their peers. In describing and analyzing the problem, the nomenclature itself stands out as a significant inhibiting factor to translating basic life science discoveries into health benefits. This is consistent with the central theme of semantics that language underlies human thought. The lack of uniformity in terminology limits effective practice and collaboration, confuses the public, and raises barriers to integrated research. We propose that the term translational research be used to give a name that encompasses what most medically related research is about. Using the name basic research does not itself describe every basic science discipline. However, it conveys the message that whether it be chemistry, biochemistry, or cell biology, basic research under such names involves applying scientific and technological methods to advance science. To add specifics, one may say “cell biology research” to specify research studies to understand basic cellular processes. Likewise, the term translational research may not describe every medically related research activity. However, it does convey the message that, whether it be patient-oriented, clinical, or effectiveness research, research activities under such names involve applying basic and nonbasic scientific and clinical methods to advance medicine. The term translational research will thus serve as the brand name of medically related research. It will serve to identify and describe the distinctive merits and value of non-basic research. Using such a brand name will not detract from those individuals who by tradition or by objectives already do translational research. For …
TU-E-BRB-09: Validation of Multi-Focal Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy with High-Resolution 3D Dosimetry

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) enables stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) treatment for multiple lesions with a single isocenter setup. Dosimetry verification is highly challenging however, and the purpose of this study is to validate this new treatment using novel 3D dosimetry techniques, with potential for dramatically more comprehensive verification than possible with conventional approaches. Methods: A cylindrical PRESAGE dosimeter was inserted into an RPC type head phantom for treatment validation. The phantom was immobilized with an SRS U‐frame system and a set of simulation CTimages was acquired with a SRS localizer. A 5‐arc VMAT multi‐focal SRS plan was created to treat 5 intracranial lesions simultaneously. A set of cone‐beam CT(CBCT)images was then acquired to localize the isocenter, and the VMAT plan delivered to the combined phantom. The PRESAGE dosimeter was then removed and scanned by optical‐computed‐tomography (optical‐CT). The 3D PRESAGE dose measurement was reconstructed with 1 mm resolution. Another PRESAGE insert with a pre‐drilled ion chamber channel was placed in the phantom and an SRSion chamber was mounted for an absolute dose measurement. The phantom was again localized with CBCT and the VMAT plan was delivered. The dose measured with the ion chamber was compared with calculated dose. Results: The mean planned and PRESAGE measured doses to target 1 were 12.1Gy and 12.2 Gy, 18.7 Gy and 18.5 Gy for target 2, 18.6 Gy and 18.4 Gy for target 3, 15.5 Gy and 15.4 Gy for target 4, 18.7 Gy and 19.0 Gy for target 5. The 3D gamma passing rate was 95.6% for 3% and 1mm. The ion chamber measured dose was within 1% of the planned dose. Conclusions: Our 3D PRESAGE dose measurement shows that multi‐focal VMAT is a valid technique for single isocenter SRS treatment of multiple lesions. This research is partially supported by NCI R01CA100835. This research is partially supported by NCI R01CA100835.
Cytomorphologic features of papillary lesions of the male breast: a study of 11 cases.

BACKGROUND Breast masses occur in men far less commonly than women and are infrequently subjected to fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Papillary lesions of the male breast are rare and are comprised of a spectrum of lesions ranging from papillary hyperplasia in gynecomastia to invasive papillary carcinoma. The following study describes the cytomorphology of papillary breast lesions in 11 men. The patients ranged in age from 23 to 78 years old and each presented with an unilateral subareolar or periareolar breast mass that varied in size from 0.5 to 3 cm. Two patients presented with bloody nipple discharge. METHODS Archival material (8-year period) from FNA biopsies of papillary lesions of the male breast was reviewed. The reviewed cases were correlated with appropriate clinicopathologic follow-up. RESULTS The smears had variable cellularity but all showed papillary clusters of mammary epithelial cells with and without fibrovascular cores. Single epithelial cells with a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and eccentric nuclei were seen in all smears; however, these were more numerous in cases of adenocarcinoma. Hemosiderin-laden macrophages were present in all cases. Nipple discharge was seen only in the 2 benign lesions. All adenocarcinomas occurred in older men. CONCLUSIONS The only cytologic criteria that differentiated benign from malignant papillary lesions were marked cellularity and the presence of abundant 3-dimensional clusters. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current series is the largest in the English literature to date that examines the cytomorphologic features of papillary breast lesions in men. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Low-Complexity Approaches to Spectrum Opportunity Tracking

We consider opportunistic spectrum access under design constraints imposed at both node and link levels. First, hardware and energy limitations at node level may prevent a secondary user from sensing all the channels in the spectrum simultaneously. A channel selection strategy is thus necessary to track the time-varying spectrum opportunities. Second, sensing errors are inevitable. A secondary user needs to decide, based on imperfect sensing outcomes, whether to access the sensed channel and how to update its statistical knowledge of spectrum dynamics for better tracking in the future. Third, a secondary transmitter and its intended receiver need to hop synchronously in the spectrum in order to communicate. When a dynamic opportunity tracking strategy is used where the channel selection depends on the sensing history, achieving this synchrony is nontrivial in the absence of a dedicated control channel and in the presence of sensing errors. These practical constraints significantly complicate the design of opportunistic spectrum access, and the optimal performance requires the joint design of the spectrum sensor, opportunity tracking strategy, and spectrum access decisions. The focus of this paper is on developing low-complexity approaches for opportunistic spectrum access. We show that under certain conditions on the spectrum dynamics, simple myopic strategies can provide optimal performance for the joint design of spectrum sensor, opportunity tracking, and opportunity exploitation. We also propose an alternate low-complexity indexing strategy for other conditions that takes into account the expected time to channel availability.
Utility transversality: a value-based approach

We examine multiattribute decision problems where a value function is specified over the attributes of a decision problem, as is typically done in the deterministic phase of a decision analysis. When uncertainty is present, a utility function is assigned over the value function to represent the decision maker's risk attitude towards value, which we refer to as a value-based approach. A fundamental result of using the value-based approach is a closed form expression that relates the risk aversion functions of the individual attributes to the trade-off functions between them. We call this relation utility transversality. The utility transversality relation asserts that once the value function is specified there is only one dimension of risk attitude in multiattribute decision problems. The construction of multiattribute utility functions using the value-based approach provides the flexibility to model more general functional forms that do not require assumptions of utility independence. For example, we derive a new family of multiattribute utility functions that describes richer preference structures than the usual multilinear family. We also show that many classical results of utility theory, such as risk sharing and the notion of a corporate risk tolerance, can be derived simply from the utility transversality relations by appropriate choice of the value function. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CpG island methylation affects accessibility of the proximal BRCA1 promoter to transcription factors

To understand the mechanism of transcriptional down-regulation of BRCA1 by promoter methylation, we screened 51 breast cancer cell lines and identified HCC38 as another BRCA1 promoter-methylated cell line in addition to UACC3199. There was low expression of BRCA1 mRNA and BRCA1 protein in both cell lines as measured by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. After transient treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) and trichostatin A (TSA), re-expression of BRCA1 mRNA and BRCA1 protein was detected in UACC3199 cells, but not in HCC38 cells. Another demethylating agent, zebularine, did not induce BRCA1 re-expression in either cell line. To test the hypothesis that methylation of CpG sites may affect accessibility of the BRCA1 promoter to transcription factors and consequently cause down-regulation of BRCA1, we analyzed the binding of four transcription factors (CTCF, Sp1, E2F1 and E2F6) to the BRCA1 promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) and quantitative PCR. CTCF and E2F1 were enriched at the unmethylated BRCA1 promoter in MCF-7 cells. In contrast, these two transcription factors were not enriched at the methylated BRCA1 promoter in UACC3199 and HCC38 cells. Following demethylating drug treatment, E2F1 was enriched at the BRCA1 promoter in the demethylated UACC3199 cells. This indicates that reduced accessibility of transcription factors to the methylated promoter is one of the mechanisms for down-regulation of BRCA1 in heavily methylated cancer cells.
Effects of valproic acid and ethosuximide on the responding of pigeons maintained under a multiple fixed-ratio fixed-interval schedule of food delivery

Abstract The effects of valproic acid and ethosuximide were examined in pigeons responding under a multiple Fixed-Ratio 50 Fixed-Inverval 90-sec schedule of food delivery. When given acutely 30 min prior to behavioral testing, both valproic acid (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/kg) and ethosuximide (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/kg) produced generally dose-dependent decreases in responding under both the Fixed-Ratio and Fixed-Interval components. Detailed analysis of drug effects on the temporal distribution of responding under the Fixed-Interval failed to reveal rate-dependent effects for either drug. Varying the presession injection interval from 15 to 120 min indicated that both valproic acid and ethosuximide reduced responding to the greatest extent when given 30 or 60 min before behavioral testing. These results indicate that the anticonvulsants valproic acid and ethosuximide similarly affect schedule-controlled responding, although previous studies have revealed the drugs to have different effects under other procedures.
INSULIN RECEPTORS AND EFFECTS ON TYPE II PNEUMOCYTESAN HYPOTHESIS FOR THE ETIOLOGY OF DECREASED SURFACANT SYNTHESIS IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

We analyzed type II pneumocytes, isolated to purity from adult rabbits, for the presence of insulin receptors. Assays were performed on cells cultured for 24 hours in Eagles minimal essential medium. Insulin binding to cells in culture approached a steady-state level by 180 minutes and remained constant for at least one hour. Competition experiments using native insulin, proinsulin, and desoctateptide established specificity of binding. Scatchard analysis of binding revealed a class of high affinity receptors (Kd = 1.5 × 10−10 M) and a low affinity component (Kd - 4 × 10−9M). The number of receptors was estimated at 2,000 - 4,000/cell. Insulin added to cultures at physiologic concentrations produced a 60% increase in incorporation of labelled glucose into cellular fatty acid and in incorporation of choline into phosphatidylcholine. A dose response relationship was demonstrated. The presence of insulin receptors on type II pneumocytes and the effect of insulin on phospholipid synthesis suggest a mechanism for the disorder of surfactant synthesis in infants of diabetic mothers: chronic hyperglycemia & hyperinsulinemia leads to diminished reactivity ("down-regulation") of insulin receptors during fetal life; in late gestation and after birth the hyporeactive insulin receptors do not allow sufficient substrate into cells for surfactant synthesis.
Is Multiple Realizability Compatible With Antireductionism

Jaegwon Kim attempts to pose a dilemma for anyone who would deny mind/body reductionism, namely that one must either advocate the wholesale reduction of psychology to physical science or the sundering of psychology into distinct fields each one of which is reducible to physical science. Supposedly, the denial of mind/body reduction is not an option. My aim is to show that this is not a genuine dilemma, and that antireductionism is an option, if one recognizes that natural-kind individuation is not wholly a matter of metaphysics but is, at least to some degree, a matter of convention as well. The central point is that physical sciences and mental sciences have somewhat different criteria for individuating kinds.
Developing a long-path diode array spectrometer for tropospheric chemistry studies

This is an extended abstract of a report on our ongoing development of a field instrument for long-path diode array (LPDA) differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) measurements of trace tropospheric constituents. We discuss the pros and cons of using intensified detectors and fiber optics, new spectrograph designs and a coaxial telescope arrangement for projection and reception of the analyzing beam.
Unleashing the untapped potential of hospital philanthropy.

Across the country, hospitals face the challenge of finding new strategies to address capital needs in an era of shrinking operating margins. Particularly for nonprofit community hospitals, the sol...
The Relationship of Sex-Role Orientation to Death Anxiety in Middle-Aged Males.

The purpose of this study was to determine how sex-role orientation was related to death anxiety among a group of middle-aged males. A nonprobability sample of 237 male volunteers between the ages of forty and fifty-nine, of whom 88.7 percent were engaged in professional occupations, completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) and Boyar's Fear of Death Scale (FODS). In addition, “death experience” was measured by three items and was employed as a control variable in determining the relationship between sex-role orientation and death anxiety. Results of this investigation indicated that “death experience” or the amount of contact the male has had with death was not related to death anxiety. Additionally, those middle-aged males with a traditional male sex-role orientation (high masculinity/low femininity) did not exhibit higher death anxiety scores than those males with an androgynous orientation (high masculinity/high femininity) as was predicted. Thus, in this sample of professional middle-aged males, th...
Synthesis of mer-trichlorotris(tetrahydrofuran) tungsten(III) by intermetal chlorine atom transfer

Abstract The three-coordinate titanium (III) complex Ti(N[R]Ar)3 (R = C(CD3)2 CH3, Ar = 3.5-C6H3Me2) abstracts chlorine from WCl4(DME) (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to give yellow crystalline WCl3(THF)3 in 65% isolated yield. Orange TiCl(N[R]Ar)3, which can be recycled to Ti(N[R]Ar)3 in 73% yield by reduction with sodium amalgam, was recovered in 71% yield. WCl3(THF)3 was characterized by elemental analysis, SQUID magnetic susceptibility measurements, 1H NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray crystallography, WCl3(THF)3 was found to be an octahedral complex possessing a meridional arrangement of ligands, as has been seem for other MCl3(THF)3 complexes (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mo).
Estimating model reliability using data with uncertainty

Abstract A method is presented which permits researchers to evaluate the probability that a model which has been parameterized using field measured data will predict future system state to within a prescribed degree of accuracy. Unlike error analysis, which describes the distribution of model output due to input uncertainty, reliability analysis seeks to estimate the frequency with which model output matches system state. The method offers insight into data gathering strategies which will increase the chance of accurate prediction. Applications for reliability analysis seem especially appropriate in situations where models are part of the decision process in natural systems management.
Quality of Life After Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Given the lack of unequivocal survival data clearly favoring one treatment over another for localized prostate cancer, patients strongly consider quality-of-life effects when choosing treatment for this common malignancy. In the past 15 years, a sizeable body of literature assessing health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes in localized prostate cancer has emerged. The goal of this article is to review the quality-of-life experience after treatment for localized prostate cancer. Specifically, I will briefly discuss how quality of life is measured and then review the quality of life effects of each of the commonly used treatment strategies in localized prostate cancer. Finally, I attempt to directly compare the quality-of-life effects of the various treatments to assist clinicians in advising patients with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer.
One-step Metabolomics: Carbohydrates, Organic and Amino Acids Quantified in a Single Procedure

Every infant born in the US is now screened for up to 42 rare genetic disorders called "inborn errors of metabolism". The screening method is based on tandem mass spectrometry and quantifies acylcarnitines as a screen for organic acidemias and also measures amino acids. All states also perform enzymatic testing for carbohydrate disorders such as galactosemia. Because the results can be non-specific, follow-up testing of positive results is required using a more definitive method. The present report describes the "urease" method of sample preparation for inborn error screening. Crystalline urease enzyme is used to remove urea from body fluids which permits most other water-soluble metabolites to be dehydrated and derivatized for gas chromatography in a single procedure. Dehydration by evaporation in a nitrogen stream is facilitated by adding acetonitrile and methylene chloride. Then, trimethylsilylation takes place in the presence of a unique catalyst, triethylammonium trifluoroacetate. Automated injection and chromatography is followed by macro-driven custom quantification of 192 metabolites and semi-quantification of every major component using specialized libraries of mass spectra of TMS derivatized biological compounds. The analysis may be performed on the widely-used Chemstation platform using the macros and libraries available from the author. In our laboratory, over 16,000 patient samples have been analyzed using the method with a diagnostic yield of about 17%--that is, 17% of the samples results reveal findings that should be acted upon by the ordering physician. Included in these are over 180 confirmed inborn errors, of which about 38% could not have been diagnosed using previous methods.
Applications of convergence spaces

Convergence notions are used extensively in the areas of probability and statistics. Many times proofs can be simplified by considering an appropriate convergence structure on the space and using well-known results from the theory of convergence spaces; for example, compactness arguments are sometimes simplified by using a generalized Ascoli theorem in the convergence space setting. The theory of convergence spaces is also used to generalize some results in probability and statistics.
Quantum chemistry: The little molecule that could.

The creation of diatomic molecules bound by roaming electrons that allow a huge internuclear distance is some achievement. It opens the door to further experimental exploitation of the principles involved. In a Rydberg atom, at least one electron is excited into an orbital with a very high principal quantum number that extends the atom's electronic envelope far beyond the nucleus. Based on ideas introduced by Enrico Fermi in 1934, a recent piece of theoretical work predicted that the scattering of such an electron from a second atom in the ground-state could give rise to attractive interactions. This would yield giant molecules with internuclear separations reaching several thousand Bohr radii. The spectroscopic characterization of such ultra-long-range 'Rydberg molecules' is now reported. The molecules, ultracold rubidium dimers, have spectra in good agreement with model predictions. This achievement raises the exciting prospect of realizing other exotic molecular species such as the so-called trilobite molecules in the near future.
Diagnosis of genetic disorders at the DNA level.

EXTRAORDINARY progress in the understanding of the structure and function of human genes has been made in the past 25 years. Techniques have been developed for the manipulation and study of genes in both normal and abnormal states. Many of these achievements have been extremely important to medicine, and they have led to the diagnosis of basic defects at the DNA level and the understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of several diseases. Most of the progress has related to disorders due to a defect in a single gene. In this category of genetic diseases, there is clear Mendelian inheritance of . . .
Seeking global edges for traveling salesman problem in multi-start search

This study investigates the properties of the edges in a set of locally optimal tours found by multi-start search algorithm for the traveling salesman problem (TSP). A matrix data structure is used to collect global information about edges from the set of locally optimal tours and to identify globally superior edges for the problem. The properties of these edges are analyzed. Based on these globally superior edges, a solution attractor is formed in the data matrix. The solution attractor is a small region of the solution space, which contains the most promising solutions. Then an exhausted enumeration process searches the solution attractor and outputs all solutions in the attractor, including the globally optimal solution. Using this strategy, this study develops a procedure to tackler a multi-objective TSP. This procedure not only generates a set of Pareto-optimal solutions, but also be able to provide the structural information about each of the solutions that will allow a decision-maker to choose the best compromise solution.
Anomalous chloride flux discharges from Yellowstone National Park

Abstract The chloride concentration of some thermal springs in and adjacent to Yellowstone National Park is constant through time although their discharge varies seasonally. As a result the chloride flux from these springs increases during periods of increased discharge. We believe that this is caused by changes in the height of the local groundwater table, which affects the discharge of the springs but not their chloride concentration. The discharge from Mammoth Hot Springs varies seasonally, but its chloride concentration remains constant. We take this as evidence that this major thermal feature is derived from orifices that are tapping the local water table close to its surface. Three of the four major rivers (Yellowstone, Snake and Falls) exiting the Park also show an increased chloride flux during the spring runoff that cannot be explained solely by the contribution of snowmelt, nor by release of hot-spring-derived chloride stored in the soil during the winter and released in the spring. The increased chloride flux in these rivers is attributed to their draining shallow hot springs similar to those mentioned above. In contrast to the Yellowstone, Snake and Falls Rivers, the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers, which unite to form the Madison River and which collectively drain several major geyser basins, display a poor correlation between chloride flux and discharge. The cause, we believe, is that a large part of the thermal water input to these two rivers originated at great depths where the seasonal variation in the height of the water table had a negligible effect on hot spring discharge. Monitoring of seasonal discharge and chloride concentration of thermal features yields information on the depths at which these thermal features tap the local water table.
Adult-generated neurons in the dentate gyrus send axonal projections to field CA3 and are surrounded by synaptic vesicles.

The subgranule zone of the dentate gyrus in rats has been shown to be proliferative into adulthood and senescence. However, the connectivity of newly generated, identified neurons in the adult has not been definitively described. In the present study, 9 weeks after a series of intraperitoneal injections of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), animals received stereotaxic iontophoretic injections of Fluoro-Gold (FG) into field CA3. Three weeks after FG injections, sections were analyzed for BrdU immunoreactivity (proliferative label), FG retrograde label, and either calbindin-D28k or synaptophysin immunohistochemistry. A large proportion (up to 44%) of BrdU-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus within regions of FG retrograde label incorporated FG. All of the doubly labeled (BrdU-FG) neurons also immunolabeled with the antibody to calbindin-D28k. Many doubly labeled (BrdU-FG) cells were also surrounded in three planes by synaptophysin immunoreactivity. We conclude that newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus have the correct immunohistochemical profile, send appropriate axonal projections to field CA3, and are surrounded by profiles containing synaptic vesicle proteins. J. Comp. Neurol. 406:449–460, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous HPLC–MS–MS quantification of 8-iso-PGF2α and 8,12-iso-iPF2α in CSF and brain tissue samples with on-line cleanup

Abstract Quantitation of isoprostanes such as 8-iso-PGF2α and 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI in biological fluids has been proposed as a reliable test of oxidant stress and inflammation in a variety of disorders. This paper presents a liquid chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometry detection for the simultaneous analysis of these two isoprostanes in human CSF and brain tissue samples. An API 5000 triple quadrupole instrument (AB Sciex, Foster City, CA, USA) with an APCI ion source was used in this study. Aliquots of CSF samples (0.25 mL) were treated with a methanol:zinc sulfate mixture followed by on-line cleanup on an extraction column (Validated-C18) with 0.1% formic acid. The brain tissue samples were homogenized and lipids were extracted using Folch solution. Solid-phase extraction columns (C18) were used for the purification of the brain isoprostane fraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an analytical column (Synergi C18 HydroRP) with 0.1% formic acid in water and a mixture of methanol:acetonitrile under isocratic conditions. The mass spectrometer was operated in the MRM scan and negative ion mode. The quadrupoles were set to detect the molecular ions [M−H]− and high mass fragments of isoprostanes: m/z 353 → 193 amu (8-iso-PGF2α) and m/z 353 → 115 amu (8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI) and their deuterated internal standards: m/z 357 → 197 amu (8-iso-PGF2α-d4) and m/z 364 → 115 amu (8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI-d11). The lower limit of quantification was 2.5 pg/mL for 8-iso-PGF2α and 5.0 pg/mL for 8,12-iso-PF2α-VI for the CSF method and 10.0 pg/0.1 g of tissue and 30.0 pg/0.1 g of tissue for 8-iso-PGF2α and 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI, respectively, for the brain tissue method. No ion suppression or enhancement of the detection of 8-isoPGF2α, 8,12-isoPF2α-VI or both internal standards was found.
Evaluation of catheter infection rates in patient after conversion of temporary to tunneled dialysis catheters versus de novo placement

Purpose Prior studies have reported infection rates of converting non tunneled dialysis catheters (NTDC) to tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) vs. de novo placement of TDCs while using povidone-iodine as the sterilization agent. Chlorhexidine, as per the CDC guidelines, has been exclusively used as our sterilizing agent since 2005. Therefore, our study aims to determine whether there is a difference in infection rates between conversion and de novo placement when utilizing chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of adult patients was performed evaluating a cohort of patients who underwent placement of a NTDC which was subsequently converted to a TDC and a second cohort who underwent de novo TDC placement from 1/1/2009 to 8/10/2012. To assess the rate of infection, the following data points were collected: date of procedure(s), indication, outcomes, site of catheter insertion, lab values pre and post procedure, imaging, complications, infection rates within the life of the initially placed catheter, length of catheter use before exchange (catheter days) and survival. Catheter-related infections were defined as any patient with an indwelling catheter that had positive blood cultures, positive tip cultures, or documented pus at the insertion site of the catheter. Results The conversion cohort was composed of 205 patients, 141 of which were lost to follow-up, leaving 64 patients within this group. (A majority of our patients receive dialysis at outside facilities, which accounts for the high number of patients lost to follow-up.) The de novo cohort included 60 randomly selected patients. Of the 64 patients who underwent conversion, 24 developed a catheter related infection, with a calculated infection rate of .27 events per 100 catheter days. Of the 60 de novo catheter events, 19 developed infection with a calculated infection rate of .26 events per 100 catheters days. Conclusion In this series, there is no difference in infection rates between conversion of NTDCs to TDCs vs. de novo TDC placement when utilizing chlorhexidine as the sterilzation agent. However, these infection rates are superior to those reported when using povidone-iodine.
Isoflavones of the heartwood of Dalbergia retusa

Abstract Ether extracts of the heartwood Dalbergia retusa yield two crystalline isoflavones, identified by degradation, spectra, and synthesis as 7,8-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (retusin) and 7-hydroxy-8,4′-dimethoxyisoflavone (8-O-methylretusin).
Thrift strategies after FIRREA: A cluster analysis of high-performance institutions

Abstract This study examines thrift institution strategies and viability in the post-FIRREA period. Specifically, we use cluster analysis to identify the major strategy(s) of the most profitable thrifts during the early post-FIRREA years, based on their 1993 balance sheet structures. We then compare the earnings record of the various cluster groups in 1993 and again in 1994 when interest rates reversed their downward trend and turned upward. Empirical results indicate three major cluster groups, representing a strategy continuum from traditional institutions to diversified organizations with a mix of mortgage banking, some traditional mortgage lending, and a limited amount of consumer lending. However, no single strategy stands out as most profitable, and the traditional thrift strategy still appears to be a viable alternative for well-managed institutions.