cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduced species as moving targets: changes in body sizes of introduced lizards following experimental introductions and historical invasions

Introduced species usually fail to establish, but when they succeed, may undergo character release and rapid evolutionary divergence in novel environments. We collected brown anoles (Anolis sagrei: Lacertilia: Iguanidae) from a single Florida population and released them onto two ecologically different dredge-spoil islands in central Florida (forested and non-forested) and measured differences in population growth, individual growth, body size, and condition over four years. The population on the non-forested island expanded twice as fast as the forested island population and reached a density of ca. 12,000 lizards ha−1 and a biomass of ca. 43.3 kg ha−1, among the largest values recorded for non-aggregated terrestrial vertebrates. First-year progeny grew larger than their surviving parents on both islands, indicating character release occurred in early stages of both invasions. However, in subsequent years, lizards became larger on the forested island, but smaller on the non-forested island. Body condition declined over time on both islands, but the effect was most dramatic on the non-forested island. Lizards on the forested island had the lowest survival rates and highest tail autotomy frequencies. These results were attributed to differences in abiotic and biotic conditions on the two islands. Brown anoles are generally larger on islands where they have been introduced than on their native Caribbean islands, and are much larger on mainlands than on islands, indicating character release occurred at larger geographic scales as well. Habitat influences the morphology of introduced species possessing the ability to rapidly adapt to local conditions, presenting invasive species managers with ‘moving targets’.
Evolving treatment strategies for triple-negative breast cancer.

Abstract Although not yet practice changing in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, growing evidence suggests that neoadjuvant platinum-based therapy is active and that some patients may benefit from such an approach. Recent randomized phase III data suggests that carboplatin has comparable efficacy to docetaxel as first-line therapy in unselected advanced triple-negative breast cancer. In both settings, the efficacy of such treatment appears to be influenced by BRCA1/2 mutation status, with carriers of these mutations experiencing higher response rates. To optimize patient selection, biomarkers of response need to be incorporated into randomized clinical trials and validated. In addition to BRCA1/2, it is likely that measures of genomic instability and other germline biomarkers beyond BRCA1/2 may be associated with therapeutic sensitivity.
The Future of U.S. Agricultural Cooperatives: A Neo-Institutional Approach

Thirty years ago Helmberger speculated that industrialization of agriculture would lead to the demise of farmer cooperatives (Helmberger 1966, p. 1434). In responding to Helmberger's prediction, Abrahamsen countered by suggesting that as industrialization of agriculture evolved, cooperatives would increasingly become the "farmer's integrating agency" (Abrahamsen, p. 1442). In this paper I examine these two divergent opinions by (a) briefly describing the structural and strategic evolution of U.S. farmer cooperatives since the Helmberger and Abrahamsen (H&A) forecasts, (b) utilizing recent developments in neo-institutional economic (organizational economic) theory to generate hypotheses regarding structural and strategic shifts in U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and (c) further applying neo-institutional economics to speculate what the future might hold for U.S. producerowned and -controlled agricultural cooperatives.
Observation of stimulated Brillouin scattering gain with a dual spectral-line pump

Abstract A dual spectral-line pump and two SBS interaction geometries are used to measure SBS reflectivity. The spectral line separation is variable from zero to 4.4 GHz and the two geometries feature interaction lengths of 2.7 and 106.7 cm. The effective interaction length for SBS is found to be the shorter of either the geometrical interaction length or the pump coherence length. Reduced reflectivities are consequently observed for broadband pumps when the coherence length is less than the geometrical interaction length.
Evaluating Programs for the Gifted: Four Questions About the Larger Issues

This paper discusses four major issues concerning the evaluation of programmes for the gifted. 1The need to evaluate gifted programmes so that planning, development and accountability form a natural sequence of educational objectives.2Decisions for change and improvement can only be made in the light of sound evaluation and this evaluation must consider the practical as well as the educational issues.3Evaluation should be diagnostic and specific to a particular programme.4It must be recognised that the evaluation of gifted programmes requires awareness of the problems associated with assessing ‘higher level’ objectives; the unsuitability of conventionally standardized tests and the practical demand on time, money and trained personnel.
Lot sizing in cellular manufacturing systems

Abstract Cellular manufacturing systems are found to be very productive compared to the discrete lot manufacturing systems. New techniques are required for planning and scheduling jobs in this type of systems. A technique for lot sizing in cellular manufacturing systems has been presented in this paper. The manufacturing system considered consists of two stages the primary and secondary. The cell is considered to be in the secondary stage and is composed of four machines. An example problem has been solved using the computer software developed.
Pre-Cenozoic Tectonic History of the Salinian Block, Western California

The Salinian block is the elongate segment of the California Coast Ranges that lies between the Sur-Nacimiento and San Andreas fault zones. Known basement rocks within this block consist of Cretaceous and older granitic and high-grade metamorphic rocks that contrast sharply with Franciscan Group rocks of overlapping age east of the San Andreas and west of the Sur-Nacimiento fault zones. The metamorphic rocks of the Salinian block (often termed Sur series) are probably in part Paleozoic in age and appear to have been derived from a relatively shallow-water shelf-type sequence of psammitic rocks with subordinate calcareous and pelitic rocks. A graphite- and pyrite-bearing unit, mapped for more than 20 mi in the northern Santa Lucia Range, defines two sets of folds. Mineral lineations and mesoscopic folds indicate that major folding about northeast-trending axes occurred prior to prominant folding about north-northwest-trending axes. Assuming approximately 300 mi of post-Cretaceous right slip along the San Andreas fault, the metamorphic rocks of the Salinian block are tentatively correlated with similar Paleozoic and, perhaps in part, Precambrian rocks of the Mojave Desert and southwestern Tehachapi Mountains. The age of the early northeast-trending folds is unknown, but they may be a southwestward extension of Paleozoic tectonic and stratigraphic trends that head from Nevada into southern California. The north-northwest-trending folds are in part Cretaceous as indicated by the syntectonic emplacement of Cretaceous granitic rocks.
Hybrid spintronic/straintronics: A super energy efficient computing scheme based on interacting multiferroic nanomagnets

We have theoretically shown that multiferroic nanomagnets (consisting of a piezoelectric and a magnetostrictive layer) could be used to perform computing while dissipating ∼ few 100 kT/bit at clock rates of ∼1GHz [1,2,3]. They can act as memory elements [2], binary logic gates [3, 4] and associative memory for four state logic [5, 6]. The latter enables signal processing functions such as ultrafast image reconstruction and pattern recognition [7]. This talk will provide an overview of our research in modeling stress induced nanoscale magnetization dynamics, its application to ultra low energy hybrid spintronic/straintronics memory and information processing, and discuss preliminary experimental work in fabrication and experimental demonstration of these devices.
Transaortic Fine-Needle Aspiration of Centrally Located Lung Cancer Under Endoscopic Ultrasound Guidance: The Final Frontier

We describe endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration of a mass adjacent to the descending thoracic aorta, which was performed without complication.
In Vitro Assessment of Developmental Neurotoxicity: Use of Microelectrode Arrays to Measure Functional Changes in Neuronal Network Ontogeny

Because the Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing Guidelines require large numbers of animals and is expensive, development of in vitro approaches to screen chemicals for potential developmental neurotoxicity is a high priority. Many proposed approaches for screening are biochemical or morphological, and do not assess function of neuronal networks. In this study, microelectrode arrays (MEAs) were used to determine if chemical-induced changes in function could be detected by assessing the development of spontaneous network activity. MEAs record individual action potential spikes as well as groups of spikes (bursts) in neuronal networks, and activity can be assessed repeatedly over days in vitro (DIV). Primary cultures of rat cortical neurons were prepared on MEAs and spontaneous activity was assessed on DIV 2, 6, 9, 13, and 20 to determine the in vitro developmental profile of spontaneous spiking and bursting in cortical networks. In addition, 5 μM of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleamide-1 (Bis-1) was added to MEAs (n= 9-18) on DIV 5 to determine if changes in spontaneous activity could be detected in response to inhibition of neurite outgrowth. A clear profile of in vitro activity development occurred in control MEAs, with the number of active channels increasing from 0 / MEA on DIV 2 to 37±5 / MEA by DIV 13; the rate of increase was most rapid between DIV 6 and 9, and activity declined by DIV 20. A similar pattern was observed for the number of bursting channels, as well as the total number of bursts. Bis-1 decreased the number of active channels / MEA and the number of bursting channels / MEA. Burst characteristics, such as burst duration and the number of spikes in a burst, were unchanged by Bis-1. These results demonstrate that MEAs can be used to assess the development of functional neuronal networks in vitro, as well as chemical-induced dysfunction.
Instrumentation for High Performance Nonintrusive Electrical Load Monitoring

This paper reviews the design and implementation of hardware and software tools for nonintrusive electrical load monitoring. Estimates of spectral content in measured waveforms can be used to determine in real time the operating schedule of loads at a target site. Techniques for transient event detection are reviewed. These techniques can detect the turn-on and turn-off transients of individual loads, and can be used to easily determine the energy usage of loads that draw constant power in steady-state operation. Techniques for monitoring the power consumption of smoothly varying loads (e.g., variable speed drives) using spectral estimates are also discussed.
E4021, a Novel Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) Inhibitor, Dilates the Pulmonary Circulation in Newborn Lambs with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension(PPHN). |[bull]| 1493

NO stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase to produce the vasodilator cGMP which is cleared by PDE5 in the lung. We studied the effects of E4021, which has been reported to be a potent inhibitor for PDE5. We used a lamb model of PPHN in which the ductus arteriosus is ligated in the late gestation fetus 9-10 days prior to delivery. This model has been shown to have decreased NO synthase content and activity. In the first protocol, fifth generation pulmonary arteries (PA), veins (PV), and mesenteric arteries were isolated from PPHN lambs (n=4) and age matched controls (n=5), and studied using standard tissue bath techniques. Concentration response curves to 10-8 to 10-5 M E4021 were performed in vessels constricted with an submaximal dose of norepinephrine and pretreated with indomethacin. E4021 dilated mesenteric arteries by 46 ± 11% at 10-5 M, a response which was completely blocked by LNA. E4021 dilated PA from control lambs by 38± 9%, but had no effect on hypertensive PA's even at the highest concentration. In PV from both control and hypertensive lambs, E4021 produced complete dilation at 10-7 M. LNA did not inhibit this effect. In the second protocol, intact lambs were fully instrumented for measurement of PA pressure, pulmonary blood flow (QP), left atrial pressure, and aortic pressure(AoP). We measured pulmonary and systemic vascular responses to 30 minute infusions of E4021 at 1, 10, and 100 μg/kg/min in random order. Values are expressed as a percent of baseline. (* p<0.05 by ANOVA vs baseline)Table
Sentinel lymph node analysis in patients with sweat gland carcinoma

BACKGROUND Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy (SLNB) has become a standard staging procedure for patients with cutaneous neoplasms of known metastatic potential. In the current study, the authors explored the use of SLNB in patients with primary sweat gland carcinomas (SGCs). METHODS Six patients with SGC underwent SLNB. The tumors and lymph nodes were examined using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections and by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratins. RESULTS Metastases were detected in the SLNs of four of the six patients with SGC. One patient with a primary tumor of the neck was found to have bilateral positive SLNs. Tumor deposits were detected by H&E stained sections alone in all but two SLNs, in which the metastatic cells were recognized only with the aid of immunohistochemical stains. Positive non-SLNs were found in two patients after complete regional lymph node dissection was performed. CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of positive SLNs in this small series suggests that SLNB is a useful staging tool for patients with SGC. As in SLNBs of other tumors, immunohistochemistry appears to facilitate the recognition of small microscopic metastases. Cancer 2003;97:2279–84. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11327
Chemical vapor deposition of metals: Part 1. An overview of CVD processes

The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of metals is a rapidly developing area in which metal-containing compounds are being synthesized as new precursors. This article reviews this area and discusses precursor design, reaction pathways, reactor types, and the influence of reactor operating conditions on film growth. We have gathered recent results for precursor design and CVD chemistry and show how analysis of results from CVD experiments can be used to assist in the development of new CVD precursors.
SELECTIVE OXIDATION OF THE ALKYL LIGAND IN RHENIUM(V) OXO COMPLEXES

Rhenium(V) oxo alkyl triflate compounds (HBpz3)ReO(R)OTf [R = Me (4), Et (5), n-Bu (6); HBpz3 = hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate; OTf = OSO2CF3, triflate] are formed on sequential reaction of (HBpz3)ReOCl2 with dialkyl zinc reagents and AgOTf. These triflate compounds are rapidly oxidized at ambient temperatures by oxygen atom donors pyridine N-oxide (pyO) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to give (HBpz3)ReO3 (7) and the corresponding aldehyde. In the cases of 5 and 6 this transformation is quantitative. The addition of 2,6-lutidine to a low-temperature oxidation of 5 by DMSO redirects the reaction to form cis-2-butene instead of acetaldehyde. These oxidation reactions do not proceed through alkoxide intermediates, as shown by independent studies of alkoxide oxidations. Reaction of 5 with pyO or DMSO at −47 °C results in the formation of intermediates which are assigned as ylide or “trapped-carbene” complexes [(HBpz3)ReO(OH){CH(L)CH3}]OTf (L = py (8) or SMe2 (9), respectively). Mechanistic studies and analogies w...
Utilization of exogenous retinol by frog pigment epithelium

Abstract High-performance liquid chromatography was used to investigate the utilization of exogenous 11.12-3H2-retinol by frog pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro or after intraocular injection into the dark-adapted, whole animal. Isolated frog RPE contains an adequate supply of acyl donors and can esterify all-trans. 11-cis and 13-cis isomers of retinol. The esterifying activity is restricted to the particulate fraction. Homogenates of choroid cannot esterify retinol. The ester formed by the RPE is primarily palmitate, and is therefore identical with the endogenous retinyl ester. Frog RPE also formed 13-cis retinyl palmitate from all-trans retinol, probably by esterification of 13-cis retinol formed non-enzymatically from the all-trans isomer. None of the in vitro experiments provided any evidence for the formation of 11-cis retinoid. There was slow appearance of label in 11-cis retinyl palmitate when3H-all-trans retinol was injected intraocularly into the intact frog. After 15 hr its specific activity was only 20% of that of the all-trans retinyl palmitate. This rate of formation of 1 11-cis retinoid is inadequate for rhodopsin regeneration. However, it is more than an order of magnitude too fast to be accounted for by phagocytosis of rhodopsin. It is suggested that 11-cis retinoid is generated in the retina and is slowly transferred to the site of esterification in the RPE.
Assessing and promoting quality in kin and nonkin foster care

This article provides a comprehensive look at the elements that indicate quality of care in kinship and nonrelated foster homes, highlighting the philosophical reasons for providing quality care and the theoretical underpinnings of kinship care. The sparse literature on quality of care in foster homes is then augmented with indicators of quality in nonfoster homes, identifying a series of domains of quality. By articulating these domains we intend to frame an understanding of quality of care, to provide a guide for constructing a quality assessment tool for kinship and nonrelated foster homes, and to promote quality improvement in these vital areas.
CLINICAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICAL METHODS IN THE UROLOGY LITERATURE

ABSTRACTPurpose: We provide a systematic assessment of the quality and accuracy of statistical reporting in the urology literature.Materials and Methods: All original research publications with adult human subjects in a single issue (August 2004) of 4 leading urology journals were identified for formal review. A standardized evaluation form was developed in consultation with an experienced biostatistician and subsequently tested. Two independent reviewers with at least 1 year of formal training in research design and biostatistics who were blinded to authors and institutions reviewed each article. Discrepancies were settled by consensus and/or adjudication by the biostatistician.Results: Of the 169 articles screened 97 met eligibility criteria for review. Cohort (43 of 97 or 44%) or cross-sectional (28 of 97 or 29%) designs comprised the majority of these studies. Only 10 randomized clinical trials (12.4%) were identified. Statistical tests were identified in 83 studies (93%). Overall 69 of 83 studies (71...
Intradermal immune responses to a schistosomal egg antigen during experimental murine Schistosoma mansoni infection.

SummarySix weeks after infection with Schistosoma mansoni both an early (5 hr) and late (24–48 hr) intradermal response were elicited in mice challenged with a soluble schistosomal egg antigen (SEA). Passive transfer experiments showed that three anti-SEA immune reactivities exist in 8 week infected mice: passive cutaneous anaphylaxis due to reagin-like antibodies; an Arthus-type, 5 hr reaction due to circulating antibodies; a delayed (24–48 hr) hypersensitivity reaction dependent on lymphoid cells. The kinetics of immunization indicate that these anti-SEA responses are stage specific for the egg antigen preparation.
The Making of VIVID A Software Engineering Perspective

This paper is about the software engineering facets of the making of a large programming systems product for symbolic VLSI CAD called VIVID. Issues such as how teams were organized, how conceptual integrity was maintained, and portability are discussed. Specific tools are also described that were built to aid in the development of VIVID. Methods are explored that aid in managing large systems with many directories and huge numbers of files. Finally, techniques for debugging such a large system are discussed. This paper's goal is to share these tools, techniques and methods to improve the software engineering practices used by all developers of CAD as well as other large software systems.
Calibration of optical detectors using discrete Fourier transform techniques

A method for determining the detector electrooptical transfer function (DEOTF) at different discrete frequencies simultaneously is presented. It involves simulation of the detector with a waveform of unknown frequency composition, such as a square wave or impulse function. The DEOTF is calculated as the ratio of the discrete Fourier transform of the detector output to the transform of the input waveform. This technique was successfully applied to Golay cell and bolometer detectors and can be used for other linear detector systems.
Acoustic/steady streaming from a motionless boundary and related phenomena: generalized treatment of the inner streaming and examples

As originally realized by Nyborg (J. Acoust. Soc. Am., vol. 30, 1958, p. 329), the problem of the inner acoustic/steady streaming can be analysed in quite general terms. The inner streaming is the one that develops in the high-frequency limit in a thin Stokes (shear-wave) layer at a boundary, in contrast to the outer streaming in the main bulk of the fluid. The analysis provides relevant inner-streaming characteristics through a given distribution of the acoustic amplitude along the boundary. Here such a generalized treatment is revisited for a motionless boundary. By working in terms of surface vectors, though in elementary notations, new compact and easy-to-use expressions are obtained. The most important ones are those for the effective (apparent) slip velocity at the boundary as seen from a perspective of the main bulk of the fluid, which is often the sole driving factor behind the outer streaming, and for the induced (acoustic) steady tangential stress on the boundary. As another novel development, non-adiabatic effects in the Stokes layer are taken into account, which become apparent through the fluctuating density and viscosity perturbations, and whose contribution into the streaming is often ignored in the literature. Some important particular cases, such as the axisymmetric case and the incompressible case, are emphasized. As far as the application of the derived general inner-streaming expressions is concerned, a few examples provided here involve a plane acoustic standing wave, which either grazes a wall parallel to its direction (convenient for the estimation of the non-adiabatic effects), or into which a small (compared to the acoustic wavelength) rigid sphere is placed. If there are simultaneously two such waves, out-of-phase and, say, in mutually orthogonal directions, a disk placed coplanarly with them will undergo a steady torque, which is calculated here as another example. Two further examples deal with translational high-frequency harmonic vibrations of particles relative to an incompressible fluid medium, viz. of a rigid oblate spheroid (along its axis) and of a sphere (arbitrary three dimensional). The latter can be a fixed rigid sphere, one free to rotate or even a (viscous) spherical drop, for which the outer streaming and the internal circulation are also considered.
Mesoscale Model Ensemble Forecasts of the 3 May 1999 Tornado Outbreak

Abstract A six-member ensemble is developed in which the ensemble members only vary in their model physical process parameterization schemes. This approach is accomplished by mixing three different convective parameterization schemes with two different planetary boundary layer schemes within the nonhydrostatic Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Fifth-Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5). The initial and boundary conditions for each ensemble member are identical and are provided by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Eta Model forecasts starting from 0000 UTC. Verification of the ensemble predictions against Eta Model analyses over 42 days indicates that, although this ensemble system is underdispersive and imperfect, the ensemble forecasts show some skill in predicting the probability of various severe-weather parameters exceeding selected threshold values. This model physics ensemble allows us to begin exploring the possible uses of ensemble forecasts for sev...
Practical Simulation Of Composting In The Laboratory

A closed incubation system was developed for laboratory simulation of composting conditions at the interior of a large compost pile. A conductive heat flux control system (CHFC) was used to adjust the temperature of the internal wall to that of the compost center and compensate for heat loss. Insulated small vessels (400 cm3) controlled by the CHFC system were compared with similar vessels maintained at 30°C (mesophilic) and 55°C (thermophilic), and with large vessels (10 000 cm3) with and without the CHFC. Compost temperature rose rapidly to a maximum within 2-4 days, then gradually decreased. In mesophilic treatments (no CHFC), temperature at the matrix center increased to a maximum of 36°C in the small vessel and 50°C in the large vessel, while temperature in both vessels reached 50°C with the CHFC. Microbial activity was maintained by allowing compost to self-heat and controlling temperature externally with the CHFC. Higher temperatures were sustained for longer periods in CHFC vessels than in vessels without the CHFC. Periodic mixing of the compost matrix increased temperature and CO2 evolution. Small vessels were successfully used in laboratory simulation of field-scale composting of a soil/organic matrix containing TNT and RDX munitions. The small vessel system reduced subsample error in compost monitoring from that of the large vessels. The CHFC has particular utility in research requiring expensive chemicals or hazardous substances.
Research for improving diagnostic systems: consideration of factors related to later life development.

The release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-III in 1980 represented a fundamental shift in the evolution of our psychiatric diagnostic system, resulting in a new wave of psychiatric epidemiology research that would facilitate the development of subsequent iterations of DSM. In summary, DSM-III abandoned the heavily psychodynamic and theory-based categorization of disorders embraced by DSM-II in favor of a neoKraepelinian, phenomenologically based categorization that gave clinicians and researchers standardized and explicit diagnostic criteria by which all psychiatric disorders could be described without regard to presumed etiology. Creation of the multiaxial system reflected the underlying belief that psychiatric disorders would best be described as syndromes placed in the context of other comorbid general medical disorders (Axis III), personality disorders or mental retardation (Axis II), psychosocial environmental stresses (Axis IV), and some measure of the highest level of adaptive functioning in the past year (Axis V). In 1994, DSM-IV attempted to further refine diagnostic reliability by fostering a classification system that could build on a foundation of empirical data. It also confirmed the DSM-III-R decision in 1987 to substitute a dimensional Global Assessment of Functioning scale for Axis V. Literature reviews, secondary data analyses, and field trials were used to support decision making for any revisions. The addition of the clinical significance criterion attempted to better delineate pathology from everyday problems of living, but despite its success in reducing the number of false positives, it did not improve our understanding of what constitutes a “valid” mental disorder. Its somewhat circular and vague terminology allowed clinical judgment rather than objective data to be the final arbiter of disorder thresholds. Although the categorical classification of DSM-IV was intended to increase reliability and aid clinicians in diagnosis, the noticeable lack of attention paid to dimensional aspects of diagnosis was partially responsible for an overuse of the “not otherwise specified” category by subthreshold disorders, atypical presentations, and mild disorders—an overextension of the category’s intended use that can ultimately erode diagnostic reliability. One specific dimension that has become increasing prevalent in revision discussions for DSM-V is that of age and its distinctive impact on diagnosis. Between 1999 and 2007, the American Psychiatric Association commissioned a series of white papers to address the need for better understanding interand intradiagnostic factors, including developmental aspects of diagnosis. Findings from the work group charged with reviewing the literature on geriatric psychiatry, chaired by Dilip V. Jeste, M.D., were published in a monograph that also included findings from reviews on psychiatric diagnosis in infancy/childhood and gender consid-
Cyclophosphamide in the treatment of idiopathic lipoid nephrosis

Cyclophosphamide was used successfully in the treatment of 14 children with idiopathic lipoid nephrosis who failed to respond adequately to adrenocortical steroid therapy. Six children had received intensive steroid therapy for 6 to 14 weeks without response; eight patients had experienced repeated recurrences during intermittent steroid therapy or had repeated recurrences following numerous attempts to discontinue steroid therapy over a period ranging from 6 months to 8 years. Cyclophosphamide was combined with intermittent steroid therapy in eleven patients and was used alone in three instances. Remissions have persisted without any exacerbation for periods of 6 to 32 months following cessation of therapy with cyclophosphamide.
Lung albumin content after acid aspiration pulmonary injury

Abstract The effects of aspiration of saline and acid on lymph albumin and pulmonary albumin contents were studied. Two radiolabeled species of albumin were used, I 125 -albumin was allowed to equilibrate while 131 I-albumin was injected at Time 0 of the experiment. One percent of total injected albumin was found in the lung in the saline and control groups for both the equilibrated and non-equilibrated varieties of albumin. Seven percent of injected dose of 125 I-albumin (equilibrated) was found in the lung after acid aspiration, while 16% of the nonequilibrated 131 I-albumin was found. The rate of “wash in” of 131 I-albumin was significantly increased in the lymph of acid aspirated animals as compared to controls. These data suggest that the previously demonstrated increase in microvascular permeability after acid aspiration results in an increase in extravascular pulmonary albumin. This effect should greatly alter the local osmotic gradient and result in altered fluid balance.
Autonomy and Organ Sales, Revisited

In this paper I develop and defend my arguments in favor of the moral permissibility of a legal market for human body parts in response to the criticisms that have been leveled at them by Paul M. Hughes and Samuel J. Kerstein.
Polymorphisms of XRCC1 and XRCC3 genes and susceptibility to breast cancer

Abstract Mammalian cells are constantly exposed to a wide variety of genotoxic agents from both endogenous and exogenous sources. Genetic variability in DNA repair may contribute to human cancer risk. We used a case-control study design (162 cases and 302 controls) to test the association between three amino acid substitution variants of DNA repair genes ( XRCC1 Arg194Trp, XRCC1 Arg399Gln, and XRCC3 Thr241Met) and breast cancer susceptibility. We found a weak association between the XRCC1 194Trp allele and breast cancer risk (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.85–4.63). We also found a potential gene-gene interaction between the XRCC1 194Trp allele and XRCC3 241Met allele and breast cancer risk (adjusted OR=8.74; 95% CI=1.13–67.53). Although larger studies are needed to validate the study results, our data suggest that amino acid substitution variants of XRCC1 and XRCC3 genes may contribute to breast cancer susceptibility.
Application of an alluvial architecture model to better understand seepage risk in floodplains

Abstract The amount and distribution of coarse-grained sediment (e.g., sands and gravels) relative to fine-grained sediment (e.g., clays and silts) within a floodplain influences many of the floodplain geotechnical properties, including the potential for groundwater seepage. Seepage is a primary driver of levee and dam failure, and understanding its potential is of paramount concern to engineers and resource managers. This paper reports the results of a computational modeling study that simulated alluvial floodplain construction using a suite of simple geomorphic process-imitating rules. A model aggrades a floodplain cross section within an alluvial basin, creating floodplain architecture by differentiating between sediment deposited by channel processes (sand) and sediment deposited by overbank flood processes (clay). The evolution of two floodplain cross sections of the Trinity River, near Dallas, Texas is simulated using five different experimental scenarios. The study area is the site of large levee rehabilitation projects in which accurate characterization of the geologic environment has significant engineering importance. Study results predict that scenario components including the alluvial basin width, the initial topography of the floodplain base level, and the channel aggradation rate significantly affect the fraction of the floodplain width that contains channel deposits by influencing the avulsion frequency of the river during floodplain construction. Increased avulsion frequency equated to more numerous, yet smaller channel deposits. The dimensions of the channel deposits predicted by this study are similar to those typically observed in large, fully meandering river systems. The model devised for this study is relatively simple and can be run in multiple iterations to produce probabilistic outputs, such as the likely range of channel deposit widths within a floodplain cross section. This type of information is useful to engineers for a host of applications including predicting the data collection density necessary to characterize the geotechnical properties of a project site.
NMR and photo-CIDNP studies of human proinsulin and prohormone processing intermediates with application to endopeptidase recognition

The proinsulin-insulin system provides a general model for the proteolytic processing of polypeptide hormones. Two proinsulin-specific endopeptidases have been defined, a type I activity that cleaves the B-chain/C-peptide junction (Arg{sup 31}-Arg{sup 32}) and a type II activity that cleaves the C-peptide/A-chain junction (Lys{sup 64}-Arg{sup 65}). These endopeptidases are specific for their respective dibasic target sites; not all such dibasic sites are cleaved, however, and studies of mutant proinsulins have demonstrated that additional sequence or structural features are involved in determining substrate specificity. To define structural elements required for endopeptidase recognition, the authors have undertaken comparative {sup 1}H NMR and photochemical dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) studies of human proinsulin, insulin, and split proinsulin analogues as models or prohormone processing intermediates. The overall conformation of proinsulin is observed to be similar to that of insulin, and the connecting peptide is largely unstructured. In the {sup 1}H NMR spectrum of proinsulin significant variation is observed in the line widths of insulin-specific amide resonances, reflecting exchange among conformational substrates; similar exchange is observed in insulin and is not damped by the connecting peptide. The aromatic {sup 1}H NMR resonances of proinsulin are assigned by analogy to the spectrum of insulin, and assignments are verifiedmore » by chemical modification. These results suggest that a stable local structure is formed at the CA junction, which influences insulin-specific packing interactions. They propose that this structure (designated the CA knuckle) provides a recognition element for type II proinsulin endopeptidase.« less
A vacuum tube for acceleration measurement

Though not perfected for field use, the vacuum tube acceleration pickup has several peculiar advantages which will facilitate many types of acceleration experimentation. These potentialities encourage further development of the tube.
Cladribine in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Single-Institution Experience

Abstract Background Despite advances in novel therapeutics, supportive care, and postremission therapy, the outcome of high-risk and elderly patients as well as those with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains poor. There is likely still room for improvement through optimizing conventional chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Through a pharmacy database search we identified all patients with AML treated at Washington University with cladribine-based regimens. Results Twenty-four patients were identified that were treated with 2 cladribine-based regimens: CLAG (cladribine [5 mg/m 2 days 1-5], cytarabine [2 g/m 2 days 1-5] and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF; 300 μg subcutaneously (s.c.) days 0-5]) and CLAM (cladribine [5 mg/m 2 days 1-5], cytarabine [2 g/m 2 days 1-5], G-CSF [300 mg s.c. days 0-5] and mitoxantrone [10 mg/m 2 days 1-3]). Complete responses were achieved in 53% of patients given induction chemotherapy and 44% of those given salvage chemotherapy. The regimens were well tolerated with minimal extramedullary toxicity. Conclusion These data suggest that cladrabine-based regimens should be further explored in both the salvage and first-line setting and might offer an attractive backbone on which to add novel therapies.
The Only Thing That Stops a Guy with a Bad Policy is a Guy with a Good Policy: An Examination of the NRA’s “National School Shield” Proposal

With the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, the public and the government are looking for solutions to school violence. The National Rifle Association (NRA), a Second Amendment, pro-gun advocacy group, has proposed an “education and training emergency response program” called The National School Shield, which advocates the placement of armed security in schools. Although the program sounds provocative, serious questions complicate its plausibility, necessity, motive, and effectiveness. Furthermore, the potential policy and practical ramifications of encouraging armed security forces in U.S. schools are complex. The authors examined the proposal’s key elements from a public policy perspective and determined that the NRA program would be expensive in terms of both implementation and civil and/or criminal liability, would increase juvenile contact with the criminal justice system, would increase the potential for injuries and deaths from firearms, and would potentially only serve to increase profits for those invested in security industries. More potentially effective and safe policy alternatives are offered.
Muscimol and γ-hydroxybutyrate: Similar interactions with convulsant agents

Abstract Muscimol has been shown to be a potent GABA agonist in several preparations. After systemic administration, muscimol is rapidly metabolized in the periphery and little, if any, unchanged muscimol gains access to the brain. A major metabolite of muscimol may be structurally analogous to γ-hydroxybutyric acid. In this study it is shown that both muscimol and γ-hydroxybutyrate antagonize convulsions induced by 3-mercaptopropionate, an inhibitor of GABA synthesis, and strychnine, a glycinergic antagonist, while potentiating convulsions induced by bicuculline, a putative GABA antagonist, and pentylenetetrazol, a generalized excitant and possible GABA antagonist. Although these results apparently contradict previously reported data, it is proposed that these anomalies reflect differences dependent upon varying dose regimens of muscimol. The differential effects of low vs. high doses of muscimol may reflect differences in the accessibility to, or affinity of, morphologically distinct GABA receptors that mediate different pharmacological functions.
Coping with rheumatoid arthritis pain: catastrophizing as a maladaptive strategy

The present study examined catastrophizing in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Subjects were 223 RA patients who were participants in a longitudinal study. Each patient completed the Catastrophizing scale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) on 2 occasions separated by 6 months (time 1, time 2). The Catastrophizing scale is designed to measure negative self-statements, castastrophizing thoughts and ideation (sample items = 'I worry all the time about whether it will end,' 'It is awful and I feel that it overwhelms me'). Data analysis revealed that the Catastrophizing scale was internally reliable (alpha = 0.91) and had high test-retest reliability (r = 0.81) over a 6 month period. Correlational analyses revealed that catastrophizing recorded at time 1 was related to pain intensity ratings, functional impairment on the Arthritis Impact Measurement scale (AIMS), and depression at time 2. Predictive findings regarding catastrophizing while modest were obtained after controlling for initial scores on the dependent variables, demographic variables (age, sex, socioeconomic status), duration of pain, and disability support status. Taken together, these findings suggest that catastrophizing is a maladaptive coping strategy in RA patients. Further research is needed to determine whether cognitive-behavioral interventions designed to decrease catastrophizing can reduce pain and improve the physical and psychological functioning of RA patients.
Cicero's forensic oratory: The manifestation of power in the roman republic

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman of the first century B.C., has been recognized as an influential theorist of rhetoric, but research focusing on his rise as a successful orator, which aided in establishing the credentials to write rhetorical treatises, has indicated the need for further investigation. This study demonstrates how Cicero, lacking an aristocratic heritage, tremendous wealth, and military sagacity, utilized his ability in forensic oratory to establish himself as a powerful force in the party politics of the Roman Republic. After examining Cicero's role in and view of the courts of Rome, and his accompanying political success, the author concludes that forensic oratory was a source of political power whereby young Romans who secured legal victories for influential clients could utilize their support in achieving public offices. The rhetorica of such successful orators as Cicero were therefore important because they provided axiological guidelines for political advancement.
Vectorial secretion of proteoglycans by polarized rat uterine epithelial cells.

We have studied proteoglycan secretion using a recently developed system for the preparing of polarized primary cultures of rat uterine epithelial cells. To mimic their native environment better and provide a system for discriminating apical from basolateral compartments, we cultured cells on semipermeable supports impregnated with biomatrix. Keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPG) as well as heparan sulfate-containing molecules (HS[PG]) were the major sulfated products synthesized and secreted by these cells. The ability of epithelial cells to secrete KSPG greatly increased in parallel with the development of cell polarity. Furthermore, KSPG secretion occurred preferentially to the apical medium in highly polarized cultures. In contrast, HS(PG) secretion did not increase along with development of polarity, although most HS(PG) (85%) were secreted apically as well. Pulse-chase studies indicated that highly polarized cultures secreted 80-90% of the sulfated macromolecules they synthesized, predominantly to the apical secretory compartment. The half-lives for KSPG and HS(PG) secretion were approximately 3 and 4 h, respectively. Parallel studies of cells cultured on tissue culture plastic-coated with biomatrix indicated that neither the state of confluency nor the biomatrix was primarily responsible for inducing the KSPG secretion observed in polarizing cultures. Experiments with uterine strips indicated that the steroid hormone, 17-beta-estradiol, markedly stimulated synthesis and secretion of sulfated macromolecules, but had no preferential effect on KSPG production. The ratio of KSPG to HS(PG) secretion from uterine strips was similar to that found in the apical medium of highly polarized cell cultures. Thus, the pattern of proteoglycan secretion observed in polarized cell cultures mimicked that observed for uterine cells, although the preferential increase in KSPG production by polarized cells could not be attributed to an estrogen response. Collectively, these studies describe the major sulfated molecules secreted by rat uterine epithelial cells under varying conditions and provide evidence for a novel influence of cell polarity on the cell9s ability to secrete sulfated glycoconjugates.
Venous pressure and dyspnea on exertion in cardiac failure: was Tinsley Randolph Harrison right?

Abstract More than 70 years ago, Harrison and his group proposed that in the absence of pulmonary edema, an increased systemic venous pressure could be a major source of dyspnea upon exertion in cardiac patients. Harrison provided evidence that in resting animals systemic venous pressure can affect ventilatory control through afferent information originating from the right side of the central circulation (i.e. right ventricle and large veins) via the vagus nerves. This review explores the concept that “increased venous pressure acts as a cause of dyspnea”, which emerged from the remarkable work performed by Harrison and co-workers. Their conclusion will be however extended by developing the hypothesis that the load imposed on the venous blood returning from the skeletal muscles during any muscular activity is sensed by slow conducting muscle afferent fibers and provides a source of dyspnea in heart failure patients.