cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy Decreases the Requirement for Inhaled Anesthetic Agents

The effects of pregnancy on requirements for inhalation anesthetic agents were evaluated. The minimum alveolar concentrations (MAC) of halothane, methoxyflurane, and isoflurane needed to prevent movement in response to a standard stimulus were determined in six pregnant and six nonpregnant ewes. Pre
Thermodynamics of crystalline linear high polymers. III. Thermal breakdown of the crystalline lattice of polyethylene

The thermal breakdown of the crystalline lattice of polyethylene grown by quenching from solution (dendrites) and by cooling slowly from solution (single crystals) and melt has been investigated as a function of heating rate. The dendrites showed strong reorganization at temperatures only little above the crystallization temperatures. Heating rates as fast as 20°C./min. could not avoid this reorganization. Heating rates between 10 and 20°C./min. were necessary to have a constant melting point for single crystals grown from solution. The measured melting points were proportional to the thickness and perhaps the density of the samples as determined by interference microscopy and by the density gradient column method. Surface free energy values calculated from the lowering of the melting points range from 81–96 ergs./cm.2. Literature values on specific heats and specific volumes of bulk samples allowed a discussion of the premelting behaviour of semicrystalline polyethylene. It is found that the defects frozen-in below the glass transition temperature “grow” above 250°K. depending upon the overall crystallinity. This destroys the additivity of the specific heat as well as the specific volume. Correlation with NMR and dynamic mechanical loss measurements are attempted. The difference between melting and dissolution temperature in toluene (0.5–8.0 mg. polyethylene/g. toluene) for slowly cooled bulk as well as solution crystals was found to be 26°C., placing the maximum dissolution temperature of polyethylene crystals in toluene at 111°C.
The large reynolds number, asymptotic theory of turbulent boundary layers

A self-consistent, asymptotic expansion of the one-point, mean turbulent equations of motion is obtained. Results such as the velocity defect law and the law of the wall evolve in a relatively rigorous manner, and a systematic ordering of the mean velocity boundary layer equations and their interaction with the main stream flow are obtained. The analysis is extended to the turbulent energy equation and to a treatment of the small scale equilibrium range of Kolmogoroff; in velocity correlation space the two-thirds power law is obtained. Thus, the two well-known 'laws' of turbulent flow are imbedded in an analysis which provides a great deal of other information.
Variation in growth and instar number in field and laboratory Manduca sexta

The tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta has been an important model system for understanding physiological control of growth, development and metamorphosis of insects for more than half a century. Like all Manduca, M. sexta typically has five larval instars, with developmental commitment to metamorphosis occurring early in the 5th (final) instar. Here we show that M. sexta from a field population in North Carolina (USA) shows substantial intraspecific variation in the number of larval instars when feeding on a modified artificial diet. Individuals with six instars consistently exhibited slower growth rates during early larval development than individuals with five instars. The frequency of individuals with six instars decreased with increased rearing temperature. In contrast, M. sexta from a laboratory colony consistently had five instars, and had more rapid larval growth rates than M. sexta from the field. We identify a threshold body size at the start of the 5th instar that predicts whether an individual will have five (greater than 600mg) or six instars (less than 600mg). Variation in field populations in Manduca provides an important resource for understanding physiological control, developmental plasticity and evolution of growth rate, body size and instar number.
Joining Erikson and Identity Specialists in the Quest to Characterize Adult Spiritual Identity

Identity theorists have often assessed spiritual identity as one of many components of a person's ego identity under the assumption that spirituality structures the self and promotes outcomes consonant with other domains of identity. In this article, we analyze presuppositions implicit in this assumption. Drawing from a qualitative study of spiritually devout women and men, we probe whether existing operationalizations of Erikson's theory accurately conceptualize the narratives of spiritually devout women and men. In places where existing operationalizations seem inadequate, we offer several directives for future theoretical construction.
Intercellular bridges in vertebrate gastrulation.

The developing zebrafish embryo has been the subject of many studies of regional patterning, stereotypical cell movements and changes in cell shape. To better study the morphological features of cells during gastrulation, we generated mosaic embryos expressing membrane attached Dendra2 to highlight cellular boundaries. We find that intercellular bridges join a significant fraction of epiblast cells in the zebrafish embryo, reaching several cell diameters in length and spanning across different regions of the developing embryos. These intercellular bridges are distinct from the cellular protrusions previously reported as extending from hypoblast cells (1–2 cellular diameters in length) or epiblast cells (which were shorter). Most of the intercellular bridges were formed at pre-gastrula stages by the daughters of a dividing cell maintaining a membrane tether as they move apart after mitosis. These intercellular bridges persist during gastrulation and can mediate the transfer of proteins between distant cells. These findings reveal a surprising feature of the cellular landscape in zebrafish embryos and open new possibilities for cell-cell communication during gastrulation, with implications for modeling, cellular mechanics, and morphogenetic signaling.
Some effects of attribution of responsibility upon the effectiveness of small problem-solving groups

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of attribution of responsibility for a negative event to one member of a group upon the effectiveness of that group. Three experimental conditions were studied: (1) AR + S-members of the group were made aware that one of them had been accused of passing bad checks and had been sanctioned (given a suspended sentence) for it; (2) AR only-members of the group were made aware that one of them had been accused of the negative event (passing bad checks) but was not sanctioned for it (charges were dropped); and (3) control-no information about the negative event. Each group solved three problems. The results showed that the AR + S condition required the longest time for task completion, the AR-only condition required an intermediate amount of time, and the control condition required the least amount of time for task completion. These findings were interpreted in terms of member acceptance/rejection: the accused member was not fully accepted into the group, and this rejection interfered with effective group interaction.
Instanton size distribution: Repulsion or an infrared fixed point?

We discuss available information about the instanton size distribution d(\ensuremath{\rho}), which comes from lattice simulations and the interacting instanton liquid model. First, we demonstrate that they agree quite well. Second, we also show that an alternative idea, based on the infrared fixed point, can also reproduce the shape of d(\ensuremath{\rho}). Third, we discuss how one can use lattice methods to clarify the nature of the suppression of the large-size instantons.
Cancer-Induced Fatigue and Skeletal Muscle Wasting: The Role of Exercise

Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom by cancer patients. Many of these patients perceive fatigue as the most distressing symptom associated with their illness because it imposes limitations on their physical activity level. Skeletal muscle wasting, which occurs as part of cancer cachexia, is one of the mechanisms that contribute to fatigue. Cancer-induced skeletal muscle wasting may occur despite normal food intake and is not prevented by nutritional supplementation. Evidence suggests that endurance exercise ameliorates cancer-related fatigue. There is no compelling evidence to support that exercise-induced reduction in fatigue is related to preservation of muscle mass. Resistance exercise attenuates muscle wasting associated with a variety of catabolic conditions. However, its effects on cancer-induced muscle wasting have not been adequately studied. This article describes the physiological mechanisms implicated in the induction of cancer-related muscle wasting, summarizes findings from endurance and resistance exercise studies in relation to fatigue and muscle wasting during cancer and selected clinical conditions, and proposes directions for future research.
Pacific absolute plate motion since 145 Ma: An assessment of the fixed hot spot hypothesis

[1] Using the geometry and ages from 12 Pacific seamount chains, we have determined two new absolute plate motion models that now extend our self-consistent and high-resolution models with covariance estimates back to 145 Ma. The WK08-A model maps the full uncertainty in the age progressions into uncertainties in rotation opening angles, yielding a relatively smooth plate motion model. The WK08-G model relaxes the mapping of age uncertainties in order to better isolate secondary geometry changes seen along many coregistered chains. Both models have been used to assess the viability of the fixed hot spot hypothesis in the Pacific. In determining the models, we found that only a small group of age samples had to be discarded on the grounds that they were discordant with the dominant trends. We were able to connect plate motions for pre- and post-Emperor age intervals by including the Ratak-Gilbert-Ellice and Musicians trails in our analysis. However, as no active hot spot locations exist for the older chains, their inclusion adds additional model parameters. Both age and geometry misfits increase with age, reflecting the observed increase in age uncertainties and the general widening of trails. Secondary (and short-lived) changes in absolute plate motion mapped in WK08-G appear to correlate with the timing and sense of motion of known Pacific Rim tectonic events. Analysis of interchain distances between coeval samples from the Hawaii and Louisville chains suggests possible discrepancies during the older Emperor stage that are compatible with predictions of hot spot drift. We computed a new apparent polar wander path for the Pacific and found a high degree of correspondence with paleomagnetically derived paths, as long as solutions allowing for anomalous skewness were included in the latter. Our polar wander path suggests that there might have been some true polar wander during the Emperor stage, complemented by a smaller amount of hot spot drift than otherwise required. We show that chain geometries and ages, combined with future paleolatitude determinations from additional sites and chains could enable an observation-based description of both hot spot and plate motions without relying on predictions of hot spot drift derived from mantle flow calculations.
Emerging trends in virtual heritage

From the pyramids at Giza to Kakadu National Park in Australia, the world's cultural and natural heritage has stood the test of time. The pace of progress threatens these landmarks of our past at an ever-increasing pace. Rapid advances in digital technologies in recent years, from new media to virtual reality (VR) and high-speed networks, have offered heritage some hope. The first wave of VR worlds failed to live up to the promise. Today, the forward march of technology has quietly enabled a second wave of VR applications. Digital tools and techniques offer new hope to the often painstakingly complex tasks of archaeology, surveying, historic research, conservation, and education. These emerging second-generation technologies can be grouped into three domains: 3D documentation (everything from site surveys to epigraphy), 3D representation (from historic reconstruction to visualization), and 3D dissemination (from immersive networked worlds to "in situ" augmented reality). The author reviews these emerging trends.
Ocular histoplasmosis: Clinicopathologic correlation of 3 cases

The eyes of three patients followed clinically for many years with a diagnosis of macular disciform scarring, secondary to ocular histoplasmosis, were studied histopathologically. A fibrovascular scar interposed between the choroid and retina was observed in all cases. Vessels passing from the choroid through defects in Bruch's membrane into the nodule were demonstrated. Theories of the pathogenesis of the lesion are discussed.
Effect of peptidases on the ability of exogenous and endogenous neurokinins to produce neurokinin 1 receptor internalization in the rat spinal cord

The ability of peptidases to restrict neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) activation by exogenously applied or endogenously released neurokinins was investigated by measuring NK1R internalization in rat spinal cord slices. Concentration-response curves for substance P and neurokinin A were obtained in the presence and absence of 10 microm thiorphan, an inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11), plus 10 microm captopril, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase (EC 3.4.15.1). These inhibitors significantly decreased the EC50 of substance P to produce NK1R internalization from 32 to 9 nm, and the EC50 of neurokinin A from 170 to 60 nm. Substance P was significantly more potent than neurokinin A, both with and without these peptidase inhibitors. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors, neurokinin B was 10 times less potent than neurokinin A and 64 times less potent than substance P (EC50=573 nm). Several aminopeptidase inhibitors (actinonin, amastatin, bacitracin, bestatin and puromycin) failed to further increase the effect of thiorphan plus captopril on the NK1R internalization produced by 10 nm substance P. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal root produced NK1R internalization by releasing endogenous neurokinins. Thiorphan plus captopril increased NK1R internalization produced by 1 Hz stimulation, but not by 30 Hz stimulation. Therefore, NEN and DCP restrict NK1R activation by endogenous neurokinins when they are gradually released by low-frequency firing of primary afferents, but become saturated or inhibited when primary afferents fire at a high frequency.
Serious postextraction hemorrhage into the submandibular space: report of case

A rare case of a rapidly increasing hematoma of the floor of the mouth as a life-threatening complication of routine extraction of two mandibular teeth is presented. A rapidly increasing hematoma of the floor of the mouth became a life-threatening complication of routine extraction of two mandibularteeth. The need for rapid and definitive treatment is emphasized.
Increased radicular pain due to therapeutic ultrasound applied to the back

Therapeutic ultrasound is generally considered safe and effective therapy in a number of conditions producing back pain, provided that no contraindications exist. However, two cases are reported of patients with documented lumbar disk herniation where application of ultrasound to the lumbar paraspinal region increased pain in a radicular pattern. Despite its transient nature, this adverse reaction may represent a relative contraindication to the use of ultrasound in patients with disk herniation.
Construction of variational principles and variational bounds in waveguide scattering

Using projection operators, a variational-bound formulation is presented which, together with some previous work, can provide both upper and lower variational bounds on the phase shifts or equivalent network elements associated with obstacles located in waveguides. The scattering parameters for dielectric rectangular-parallelepiped obstacles in single and multimode waveguides serve as numerical examples to demonstrate the applicability of the method.
Targeting of Human Tmolt4 Leukemic Type II IMP Dehydrogenase by Cyclic Imide Related Derivatives

2,3-Dihydrophthalazine-1,4-diones, indazolones, 3-imino-1-oxoisodolines, homophthalimides, napthalidimides, diphenamides, and 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepines proved to be potent inhibitors of the activity of human Tmolt4 T cell leukemia Type II IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH). This inhibition was competitive, yielding Ki values in the range of 1.96 to 48.9 microM. The inhibition of Type II IMPDH correlated positively with the inhibition of the growth of Tmolt4 cells, the syntheses of DNA and purine, and the activity of crude IMPDH. The Type II IMPDH isoform is found in rapidly proliferating cells. The isoform present in normal resting cells, Type I IMPDH, was elevated by the compounds at 100 microM. In addition, Compound 5 significantly increased the Type I enzyme activity in a concentration and time dependent manner. The selectivity of these derivatives towards Type II IMPDH will allow for the separation of cellular effects, which should reduce clinical toxicity when treating with antimetabolite IMPDH inhibitors.
Coated charcoal immunoassay of insulin.

Charcoal premixed with dextran of average molecular weight 80,000 almost instantly adsorbs free insulin but rejects antibody-bound insulin. The use of such dextran-coated charcoal makes simpler and more rapid the immunoassay of insulin in biologic fluids, using radioisotope dilution with 131I-insulin and “biopsy” of the insulin pool by antibody to insulin. The procedure here described yields a straight line graph when insulin added is plotted against insulin recovered.
Adrenal hypertrophy in mice following exposure to crowded males' odors.

Isolated adult male mice were exposed daily for 20 days to soiled litter collected from a group of crowded males. Measures of adrenal weight indicated that mice so exposed showed, relative to isolated control mice, an increase in adrenocortical activity equivalent to that manifested by the crowded animals. These results suggest that olfactory exposure to compounds excreted by crowded males is sufficient to produce the adrenocortical response typically shown by crowded animals.
Roles and Responsibilities of Ethics Committees

The data collected in this study, showing that people who play different roles in an institution identify different issues as their main ethical concerns, is not surprising. The final observation, ...
A qualitative empirical model of cylinder bore wear

Designers of internal combustion engines have useful equations for many of the factors influencing reliability and performance, but not for wear. In this investigation, a laboratory simulator was used to identify the important variables influencing cylinder bore wear. The same characteristics of wear were observed in the simulator as in running engines, even though the simulator did not attempt to duplicate all the conditions found within an engine. Data were collected showing the influence of several parameters. In particular, a strong effect from ring material was observed. A new picture of wear in cylinders is presented, consistent with the data and previous work on boundary lubrication. This qualitative model accounts for the evolution of the cylinder running surface in terms of composition and texture changes. The model can be used to determine the relative importance of the many variables that can influence wear behavior, including contributions from lubricant chemistry, material properties, and mechanical loading.
Vitamin D and the bariatric surgical patient: a review.

Objective Adiposity has been inversely associated with vitamin D concentration across a range of body mass index values and cultural groups. As obesity has increased markedly worldwide, a greater number of patients with severe obesity have been treated with gastric restrictive and/or malabsorptive surgical procedures. The purpose of this review was to describe current knowledge about vitamin D and severe obesity, and the impact of obesity surgery on vitamin D status. Research Methods and Procedures A systematic review was conducted with search terms obesity, vitamin D, osteoporosis, bone disease, gastric bypass, and obesity surgery in various combinations. Publications were limited to those since 2000 to control for similarity in vitamin D assays and obesity prevalence levels. Results Mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D was 80 nmol/l postoperatively. Both secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone loss were common, particularly when the obesity surgery included a malabsorptive component. Standard postsurgical supplementation with vitamin D and calcium have not been adequate to suppress secondary hyperparathyroidism or to restore 25-hydroxy vitamin D status. Discussion The mechanisms behind vitamin D deficiency in severe obesity and evidence-based corrective actions have not been well-defined. Of particular concern are adolescents who qualify for and elect surgical treatment of their obesity, where subsequent metabolic bone disease may be long-standing.
Infant vocal development during the first 6 months: speech quality and melodic complexity

The early development of infant non-distress vocalizations was investigated in this study. Thirteen infants, from 4 to 24 weeks of age, and their mothers were observed weekly in a face-to-face interaction situation. The speech quality (syllabic versus vocalic) and melodic complexity (simple versus complex) of infant vocalizations were coded independently. Based on speech quality and melodic complexity, four types of infant non-distress vocalizations were categorized: simple and complex syllabic (speech-like) vocalizations as well as simple and complex vocalic (non-speech-like) vocalizations. Results showed that complex syllabic sounds were of longer duration and complex vocalic sounds were less frequent than the other types of vocalizations. Curvilinear developmental trends were found in the rate of simple vocalic sounds and in the mean duration of complex syllabic sounds. Furthermore, before 4 months of age, vocalic sounds were more likely to be associated with simple melodic contours, after which syllabic sounds were more likely to be associated with complex melodic contours. A dynamic systems perspective on the early development of infant vocalization is discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of tapasin in MHC class I antigen assembly.

The discovery of tapasin has shed new light on the mechanisms of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Tapasin appears to play an important role in the stable assembly of class I molecules with peptide, however, the precise function of tapasin remains elusive. The pursuit of tapasin function is complicated by the observation that tapasin is not required for successful antigen presentation by all class I molecules. In addition, current data suggest that the putative role of tapasin as a bridging molecule between transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP) and class I is only of minor importance in tapasin action, and tapasin’s major role appears to be as an active cofactor in the assembly of class I. Furthermore, it is clear that class I molecules can follow multiple pathways for successful assembly in the ER. These pathways may or may not include the interaction of class I molecules with the accessory proteins tapasin, calreticulin, ERp57, or TAP. I would like to suggest that the particular pathway utilized by a given class I molecule depends more upon the availability of appropriate peptides rather than on an intrinsic property of the class I molecule, and that tapasin may serve a peptide editing function.
Taking Animals Seriously-Mental life and moral status

This book distinguishes itself from much of the polemical literature on these issues by offering the most judicious and well-balanced account yet available of animals' moral standing, and related questions concerning their minds and welfare. Transcending jejune debates focused on utilitarianism versus rights, the book offers a fresh methodological approach with specific and constructive conclusions about our treatment of animals. David DeGrazia provides the most thorough discussion yet of whether equal consideration should be extended to animals' interests, and examines the issues of animal minds and animal well-being with an unparalleled combination of philosophical rigor and empirical documentation. His book is an important contribution to the field of animal ethics and will be read with special interest by all philosophers teaching such courses, as well as biologists, those professionally involved with animals, and general readers concerned about animal welfare.
Hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma: a proposal of a prognostic scoring system

Abstract Background: Hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer provides excellent longterm results in a substantial proportion of patients. Although various prognostic risk factors have been identified, there has been no dependable staging or prognostic scoring system for metastatic hepatic tumors. Study Design: Various clinical and pathologic risk factors were examined in 305 consecutive patients who underwent primary hepatic resections for metastatic colorectal cancer. Survival rates were estimated by the Cox proportional hazards model using the equation: S ( t )=[ S o ( t )] exp(R−R o ) , where S o (t) is the survival rate of patients with none of the identified risk factors and R o = 0. Results: Preliminary multivariate analysis revealed that independently significant negative prognosticators were: (1) positive surgical margins, (2) extrahepatic tumor involvement including the lymph node(s), (3) tumor number of three or more, (4) bilobar tumors, and (5) time from treatment of the primary tumor to hepatic recurrence of 30 months or less. Because the survival rates of the 62 patients with positive margins or extrahepatic tumor were uniformly very poor, multivariate analysis was repeated in the remaining 243 patients who did not have these lethal risk factors. The reanalysis revealed that independently significant poor prognosticators were: (1) tumor number of three or more, (2) tumor size greater than 8 cm, (3) time to hepatic recurrence of 30 months or less, and (4) bilobar tumors. Risk scores (R) for tumor recurrence of the culled cohort (n = 243) were calculated by summation of coefficients from the multivariate analysis and were divided into five groups: grade 1, no risk factors (R = 0); grade 2, one risk factor (R = 0.3 to 0.7); grade 3, two risk factors (R = 0.7 to 1.1); grade 4, three risk factors (R = 1.2 to 1.6); and grade 5, four risk factors (R > 1.6). Grade 6 consisted of the 62 culled patients with positive margins or extrahepatic tumor. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards estimated 5-year survival rates of grade 1 to 6 patients were 48.3% and 48.3%, 36.6% and 33.7%, 19.9% and 17.9%, 11.9% and 6.4%, 0% and 1.1%, and 0% and 0%, respectively (p Conclusions: The proposed risk-score grading predicted the survival differences extremely well. Estimated survival as determined by the Cox proportional hazards model was similar to that determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Verification and further improvements of the proposed system are awaited by other centers or international collaborative studies.
Ediacaran–Early Ordovician paleomagnetism of Baltica: A review

Abstract The Ediacaran–Early Ordovician interval is of great interest to paleogeographer's due to the vast evolutionary changes that occurred during this interval as well as other global changes in the marine, atmospheric and terrestrial systems. It is; however, precisely this time period where there are often wildly contradictory paleomagnetic results from similar-age rocks. These contradictions are often explained with a variety of innovative (and non-uniformitarian) scenarios such as intertial interchange true polar wander, true polar wander and/or non-dipolar magnetic fields. While these novel explanations may be the cause of the seemingly contradictory data, it is important to examine the paleomagnetic database for other potential issues. This review takes a careful and critical look at the paleomagnetic database from Baltica. Based on some new data and a re-evaluation of older data, the relationships between Baltica and Laurentia are examined for ~ 600–500 Ma interval. The new data from the Hedmark Group (Norway) confirms suspicions about possible remagnetization of the Fen Complex pole. For other Baltica results, data from sedimentary units were evaluated for the effects of inclination shallowing. In this review, a small correction was applied to sedimentary paleomagnetic data from Baltica. The filtered dataset does not demand extreme rates of latitudinal drift or apparent polar wander, but it does require complex gyrations of Baltica over the pole. In particular, average rates of APW range from 1.5° to 2.0°/Myr. This range of APW rates is consistent with ‘normal’ plate motion although the total path length (and its oscillatory nature) may indicate a component of true polar wander. In the TPW scenario, the motion of Baltica results in a back and forth path over the south pole between 600 and 550 Ma and again between 550 and 500 Ma. The rapid motion of Baltica over the pole is consistent with the extant database, but other explanations are possible given the relative paucity of high-quality paleomagnetic data during the Ediacaran–Cambrian interval from Baltica and other continental blocks. A sequence of three paleogeographic maps for Laurentia and Baltica is presented. Given the caveats involved in these reconstructions (polarity ambiguity, longitudinal uncertainty and errors), the data are consistent with geological models that posit the opening of the Iapetus Ocean around 600 Ma and subsequent evolution of the Baltica–Laurentia margin in the Late Ediacaran to Early Ordovician, but the complexity of the motion implied by the APWP remains enigmatic.
Theories for social epidemiology in the 21st century: an ecosocial perspective

In social epidemiology, to speak of theory is simultaneously to speak of society and biology. It is, I will argue, to speak of embodiment. At issue is how we literally incorporate, biologically, the world around us, a world in which we simultaneously are but one biological species among many—and one whose labour and ideas literally have transformed the face of this earth. To conceptualize and elucidate the myriad social and biological processes resulting in embodiment and its manifestation in populations' epidemiological profiles, we need theory. This is because theory helps us structure our ideas, so as to explain causal connections between specified phenomena within and across specified domains by using interrelated sets of ideas whose plausibility can be tested by human action and thought.1–3 Grappling with notions of causation, in turn, raises not only complex philosophical issues but also, in the case of social epidemiology, issues of accountability and agency: simply invoking abstract notions of ‘society’ and disembodied ‘genes’ will not suffice. Instead, the central question becomes: who and what is responsible for population patterns of health, disease, and well-being, as manifested in present, past and changing social inequalities in health?
Changes in quality of life among breast cancer patients three years post-diagnosis

Objectives To evaluate changes in quality of life (QOL) and identify medical and socio-demographic predictors of QOL among breast cancer survivors 3 years after diagnosis. Methods Between April 2002 and March 2004 2,232 women with breast cancer were recruited into the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, a population-based cohort study, approximately 6 months after cancer diagnosis. QOL was evaluated at 6 and 36 months post-diagnosis using the General Quality of Life Inventory. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate changes in QOL and their associations with socio-demographic and medical factors. Results In general, breast cancer patients showed significant improvement over time in the physical, psychological, and social well-being domains, as well as overall QOL. However, QOL scores in several facets did not improve or even deteriorated, including increased negative feelings, reduced social support and interpersonal relationships, and worsened financial situation and living environment. Age at diagnosis was inversely associated with QOL changes in physical and psychological well-being and overall QOL scores. Compared with those who were disease-free, patients with a recurrence of disease had significantly poorer QOL scores across all well-being domains and almost all facets. Patients who received radiotherapy experienced significant improvements in physical and social well-being and overall QOL. Mixed ER/PR status was associated with improved scores in physical and psychological well-being and overall QOL. Education, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity score, TNM stage, type of surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy were only associated with changes in certain well-being domains and/or facets, but not overall QOL. Tamoxifen use was not associated with changes in QOL outcomes. Conclusions Our study provides valuable information for developing strategies/interventions for improving the QOL of breast cancer patients.
Molecular Weight of Cotton Cellulose: Effect of Treatment with a Total Cellulase:

Cotton fabric is treated with a total cellulase preparation in either a Launderometer or a reciprocal water bath/shaker for times ranging from 10 to 180 minutes. Control fabrics, buffer-only treated fabrics, and cellulase-treated fabrics are analyzed by gel permeation chromatography to determine peak, weight-average, and number-average molecular weights. The GPC data are compared to weight loss and breaking load mea surements on control and treated fabrics. Despite considerable weight loss and breaking load reduction with the total cellulase treatment in the Launderometer, GPC analysis does not show a reduction in the molecular weight of the cellulose.
Building community capacity for health promotion : a challenge for public health nurses

The centennial celebration of public health nursing is a strong reminder of the tradition and practice of public health nursing's commitment to communities. Partnerships with communities give public health nurses fiduciary responsibility to be actively involved in public health reform to advance health promotion and health protection. Public health nurses must rise to the challenge to build community capacity through facilitating community participation, enhancing community health services, and coordinating public policy to achieve core public health responsibilities of assessment, policy, and assurance. This paper explicates strategies for building community capacity for health promotion.
Effect of Extended Cook Times on Certain Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Beef Prepared in a Waterbath

Contralateral beef muscles were prepared in either a 60°C waterbath or a 94°C conventional oven. Waterbath cooked muscles were placed in nylon bags and evacuated prior to cooking; some samples were held in the bath for 2 or 4 additional hours after reaching ternal end-point temperature. Yields were greatest for waterbath prepared samples which were removed from the bath immediately upon reaching internal end-point temperature. Extended cooking times increased collagen solubilization and decreased yields, overall rareness, panel scores for juiciness and flavor and Warner-Bratzler shear values.
Management of infantile subglottic hemangioma: Laser vaporization, submucous resection, intubation, or intralesional steroids?

The infantile subglottic hemangioma can be treated in various ways. The results of the treatment used in the Sophia Children's Hospital, intralesional steroids and intubation (IS + I), are discussed and compared with the results of other current treatment methods: CO2 laser vaporization, submucous resection and intubation alone. A total of 18 infants were treated for subglottic hemangioma in our hospital: ten with IS + I alone, five were first treated with systemic therapy and later with IS + I alone and three with various therapies. IS + I was effective in 14 of the 15 patients, one patient was lost from follow up. The remaining three infants were treated with (combinations of) various therapies, because IS + I failed or was not tried. Two patients were finally cured, one still has a tracheotomy. Of other current therapies, CO2 laser vaporization is reported to be effective. In all 30% of the infants treated in Boston Children's Hospital with CO2 laser needed a tracheotomy. Moreover subglottic stenosis is a serious complication. Submucous resection is often successful. It may be complicated by subglottic stenosis and in some cases, depending on the localization of the hemangioma, it may be contraindicated. Intubation alone is less effective than intubation combined with intralesional steroids. Management of subglottic hemangioma in Sophia Children's Hospital is primarily intralesional steroids and intubation and secondarily submucous resection or tracheotomy. CO2 laser vaporization is seldom applied because of the risk of subglottic stenosis.
Real-time microcomputer simulation for space Shuttle/Centaur avionics

The design of a simulator system for emulating the characteristics of Shuttle/Centaur avionic support equipment for launching the Solar Polar Mission and the Galileo probe are discussed. The simulators are being constructed on a modular basis for the Centaur control avionics, the Centaur Airborne Support Equipment avionics, the tanking skid ground support equipment, development mechanisms, the tanking skid ground support equipment, deployment mechanisms, the tanking onboard fluid functions, the star scanner guidance update avionics, the Orbiter command interface avionics, and the Orbiter power system. Each simulator portrays the actual working conditions, including signal delay times and harnessing. Block diagrams are provided of the interfaces and a flow diagram is presented of the software.
Confirmation of a unique intra-dimer cooperativity in the human hemoglobin ?1?1half-oxygenated intermediate supports the symmetry rule model of allosteric regulation

The contribution of the alpha(1)beta(1)half-oxygenated tetramer [alphabeta:alphaO(2)betaO(2)] (species 21) to human hemoglobin cooperativity was evaluated using cryogenic isoelectric focusing. The cooperative free energy of binding, reflecting O(2)-driven protein structure changes, was measured as (21)DeltaG(c) = 5.1 +/- 0. 3 kcal for the Zn/FeO(2) analog. For the Fe/FeCN analog, (21)DeltaG(c) was estimated as 4.0 kcal after correction for a CN ligand rearrangement artifact, demonstrating that ligand rearrangement does not invalidate previous conclusions regarding this species. In the context of the entire Hb cooperativity cascade, which includes eight intermediate species, the 21 tetramer is highly abundant relative to the other doubly-ligated species, providing strong support for the previously determined consensus partition function of O(2) binding and for the Symmetry Rule model of hemoglobin cooperativity (Ackers et al., Science 1992;255:54-63). Cooperativity of normal human hemoglobin is shown to depend on site-configuration, and not solely the number of O(2) bound, nor the occupancy of alpha vs. beta subunits. Verification of a unique contribution from the alpha(1)beta(1)doubly-oxygenated species to the equilibrium O(2) binding curve strongly reinforces the Symmetry Rule interpretation that the alpha(1)beta(1)dimer acts both as a structural and functional element in cooperative O(2) binding.
Family-Centered, Evidence-Based Phototherapy Delivery

Jaundice develops in most newborn infants and is one of the most common reasons infants are rehospitalized after birth. American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidelines strongly support the recommendation that clinicians promote and support breastfeeding. Recognizing that the disruptions associated with phototherapy interfere with breastfeeding, the challenge often faced by clinicians is how to provide effective phototherapy while supporting evidence-based practices, such as rooming-in, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. We report here on a case that reflects a common clinical scenario in newborn medicine in order to describe a technique for providing phototherapy while maintaining evidence-based practices. This approach will assist clinicians in providing best-practices and family-centered care.
Osteogenic tumors of bone.

In this paper we provide an overview of benign and malignant osteogenic bone tumors. We describe the diagnostic features, radiographic findings, and pertinent ancillary studies needed to diagnose these bone-forming lesions. We begin with osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma, which are histologically bland and eminently benign with rare possible exceptions. On the other end of the behavioral spectrum is osteosarcoma, which encompasses many subtypes ranging from high-grade osteogenic osteosarcoma to less overtly osteogenic lesions such as telangiectatic and small cell osteosarcoma. While classic osteogenic osteosarcoma can be easily recognized by its high grade morphology and formation of extracellular lace-like osteoid, its variants may pose diagnostic dilemmas as their differential diagnoses can include benign, fibrous, and vascular lesions, among others. Recognition of these variants is essential to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. In equivocal cases, some forms of osteosarcoma have shown molecular alterations that may prove diagnostically useful.
Capacity and performance gains through temporal and spatial oversampling

In this work we present simulation results on the capacity and performance gains attainable by oversampling at the receiver in the temporal and spatial domains. The study assumes a downlink direct sequence code division multiple access (CDMA) system with a linear receiver. Oversampling in the temporal domain refers to sampling at a rate higher than the chip-rate. Oversampling in the spatial domain refers to multiple receiver antennas. The simulations results verify various aspects of our theoretical results including the dimensional resolution of inter-symbol interference (ISI) through spatial oversampling and the utilization of the bandwidth expansion for capacity gains through temporal oversampling. We quantify the performance gains by illustrating increases in system dimensionality and providing a bit error rate (BER) metric.
Composition and Functional Characterization of Yeast 66S Ribosome Assembly Intermediates

The pathway and complete collection of factors that orchestrate ribosome assembly are not clear. To address these problems, we affinity purified yeast preribosomal particles containing the nucleolar protein Nop7p and developed means to separate their components. Nop7p is associated primarily with 66S preribosomes containing either 27SB or 25.5S plus 7S pre-rRNAs. Copurifying proteins identified by mass spectrometry include ribosomal proteins, nonribosomal proteins previously implicated in 60S ribosome biogenesis, and proteins not known to be involved in ribosome production. Analysis of strains mutant for eight of these proteins not previously implicated in ribosome biogenesis showed that they do participate in this pathway. These results demonstrate that proteomic approaches in concert with genetic tools provide powerful means to purify and characterize ribosome assembly intermediates.
Color match of machinable lithium disilicate ceramics: Effects of foundation restoration

Statement of problem Metal or white opaque foundation restorations may negatively affect the color of machinable lithium disilicate (MLD) ceramic restorations. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ceramic thickness and foundation restoration materials on the color of MLD restorations. Material and methods Forty-five ceramic slices in 3 thicknesses (1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm; 15 slices in each group) were made from low-translucency (LT) shade A1 IPS e.max CAD blocks. Resin cement (Multilink yellow) of 100-μm cement thickness was bonded to 3 different foundation restoration materials: silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) (Albacast) alloy, Type III gold (Midas), and white opaque foundation resin (Paracore white) to make the cement-foundation blocks. After optically connecting each ceramic specimen to the cement-foundation block, the color of each laminated combination was measured with a portable spectrophotometer (Vita EasyShade Compact). The color differences (ΔE) between the specimen assemblies and a control target block (a 12×14×14-mm crystalized shade A1 LT e.max CAD block) were calculated. Two-way ANOVA and general linear model were used to assess the effects of ceramic thickness, foundation materials, and their interactions to the resultant ΔE (α=.05). Clinical significance was determined by comparing color differences to perceptibility and acceptability thresholds by using the t test (α=.05). Results Both ceramic thickness and foundation materials significantly affected the mean values of color difference (ΔE) of MLD restorations ( P 2.6) with the 3 tested foundation materials ( P P 2.6) ( P Conclusions Based on the results of the study, the colors of MLD ceramic restorations were affected by both the ceramic thickness and foundation restoration materials. Increasing ceramic thickness improved the resultant shade matching. Ag-Pd alloy made the ceramic restorations darker and bluish, whereas white opaque foundation resin made restorations brighter and yellowish.
Latinos, Language Minority Students, and the Construction of ESL: Language Testing and Placement From High School to Community College

This article explores language assessments and policies that Latino students and others from immigrant backgrounds face as they graduate from high school and attempt to enter community colleges. Focusing on California, the authors examine the assumptions that underlie these assessments and policies. They argue that the policies signal different conceptions (and misconceptions) about the nature of bilingualism and the needs of U.S.-educated language minority students pursuing academic goals.
Attenuation of ischemic liver injury by prostaglandin E1 analogue, misoprostol, and prostaglandin I2 analogue, OP-41483.

Abstract Background: Prostaglandin has been reported to have protective effects against liver injury. Use of this agent in clinical settings, however, is limited because of drug-related side effects. This study investigated whether misoprostol, prostaglandin E 1 analogue, and OP-41483, prostaglandin I 2 analogue, which have fewer adverse effects with a longer half-life, attenuate ischemic liver damage. Study Design: Thirty beagle dogs underwent 2 hours of hepatic vascular exclusion using venovenous bypass. Misoprostol was administered intravenously for 30 minutes before ischemia and for 3 hours after reperfusion. OP-41483 was administered intraportally for 30 minutes before ischemia (2 μg/kg/min) and for 3 hours after reperfusion (0.5 μg/kg/min). Animals were divided into five groups: untreated control group (n = 10); high-dose misoprostol (total 100 μg/kg) group (MP-H, n=5); middle-dose misoprostol (50 μg/kg) group (MP-M, n=5); low-dose misoprostol (25 μg/kg) group (MP-L, n=5); and OP-41483 group (OP, n=5). Animal survival, hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF), liver function, and histology were analyzed. Results: Two-week animal survival rates were 30% in control, 60% in MP-H, 100% in MP-M, 80% in MP-L, and 100% in OP. The treatments with prostaglandin analogues improved HTBF, and attenuated liver enzyme release, adenine nucleotrides degradation, and histologic abnormalities. In contrast to the MP-H animals that exhibited unstable cardiovascular systems, the MP-M, MP-L, and OP animals experienced only transient hypotension. Conclusions: These results indicate that misoprostol and OP-41483 prevent ischemic liver damage, although careful dose adjustment of misoprostol is required to obtain the best protection with minimal side effects.