cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The founders of the association for the study of nationalities: the case of Stepan Horak (1920–1986) and the Shevchenko Scientific Society, USA

The present article critically evaluates the contribution of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, USA, and the founder of the Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN), Stepan Horak, to the genesis and development of the ASN.
Multi-Bed Vascular Disease and Atherothrombosis: Scope of the Problem

While atherosclerosis has traditionally been divided into three types of disease, coronary artery or coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is now clear that atherosclerosis is a systemic disease caused by the same pathologic processes regardless of the vascular bed involved. The burden of disease is enormous both in the US and around the world with 61,800,000 Americans affected with one or more types of CVD, responsible for 958,775 deaths annually at a cost of approximately $329.2 billion annually. Despite trends of decreasing cardiovascular mortality, the global burden of cardiovascular disease is expected to rise, with CHD and stroke becoming the first and fourth most common causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Atherosclerosis is a multibed process with a substantial portion of patients afflicted with disease in more than one bed, although often assymptomatic. Now that there are multiple therapies available to modify and treat atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic risk factors, identification and treatment of these patients are important since their leading cause of death is from co-existing cardiovascular disease.
Kinetics of the deprotonation of methylnitroacetate by amines: unusually high intrinsic rate constants for a nitroalkane.

A kinetic study of the reversible deprotonation of methylnitroacetate (4H) by primary aliphatic amines, secondary alicyclic amines, hydroxide ion, and water in water at 25 °C and in 50% DMSO/50% water (v/v) at 20 °C is reported. Intrinsic rate constants, k0, determined by extrapolation or interpolation of Bronsted plots have been determined. In comparison to proton transfers involving other nitroalkanes, the intrinsic rate constants for 4H are exceptionally high; for example, log k0 for the reaction of 4H with secondary alicyclic amines in water (1.22) is 1.81 log units higher than log k0 for nitromethane (−0.59), while in 50% DMSO/50% water, log k0 for 4H (2.44) is 1.71 log units higher than that for nitromethane (0.73). A general discussion of the factors affecting intrinsic rate constants of proton transfer from nitroalkanes is presented; it provides the context for an understanding as to why k0 is so high for the proton transfers from 4H. The correlation between intrinsic rate constants for the additi...
Effects of cytosol on mutagenesis induced by N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylurea and α-acetoxy-N-nitrosodimethylamine in different strains of Salmonella: evidence for different ultimate mutagens from N-nitrosodimethylmine

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), but not N-nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU) was more mutagenic in the Salmonella hisG428 strain, TA104, than in the hisG46 strain, TA100 in the presence of rat or hamster liver S-9 mix. As both NMDA and MNU can give rise to methyldiazonium ion (MDI) it appears that NDMA can be metabolized to an additional mutagen with a higher activity in TA104. The effects of UV and error-prone repair on NDMA and MNU-induced mutagenesis in TA104 were also different. alpha-Acetoxy-NDMA, which gives rise to the NDMA metabolite, alpha-hydroxy-NDMA, was more mutagenic in TA104 than TA100, under certain conditions. Several metabolites of NDMA (formaldehyde, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and nitrite) were not significantly mutagenic at the concentrations that could have been generated from NDMA. It was previously reported that the microsomal-mediated mutagenesis induced by NDMA is greatly increased by cytosol in TA104, but not in TA100. The current study found that when cytosol was separated into a high and a low mol. wt fraction, neither greatly enhanced microsomal-mediated mutagenesis by NDMA in TA104. Addition of NAD to the high, but not the low mol. wt fraction resulted in greatly enhanced activation of NDMA to a mutagen in TA104. The enhancement by cytosol of NDMA-induced mutagenesis in hisG428 was only observed when both microsomes and cytosol were simultaneously present. These observations indicate that (i) the precursor to the ultimate mutagen is relatively short-lived; and (ii) the metabolism of alpha-hydroxy-NDMA to a secondary mutagenic metabolite, possibly N-nitroso-N-methylformamide, by alcohol dehydrogenase may be responsible for the ultimate mutagen with relatively high activity in TA104.
Emerging concepts in gastrointestinal aspects of HIV-1 pathogenesis and management.

In the 2 decades since the first reports of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 pandemic has surpassed the European-centered bubonic plague of the 14th century in magnitude and number of deaths. Originating in chimpanzees in central Africa, 1 AIDS reached epidemic proportions in the 1980s in the United States and Europe, where the vast majority of infections were acquired through homosexual contact. Subsequently, the epidemic spread to heterosexual populations, and by 1998, 35 million people were estimated to be infected with HIV-1 and 20 million to have died of the consequences of HIV-1 infection worldwide. In contrast to the initial focus of the epidemic in developed countries, today 70% of infected persons live in sub-Saharan Africa; in some countries, an astonishing 25% of the population is infected with HIV-1. 2 Today, the virus is transmitted by heterosexual contact in 75%‐ 85% of cases. 3 As a consequence of heterosexual transmission, the passage of HIV-1 from mother to fetus, neonate, and nursing infant (vertical transmission) has emerged as a devastating public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Coinciding with these changes in the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection, important new information has emerged regarding the role of the gastrointestinal tract in HIV-1 infection. This information is derived from an array of epidemiologic, basic, and clinical investigations. Here, we review the key findings from these investigations and present the emerging concepts regarding the role of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa in HIV-1 transmission and pathophysiology and the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the epidemiology, morbidity, and treatment of gastrointestinal infections.
The organizational impact of regulation and deregulation on hospitals and nursing homes: Missouri's 1122 experience☆

Abstract On June 30,1976, Missouri became the only state in the United States not having a certificate of need program to drop out of the 1122 Program for regulating capital expenditure and service changes in hospitals and nursing homes. This presented a unique opportunity for studying the impact of regulation and deregulation upon hospitals and nursing homes. Interviews with hospital and nursing home administrators throughout the state were used to assess the impacts of this regulation and deregulation upon the organizational characteristics of those organizations. The results suggest Missouri's participation in 1122 and its subsequent withdrawal from that program affected a large proportion of the hospitals and nursing homes in the state. Those effects were not limited to specific decisions of the review process but included changes in the way those organizations went about developing, implementing and reviewing proposals, the time and cost they were willing to invest in those proposals, and the rate at which such proposals were developed. These results suggest the impact of such regulation is visited as much upon the process of making decisions as it is upon the outcome of those decisions and the actual implementation of them. The “red tape”—the additional procedures. time and resources invested in such decisions—inherent in such regulation appears not to be just an unfortunate side effect of the regulation but one of its major consequences.
Transvenous Sclerotherapy of the Gonadal Veins for Treatment of Varicocele: Long-Term Results:

Percutaneous occlusion of the spermatic vein has been performed on 136 consecutive patients with varicocele scroti during the last six years. The authors report their long-term results on the first 119 cases to have a follow-up of at least six months. Occlusion of the insufficient gonadal vein is induced by the selective transcatheter injection of sclerosing agent with local anesthesia. Their patients are always evaluated before and after the procedure by Doppler examination. A spermiogram is done before the procedure and after six months. In this series they registered only 4 recurrences with no major complications.
Binding Specificity of Escherichia coli Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein for the χ Subunit of DNA pol III Holoenzyme and PriA Helicase

The Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) plays a central role in DNA metabolism through its high affinity interactions with ssDNA, as well as its interactions with numerous other proteins via its unstructured C-termini. Although SSB interacts with at least 14 other proteins, it is not understood how SSB might recruit one protein over another for a particular metabolic role. To probe the specificity of these interactions, we have used isothermal titration calorimetry to examine the thermodynamics of binding of SSB to two E. coli proteins important for DNA replication, the χ subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme and the PriA helicase. We find that an SSB tetramer can bind up to four molecules of either protein primarily via interactions with the last ∼9 amino acids in the conserved SSB C-terminal tails (SSB-Ct). We observe intrinsic specificity for the binding of an isolated SSB-Ct peptide to PriA over χ due primarily to a more favorable enthalpic component. PriA and χ also bind wit...
The relationship of neuropsychological functioning to driving competence in older persons with early cognitive decline

The study focused on the role of traditional and computer-administered visual attention and executive measures in the prediction of driving competence in older individuals with early-stage cognitive decline. A group of 23 patients with questionable dementia by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR = 0.5) was evaluated with a group of 23 age-matched controls. For the patient group, correlational analyses revealed that road-test performance was significantly related to a number of executive and visual attention measures but not to other neuropsychological measures. For the control group, road-test performance was only significantly related to age. A hierarchical regression procedure was utilized to further explore the contribution of specific executive and visual attention measures and 46% of the variance in road-test performance was attributable to these measures for the patient group. A discriminant function analysis utilizing executive and visual attention measures for the entire group of participants classified those who passed and failed the road test with 80% accuracy. Neuropsychological executive and visual attention measures may play a useful role in determining competence to drive in older individuals with early-stage cognitive decline.
Alterations of acetylcholine enzymes in neuroblastoma cells persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

Persistent infection of murine neuroblastoma cells with a relatively non-cytopathic virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), significantly lowered the cells' concentrations of choline acetyl transferase (CAT) and acetylcholine esterase (ACHE), enzymes which make or degrade acetylcholine. Quantities of acetylcholine enzymes remained depressed during the observation period of more than two years. This cellular luxury function was turned off without observable alterations in the cells' vital functions – growth rates, protein and RNA synthesis. Cloning experiments showed that CAT and ACHE levels were altered in the majority of LCMV infected neuroblastoma cells in culture and not limited to a specific subpopulation. Cells persistently infected with virus also contained receptors for neurotoxin A and α bungarotoxin. Six months after becoming infected, neuroblastoma cells having significant alterations in luxury functions stopped making infectious virus. Instead these cells now produced a defective interfering virus component. Similar events to those seen in vitro with neuroblastoma cells also occurred in vivo. Mice inoculated with LCMV at birth carried high titers of LCMV in brain tissues and viral antigens in neuronal cells as adults. Some of these mice also showed significant alterations in their ability to make and degrade acetylcholine when compared to age and sex matched controls.
Calf muscle perfusion at peak exercise in peripheral arterial disease: measurement by first-pass contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by flow-limiting atherosclerosis in the vessels supplying the lower limbs. Currently, between eight and 12 million Americans are affected by PAD and the incidence is expected to rise as the population ages (1). As a consequence of impaired tissue perfusion, PAD patients can experience pain, diminished exercise capacity, and tissue loss, with some ultimately requiring amputation (2). Improving blood flow is a major therapeutic goal in patients with PAD and a number of innovative approaches beyond revascularization have been investigated, although effective pharmacologic therapies that increase tissue perfusion are still lacking (3–5). A noninvasive technique capable of measuring tissue perfusion would be of great clinical value for assessing the severity of PAD and monitoring response to novel therapeutic interventions designed to enhance skeletal muscle perfusion. First-pass gadolinium-enhanced MRI is a robust technique well validated for evaluating myocardial perfusion (6–9). First-pass gadolinium-enhanced MRI is performed using a T1-weighted sequence to visualize a gadolinium-based contrast agent in transit through tissue. Signal intensity changes in the muscle parallel contrast concentration, and time-intensity curves (TIC) can be generated in regions of interest. In myocardium, the TIC upslope correlates well with measures of micro-sphere blood flow (10–12). While first-pass gadolinium-enhanced MRI has been used to evaluate blood flow in skeletal muscle among healthy individuals under predominantly nonphysiologic stress (13,14), its utility in identifying and characterizing perfusion in patients with PAD has not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel MR approach for measuring skeletal muscle perfusion semiquantitatively during exercise-induced ischemia in both mild to moderate PAD patients and normal subjects following isometric exercise within the MR environment.
Structures of holo wild-type human cellular retinol-binding protein II (hCRBPII) bound to retinol and retinal.

Cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBPs) I and II, which are members of the intracellular lipid-binding protein (iLBP) family, are retinoid chaperones that are responsible for the intracellular transport and delivery of both retinol and retinal. Although structures of retinol-bound CRBPI and CRBPII are known, no structure of a retinal-bound CRBP has been reported. In addition, the retinol-bound human CRBPII (hCRBPII) structure shows partial occupancy of a non­canonical conformation of retinol in the binding pocket. Here, the structure of retinal-bound hCRBPII and the structure of retinol-bound hCRBPII with retinol fully occupying the binding pocket are reported. It is further shown that the retinoid derivative seen in both the zebrafish CRBP and the hCRBPII structures is likely to be the product of flux-dependent and wavelength-dependent X-ray damage during data collection. The structures of retinoid-bound CRBPs are compared and contrasted, and rationales for the differences in binding affinities for retinal and retinol are provided.
Phase transitions in KC60: Dimer formation via rapid quenching.

A metastable orthorhombic form of ${\mathrm{KC}}_{60}$ is identified from synchrotron x-ray powder-diffraction measurements. Structure analysis reveals ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ dimers with a 9.34 \AA{} center-to-center separation. This structure competes with equilibrium phase separation (\ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ plus ${\mathrm{K}}_{3}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$) and with polymer formation; it is obtained by quenching from above 420 K to 298 K and immediately cooling below 270 K. If the polymer is indeed a one-dimensional metal, the dimer structure should be a Peierls insulator.
Introduction: Homines liberi

In addition to providing brief summaries of the contributions to the issue, this essay draws a portrait of Antonio Negri as an example of the “free man” defined by Baruch Spinoza in part 4 of his Ethics.
Ototoxicity of Amikacin

Amikacin was used in 77 treatment courses at a dosage of ≥7.5 mg/kg every 8 h, and patients were monitored for ototoxicity by following serial audiograms, serum creatinine, and amikacin blood levels. Patients were leukopenic (58), were infected by gentamicin-resistant organisms (11), or had cystic fibrosis (8). Three patients developed tinnitus, but none had vertigo or nystagmus. Of 55 courses with pre- and post-treatment audiogram, 13 (24%) were associated with development of high-frequency hearing loss, which was usually bilateral. No patient had conversational hearing loss, and audiograms reverted to normal in three patients. Onset of cochlear damage occurred in one patient after therapy was stopped. The group with high-tone hearing loss, in comparison to the group without audiographic changes, received a larger mean total dose (24 versus 9.6 g), were treated for a longer duration (19 versus 9 days), and more frequently had previous aminoglycosides. Fifty-seven percent of patients with a “peak” serum level exceeding 32 μg/ml and 55% of patients with “trough” levels exceeding 10 μg/ml developed cochlear damage. There was no difference between the groups in age, body weight, previous cochlear damage, renal disease before or during therapy, or average daily dose. Both monitoring of blood levels and limiting duration of therapy may prevent amikacin ototoxicity.
The Web and corporate communication: potentials and pitfalls

The World Wide Web has exploded as a means of corporate communications. The paper examines the technologies employed in using the Web, including software and hardware concerns, and the uses to which the organization can employ the technology. A case study of how the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida developed and is using the Web provides additional illustration of the Web's potentials for internal and external communication. The paper concludes with a brief description of organizational and legal issues which have been spawned by use of the Web.
Donor-Derived Infection: Epidemiology and Outcomes

Over the past decade, the solid organ transplant community has focused increased attention on unexpected transmission of infectious pathogens from organ donor to recipient. While unexpected donor-derived infections are relatively uncommon, recent cases of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C to multiple recipients, as well as transmission of HIV from a living donor, have further increased interest in improving the safety of solid organ transplantation. This article will review the epidemiology and outcomes associated with unexpected donor-derived infection. Furthermore, the reporting and patient safety process will be discussed, as will preventative measures that can reduce the burden of donor-derived infection.
Effectiveness of a Parent Health Report Intervention to Increase Physical Activity among Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a brief parent report intervention for increasing preschoolers’ physical activity participation. Children wore accelerometers for three days and parents subsequently received a report of their child’s average daily physical activity in comparison to national recommendations. Post-intervention physical activity was assessed using accelerometers. Following the intervention, participation in moderate physical activity increased by 5.12 minutes per day on average. Vigorous physical activity did not increase significantly following the intervention. A brief parent report of physical activity may provide an effective intervention to increase preschooler’s’ physical activity participation as part of larger physical activity promotion efforts.
Validity of the Remote Food Photography Method (RFPM) for estimating energy and nutrient intake in near real-time

Two studies are reported; a pilot study to demonstrate feasibility followed by a larger validity study. Study 1's objective was to test the effect of two ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approaches that varied in intensity on the validity/accuracy of estimating energy intake (EI) with the Remote Food Photography Method (RFPM) over 6 days in free-living conditions. When using the RFPM, Smartphones are used to capture images of food selection and plate waste and to send the images to a server for food intake estimation. Consistent with EMA, prompts are sent to the Smartphones reminding participants to capture food images. During Study 1, EI estimated with the RFPM and the gold standard, doubly labeled water (DLW), were compared. Participants were assigned to receive Standard EMA Prompts (n = 24) or Customized Prompts (n = 16) (the latter received more reminders delivered at personalized meal times). The RFPM differed significantly from DLW at estimating EI when Standard (mean ± s.d. = -895 ± 770 kcal/day, P < 0.0001), but not Customized Prompts (-270 ± 748 kcal/day, P = 0.22) were used. Error (EI from the RFPM minus that from DLW) was significantly smaller with Customized vs. Standard Prompts. The objectives of Study 2 included testing the RFPM's ability to accurately estimate EI in free-living adults (N = 50) over 6 days, and energy and nutrient intake in laboratory-based meals. The RFPM did not differ significantly from DLW at estimating free-living EI (-152 ± 694 kcal/day, P = 0.16). During laboratory-based meals, estimating energy and macronutrient intake with the RFPM did not differ significantly compared to directly weighed intake.
Predator prey interactions with time delays.

A general (Volterra-Lotka type) integrodifferential system which describes a predator-prey interaction subject to delay effects is considered. A rather complete picture is drawn of certain qualitative aspects of the solutions as they are functions of the parameters in the system. Namely, it is argued that such systems have, roughly speaking, the following features. If the carrying capacity of the prey is smaller than a critical value then the predator goes extinct while the prey tends to this carrying capacity; and if the carrying capacity is greater than, but close to this critical value then there is a (globally) asymptotically stable positive equilibrium. However, unlike the classical, non-delay Volterra-Lotka model, if the carrying capacity of the prey is too large then this equilibrium becomes unstable. In this event there are critical values of the birth and death rates of the prey and predator respectively (which hitherto have been fixed) at which “stable” periodic solutions bifurcate from the equilibrium and hence at which the system is stabilized. These features are illustrated by means of a numerically solved example.
Polymorphisms in hypoxia inducible factor 1 and the initial clinical presentation of coronary disease.

Background Only some patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) develop acute myocardial infarction (MI), and emerging evidence suggests vulnerability to MI varies systematically among patients and may have a genetic component. The goal of this study was to assess whether polymorphisms in genes encoding elements of pathways mediating the response to ischemia affect vulnerability to MI among patients with underlying CAD. Methods We prospectively identified patients at the time of their initial clinical presentation of CAD who had either an acute MI or stable exertional angina. We collected clinical data and genotyped 34 polymorphisms in 6 genes (ANGPT1 , HIF1A , THBS1 , VEGFA , VEGFC , VEGFR2 ). Results The 909 patients with acute MI were significantly more likely than the 466 patients with stable angina to be male, current smokers, and hypertensive, and less likely to be taking β-blockers or statins. Three polymorphisms in HIF1A (Pro582Ser, rs11549465; rs1087314; and Thr418Ile, rs41508050) were significantly more common in patients who presented with stable exertional angina rather than acute MI, even after statistical adjustment for cardiac risk factors and medications. The HIF-mediated transcriptional activity was significantly lower when HIF1A null fibroblasts were transfected with variant HIF1A alleles than with wild-type HIF1A alleles. Conclusions Polymorphisms in HIF1A were associated with development of stable exertional angina rather than acute MI as the initial clinical presentation of CAD.
Lack of local reflection of national changes in cesarean delivery rates: The Canadian experience ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether national changes in cesarean delivery rates were reflected in the rates of individual maternity units. Study Design: Cesarean delivery rate changes among the 240 largest maternity units in Canada were compared with national cesarean delivery rate changes for the years 1983 through 1992. The periods of interest for cesarean delivery rate changes were 1983 through 1988 (a period of increasing national rates), 1988 through 1992 (a period of decreasing national rates), and 1983 through 1992 (a period with similar national rates at the end points). Results: For 1983-1988, 75% of the maternity units reflected changes that were not even in the same direction as those of the national mean changes. For the subperiods 1983-1992 and 1988-1992, these values were 48% and 53%, respectively. Conclusions: National trends in cesarean delivery rates do not reflect a uniform shift among maternity units, demonstrating the limitations of national means as goals for local practice. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:393-5.)
In acute calculous cholecystitis, antibiotics after cholecystectomy did not reduce infection

Source Citation Regimbeau JM, Fuks D, Pautrat K, et al; FRENCH Study Group. Effect of postoperative antibiotic administration on postoperative infection following cholecystectomy for acute calculou...
Advancing understanding of racial and ethnic inequalities in injury research.

In this column, we describe the need for those working in injury research and control to draw on important knowledge gained in recent years in the area of health inequalities/disparities if we are to alleviate racial and ethnic inequalities in injury. Health inequalities were once incorrectly believed to result from genetic and biological differences between race groups. As health research evolved and evidence of meaningful genetic or biological race differences failed to materialise, scholars began to identify socioeconomic status (SES) as the primary reason for health inequalities. This notion too was incorrect. Today it is widely recognised that social determinants (eg, poverty, education and environment) substantially contribute to health risks and outcomes.1 This is not a novel idea among injury researchers. However, the realisation of the impact of social determinants on health has begun to infiltrate the broader public health community. But what about research on race disparities? Does the social environment offer an explanation for race inequities? Would ‘place’ trump race in determining outcomes? Recently, we tested this idea by conducting a study of …
Processing of ADP-ribosylated integrin alpha 7 in skeletal muscle myotubes.

Integrin α7 is a major substrate in skeletal muscle cells for the cell surface, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored, arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase. Since ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase, the enzyme responsible for cleavage of the ADP-ribosylarginine bond and a component with the transferase of a putative ADP-ribosylation cycle, is cytosolic, the processing of ADP-ribosylated integrin α7 was investigated. Following incubation of differentiated mouse C2C12 myoblasts with [adenylate-32P]NAD and analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, two [32P]ADP-ribosylated forms of integrin α7 were re-solved. By pulse-chase and purification of the radio-labeled proteins on a laminin affinity column, it was demonstrated that a 105-kDa ADP-ribosylated form originated from a mono-ADP-ribosylated 102-kDa form and represented integrin α7 modified at more than one site. The additional site(s) of modification, utilized at higher NAD concentrations, were located in the 63-kDa N-terminal segment of integrin α7. Both [32P]ADP-ribosylated integrins were loosely associated with the cytoskeleton, bound to laminin affinity columns, and immunoprecipitated with antibodies to integrin β1. 32P label was rapidly removed from [32P]ADP-ribosylated integrin α7 at either site of modification, a process inhibited by free ADP-ribose or p-nitrophenylthymidine-5′-monophosphate, an alternative substrate of 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase. The processed integrin α7 was unavailable for subsequent ADP-ribosylation, although the amount of surface integrin α7 remained constant. During the processing, no loss of label was observed from integrin α7 radiolabeled with [14C]NAD, containing 14C in the nicotinamide proximal ribose, consistent with degradation of the ADP-ribose moiety by a cell surface 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Thus, cell surface ADP-ribosylation, in contrast to intracellular ADP-ribosylation, is not readily reversed by ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase and seems to operate outside the postulated ADP-ribosylation cycle.
On Modular Design of Field Robotic Systems

Robots are needed to perform important field tasks such as hazardous material clean-up, nuclear site inspection, and space exploration. Unfortunately their use is not widespread due to their long development times and high costs. To make them practical, a modular design approach is proposed. Prefabricated modules are rapidly assembled to give a low-cost system for a specific task. This paper described the modular design problem for field robots and the application of a hierarchical selection process to solve this problem. Theoretical analysis and an example case study are presented. The theoretical analysis of the modular design problem revealed the large size of the search space. It showed the advantages of approaching the design on various levels. The hierarchical selection process applies physical rules to reduce the search space to a computationally feasible size and a genetic algorithm performs the final search in a greatly reduced space. This process is based on the observation that simple physically based rules can eliminate large sections of the design space to greatly simplify the search. The design process is applied to a duct inspection task. Five candidate robots were developed. Two of these robots are evaluated using detailed physical simulation. It is shown that the more obvious solution is not able to complete the task, while the non-obvious asymmetric design develop by the process is successful.
Population-Based Assessment of Cancer Survivors' Financial Burden and Quality of Life: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: The impact of financial burden among patients with cancer has not yet been measured in a way that accounts for inter-relationships between quality of life, perceived quality of care, disease status, and sociodemographic characteristics. Patients and Methods: In a national, prospective, observational, population- and health care systems‐based cohort study, patients with colorectal or lung cancer were enrolled from 2003 to 2006 within 3 months of diagnosis. For this analysis, surviving patients who were either disease free or had advanced disease were resurveyed a median 7.3 years from diagnosis. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships between financial burden, quality of life, perceived quality of care, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Among 1,000 participants enrolled from five geographic regions, five integrated health care systems, or 15 Veterans Administration Hospitals, 89% (n 889) were cancer free, and11%(n111)hadadvancedcancer.Overall,48%(n482) reported difficulties living on their household income, and 41% (n 396) believed their health care to be “excellent.” High financial burden was associated with lower household income (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.61 per $20k per year, P .001) and younger age (adjusted OR 0.63 per 10 years; P .001). High financial burden was also associated with poorer quality of life (adjusted beta0.06 per burden category; P .001). Better quality of life was associated with fewer perceptions of poorer quality of care (adjusted OR 0.85 per 0.10 EuroQol units; P .001). Conclusion: Financial burden is prevalent among cancer survivors and is related to patients’ health-related quality of life. Future studies should consider interventions to improve patient education and engagement with regard to financial burden.
The effects of emitter heating on field ionization mass spectra of nitrogen-containing organic molecules

Field ionization mass spectra of nitrogen-containing organic compounds were examined as a function of carbon dendrite emitter heating current. The intensities of singly charged molecular, quasimolecular and dimer ions decreased with increasing emitter heating current; whereas, the opposite trend was observed for singly charged fragment ions. The abundance of doubly charged ions originating from aromatic compounds increased with heating current.
Field-Theoretical Nucleon-Nucleon Potential

A formulation is presented for the derivation of a Schr\"odinger-equation potential from a field-theoretical model. The relativistic two-body equation of Bethe and Salpeter is reduced using a generalization of the Blankenbecler-Sugar method. The resulting equation is shown to be identical with the nonrelativistic Lippmann-Schwinger equation upon a unitarity-preserving identification of the amplitudes. An equivalent potential is thereby defined and expressed as a solution of an integral equation. The second- and fourth-order potentials are calculated, and their energy dependence and nonlocality are studied. An approximation scheme is developed for expanding the configuration-space potentials in the powers of the momentum operator. Terms up to and including the first power are retained, giving rise to a potential composed of central, spin-orbit, tensor, and spin-spin parts. The contributions of the meson resonances $\ensuremath{\eta}$, $\ensuremath{\rho}$, and $\ensuremath{\omega}$ are included to second order. The complete potential is numerically calculated using masses and coupling parameters taken from meson experiments; no parameter of the potential is searched upon. The resulting potential is remarkably similar to that of Hamada and Johnston (outside half a pion Compton wavelength), particularly for the parts that are relatively well determined by nucleon-nucleon scattering data. Further extensions of the program, including the treatment of the nucleon resonances and pair suppression, are discussed, and an outline of such extensions is given.
First-turn losses in the LAMPF proton storage ring (PSR)

Beam-loss measurements indicate that 0.2-0.3% of the protons injected into the PSR are lost during the first turn. We describe a plausible mechanism, involving field stripping of excited hydrogen atoms, for these losses. Protons are injected into the PSR by transporting a neutral hydrogen beam through a hole in the yoke of one ring bender and then through a carbon foil on the ring axis. The foil strips roughly 93% of the beam atoms to protons. Although the original PSR design assumed that all unstripped atoms would pass through a hole in the yoke of the next downstream bender and on to a beam stop, recent calculations indicate that about 6% of these unstripped atoms will emerge from the foil in an excited state with principle quantum number n/spl ges/3. These calculations also indicate that atoms in excited states with n/spl ges/3 will be stripped quickly to protons in the 1.2-Tesla field of the downstream bender. The trajectories of these protons will be outside the phase-space acceptance of the ring and will be quickly lost by collision with the beam pipe, thereby giving rise to first-turn losses. The estimated numbers of protons that would be lost by this mechanism are consistent with the observed first-turn loss rates. This mechanism has important consequences for the design of future storage rings that use neutral atom or negative ion stripping for injection. >
Treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the elderly: regimens without anthracyclines are common and not futile

Anthracycline-containing regimens (ACRs) are recommended for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, over 40% of elderly patients do not receive ACRs, possibly due to expected toxicities. We characterized treatment choices and compared the 3-year overall survival (OS) rates of 8262 Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with DLBCL in 2000-2006 identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. Of the cohort, 45% had ACR with rituximab (ACR-R), 13% had ACR without R, 6% had non-ACR with R (non-ACR-R), 4% had R monotherapy, 3% had non-ACR and 29% had no systemic therapy. Patients not receiving ACR were older and/or had more comorbidities. The unadjusted OS was highest in ACR-R (65%), followed by ACR without R (55%) and non-ACR-R (44%). After adjusting patient covariates, ACR-R showed the best survival (63%). However, OS was comparable between non-ACR-R (52%) and ACR without R (52%). Non-ACR-R could be considered for patients who are poor candidates for ACR.
Mate Pair Sequencing of Whole-Genome-Amplified DNA Following Laser Capture Microdissection of Prostate Cancer

High-throughput next-generation sequencing provides a revolutionary platform to unravel the precise DNA aberrations concealed within subgroups of tumour cells. However, in many instances, the limited number of cells makes the application of this technology in tumour heterogeneity studies a challenge. In order to address these limitations, we present a novel methodology to partner laser capture microdissection (LCM) with sequencing platforms, through a whole-genome amplification (WGA) protocol performed in situ directly on LCM engrafted cells. We further adapted current Illumina mate pair (MP) sequencing protocols to the input of WGA DNA and used this technology to investigate large genomic rearrangements in adjacent Gleason Pattern 3 and 4 prostate tumours separately collected by LCM. Sequencing data predicted genome coverage and depths similar to unamplified genomic DNA, with limited repetition and bias predicted in WGA protocols. Mapping algorithms developed in our laboratory predicted high-confidence rearrangements and selected events each demonstrated the predicted fusion junctions upon validation. Rearrangements were additionally confirmed in unamplified tissue and evaluated in adjacent benign-appearing tissues. A detailed understanding of gene fusions that characterize cancer will be critical in the development of biomarkers to predict the clinical outcome. The described methodology provides a mechanism of efficiently defining these events in limited pure populations of tumour tissue, aiding in the derivation of genomic aberrations that initiate cancer and drive cancer progression.
Scientific nursing journals over 25 years: most studies continue to focus on adults and psychological variables, with a decline in theory-testing-based studies and an increase in qualitative studies

Commentary on: Yarcheski A, Mahon NE, Yarcheski TJ . A descriptive study of research published in scientific nursing journals from 1985 to 2010. Int J Nurs Stud 2012; 49: 1112– 21.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Professional journals serve as vehicles for disseminating the findings of research and new knowledge to readers who can use that information in their own practice or research. Studies of journals can reveal important trends in the development of knowledge in a field, how works are related to one another, the most influential journals and patterns in authorship. Brown et al 1 analysed trends in nursing research over three decades (to 1980) based on … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DInternational%2Bjournal%2Bof%2Bnursing%2Bstudies%26rft.stitle%253DInt%2BJ%2BNurs%2BStud%26rft.aulast%253DYarcheski%26rft.auinit1%253DA.%26rft.volume%253D49%26rft.issue%253D9%26rft.spage%253D1112%26rft.epage%253D1121%26rft.atitle%253DA%2Bdescriptive%2Bstudy%2Bof%2Bresearch%2Bpublished%2Bin%2Bscientific%2Bnursing%2Bjournals%2Bfrom%2B1985%2Bto%2B2010.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252Fj.ijnurstu.2012.03.004%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22483613%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.03.004&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22483613&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F16%2F4%2F117.atom
Strongly Prime Submodules, G-Submodules and Jacobson Modules

Some characterizations are given of A. R. Naghipour's strongly prime submodules among the prime submodules of a finitely generated R-module M, together with some consequences of these including counterparts for modules to classical results on G-ideals and Hilbert rings.
Autocovariance structures for radial averages in small-angle X-ray scattering experiments

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a technique for obtaining low-resolution structural information about biological macromolecules, by exposing a dilute solution to a high-intensity X-ray beam and capturing the resulting scattering pattern on a two-dimensional detector. The two-dimensional pattern is reduced to a one-dimensional curve through radial averaging; that is, by averaging across annuli on the detector plane. Subsequent analysis of structure relies on these one-dimensional data. This paper reviews the technique of SAXS and investigates autocorrelation structure in the detector plane and in the radial averages. Across a range of experimental conditions and molecular types, spatial autocorrelation in the detector plane is present and is well-described by a stationary kernel convolution model. The corresponding autocorrelation structure for the radial averages is non-stationary. Implications of the autocorrelation structure for inference about macromolecular structure are discussed.
Theory of Mind Performance in Middle Childhood: Australian Normative and Validation Data

Theory of mind tests are regularly used in childhood research and clinical practice for autism spectrum disorders in Australia. Despite this, there is little empirical evidence that the tests used in the United Kingdom and the United States have validity for Australian children. Furthermore, many tests believed to assess 'advanced' or 'higher-order' theory of mind have not had their reliability or validity rigorously evaluated. In the current study, seven theory of mind tasks were administered to 216 Australian children aged 6 to 12 years as part of a larger research project. While Australian children performed similarly to previous research samples on some tasks, there were marked discrepancies on others. Despite these differences, the validity of using a three-factor structure of first-, second-, and higher-order theory of mind tasks was supported by subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. Methodological issues accounted for some differences between the Australian and previously reported data. However, there were also some cross-cultural aspects of the results that require further investigation.
Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Changes in Mitral Valve Geometry After Valve Repair

Background Application of annuloplasty rings during mitral valve (MV) repair has been shown to significantly change the mitral annular geometry. Until recently, a comprehensive two-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of annular geometric changes was difficult owing to its nonplanar orientation. In this study, an analysis of the three-dimensional intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of the MV annulus is presented before and immediately after repair. Methods We performed three-dimensional geometric analysis on 75 patients undergoing MV repair during coronary artery bypass graft surgery for mitral regurgitation or myxomatous mitral valve disease. Geometric analysis of the MV was performed before and immediately after valve repair with full rings and annuloplasty bands. The acquired three-dimensional volumetric data were analyzed in the operating room. Specific measurements included annular diameter, leaflet lengths, the nonplanarity angle, and the circularity index. Before and after repair data were compared. Results Complete echocardiographic assessment of the MV was feasible in 69 of 75 patients (92%) within 2 to 3 minutes of acquisition. Placement of full rings resulted in an increase in the nonplanarity angle or a less saddle shape of the native mitral annulus (137 ± 14 versus 146 ± 14; p = 0.002. By contrast, the nonplanarity angle did not change significantly after placement of partial rings. Conclusions Mitral annular nonplanarity can be assessed in the operating room. Application of full annuloplasty rings resulted in the mitral annulus becoming more planar. Partial annuloplasty bands did not significantly change the nonplanarity angle. Neither of the two types of rings restored the native annular planarity.
Biodiversity in the Phanerozoic: a reinterpretation

Abstract Many features of global diversity compilations have proven robust to continued sampling and taxonomic revision. Inherent biases in the stratigraphic record may nevertheless substantially affect estimates of global taxonomic diversity. Here we focus on short-term (epoch-level) changes in apparent diversity. We use a simple estimate of the amount of marine sedimentary rock available for sampling: the number of formations in the stratigraphic Lexicon of the United States Geological Survey. We find this to be positively correlated with two independent estimates of rock availability: global outcrop area derived from the Paleogeographic Atlas Project (University of Chicago) database, and percent continental flooding. Epoch-to-epoch changes in the number of formations are positively correlated with changes in sampled Phanerozoic marine diversity at the genus level. We agree with previous workers in finding evidence of a diversity-area effect that is substantially weaker than the effect of the amount of ...