cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mouse model of carcinoid syndrome and heart disease

Abstract Introduction: Carcinoid heart disease occurs in over 65% of patients with the carcinoid syndrome and is characterized by fibrous thickening of cardiac valves, leading to heart failure. Whether serotonin is directly responsible for these cardiac abnormalities is unknown. Therefore, in order to further understand the etiology and pathophysiology of carcinoid heart disease, we developed an animal model of the carcinoid syndrome. Methods: Seventeen nude mice underwent intrasplenic injection of human pancreatic carcinoid BON cells (107), and then sacrificed 9 weeks later. Murine livers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Murine hearts were sectioned and the surface area of the right heart values determined. Blood also was collected and analyzed for platelet serotonin by ELISA. Results: Sixty-five percent of the mice developed gross carcinoid liver metastases demonstrated by chromogranin A-staining lesions within the liver. Mice with carcinoid liver metastases had elevated platelet serotonin levels (1058 ± 529 vs. 123 ± 52 ng/ml, p=0.002) when compared to the controls. Animals with carcinoid liver metastases also had a trend towards greater tricuspid valvular surface areas (242 ± 24 vs. 174 ± 25 microns, p=0.08). On histologic examination, this increase in tricuspid surface area in mice with liver metastases appeared to be due to fibrosis of the valvular tissues, consistent with the pathologic findings of carcinoid heart disease. Conclusions: Using this novel animal model of carcinoid syndrome, the tricuspid value thickening resembling carcinoid heart disease appears to be due to exposure to factors such as serotonin secreted by carcinoid tumor cells.
Static web moment connections

Abstract In a web connection, the beam is framed into the column web with the action of the beam moment causing bending of the column about its weak axis. The analysis and design of this type of connection is comparably more difficult than that for flange connections, because the maximum strength of the connection assemblage may be limited by the formation of plastic hinges in the column or in the beam, by the formation of a yield line type of mechanism in the column web, by the development of local buckling of the column flanges and web, and by the fracture of material of the assemblage. This paper primarily deals with these limiting factors with much emphasis in the connection moment and rotation capacities as well as its elastic stiffness under working load.
Concentration of the hypergeometric distribution

In this paper we provide an improved concentration of measure theorem for the hypergeometric distribution.
The Hold Life Has: Coca and Cultural Identity in an Andean Community

The Hold Life Has: Coca and Cultural Identity in an Andean Community. Catherine J. Allen. Washington and London: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988. 288 pp., illustrations. $29.95 (cloth), $15.95 (paper). ISBN 0-87474-256-0, ISBN 0-87474-255-2
FeBC alloys for use in power transformers

Abstract We have found that replacement of B by C in FeB amorphous alloys can significantly increase the room-temperature saturation induction B rt . We find a maximum value of B rt of about 17.8 kG (1.78 T) at the approximate composition Fe 85 B 8 C 7 . Addition of Si + C to FeB gives some improvement in low-field properties at the cost of a slight reduction in B rt .
Calcium-dependent action of hypertrehalosemic hormone on activation of glycogen phosphorylase in cockroach fat body

Abstract Signaling mechanisms for Blaberus discoidalis hypertrehalosemic hormone (Bld-HrTH)-dependent glycogen phosphorylase activation were investigated in vitro using fat body of the tropical cockroach, B. discoidalis . Brief treatment of fat bodies with Bld-HrTH in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ showed a significant activation of phosphorylase. Although extracellular Ca 2+ was required for a full activation of phosphorylase by Bld-HrTH, stimulation in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ suggested that intracellular Ca 2+ was also involved in Bld-HrTH signal transduction. Thapsigargin and thimerosal mobilize Ca 2+ from intracellular stores by different mechanisms, and both chemicals stimulated phosphorylase activities as effectively as a maximum dose of Bld-HrTH. Bld-HrTH likely induces intracellular Ca 2+ release followed by extracellular Ca 2+ entry across the plasma membrane. Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP 3 ) levels were greatly increased by Bld HrTH in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting that InsP 3 might be a Ca 2+ -mobilizing intracellular second messenger for Bld-HrTH.
Exciting hard spheres.

We investigate the collision cascade that is generated by a single moving particle in a static and homogeneous hard-sphere gas. We argue that the number of moving particles at time $t$ grows as ${t}^{\ensuremath{\xi}}$ and the number collisions up to time $t$ grows as ${t}^{\ensuremath{\eta}}$, with $\ensuremath{\xi}=2d∕(d+2)$, $\ensuremath{\eta}=2(d+1)∕(d+2)$, and $d$ the spatial dimension. These growth laws are the same as those from a hydrodynamic theory for the shock wave emanating from an explosion. Our predictions are verified by molecular dynamics simulations in $d=1$ and 2. For a particle incident on a static gas in a half-space, the resulting backsplatter ultimately contains almost all the initial energy.
Comparative bioenergetics of permanent and temporary pond populations of the freshwater clam, Musculium partumeium (Say)

The population energetics of a temporary and a permanent pond population of Musculium partumeium in Southwest Ohio were studied. In the permanent pond (surface area = 396 m2, maximum depth = 0.7 m) the population was bivoltine and iteroparous whereas in the temporary pond (surface area = 1042 m2, maximum depth = 0.9 m) the population was usually univoltine and semelparous. Growth and biomass were assessed as total organic carbon and total nitrogen to provide estimates of productivity and seasonal changes in C:N for each generation. Productivity (non-respired assimilation = growth + reproduction; N-R.A. = G + R) was 6939 mgC·m−2·a−1 (3858 and 3353 mgC·m−2·a−1 for each generation) and 1661 mgC·m−2·a−1 for the permanent and temporary pond populations respectively. The average standing crop biomass (B) was 606.8 mgC·m−2 (357.5 and 249.3 mgC·m−2 for each generation) and 231.9 mgC·m−2 with overall productivity: biomass ratios of 11.4 and 7.2 for the permanent pond and temporary pond populations respectively. Respiration rates were converted to carbon equivalents (respired assimilation = R.A.) and used to evaluate the components of total assimilation (T.A. = R.A. + N-R.A.) and the efficiency of partitioning this energy to N-R.A. for G and R. When expressed as a percentage, the production efficiencies (100 × N-R.A.:T.A.) were 50.4 and 62%, and the reproductive efficiencies (100 × R:N-R.A.) were 26.4 and 18% for the permanent and temporary pond populations respectively. The reproductive efficiencies for populations of these viviparous clams are greater than those for most oviparous molluscs. The comparative information on the energetics of these populations does not completely fit any theoretical consideration of reproductive effort or life-history strategy. These data are discussed in relation to selection for population success in temporary ponds.
Pulmonary Atelectasis and Dysphagia in a 69-Year-Old Cachectic Man

1993;103;917-919 Chest M S Shin and M S Forshag 69-year-old cachectic man. Pulmonary atelectasis and dysphagia in a http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/103/3/917.citation can be found online on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services ) ISSN:0012-3692 http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/site/misc/reprints.xhtml ( without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. reserved. No part of this article or PDF may be reproduced or distributed Chest Physicians, 3300 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights of been published monthly since 1935. Copyright1993by the American College is the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. It has Chest
On an online random k-SAT model

Given n Boolean variables x1,…,xn, a k-clause is a disjunction of k literals, where a literal is a variable or its negation. Suppose random k-clauses are generated one at a time and an online algorithm accepts or rejects each clause as it is generated. Our goal is to accept as many randomly generated k-clauses as possible with the condition that it must be possible to satisfy every clause that is accepted. When cn random k-clauses on n variables are given, a natural online algorithm known as Online-Lazy accepts an expected (1 - ${{1}\over {2^{k}}}$)cn + akn clauses for some constant ak. If these clauses are given offline, it is possible to do much better, (1 - ${{1}\over {2^{k}}}$)cn + Ω($\sqrt{c}$)n can be accepted whp. The question of closing the gap between ak and Ω($\sqrt{c}$) for the online version remained open. This article shows that for any k ≥ 1, any online algorithm will accept less than (1 - ${{1}\over {2^{k}}}$)cn + (ln 2)n k-clauses whp, closing the gap between the constant and Ω($\sqrt{c}$). Furthermore we show that this bound is asymptotically tight as k → ∞. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
The gold standard serologic marker for hepatitis B virus infectivity.

The authors tested, by molecular hybridization, for hepatitis B virus DNA in serum specimens of 182 asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Greek carriers who were heterosexual partners of patients with acute hepatitis B (group A: 96 cases) or healthy subjects who were susceptible to hepatitis B (group B: 86 cases). The mean age (34.1 ± 10.4 vs. 33.9 ± 8.4 years) and the mean duration of sexual contact (6.9 ± 8.9 vs. 7.2 ± 6.3 years) were similar in the two groups of carriers. Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected significantly more frequently in group A than in group B (59.4% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001). In particular, in group A, hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 96.9% of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 41% of antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe)-positive carriers. In contrast, in group B, hepatitis B virus DNA was identified in only 10.8% of anti-HBe-positive carriers (p < 0.001). These differences were especially significant in the young and middle-aged carriers (16–49 years old) and during the first four years of sexual contact. These data suggest that 1) there is a positive correlation between the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum and the epidemiologic evidence of sexual transmission of hepatitis B virus, 2) hepatitis B virus DNA is a better indicator of infectivity than HBeAg/anti-HBe, and 3) the detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum probably identified carriers with high infectivity and potentially higher risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus to their sexual partners.
Rapid activation of c-Src kinase by dioxin is mediated by the Cdc37-HSP90 complex as part of Ah receptor signaling in MCF10A cells.

We investigated the mechanism by which activation of the Ah receptor by dioxin (TCDD) was accompanied by rapid activation of c-Src kinase activity. A Western blotting analysis showed that such action of TCDD in MCF10A cells could effectively be suppressed by treatment with a specific inhibitor of Src family kinase, PP-2, as judged by Western blot detection of the active form of Src protein, indicating that Src kinase is directly activated by TCDD. Such an event, occurring within 10−30 min of the addition of TCDD, is also accompanied by simultaneous translocation of both Src and cdc37 proteins from cytosol into the 100000 × g membrane fraction containing the plasma membrane. By dissociating the cytosolic Src−cdc37−HSP90 complex with 17 nM geldanamycin, an optimum concentration for affecting this cytosolic cdc37 complex, but not the cytosolic Ah receptor complex, we could show that the action of TCDD in activating c-Src and cdc37 was abolished, but not its action on CYP1A1. The important role of cdc37 in th...
Complex superlattice unit cell designs for reduced thermal conductivity

The suitability of the Green\char21{}Kubo method for predicting the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites is assessed by studying model Lennard-Jones superlattices. Good agreement is found when comparing the predicted cross-plane thermal conductivities to independent predictions from the direct method. The link between the superlattice unit cell design and the thermal conductivity tensor is then explored. We find that complex, multilayered unit cell designs can reduce the cross-plane thermal conductivity by 17% compared to the minimum value predicted for superlattices with only two layers in the unit cell. These results suggest new directions that can be explored for reducing thermal conductivity, which is desirable in applications such as designing materials for thermoelectric energy conversion.
Buckling load of a circular plate with a concentric delamination

On considere une plaque circulaire soumise a des charges axisymetriques dans le plan le long de sa frontiere encastree ou soumise a un appui simple, et on examine l'effet d'un delaminage circulaire concentrique sur la charge de flambage critique
Systematic Investigation of Benzodithiophene- and Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Low-Bandgap Polymers Designed for Single Junction and Tandem Polymer Solar Cells

The tandem solar cell architecture is an effective way to harvest a broader part of the solar spectrum and make better use of the photonic energy than the single junction cell. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of new low bandgap polymers specifically for tandem polymer solar cells. These polymers have a backbone based on the benzodithiophene (BDT) and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) units. Alkylthienyl and alkylphenyl moieties were incorporated onto the BDT unit to form BDTT and BDTP units, respectively; a furan moiety was incorporated onto the DPP unit in place of thiophene to form the FDPP unit. Low bandgap polymers (bandgap = 1.4-1.5 eV) were prepared using BDTT, BDTP, FDPP, and DPP units via Stille-coupling polymerization. These structural modifications lead to polymers with different optical, electrochemical, and electronic properties. Single junction solar cells were fabricated, and the polymer:PC(71)BM active layer morphology was optimized by adding 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) as an additive. In the single-layer photovoltaic device, they showed power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 3-6%. When the polymers were applied in tandem solar cells, PCEs over 8% were reached, demonstrating their great potential for high efficiency tandem polymer solar cells.
The Clausius-Mossotti functions (molar polarizabilities) of pure compressed gaseous and liquid methane, ethane, propane, butanes, and nitrogen

Abstract This report gives accurate interpolation functions for the Clausius-Mossotti functions (molar polarizabilities) of pure compressed gaseous and liquid methane, ethane, propane, butanes and nitrogen; and suggests a method for calculating the dielectric constants or the densities of their mixtures. The accuracy of calculated Clausius-Mossotti functions for mixtures containing a high concentration of methane is expected to be better than 1% using only data for the pure components. Additional data for the dependence of the excess Clausius-Mossotti fuction on composition could reduce the uncertainty in Clausius-Mossotti functions for multicomponent mixtures to less than 0.2%.
Possible Applications of Pheromones in an Integrated Sea Lamprey Management Program

A group of research scientists and fishery managers met during the Sea Lamprey International Symposium II to discuss how recent progress understanding sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) pheromone systems might contribute to an integrated management program. Summarized here are those discussions about how pheromone cues might be used and what steps should be taken to develop them as new tools in Great Lakes sea lamprey management. It is now evident that larval sea lampreys release a migratory pheromone that guides maturing adults into streams, and that mature sea lampreys use sex pheromones to affect locomotion and distribution of conspecific individuals on spawning grounds. Synthetic and purified pheromones have potential to enhance trap efficiencies, divert spawning migrations to streams with favorable management characteristics, and disrupt spawning behavior. Populations of native lamprey species might be established in strategic locations to provide migratory pheromone attraction. Pheromone production in spawning-phase males could be enhanced to bait traps and lure females, or to provide sterilized males with a competitive advantage in mating. Assays for analysis of the migratory pheromone could estimate the size of spawning runs and detect larval populations in streams. Pheromone strategies that integrate and enhance existing management techniques are likely to be the most beneficial. For example, the low density of adult sea lampreys in the St. Marys River makes it a good candidate for use of pheromones to enhance the current strategy of sterile-male release and trapping. Variation in recruitment and changes in growth and mortality could affect success of pheromone strategies that reduce reproduction. Continued support for basic research into developing and understanding pheromones and the new technologies associated with them is recommended.
On the origin of long-lived spin isomerism in π-conjugated non-Kekulé molecules

Abstract Four examples of separate, persistent existence of the singlet and triplet states of N -arenesulfonyl-3,4-dimethylenepyrrole biradicals have been observed experimentally. Possible interpretations of the slow intersystem crossing are considered in the light of the Salem spin-orbit coupling rules, and it is concluded that a more probable rationale is based upon conformationally determined spin multiplicity.
Analysis of radiosonde‐based lapse rates and the difference between near‐surface and satellite‐based lower‐tropospheric air temperatures over the central United States

[1] Global-scale near-surface air temperatures have risen in recent decades with respect to lower-tropospheric temperatures, and as result, the lower atmospheric lapse rate has apparently steepened providing a possible destabilization effect. In this investigation, we examine the relationship between inferred lapse rate variations based on the difference between near-surface and lower-tropospheric temperature measurements and actual lapse rates from radiosonde data. We find high correlations between the inferred lapse rate and a range of actual lapse rates (the surface-to-70 kPa to the surface-to-30 kPa) in the low-sun season, but insignificant relations during the high-sun season.
RETINOIC ACID STIMULATES THE TRANSCRIPTION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-6 IN SKELETAL CELLS

Retinoic acid has important actions on cell differentiation and osteoblastic function, and some of these actions may be mediated by changes in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Skeletal cells synthesize IGF I and II and the six known IGF binding proteins (IGFBP). IGFBP-6 binds IGF II with high affinity and prevents IGF II-mediated effects. In fibroblasts, IGFBP-6 levels are regulated by retinoic acid, and we postulated that retinoic acid may regulate IGF II in bone by altering IGFBP-6 synthesis. We examined the effect of retinoic acid on IGFBP-6 expression in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). Retinoic acid caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in IGFBP-6 mRNA levels, as determined by Northern blot analysis. The effect was maximal after 48 h of treatment and observed with retinoic acid at concentrations of 10 nM to 1 microM. Retinoic acid increased IGFBP-6 polypeptide levels in the culture medium, as determined by Western immunoblot analysis. Cycloheximide at 3.6 microM slightly decreased IGFBP-6 transcripts but did not prevent the stimulatory effect of retinoic acid. The decay of IGFBP-6 mRNA in transcriptionally arrested Ob cells was similar in control and retinoic acid-treated cells, and retinoic acid increased the rates of IGFBP-6 transcription, as determined by nuclear run on assays. In conclusion, retinoic acid enhances IGFBP-6 expression in Ob cells by transcriptional mechanisms. Since IGFBP-6 prevents the effects of IGF II, increased synthesis of IGFBP-6 could mediate selected actions of retinoic acid in bone.
The nodal transport method for general triangular meshes in (X,Y)-geometry

Abstract A nodal differencing scheme is derived for two-dimensional ( x , y )-geometry neutron transport on general triangular meshes. Two cases must be solved for triangular mesh cells; inflow through one face and inflow through two faces of the triangle. The one inflow side problem is solved by a linear characteristic method. The two inflow side problem is treated using a nodal solution. The linear characteristic-nodal (LCN) solution is compared with other two-dimensional differencing methods for spatial convergence and positivity. The LCN method was found to be third-order asymptotically convergent for the test cases examined.
Risky Business in China

Want to do an M&A deal in China? Be very careful! Remember that corruption and white-collar crime (WCC) is not confined to the United States. It is an epidemic that has infected business abroad as well. And while the penalties for WCC in the United States are tame, in China the punishment can be death. The authors review WCC in China, including who is doing it, what the penalties are, and protective measures executives can take to avoid and prevent encounters with the Chinese versions of WCC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Segment-Making and Society-Making Media: What Is a Good Balance?

From the introduction: In an increasingly number of societies, it is commonplace to talk about the movement away from a broadly shared media system to a much more fragmented media system. All agree that media organizations still have—and are expanding—the capability to lead a substantial percentage of earth’s humans to focus on particular events or ideas. The Beijing Olympics comes to mind. At the same time, though, most observers note that public electronic media also have the capacity to reach out to smaller and smaller segments of populations. Part of the reason relates to the large number cable and satellite channels available in many nations. They are often intended for one or another group, so that different parts of society gravitate to different channels. Recently, too, media companies have figured out how to target particular customized messages to individuals or small groups. So rather than reaching billions instantly with the same event, an organization can potentially reach billions instantly with message tailored distinctively to the segments (or niches) in which organization has placed them.
Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection among refugees seen at a U.S. travel medicine clinic: 2005–2008

Summary Background Screening of refugees resettled from areas with a high (>8%) or intermediate (2–7%) prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is critical to identify and to provide counseling to those with chronic HBV carriage; and to ensure entry into medical care of those with chronic hepatitis to prevent long-term sequelae. Methods We performed a descriptive retrospective analysis of refugees resettled into the US seen at a US travel clinic over a 3-year period and in whom we have obtained HBV serologies and clinical evaluations to define various clinical stages of HBV infection. Results During the study period, we evaluated a total of 80 patients categorized as refugees or asylum seekers resettled mostly from African countries. In our clinic, we performed HBV serologic analyses among 74/80 (90%) of them. Of those undergoing testing, 17/74 (23%) patients had evidence of HBsAg-positivity. Among these, one patient died secondary to HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, three had chronic HBV infection, and thirteen were found to be chronic inactive HBV carriers. The average time of their resettlement to their time of HBV-related diagnosis was 3.5 years. All 17 patients with HBV surface antigenemia were counseled and enter into medical care for long-term clinical follow up. Conclusion Earlier efforts are required to provide counseling for HBV chronic carriers, vaccinate the unexposed, and assure entry into medical care for those with chronic HBV infection among refugee communities resettled in the US.
Genetic landscape of Eurasia and "admixture" in Uyghurs.

To the Editor: In the papers1,2 by Xu and Jin, the genetic structure of Uyghurs was described by 8150 ancestry-informative markers (AIMs). These markers estimated the admixture rate of the Uyghur population to be around 50% East Asian ancestry by comparing Uyghurs to East Asians and Europeans. However, we suspect that the estimate of Xu and Jin may be considerably biased by insufficient reference population coverage. In their study, Xu and Jin used the STRUCTURE program3,4 as the major method for estimating the admixture rate; however, results from the STRUCTURE program are strictly the probabilities of assignment to different estimated clusters and therefore are influenced by both the marker selection and the populations used to estimate allele frequencies in those other clusters.
A CH2Cl2 complex of a [Rh(pincer)]+ cation

The CH2Cl2 complex [Rh(tBuPONOP)(κ1-ClCH2Cl)][BArF4] is reported, that also acts as a useful synthon for other complexes such as N2, CO and H2 adducts; while the analogous PNP complex undergoes C–Cl activation.
A mathematical model of pulse plating on a rotating disk electrode

A galvanostatic pulse plating model is presented for the electrodeposition of an alloy on a rotating disk electrode. This model is used to simulate the electrodeposition of nickel/chrome alloys. The mass transport equations used in the model include the effects of diffusion, migration and convection; and the electrode kinetics are described by the Butler-Volmer equation. It is predicted that the effect of ionic migration is significant and therefore should be included in models of pulse plating.
Reliability-based assessment of vehicle safety in adverse driving conditions

The framework of a reliability-based assessment model of vehicle safety under adverse driving conditions is developed. Such a framework is built based on the advanced transient dynamic vehicle simulation models which can consider the coupling effects between vehicles and adverse driving conditions, such as wind gust, snow-covered or icy road surface and/or curving. The single-vehicle safety index is introduced to provide rational assessment of accident risks by considering uncertainties of critical variables. In order to consider the complicated implicit limit state functions, the response surface method (RMS) is adopted to provide an efficient estimation of accident risks. Finally, a parametric study is conducted to demonstrate the methodology and the impacts of different critical variables on accident risks of a typical truck under several representative hazardous scenarios are investigated.
Pseudocancer Symptoms and Mourning

Excerpt To the editor: Schnaper and Wiernik (1) saw a defense pattern among the spouses of patients with cancer in which the spouses presented with various physical symptoms and the belief that the...
Process optimization of dual-gate CMOS

In this paper, we study and compare dual-gate CMOS devices fabricated with various processes such as standard or NO- nitrided gate oxides, polycrystalline or amorphous silicon gates, boron or BF 2 implantation for p + -poly and S/D formation, and different drive-in conditions. It is found that NO nitridation of gate oxides can improve device performance for short channel PMOSFETs over control SiO 2 . However, pile-up of boron in nitrided gate oxides may degrade gate oxide reliability in PMOS devices. Amorphous silicon gates can effectively prevent boron penetration into gate oxides at a cost of aggravated poly-depletion effects. When BF 2 implantation is used for p + -poly formation, fluorine improves the resistance of SiO 2 /Si interfaces to hot-carrier stress but it enhances boron diffusion in gate oxides. The process optimization of dual-gate CMOS regarding device performance and hot-carrier reliability is systematically studied.
Animal Models for the Molecular and Mechanistic Study of Lymphatic Biology and Disease

The development of animal model systems for the study of the lymphatic system has resulted in an explosion of information regarding the mechanisms governing lymphatic development and the diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction. Animal studies have led to a new molecular model of embryonic lymphatic vascular development, and have provided insight into the pathophysiology of both inherited and acquired lymphatic insufficiency. It has become apparent, however, that the importance of the lymphatic system to human disease extends, beyond its role in lymphedema, to many other diverse pathologic processes, including, very notably, inflammation and tumor lymphangiogenesis. Here, we have undertaken a systematic review of the models as they relate to molecular and functional characterization of the development, maturation, genetics, heritable and acquired diseases, and neoplastic implications of the lymphatic system. The translation of these advances into therapies for human diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction will require the continued study of the lymphatic system through robust animal disease models that simulate their human counterparts.
Indwelling pericardial drainage catheter break secondary to heart movement and catheter angulation.

We report on a case of a pericardial drainage catheter that severed on attempted removal. Surgery was required to remove the retained portion. No manufacturing defects were found on analysis of the catheter. Shear forces due to heart movement and the angle of catheter entry into the pericardium were the suspected reasons for the catheter disruption. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 42:58–60, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regioselective glycosylation reactions based on computational predictions

Abstract Regioselectivity is a major issue in glycosylation reactions. Better understanding of regioselectivity of acceptors can greatly facilitate and simplify the syntheses of oligosaccharides. The reactivity of diol acceptors is often affected by stereochemistry and protecting groups, which make prediction the regioselectivity of diol acceptors extremely difficult. Quantum mechanic methods were used to study the relationship between protecting groups and reactivity of diol acceptor and a correlation between Fukui function and regioselectivity is established through series of glycosylation reactions.
Spectroscopy and dynamics of energy transfer processes in laser-type solids

Abstract In this paper we investigate the fundamental and general features of the energy transfer processes that take place in laser-type crystals. We start by looking at the basic problem of energy transfer in solids and setting the proper framework for its study. We then review the data accumulated during our experimental studies throughout the years, neglecting the details that deserve to go unnoticed, and summarizing the most relevant findings. We finally try to give reasonable answers to the questions that emerge from the experimental data and to produce a set of conclusions that may shed additional light on current results and point to directions of profitable future research.
Defining the Target Environment: A Shared Vision Methodology for Information System Planning

Most information system plans include an objective description of system requirements, but fail to describe the qualitative environment they will produce. For most users the qualitative environment is what counts. Experience in one organization demonstrates that developing an explicit "shared vision" of the target computing environment can strengthen the weak link between objective requirements and subjective user expectations. The shared vision statement uses anecdotal "scenes" to portray the "look andfeel" of the service environment and the precise makeup of required services. It also defines appropriate implementation priorities and contains information from which to derive a traditional system requirements definition. The authors have adopted the phrase Shared Vision Methodology to mean the process of involving a broad spectrum of those who will be affected by the introduction of a new systems environment in the definition and planning of that environment. This paper is a case study of the use of the proposed methodology.
Spiritual Formation of Senior Adults: Ministry Focus of Church and Synagogue

This article addresses the need of religious leaders to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support a two-way interaction of giving and receiving spiritual nurture to and from older adults. Spirituality is a complex web made up of interacting segments reflective of the types and degrees of spiritual health and maturity that are unique to each person. Individual spirituality is a lifelong pursuit with the zenith often associated with the later years of life, and it permeates all other domains of living. Aging and spirituality are formative, developing, dynamic processes that include complex but similar attributes. Programs developed by younger religious/spiritual leaders in collaboration with older adults open the doors to understanding the desires and needs of the older population and their own future needs.
Richard Rufus’s De anima Commentary: The Earliest Known, Surviving, Western De anima Commentary

Richard Rufus of Cornwall was educated as a philosopher at Paris where he was a master of arts. Thomas Eccleston, De adventu Fratrum minorum in Angliam c. 6 (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1951), p. 30. In 1238, after lecturing on Aristotle’s libri naturales, Rufus became a Franciscan and moved to Oxford to study theology, becoming the Franciscan master of theology in about 1256 and probably dying not long after 1259. A. Little, “The Franciscan School at Oxford in the Thirteenth Century,” Archivum Franciscanum Historicum 19 (1926): 842–45. Wills and Inventories, Surtees Society Publications 2 (London: J.B. Nichols, 1835), pp. 10–11. Cf. A. Little, The Grey Friars in Oxford (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1892), p. 143.
ETHANOL PLUS THE JO2 FAS AGONISTIC ANTIBODY-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IS ATTENUATED IN MICE WITH PARTIAL ABLATION OF ARGININOSUCCINATE SYNTHASE

Background Argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) is an enzyme shared by the urea cycle and the l-citrulline/nitric oxide (NO·) cycle. ASS is the rate-limiting enzyme in the urea cycle and along with nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), it endows cells with the l-citrulline/NO· salvage pathway to continuously supply l-arginine from l-citrulline for sustained NO· generation. Thus, ASS conditions NO· synthesis by NOS2. Because of the relevance of NOS2 activation for liver injury, we examined the contribution of ASS to NO· generation and how it impacts liver injury. Methods Wild-type (WT) mice and Ass+/− mice (Ass−/− mice are lethal) were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol (EtOH) at a dose of 2.5 g/kg of body weight twice a day for 3 days. Two hours after the last dose of EtOH, mice were administered the agonistic Jo2 anti-mouse Fas monoclonal antibody (Ab) at a dose of 0.2 μg/g of body weight. Mice were sacrificed 8 hours after the Jo2 Ab injection. Markers of nitrosative and oxidative stress as well as liver damage were analyzed. Results EtOH plus Jo2 injection induced liver injury as shown by serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, liver pathology, TUNEL, and cleaved caspase-3 were lower in Ass+/− mice compared with WT mice, suggesting that ASS contributes to EtOH plus Jo2-mediated liver injury. CYP2E1 induction, glutathione depletion, and elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were comparable in both groups of mice, suggesting that CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress is not linked to ASS-induced liver injury. In contrast, NOS2 induction, 3-nitrotyrosine adducts formation and elevated nitrites, nitrates, and S-nitrosothiols were higher in livers from WT mice than from Ass+/− mice. Conclusion Decreased nitrosative stress causes lower EtOH plus Jo2-induced liver injury in Ass+/− mice.
Enzyme-Modulated Cleavage of dsDNA for Studying Interfacial Biomolecular Interactions

This work describes the chemistry and methodology for constructing multilayers of bis-biotinylated dsDNA on metal substrates after enzyme cleavage and demonstrates its use for amplified microgravimetric and impedimetric analyses of anticancer drug, cisplatin. Specific chemical modification of dsDNA prior to immobilization was achieved via a bisulfite-catalyzed transamination of cytosine after endonuclease cleavage of plasmid DNA. The specificity of the reaction of cytosine residues at ss- versus dsDNA loci after endonuclease cleavage was characterized using circular dichroism, mass spectrometry, and absorption spectrophotometry. The biotinylated dsDNA consisting of 2961 base pairs was then used as a ligand at avidin-modified gold electrodes. Ac impedance spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance measurements clearly showed that the response to cisplatin increased linearly with target concentrations. The impedance spectroscopy resulted in a detection limit of 1 nM and a surface density of 4.8 × 1013 mol...
Roles of Hormones and Signaling Molecules in Describing the Relationship Between Obesity and Colon cancer

Colon cancer represents a highly prevalent disease in the Western world. While dietary and lifestyle recommendations remain important factors in disease prevention and treatment, epidemiological data have made it clear that obesity and excess body weight remain significant risk factors for the disease. A number of potential direct and indirect relationships exist between obesity and increased risk of colon cancer. Several mechanisms which appear promising and warrant further investigation are discussed here, specifically the modifying role of insulin and insulin-like growth factors, leptin, adipose-tissue induced changes in estrogens and androgens, and inflammatory molecules. A brief review of these hormones and signaling molecules and their action in colon cancer development is described. A thorough integration and understanding of the mechanisms of action these systems exert on colonic epithelia will be important in designing studies and experiments aimed at elucidating disease etiology for prevention and treatment.
An appraisal of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreaticobiliary disease in children: our institutional experience in 231 cases

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool used by clinicians in the diagnosis and management of pancreaticobiliary disease. The safety and utility of ERCP for adults has been well documented. However, experience with ERCP for pediatric patients remains limited. This study aimed to examine the utility and safety of ERCP for diagnosis and therapy in pediatric surgical conditions. An institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review of all children younger than 21 years who underwent ERCP at a single children’s hospital between 1992 and 2008 was performed. Age, sex, medical history, presenting symptoms, laboratory values, and discharge diagnoses were recorded. The ERCP findings, interventions performed, complications, and associated surgical procedures also were recorded. A total of 231 ERCPs were performed for 167 children (98 girls and 69 boys) ages 62 days to 21 years. The mean patient age was 11.4 years, with 11% (n = 18) of the ERCPs performed for children younger than 2 years. Common indications for ERCP included chronic or recurrent pancreatitis (n = 106), acute pancreatitis (n = 42), and choledocholithiasis (n = 26). Additional indications included choledochal cyst (n = 2), congenital biliary obstruction (n = 2), and malignant biliary obstruction (n = 1). Therapeutic interventions were performed in 159 cases (69%) including sphincterotomy (n = 96), stone extraction (n = 55), and stent insertion (n = 52). Complications occurred for only 11 patients (4.76%), including 7 cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis. The use of ERCP for imaging resulted in surgical procedures in 58 cases. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was used most commonly for children with pancreatitis and gallstone disease. It was used frequently for infants with a low complication rate. The majority of patients required therapeutic intervention, suggesting an important role for ERCP in the management of pancreaticobiliary disease in infants and children.
Flame Spectrophotometric Analysis of Glasses: II, Calcium, Magnesium, and Barium, Including the Alkalis

The amount of calcium, magnesium, and barium, as well as of the alkali elements, in many glass compositions can be rapidly estimated with a flame spectrophotometer. Since the flame emission of the alkaline-earth elements is altered by such glass constituents as aluminum, iron, titanium, phosphorus, and zirconium, these elements should be removed, before flame analysis, by precipitation with ammonium hydroxide. With the elimination of the hydrous oxides and with corrections for the background interferences in the flame emission of the alkaline earths by the elements remaining, satisfactory flame analyses can be obtained. The mean difference between chemical and flame results for a series of 27 glasses of widely varying composition is approximately 0.15% for each element determined.
Second Law Analysis of the Earth System with a Radiative Model

Solar radiation provides the energy for many processes on Earth including processes that sustain living systems and circulation of the atmosphere and oceans. The Earth does not consume this energy; it is simply converted to outgoing thermal radiation. However, the entropy production rate of Earth causes energy degradation and the exergy destruction rate quantifies this degradation relative to a reference environment. The global entropy production rate also provides an additional constraint for comparison with atmospheric modeling results. In this paper a simplified expression for the global entropy production rate, associated with the absorbed portion of the solar flux, is presented based on a radiative model. The second purpose of this work is to investigate the exergetic analysis of the Earth. It is desirable to consider environment temperatures that are typical temperatures on Earth when comparing the total entropy production rate and irreversibility rate of the planet to those due to processes such as the global energy system; in other words, typical temperatures where these processes occur. However, multiplying the estimated global entropy production rate by an arbitrary environment temperature appears to result in irreversibility rates that violate the second law of thermodynamics. It is shown that the radiative interaction of the Earth with its surroundings can be theoretically modeled and tested in a laboratory environment showing that arbitrary environment temperature specifications should not cause these violations. These apparent violations are resolved through corrections to the energy, entropy and exergy calculations that are due to the specific character of radiative heat transfer. As a result, this analysis also provides an illustrative example of the implications of environment specifications on exergy analysis involving radiative heat transfer.
Deep water formation and poleward ocean heat transport in the warm climate extreme of the Cretaceous (80 Ma)

An ocean simulation of the "greenhouse" climate of the Late Cretaceous, about 80 million years ago (Ma), demonstrates that warm salty deep water, consistent with proxy climate data, can be formed by cooling in the high latitude Southern Hemisphere. This is contrary to the long standing hypothesis of deep water formation due to evapo- ration over low latitude marginal seas. A reduced equator
Salinity stress, nitrogen competition, and facilitation: what controls seasonal succession of two opportunistic green macroalgae?

Abstract Differential tolerance of low salinity, competition for nitrogen (N), and facilitation by altering N supply all may act to determine the pattern of seasonal succession of Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) Link and Ulva expansa (Setch) S. and G. in estuaries and lagoons of southern California. Low salinity negatively affected both of these algae. However, when N was in sufficient supply, salinities of 15 ppt favored E. intestinalis while oceanic salinity (35 ppt) favored U. expansa; neither alga had a clear advantage at 25 ppt. When starved of N, E. intestinalis and U. expansa competed directly for nutrients. When grown alone, they had similar N uptake and growth rates; when grown together, E. intestinalis was the superior competitor, negatively affecting growth of U. expansa. In addition, U. expansa facilitated the growth of E. intestinalis when N was in short supply; when grown together, there was a positive effect of U. expansa on E. intestinalis. The mechanism of this effect may have been the release or ‘leaking’ of DON when U. expansa no longer had sufficient tissue N to grow. Thus, E. intestinalis would be favored immediately after a rain, but would be replaced by U. expansa when N is available and tidal action reestablishes oceanic salinity. However, at the end of the rainy season when N becomes scarce, E. intestinalis would outcompete U. expansa. We hypothesize that U. expansa may facilitate the dominance of E. intestinalis by leaking N that can be assimilated by E. intestinalis.
Screening of a Positive Muon by a Semion Gas

μSR is one of the experimental techniques used to search for manifestations of the broken and symmetries predicted by some theories of highly correlated electron systems. When and are broken, the screening of the positively charged muon by the electron system generates a magnetic field in addition to any intrinsic magnetic field that may be present. We estimate the magnetic field that is induced at a muon site when the muon is screened by the fractional statistics gas. The value depends on the distance between the muon and the anyon plane, and a simple theoretical approach to the calculation of the minimum energy muon sites is outlined and some results for Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 and YBa2Cu3O7 are presented.
Human rights pragmatism: Belief, inquiry, and action:

Human rights scholars and activists have often been criticized for being “principled” rather than “pragmatic” actors in international politics. Rarely, though, is such criticism accompanied by a discussion of what pragmatism means, or what pragmatic action looks like. This article conceptually traces and defines three aspects of pragmatism — philosophical, methodological, and political — that might be applied to the global human rights discourse. The article then outlines how these aspects can help resolve debates over human rights beliefs, scientific inquiry, and political action. I argue, first, that critics of human rights do not adequately develop the concept of human rights pragmatism, and then I make the case using examples that human rights discourse already lends itself toward a pragmatic train of thought. The implication of this analysis is that the “pragmatist” critique of human rights actors is, at minimum, unfounded and, at maximum, a mask for more pessimistic anti-rights positions.