cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radionuclide Imaging, Ablation, and Treatment in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma

Radioisotopic scanning with radioiodine and other agents, radioisotope “stunning,” advantages of 123I vs 131I, and radioiodine therapy (including dosimetry) are addressed in separate chapters (26, 27, 32, 33, 36, 44–48) in this volume. This brief chapter relates primarily to special aspects of follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) relative to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Although papillary and follicular welldifferentiated thyroid cancers are histologically different, their biological behavior is similar. As a result, most published reports do not differentiate between the two, describing outcomes for “differentiated thyroid carcinoma,” and this is also true for the literature involving radionuclide imaging, ablation, and treatment. Accordingly, the other chapters discussing these issues for papillary carcinoma are applicable to patients with follicular carcinoma. However, several differences are related to these two types of thyroid malignancy that are noteworthy.
Therapeutic exercise and depressive symptoms after stroke

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of exercise on depressive symptoms and the effect of baseline depressive symptoms on the benefits from exercise in stroke survivors who have completed acute rehabilitation. DESIGN: Planned secondary analysis of the data from a 9-month randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Participant homes. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred stroke survivors who had completed acute rehabilitation. INTERVENTION: A progressive, structured, 3-month physical exercise program. MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, stroke characteristics, impairments, functional limitations, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Stroke Impact Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form. RESULTS: Baseline rates of depressive symptoms and other stroke sequelae were similar between the two arms. Ninety-three participants were assessed immediately after the intervention (3 months after enrollment), and 80 were assessed 9 months after enrollment. Six (14%) of the exercise group and 16 (35.6%) of the usual-care group had depressive symptoms at 3 months (P=.03). At 9 months, three (7.5%) of the exercisers had significant depressive symptoms compared with 10 (25%) who received usual care (P=.07). Participants with and without baseline depressive symptoms had equivalent treatment-related gains in impairments and functional limitations, but only participants with depressive symptoms had improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: Exercise may help reduce poststroke depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms do not limit gains in physical function due to exercise. Exercise may contribute to improved quality of life in those with poststroke depressive symptoms.
Emergent Leadership in Self-Managed Virtual Teams

The issue of leadership in virtual teams is an increasingly important one for many modern organizations, because these teams – typically project-based with a finite lifespan and specific deliverables – are frequently self-managed, having no designated leader within the team (Yukl 1998). While such teams may have increased flexibility in setting goals and achieving them, the virtual context may hinder team members' abilities to coordinate activities and influence others (Manz and Sims 1993). Longitudinal data were collected over the course of a semester from virtual teams, comprised of students from three North American universities. Our results suggest that high performing self-managed virtual teams displayed significantly more leadership behaviors over time compared to their low performing counterparts. Specifically, these teams displayed significantly more concentrated leadership behavior focused on performance (i.e. “Producer” behavior) and shared leadership behavior focused on keeping track of group work (i.e. “Monitor” behavior) than the lower performing teams. Interestingly, these behaviors emerged strongly during the first half of the groups' lifespan, and stayed throughout the life of the groups, but steadily dissipated in strength over time.
Site access and sample frame issues for R-EMAP Central Valley, California, stream assessment

The Central Valley of California contains critical habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial biological resources. The purpose of this R-EMAP project was to assess the effects from a highly modified agriculturally dominated landuse area on the aquatic resources of the lower portion of the Central Valley watersheds. The study area is 24,346 mi2 and comprises the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley watersheds to the 1,000 ft. elevation contour. Populations of interest are man-made conveyances and wadeable natural streams. There are 40,756 miles of streams and constructed conveyances within the Central Valley as designated by RF3 database. Sample sites were selected to represent 14,399 miles of streams and sloughs, and 16,697 miles of constructed conveyances.
Defeating Authoritarian Leaders in Postcommunist Countries

Part I. The Puzzle: 1. Breakthrough elections: mixed regimes, democracy assistance, and international diffusion 2. Electoral stability and change in mixed regimes Part II. Case Studies: 3. The 1998 election in Slovakia and the 2000 election in Croatia: model solidifies and is transferred 4. Defeating a dictator at the polls and in the streets: the 2000 Yugoslav election 5. Ukraine: the orange revolution 6. Georgia and Kyrgyzstan: fraudulent parliamentary elections, mass protests, and presidential abdications 7. Failed cases: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus Part III. Comparative Analyses: 8. Explaining divergent electoral outcomes: regime strength, international democracy assistance, and electoral dynamics 9. The electoral model: evolution and elements 10. The cross-national diffusion of democratizing elections 11. After the elections: explaining divergent regime trajectories 12. Conclusions: democratizing elections, international diffusion and US democracy assistance.
Corporate Strategy and Financial Planning

A company's strategy plan is a method of achieving the goal of maximizing shareholder wealth. This strategic plan requires both long-term and short-term financial planning that brings together forecasts of the company's sales with financing and investment decision-making. Budgets, such as the cash budget and the production budget, are used to manage the information used in this planning, whereas performance measures, such as the balanced scorecard and economic value added, are used to evaluate progress toward the strategic goals. Keywords: strategy; strategic plan; investment strategy; budgeting; comparative advantage; competitive advantage; budget; operational budgeting; long-run planning; long-term planning; regression analysis; sensitivity analysis; simulation analysis; flexible budget; pro forma balance sheet; pro forma income statement; analysis of accounts method; percent-of-sales method; financial model; value-based metrics; economic value added measures; economic profit; market value added; balanced scorecard; key performance indicators (KPIs); value creation
Harmonics and transient overvoltages due to capacitor switching

This work presents a study of the steady-state and transient effects of power factor correction capacitors on the utility and on the customer. In the presence of harmonic-producing loads, capacitors used for power factor correction can cause parallel or series resonance problems which tend to increase the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the voltage and current waveforms. The cases studied in this work considers the addition of a power factor correction capacitor, in the presence of downstream harmonic loads and at the harmonic load site. In both cases the resonance created by the addition of the capacitor caused the harmonic distortion of the voltage and current waveforms to increase. Another problem is transient overvoltages created by switching the capacitor. A case study is reported where the operation of a semiconductor controlled motor drive is effected by transient overvoltages. >
Effects of postmortem storage by freezing on ligament tensile behavior

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of prolonged postmortem freezing storage (between 1 1/2 and 3 months at -20 degrees C) on the structural properties of the medial collateral ligament (MCL)-bone complex as well as the mechanical properties of the MCL substance from the rabbit knee. Tensile testing of the femur-MCL-tibia specimen was performed and no statistically significant changes were noted between the fresh and stored samples in terms of the cyclic stress relaxation, the load-deformation characteristics, as well as the load, deformation and energy absorbing capability at failure. The area of hysteresis of the stored samples was significantly reduced in the first few cycles, however. The mechanical properties of the MCL substance, as represented by the stress-strain curves, tensile strength and ultimate strain also did not change following storage. We conclude, therefore, proper and careful storage by freezing would have little or no effect on the biomechanical properties of the ligaments.
Personal Transformation and Readjustment in “Homecoming”

ABSTRACT Studies support the observations by college psychotherapists that students returning from study abroad adventures often have a difficult time readjusting to being back “home.” We consider what the internal developmental challenges might be that relate to this transitional step. We weave first-hand comments of students into our article.
NFκB-Independent Signaling to the Cyclin D1 Gene by Rac

In this report we characterize the mechanism of Rac-mediated cyclin D1 gene expression in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Activated Rac strongly stimulated cyclin D1 gene transcription but did not alter the half-life of cyclin D1 mRNA. Inhibition of NFkappaB signaling with the IkappaB super-repressor blocked the Rac-dependent expression of cyclin D1 mRNA, and this effect was selective since ERK-dependent cyclin D1 mRNA induction was minimally affected by super-repressor expression. However, we found that p65 activity in this system was induced by serum and not by activated Rac. Moreover, mouse cyclin D1 promoter-luciferase assays showed that Rac stimulated cyclin D1 gene expression without activating NFkappaB and that an essential Rac-regulated promoter element is located far upstream or downstream of the cyclin D1 transcription start site. We conclude that, in MEFs, Rac-mediated induction of cyclin D1 mRNA requires activation of a parallel NFkappaB pathway whereas ERK induces cyclin D1 transcription independent of NFkappaB.
Laboratory practices in reporting flow cytometry phenotyping results for leukemia/lymphoma specimens: results of a survey

Laboratory directors who routinely utilize flow cytometry for at least part of their diagnostic evaluations in leukemias or lymphomas were surveyed by mail. The survey consisted of 12 questions about the flow cytometry procedures used by the laboratory in evaluating leukemias and lymphomas and on the format and content of their official report. It also requested an example of a typical leukemia/lymphoma report and solicited write-in comments about additional important aspects of using flow cytometry to evaluate leukemia and lymphomas not covered by the questionnaire. The goal of the survey, which was sponsored by the Clinical Cytometry Society (CCS), was to document what directors of flow cytometry laboratories currently consider to be the appropriate contents of a clinical leukemia/lymphoma phenotyping analysis and in what manner and detail they report such flow cytometry results to clinicians. The survey indicated that a large number of markers are routinely evaluated to phenotype leukemias (mean = 19) and lymphomas (mean = 16). Light scatter gating, using CD45/14 to monitor the gate selected, is currently employed by a 2:1 ratio over the next most population gating strategy (CD45 vs. 90 degrees LS). Peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissue constitute the majority of clinical specimens evaluated for leukemia and/or lymphoma. Two-color analysis, primarily for surface markers, is currently the standard method for flow cytometry measurements in routine diagnostic studies of leukemia and lymphoma. The official flow cytometry laboratory report is most commonly an individual-lab-generated, paper report form. A discussion of the potential benefits that might result from the development of improved computerized reporting software and from the increased use of antibody-defined, lineage gating is offered. A composite report format is presented that demonstrates the flow measurements and quality control data included in the best of the example clinical reports submitted as part of the survey and considered important by a majority of our survey respondents. The example report is intended to be a basis for further discussion within the flow cytometry community on whether minimum reporting standards for leukemia and/or lymphoma flow cytometry results can and should be developed.
Can't Have One without the Other: Mental Health Providers and Community Parents Reducing Barriers to Services for Families in Urban Poverty.

University–community partnerships are widely recognized as critical to the success of community research and advocacy work but difficult to form and sustain. This article will describe a unique facet of that partnership, namely the collaboration between mental health clinicians and community consultants, a partnership that our data suggest was a cornerstone of our school-based mental health service program called PALS, an ecological model designed to engage African American families living in urban poor communities in mental health services. The service model was designed to promote children's learning and positive behavior through supporting teachers and encouraging parental involvement in school. In PALS, parent representatives from the community and clinicians from the university worked together in school-based teams to support children, families, and teachers. This article will discuss the evolution of our clinician–consultant partnership and several lessons that emerged regarding the incorporation of community members into the world of academia, research, and mental health service delivery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 435–446, 2007.
Vorticity Dynamics of Seasonal Variations of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current from a Modeling Study

Abstract A one-layer numerical model was developed to analyze the vorticity dynamics of the seasonal variations of currents in the Southern Ocean. The model includes the continental geometry and bathymetry of the Southern Ocean and is forced by monthly climatological wind stress. Five cases are considered that compare (i) circulation over a flat bottom to that with bathymetry, (ii) effects of zonally averaged wind stress forcing versus the climatological forcing and (iii) anomaly wind stress (winds with the annual mean removed) versus the fun stress. The individual terms in the vorticity conservation equation are calculated from the model solution along two latitude lines; 57.5°S, which passes through Drake Passage, and 43.5°S, which is in the subtropical gyre. In the zonal part of the flat bottom simulation, the curl of the surface stress balances bottom stress curl. However, in Drake Passage, beta (advection of planetary vorticity) balances bottom loss—the western boundary balance. Such vorticity intera...
The utilization of dl-[3-14c]hydroxybutyrate by malnourished rat pups

Abstract Protein-calorie restricted newborn rats were found to incorporate significantly less β-hydroxybutyrate into brain protein and lipid components for the first 15 days of life as compared to well-fed controls. The labelling of brain tissue by β-hydroxybutyrate was maximal during mid-suckling in both groups and then decreased immediately after weaning to the levels measured in adult rats. Undernutrition did not alter the incorporation of β-hydroxybutyrate into brain amino acids. Unexpectedly, liver tissue was found capable of incorporating β-hydroxybutyrate into the protein, amino acids and lipid fractions to nearly the same extent as brain tissue although its utilization increased with age in contrast to the results observed for brain tissue. Malnutrition decreased the incorporation of β-hydroxybutyrate into liver protein but did not alter its entry into the amino acids or lipid components. The brain or liver enzymes, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, 3-oxo-CoA transferase, or acetoacetyl coenzyme A thiolase activities were not affected by the dietary restriction. Differences in these enzymes therefore cannot explain the decreased incorporation of β-hydroxybutyrate into the brain or liver fractions. It is suggested that the underutilization of β-hydroxybutyrate by malnourished animals for protein and lipid formation is not due to decreased uptake, but may be due to an alteration in the protein and lipid synthetic capacities of the tissues. Since the amount of radioactive β-hydroxybutyrate entering the liver tissue fractions increased throughout development and hepatic 3-oxo-coenzyme A transferase activity is of the same order of magnitude as the brain β-ydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, the transferase activity may after all be sufficient to account for the labelling observed in liver.
Selection Criteria for a Career Development Program for the Mentally Ill: Evaluation of the Self‐Directed Search (SDS)

Criteria were developed for the selection of a career development program appropriate for the mentally ill. The criteria were based on the Career Development Curriculum (CDC) for the mentally ill and the Purdue Stepped Approach Model. The Self-Directed Search (SDS) was chosen as a program because it met all the selection criteria. Mentally ill program participants showed a significant change (p<.035) on the My Vocational Situation Identity Scale. The findings support the selection of the SDS as a program and the feasibility of offering career development services to mentally ill clients.
A General Expression for the Determination of the Log Mean Temperature Correction Factor for Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

This paper presents a single closed form algebraic equation for the determination of the Log Mean Temperature Difference correction factor (F) for shell and tube heat exchangers having N shell passes and 2M tube passes per shell. The equation and its graphical presentation generalize the traditional equations and charts used for the determination of F. The equation presented is also useful in design, analysis and optimization of multi shell and tube heat exchanger particularly for direct determination of the number of shells.
Climate‐induced changes in high elevation stream nitrate dynamics

Mountain terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are responsive to external drivers of change, especially climate change and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N). We explored the consequences of a temperature-warming trend on stream nitrate in an alpine and subalpine watershed in the Colorado Front Range that has long been the recipient of elevated atmospheric N deposition. Mean annual stream nitrate concentrations since 2000 are higher by 50% than an earlier monitoring period of 1991–1999. Mean annual N export increased by 28% from 2.03 kg N ha � 1 yr � 1 before 2000 to 2.84 kg N ha � 1 yr � 1 in Loch Vale watershed since 2000. The substantial increase in N export comes as a surprise, since mean wet atmospheric N deposition from 1991 to 2006 (3.06 kg N ha � 1 yr � 1 ) did not increase. There has been a period of below average precipitation from 2000 to 2006 and a steady increase in summer and fall temperatures of 0.121 Cy r � 1 in both seasons since 1991. Nitrate concentrations, as well as the weathering products calcium and sulfate, were higher for the period 2000–2006 in rock glacier meltwater at the top of the watershed above the influence of alpine and subalpine vegetation and soils. We conclude the observed recent N increases in Loch Vale are the result of warmer summer and fall mean temperatures that are melting ice in glaciers and rock glaciers. This, in turn, has exposed sediments from which N produced by nitrification can be flushed. We suggest a water quality threshold may have been crossed around 2000. The phenomenon observed in Loch Vale may be indicative of N release from ice features such as rock glaciers worldwide as mountain glaciers retreat.
PHOTOPRODUCTION OF POSITIVE PIONS FROM HYDROGEN AT ENERGIES NEAR THE FIRST RESONANCE

Angular distributions for positive-pion photoproduction from liquid hydrogen have been measured at photon energies near 225, 250, 275, 300, and 350 MeV. These have been normalized to an absolute cross section near the peak of the first resonance, measured by means of a polyethylene-carbon subtraction using solid targets. The results are compared with results of previous experiments as well as several dispersion-theoretic predictions of the cross sections. The data can be fitted within the experimental and theoretical uncertainties by a theoretical calculation containing only the pion pole term and the transition to the ${P}_{3,3}$ state due to the first resonance.
Long Residue Checking for Adders

As system sizes grow and devices become more sensitive to faults, adder protection may be necessary to achieve system error-rate bounds. This study investigates a novel fault detection scheme for fast adders, long residue checking (LRC), which has substantive advantages over all previous separable approaches. Long residues are found to provide a ~10% reduction in complexity and ~25% reduction in power relative to the next most efficient error detector, while remaining modular and easy to implement.
Particle Loss in the Levitated Spherator FM-1

The plasma confinement times were studied in the levitated spherator FM-1 as a function of the electron density and electron temperature. It was found that below approximately 1 eV, the plasma confinement time is proportional to $\frac{{{T}_{e}}^{m}}{{n}_{e}}(\frac{1}{2}l~ml~\frac{3}{4})$ with an absolute confinement time 4-6 times below the classical confinement time. Above 1 eV the confinement time decreases as ${{T}_{e}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with an absolute confinement of 300 times the so-called Bohm diffusion time.
Stimulation by local anesthetics of the metabolism of acidic phospholipids in the rat pineal gland.

The efficacy of five local anesthetics in causing stimulation of phospholipid metabolism in rat pineal gland in vitro paralleled their anesthetic potency and decreased in the order: dibucaine, tetracaine, cocaine, procaine, lidocaine. When stimulation occurred, the patterns of labeling resembled that produced by propranolol, a β-adrenergic receptor blocking agent with local anesthetic activity. Isotope incorporation into phosphatidylglycerol and CDP-diglyceride was markedly enhanced and increases of labeling of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol were also seen. At concentrations of 1–10 mM, propranolol and local anesthetics inhibited labeling of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine by more than 90% and incorporation of 32Pi into other phospholipids to a smaller extent.
Manual‐Based Treatment and Clinical Practice

This commentary focuses on the three components involved in the therapeutic process, the therapist, the treatment process, and the consumer, and addresses the impact of manual-based treatment on all three from the perspective of the managed care industry. The issues of concern in managed care include reducing the variation in practice, addressing the need to have effective case-mix adjustment, increasing accountability to the consumer, recognizing that not all care and not all practitioners achieve therapeutic objectives, and responding to accreditation initiatives. The implications for training new practitioners are examined.
Outcome of symptomatic patients undergoing extracardiac Fontan conversion and cryoablation

Abstract Objective We review our experience with Fontan conversion and cryoablation in patients with an atriopulmonary Fontan in low cardiac output from arrhythmia or venous obstruction, including 2 patients with protein-losing enteropathy. Methods Ten patients (mean age 21.1 ± 7.0 years) underwent extracardiac Fontan conversion, cryoablation, and pacemaker placement between November 1999 and April 2002 (13.1 ± 4.1 years after the original atriopulmonary connection). Eight patients were in New York Heart Association class III and 2 were in New York Heart Association class IV. Nine patients had clinically important intra-atrial reentry tachycardia refractory to medical therapy. Results Follow-up was between 3.1 and 32.6 months (16.8 ± 9). One death occurred at 7 days after surgery due to sepsis and multisystem organ failure. The second death occurred at 48 days from complications of protein-losing enteropathy. The second patient with protein-losing enteropathy had improved New York Heart Association classification, cessation of albumin transfusions, and a normal stool alpha antitrypsin level (down from 4.1 mg/g preoperatively). Five patients improved to New York Heart Association class I and 3 patients to New York Heart Association class II. Sustained arrhythmias could not be induced in any patient. Seven patients are on no antiarrhythmics. One patient had recurrence of intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia 11 months postoperatively, which required electrical cardioversion; this patient's symptoms are currently well controlled on 1 medication. Conclusion Extracardiac Fontan, cryoablation, and pacemaker placement reduced atrial arrhythmias and improved New York Heart Association classification in all surviving patients. In selected patients, this operation offers improvement in clinical outcome and is an alternative to transplantation. Protein-losing enteropathy may not be a contraindication to performing Fontan conversion with cryoablation.
Communications in the European social, economic and political environments 1970–1990

Abstract Existing trends are reducing national differences among European countries but are accentuating the social and economic differences within these countries. Here this is illustrated by pointing out trends directly relevant to the communications industry.
Short-wavelength collective modes in a binary hard-sphere mixture.

We use hard-sphere generalized hydrodynamic equations to discuss the extended hydrodynamic modes of a binary mixture. The theory presented here is analytic and it provides us with a simple description of the collective excitations of a dense binary mixture at molecular length scales. The behavior we predict is in qualitative agreement with molecular-dynamics results for soft-sphere mixtures. This study provides some insight into the role of compositional disorder in forming glassy configurations.
Implicit-function methods for the solution of two-parameter linear spectral problems

We consider a method for the solution of linear two-parameter spectral algebraic problems, based on the implicit-function methods. The use of the implicit-function methods enables one to determine the properties and structure of an existing spectrum and to find all components of the spectrum that are contained in a certain bounded convex set of the space $$ {\mathbb{C}^2} $$ or $$ {\mathbb{R}^2} $$ .
Loss and readiness to change substance abuse

Little empirical study has been done on specific content targets for cognitive-behavioral interventions at each stage of change among substance abusers. Clinical observation has noted losses to be associated with decisions to change, but this relationship has not been studied empirically. 110 dually diagnosed psychiatric inpatients completed self-report questionnaires on losses and Readiness to Change. Total number of losses correlated with precontemplation, contemplation, and overall readiness to change scores. In addition, several individual losses accounted for statistically significant variability in each stage of change. These data suggest that focus upon specific losses may motivate change in dually diagnosed substance abusers.
Primate mating systems, kin associations, and cooperative behavior: Evidence for kin recognition?

The degree to which cooperative behavior is kin-correlated in different primate species is reviewed. The mechanisms whereby individuals might recognize related conspecifics are also considered. Different mating systems, in conjunction with dispersal behavior, are hypothesized to produce particular patterns of kin association in primate groups. These patterns determine what classes of kin are likely to be distinguished, as well as which mechanisms of recognition would be predicted. Association or familiarity during development is concluded to be the most important mechanism of kin discrimination in the primates.
Pediatric radical abdominal trachelectomy for anaplastic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix: an alternative to radical hysterectomy

Rhabdomyosarcoma arising in the female genital tract carries 5-year survival in excess of 80%, but lifelong infertility may be a consequence of local control strategies. We present the technique and outcome for a fertility-sparing, radical abdominal trachelectomy in a 12-year-old girl with anaplastic, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma involving the uterine cervix. The patient had presented to our center after the piecemeal resection of a uterine cervical mass; because of concern about microscopic residual disease, we classified her as group II-A according to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study system. Staging studies excluded the presence of distant disease. The patient received 4 cycles of multiagent chemotherapy and then underwent radical abdominal trachelectomy, with removal of the uterine cervix, parametria, vaginal cuff, and regional lymph nodes. Microscopically, the specimen showed treatment effect and no residual tumor. Regional nodes were negative. Radical abdominal trachelectomy, which has not been previously reported for rhabdomyosarcoma, has appeared to secure local disease control in this case while preserving the patient's future fertility potential. In properly selected cases of rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix, where involvement of the uterus proper is not present, radical abdominal trachelectomy may be an attractive fertility-sparing alternative to radical hysterectomy.
Prospective comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopic devices.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate and compare the three commercially available first-generation hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) devices in a prospective, randomized fashion. HAL nephrectomy has become an increasingly popular surgical modality. Methods. Sixty-seven board-certified urologists each performed two HAL nephrectomies in a porcine laboratory, using two different hand devices, at a learning course sponsored by the American Urological Association. At the completion of the laboratory session, each surgeon was asked to complete a 12-question survey designed to evaluate the different hand-assist devices. Results. Thirty-nine surgeons used the HandPort, 47 used the Intromit, and 47 used the Pneumosleeve. No statistical differences were found in the ratings among the three devices within any category. No device scored better than 8.1 in any category, and the overall satisfaction was less than 7.7 in all three groups. Although not statistically significant, the Intromit device had the highest ratings in the following categories: instructions, maintenance of pneumoperitoneum, exchange of laparotomy pads, retrieval of specimens, sturdiness, and overall satisfaction. The HandPort had the highest failure rate. Conclusions. HAL relies heavily on devices that allow the hand to be introduced into the laparoscopic environment. The three available devices are all effective, yet each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. In terms of overall satisfaction, no device scored greater than 7.7. The results of this study suggest that the need for improvement by all three manufacturers is significant and have helped to better identify these areas.
On the dynamic theory of radiationless transitions: selective molecular excitation by laser pulses

Abstract Interaction of a molecule with a light pulse does not, in general, prepare to molecule in an excited Born—Oppenheimer state. The structure both of the absorption spectrum and of the light pulse determines an effective subspace of molecular eigenstates which governs the dynamics of excitation and decay. This subspace suggests the most appropriate coupling scheme for describing the associated radiative and radiationless processes. The radiative state of the molecule, the projected radiative state for the effective subspace, and the prepared excited state of the molecule are defined and their distinct roles in the theory are discussed.
Healthcare Experiences of Latinos in a Nontraditional Destination Area

The purpose of this study was to describe the health and healthcare experiences of immigrant Latinos compared to USA-born Latinos, Whites, and African Americans in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, a nontraditional immigrant destination area. Immigrant Latinos had significantly worse physical and mental health than other groups and significantly more barriers to healthcare. Latinos rated the degree to which their town is socially accepting of Latinos. Lower social acceptance was correlated with worse mental health and more barriers to healthcare. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping techniques revealed geographic patterns in the association between social acceptance of Latinos and health outcomes.
Gangliosides promote platelet adhesion and facilitate neuroblastoma cell adhesion under dynamic conditions simulating blood flow.

Background Aberrant gangliosides are produced and shed by some tumors into the extracellular milieu. Their concentration is related to disease progression in children with neuroblastoma and in experimental models. The mechanism for this tumor promoting effect is not known. Purpose Here, we investigated the effect of gangliosides on platelet and tumor cell adhesion under shear forces simulating venous and arterial flow. Results High shear force increased platelet adhesion 2.5-fold compared to low force. Pre-incubation of platelets with gangliosides increased adhesion at low shear to a level comparable to high shear alone. The addition of gangliosides to platelets perfused at high shear did not further increase adhesion. LAN1 neuroblastoma cells are adherent to collagen in static assays. No effect of either shear or gangliosides was observed on cell adhesion under dynamic conditions. However, when perfused in the presence of platelets, an increase in binding of tumor cells was observed at both shear forces compared to cells alone. Conclusions These results demonstrate that shear and gangliosides increase dynamic platelet adhesion to collagen. In addition, platelets facilitate tumor cell binding. Therefore, by acting as a mediator of platelet activation, gangliosides may promote blood borne metastasis by increasing platelet binding to the vessel wall and in turn facilitate tumor cell arrest in circulation. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Excitation Functions to 100 Mev

A method is described for obtaining excitation functions using the stacked foil technique with an internal cyclotron beam. The method, which utilizes multiple Coulomb scattering for deflection and 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} focusing for energy separation, has the advantages of good energy resolution, high intensity, and low background. Equations are presented for the particle orbits from which are derived the energy resolution and efficiency attainable. Absolute excitation curves are given for the reactions, ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p,pn){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$; ${\mathrm{Na}}^{24}$, ${\mathrm{Na}}^{22}$, and ${\mathrm{F}}^{18}$ from ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$; ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}(p,n){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$; and ${\mathrm{S}}^{34}(p,n){\mathrm{Cl}}^{34}$. Absolute cross sections are determined using the monitor reaction, ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p,pn){\mathrm{C}}^{11}$, and the ratio of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-counting rates. Various corrections to the relative and absolute excitation curves are discussed. A brief interpretation of the results is given in which it is argued that they are consistent with present ideas about high energy nuclear reactions.
SU3 meson-baryon model with small symmetry-breaking interaction

Abstract It is shown by means of second-order calculations that the SU 3 model with small symmetry-breaking interaction leads to the difficulty of a negative intrinsic mass for baryons. It is concluded that Okubo's derivation of the mass formulae cannot be regarded as satisfactory unless it is established that the higher-order effects are able to remove this difficulty.
Spin solitons in the classical xy-chain

Abstract Using Monte Carlo and spin dynamics methods we present evidence for the existence of solitons in the classical one dimensional xy -chain. From the simulation results we calculated the specific heat to see the contribution of the solitons. Using special computer programs we were able to see the moving solitons directly and to determine the soliton velocity and the soliton density. Our results are compared with theoretical predictions.
Prosperity and peace through utilization of renewable energy resources

The two basic premises of this presentation are: education and technology are the new wealth of nations; and third world poverty is the root cause of global turmoil. The paper examines how global prosperity and peace may be achieved through the utilization of renewable energy resources.
Standards in Practical Use. . . What You Need to Know About EQ56

Since its initial release in 1999, ANSI/AAMI EQ56, Recommended Practice for a Medical Equipment Management Program has set the bar for the minimum requirements of a successful medical equipment management program. EQ56 was reaffirmed in December 2008, and the committee is discussing when to start working on a revision. With changes to Joint Commission requirements planned for 2009, EQ56 remains a valuable tool for any biomed shop or clinical engineering department. Get the facts on EQ56 below.
Marginal estimation for multi-stage models: waiting time distributions and competing risks analyses.

We provide non-parametric estimates of the marginal cumulative distribution of stage occupation times (waiting times) and non-parametric estimates of marginal cumulative incidence function (proportion of persons who leave stage j for stage j' within time t of entering stage j) using right-censored data from a multi-stage model. We allow for stage and path dependent censoring where the censoring hazard for an individual may depend on his or her natural covariate history such as the collection of stages visited before the current stage and their occupation times. Additional external time dependent covariates that may induce dependent censoring can also be incorporated into our estimates, if available. Our approach requires modelling the censoring hazard so that an estimate of the integrated censoring hazard can be used in constructing the estimates of the waiting times distributions. For this purpose, we propose the use of an additive hazard model which results in very flexible (robust) estimates. Examples based on data from burn patients and simulated data with tracking are also provided to demonstrate the performance of our estimators.
Immunotherapy of murine leukemia VI. Development of immunologic memory in mice protected against Friend leukemia virus-induced disease by passive serum therapy.

Abstract The resistance of DBA/2 mice to infection with a leukemogenic dose of Friend leukemia virus (FLV) as a result of the passive administration of chimpanzee anti-FLV serum is maintained for at least six months after infection and is accompanied by the continued synthesis of mouse anti-viral antibodies analogous to that previously found to be associated with short-term protection (approx. 30 days). Furthermore, the induction of immunologic memory in serum-protected mice is demonstrated by their long-term resistance to rechallenge with FLV of FLV-infected leukemic spleen cells, although cells of an established transplantable syngeneic FLV-erythroleukemia (FLC-745) are not rejected. In the course of these studies, a serum prophylaxis effect was defined in DBA/2 mice treated with the chimpanzee anti-FLV serum before, rather than after FLV infection. This prophylaxis effect is highly dependent on the time period between the last serum inoculation and virus challenge. The results indicate that the long-term resistance of therapeutically protected mice to subsequent virus or leukemic cell challenge is not due to the short-term prophylactic effect of serum treatment alone.
Induction of immunological tolerance in neonatal and adult rabbits. Differences in the cellular events.

Abstract A transient production of antibody does not occur in the induction of specific immunological tolerance to soluble BSA in neonatal rabbits. The newborn rabbit, however, has the immunologic potential to respond to BSA when it is given in adjuvant. These results suggest that a normal complement of specific B cells is present in the newborn rabbit and that the immunoincompetence to the soluble protein, that permits the induction of tolerance without a phase of antibody formation, may be a function of either T cells or macrophages. In contrast to the newborn, the induction of tolerance in adult rabbits following daily injections with large doses of BSA is preceded by a transient production of antibody-producing cells. In this situation, at least, one of the events involved in the induction of unresponsiveness appears to be interpretable as an exhaustive differentiation of competent cells capable of being stimulated. Therefore, two differing cellular patterns can be observed in the completion of seemingly identical end states of immunological tolerance.
Alkyltin speciation in sea water with on-line hydride conversion and gas chromatography—atomic emission detection

Abstract A method for the speciation of alkyltin pollutants in sea water combines solid phase extraction of organotin species from aqueous samples and an on-line hydride generation technique with gas chromatography, followed by element-specific detection for tin. Detection was performed using a microwave-induced plasma atomic emission detection system which provides a 0.5 pg detection limit for tin and a 3·104 tin-to-carbon selectivity ratio. Solid-phase extraction provides fast, simple analyte concentration while on-line hydride conversion improves chromatographic behavior and analyte recovery. This combination results in a method capable of measuring pg/ml levels of alkyltin species in the complex matrix of sea water.
Amniotic fluid granulocyte colony stimulating factor levels : A rapid marker for diagnosing chorioamnionitis

PROBLEM: To assess the usefulness of amniotic fluid (AF) granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels as a rapid marker for diagnosing chorioamnionitis. METHOD OF STUDY: AF levels were obtained from term and preterm patients with and without chorioamnionitis (CAM). Patients with urinary tract, respiratory tract, and other infections were excluded. Results obtained from the AF G-CSF assays were compared with those from other parameters used for diagnosing CAM: maternal fever, leukocytosis, tachycardia, fetal tachycardia, AF glucose levels, white blood cell count, Gram stain, and aerobic and anaerobic cultures. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: In the uninfected AF samples, G-CSF levels were present but low, ranging from 400 to 1600 pg/ml. Levels in the infected samples, however, were markedly increased, ranging from 1600 to 14,000 pg/ml; P 2000 pg/- ml is a strong positive predictor of CAM. (iii) Elevated AF G-CSF levels appear to be more reliable in predicting CAM than any other single test currently used in clinical practice.
The Role of Microtubule Assembly Dynamics in Mitotic Force Generation and Functional Organization of Living Cells

Abstract This article summarizes the author's presentation at the Baylor Medical School Symposium on the Biophysics of Microtubules, held April 12 to 14, 1996, in Houston, Texas. It presents a brief historical sketch and discusses the role that assembly/disassembly of microtubules is likely to be playing in force generation for chromosome movement and related organellar positioning in living cells. The article starts out with how polarized light microscopy of living cells had laid the foundation for this concept in the 1950s and 1960s, but was then eclipsed for some 2 decades following the discovery of force generation by microtubule sliding powered by an ATP-hydrolyzing motor protein, dynein. The intriguing recent discoveries: that microtubules undergo dynamic instability; that they both assemble and disassemble right at the kinetochore where they are attached to the chromsome; and that assembling and disassembling microtubules can of themselves push and pull reasonable loads in model experiments, even in the absence of hydrolyzable nucleotides, have refocused serious attention on the probable role played by assembly/disassembly of microtubules. This mode of force generation may well be intricately coupled, and interact, with force-generating and/or dynamic attachment roles played by “motor” proteins, especially at the kinetochore.
Spectral and luminous efficacy change of high-power LEDs under different dimming methods

Dimming is an important and necessary feature for light sources used in general lighting applications. An experimental study was conducted to quantify the spectral and luminous efficacy change of high-power colored and pc-white LEDs under continuous current reduction (CCR) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming schemes. For InGaN-based blue, green, and pc-white LEDs, the peak wavelength shifts were in opposite directions for the two dimming schemes. The peak wavelength showed a blue shift with increased current, most likely due to band filling and QCSE dominated effects. InGaN LEDs exhibited red shifts with increased duty cycle, which is dominated by junction heat. AlInGaP red LEDs show mainly thermal-induced red shift with increased current or duty cycle. In addition, the luminous efficacy was always higher for the CCR dimming scheme at dimmed levels, irrespective of the LED type.
p35/Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is required for protection against β-amyloid-induced cell death but not tau phosphorylation by ceramide

Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid that can prevent calpain activation and beta-amyloid (A beta) neurotoxicity in cortical neurons. Recent evidence supports A beta induction of a calpain-dependent cleavage of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) regulatory protein p35 that contributes to tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal death. Using cortical neurons isolated from wild-type and p35 knockout mice, we investigated whether ceramide required p35/cdk5 to protect against A beta-induced cell death and tau phosphorylation. Ceramide inhibited A beta-induced calpain activation and cdk5 activity in wild-type neurons and protected against neuronal death and tau hyperphosphorylation. Interestingly, A beta also increased cdk5 activity in p35-/- neurons, suggesting that the alternate cdk5 regulatory protein, p39, might mediate this effect. In p35 null neurons, ceramide blocked A beta-induced calpain activation but did not inhibit cdk5 activity or cell death. However, ceramide blocked tau hyperphosphorylation potentially via inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta. These data suggest that ceramide can regulate A beta cell toxicity in a p35/cdk5-dependent manner.
Charmed by China? Popular Perceptions of Chinese Influence in Asia

Chinese influence in Asia is complicated by many factors. There are those who argue that China's growing military and economic power make this influence an automatic threat, while others maintain that China's recent attempts at a ‘charm offensive’ mute this threat and have succeeded in creating a positive image for many of its regional neighbors. Drawing on survey data collected across 23 countries, we enter this debate by asking what individuals in and across Asia think about Chinese influence. Do they see this influence as positive or negative? What factors at the individual and national levels most clearly shape their perceptions? Using multilevel statistical analysis, we find that Asian opinions of Chinese influence are on the whole quite positive and are influenced by a range of factors, including foreign policy interest, national identification, foreign contact, and recent military conflict.