cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive program for preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVES Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common finding in preterm infants. A hemodynamically significant PDA may require intervention for closure. This article aims to describe a transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) program for preterm infants and the components of a comprehensive outpatient follow-up strategy. SETTING A multidisciplinary team approach including neonatology, cardiology, anesthesiology, medical transport team, pulmonology, cardiac surgery, neurodevelopmental specialist, nutrition, speech therapy, social work, research collaborators, and other health care specialists is integral to the dedicated care and promotion of wellness of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. PATIENTS To date, we have performed TCPC on 134 ELBW infants weighing <2 kg at the time of the procedure, 54 of whom were <1 kg with the smallest weighing 640 g with a median gestation age of 25 weeks (range 23-27 weeks). INTERVENTIONS A comprehensive follow-up strategy with the creation of the Memphis PDA Clinic was implemented. OUTCOME MEASURES Respiratory support, tolerance of enteral feeds, growth, and neurodevelopmental progress are indicators of favorable outcomes. RESULTS TCPC has benefited ELBW infants with faster weaning off the ventilator, increase in enteral feedings, and somatic growth with the overall shortening of the hospital length of stay. The Memphis PDA Clinic has ensured optimal postdischarge follow-up to improve long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS TCPC is a safe and effective alternative to manage ELBW infants with a hemodynamically significant PDA. Comprehensive follow-up after discharge provided in a multispecialty clinic developed specifically for this unique population has been successful in improving outcomes.
Making sense of carbon footprints: how carbon literacy and quantitative literacy affects information gathering and decision-making

Popular media often reports on the carbon footprint of certain activities, items or people. We were curious to explore how people make sense of these news pieces, and specifically, whether and how ...
Cytogenetic Features and Serum Lactic Dehydrogenase Level Predict a Poor Treatment Outcome for Children with Pre-B-Cell Leukemia

Leukemic cells from 89 (24%) of 369 children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were found to have a pre-B immunophenotype. By comparison with blasts having the common ALL phenotype, the pre-B cells were more likely to have a DNA index less than 1.16 (P = 0.02), a pseudodiploid karyotype (P less than 0.001), and a chromosomal translocation (P = 0.001). Increased serum lactic dehydrogenase levels (P = 0.001) were also characteristic of pre-B ALL; otherwise, the clinical and laboratory features of the two groups were similar. A nonrandom chromosomal translocation, t(1;19)(q23;p13.3), was identified in blast cells from 16 (23%) of the 70 patients with pre-B ALL and adequate chromosome banding studies; different translocations were found in 11 of the remaining patients. The presence of any chromosomal translocation in the pre-B group was significantly related to a higher leukocyte count, an increased level of serum lactic dehydrogenase, an increased percentage of S-phase cells, black race, and a blast cell DNA index less than 1.16. Four presenting features were found to confer an increased risk of treatment failure among pre-B patients: pseudodiploidy, chromosomal translocation, black race, and higher serum lactic dehydrogenase level. In a multivariate analysis, pseudodiploidy emerged as the strongest factor for predicting relapse in pre-B ALL. The frequent association of chromosomal abnormalities of known adverse prognostic significance and high serum lactic dehydrogenase levels with pre-B-cell ALL explains, at least in part, the poor treatment outcome reported for children with this subtype of leukemia.
Functional Outcomes After Muscle-Sparing Fixation of Flail Chest Injuries.

Objectives To present outcomes in a multicenter review of a large number of flail chest patients. Design Retrospective case series. Setting One urban Level I and 1 urban Level II trauma center. Patients/participants Fifty-two adult patients who underwent treatment of their flail chest injury with locking plate and screw constructs through muscle-sparing approaches, followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Results All patients went on to successful union, with complication rates in line with recent published norms. Periscapular strength returned to greater than 90% of the noninjured side by 3 months postoperatively and to within a mean of 95% of the noninjured side by 6 months postoperatively. Glenohumeral range of motion similarly improved over this same interval. Conclusions Use of anatomically designed modern locking plate and screw fixation constructs with muscle-sparing approaches results in efficient return to function and restoration of shoulder function and strength as compared with the noninjured shoulder. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
JNK activation and translocation to mitochondria mediates mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death induced by VDAC opening and sorafenib in hepatocarcinoma cells.

Abstract The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, and opening of voltage dependent anion channels (VDAC) by the erastin-like compound X1 promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocarcinoma cells. Here, we hypothesized that X1 and sorafenib induce mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and activating c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), leading to translocation of activated JNK to mitochondria. Both X1 and sorafenib increased production of ROS and activated JNK. X1 and sorafenib caused a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), a readout of mitochondrial metabolism, after 60 min. Mitochondrial depolarization after X1 and sorafenib occurred in parallel with JNK activation, increased superoxide (O2•−) production, decreased basal and oligomycin sensitive respiration, and decreased maximal respiratory capacity. Increased production of O2•− after X1 or sorafenib was abrogated by JNK inhibition and antioxidants. S3QEL 2, a specific inhibitor of site IIIQo, at Complex III, prevented depolarization induced by X1. JNK inhibition by JNK inhibitors VIII and SP600125 also prevented mitochondrial depolarization. After X1, activated JNK translocated to mitochondria as assessed by proximity ligation assays. Tat-Sab KIM1, a peptide selectively preventing the binding of JNK to the outer mitochondrial membrane protein Sab, blocked the depolarization induced by X1 and sorafenib. X1 promoted cell death mostly by necroptosis that was partially prevented by JNK inhibition. These results indicate that JNK activation and translocation to mitochondria is a common mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction induced by both VDAC opening and sorafenib.
Pharmacy Student Opioid Consultations with Standardized Limited English Proficiency Patients.

Abstract Introduction Limited healthcare studies have analyzed communication practices with limited English proficiency (LEP) patients. Empirical literature lacks evidence about LEP patient-pharmacist communication about opioid risks. This study aimed to (1) explore topics discussed in opioid medication consults, (2) assess if students inform patients about dependency and overdose risks associated with opioid use and the manner in which those risks were introduced and discussed, and (3) assess LEP specific communication practices. Methods Third-year pharmacy students in a required communications course consulted LEP standardized patients (SPs) who spoke 30% English and 70% non-English language. The SP followed a script simulating an encounter between a pharmacist and patient picking up a new, month long prescription of oxycodone. All consultations were video recorded and quantitatively coded for verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Results Twenty-three pharmacy students conducted consultations with LEP SPs. The majority of students discussed common side effects, but only a few discussed severe side effects. Four of 23 students named the medication as an “opioid” or “narcotic” and described dependency, overdose, or other opioid specific risks. Students used several filler words, long sentences, and a fast pace. A majority of students used teach back methods to identify patient understanding. Students expressed the need for more structured education and training in providing patient counseling for opioids and communicating with LEP patients. Conclusions Pharmacy students lack confidence and skills in communicating with LEP patients regarding opioid-specific risks, suggesting structured training is needed.
Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's disease of bone [Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) website #602080 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?cmd=entry&id=602080)] is initiated by an increase in osteoclast-mediated resorption of bone, which leads to increased osteoblast-mediated bone formation. The tissue that results is a disorganized mosaic of woven and lamellar bone at affected sites.
Types of Disasters

Disasters are increasing around the world. Children are greatly impacted by both natural disasters (forces of nature) and man-made (intentional, accidental) disasters. Their unique anatomical, physiological, behavioral, developmental, and psychological vulnerabilities must be considered when planning and preparing for disasters. The nurse or health care provider (HCP) must be able to rapidly identify acutely ill children during a disaster. Whether it is during a natural or man-made event, the nurse or HCP must intervene effectively to improve survival and outcomes. It is extremely vital to understand the medical management of these children during disasters, especially the use of appropriate medical countermeasures such as medications, antidotes, supplies, and equipment.
Effects of fuel blending on first stage and overall ignition processes

Abstract The effects of blending ratio on mixtures of an alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel and a conventional petroleum-derived fuel on first stage ignition and overall ignition delay are examined at engine-relevant ambient conditions. Experiments are conducted in a high-temperature pressure vessel that maintains a small flow of dry air at the desired temperature (825 K and 900 K) and pressure (6 MPa and 9 MPa) for fuel injections from a custom single-hole, axially-oriented injector, representing medium (7.5 mg) and high (10 mg) engine loading. Formaldehyde, imaged using planar laser-induced fluorescence, is measured at discrete time steps throughout the first and second stage ignition process and is used as a marker of unburned short-chain hydrocarbons formed after the initial breakdown of the fuel. The formaldehyde images are used to calculate the first stage ignition delay for each ambient and fuel loading condition. Chemiluminescence imaging of excited hydroxyl radical at 75 kHz is used to determine the overall ignition delay. At all conditions, increased volume fraction of ATJ resulted in longer, but non-linearly increasing, overall ignition delay. Across all of the blends, first stage ignition delay accounted for about 15% of the increase in overall ignition delay compared to the military's aviation kerosene, F-24, which is Jet A with additives, while extended first stage ignition duration accounted for 85% of the increase. It is observed that blends consisting of 0–60% by volume of the low cetane number ATJ fuel produced nearly identical first stage ignition delays. These results will inform the development of ignition models that can capture the non-linear effects of fuel blending on ignition processes.
Inclusive Boundaries and Other (Im)Possible Paths TowardCommunity Development in a Global World

This paper is based on a talk given at a University of Pennsylvania symposium on Social Movements and Law Reform. In it Professor Ansley takes as a case study the U.S. movement against plant closings. In the seventies, eighties and nineties this movement attempted to respond to the increasing flow of industrial capital from the U.S. to other countries. Like other social movements, it devoted a significant part of its energy to "framing" its issues - articulating and attempting to promote a particular way of looking at the issue of plant closings, de-industrialization, and the new international division of labor. Drawing in part on her own experiences as a participant/observer in the plant-closing movement, Professor Ansley describes the initial frame developed by plant-closing rhetoricians to situate the movement's issues and justify its demands. That frame valorized the notion of bounded political communities as central to democracy. It called for the creation and defense of polities with jurisdiction strong enough to establish effective boundaries and impose economic ground rules on footloose corporations. Ansley confesses continued affection for this frame. In fact, one section of the article points to recent disputes initiated under Chapter 11 of NAFTA that confirm the profound importance of bounded polities empowered to set ground rules for economic actors and others. However, she goes on to tell how troubling it was to many who had been extolling the importance of strong boundaries when the plant-closing movement was confronted with the upsurge of migration into the United States from the third world. In this new context, rhetoric from the plant-closing movement that had seemed progressive in its original context suddenly showed itself to have a dangerously exclusionary side. Ansley claims that the tension between the need for bounded polities and the need for open borders is a significant paradox. In light of contemporary forms of globalization, bounded communities appear simultaneously to be crucial bulwarks that protect democracy, and racist fortresses that render it impossible. Although she makes no pretense of attempting to resolve this paradox, she urges its importance, especially for lawyers interested in the dynamics of globalization.
Lambert function and a new non-extensive form of entropy

We propose a new way of defining entropy of a system, which gives a general form that is non-extensive like Tsallis entropy, but is linearly dependent on component entropies, like Renyi entropy, which is extensive. This entropy has a conceptually novel but simple origin and is mathematically easy to define by a very simple expression involving a derivative. It leads to a probability distribution function involving the Lambert function resulting from optimizing the entropy, which has hitherto never appeared in this context, and is somewhat more complex than the Shannon or Boltzmann form, but is nevertheless mathematically quite tractable. We have compared it numerically with the Tsallis and Shannon entropies. We have also considered constraints on the energy spectra imposed by the properties of the Lambert function, which are absent in the Shannon form. It may turn out to be a more appropriate candidate in a physical situation where the probability distribution does not suit any of the previously defined forms, especially when the probability density function sought is expected to be stiffer than that resulting from maximizing the other entropies. We consider the problem of defining free energy and other thermodynamic functions when the entropy is given as a general function of the probability distribution, including that for non-extensive forms. We then find that the free energy, which is central to the determination of all other quantities of interest in a thermodynamic context, can be obtained uniquely, at least numerically, even when it is the root of a transcendental equation. In particular, we examine the cases of the Tsallis form and the new form proposed by us. We compare the free energy, the internal energy and the specific heat of a simple system of two energy states for each of these forms and find significant departures for some quantities, while some others are less sensitive to the parametrization.
Capital Structure Neutrality in the Corporate Context

Under the two-tier Federal income tax system currently in place, a corporation's capital structure affects the amount of tax it and its interest holders jointly pay. This article endeavors to characterize all possible two-tier (income) tax schemes which do not share this problem, i.e., under which a corporation's capital structure does not affect joint tax collections.
Essentials of Programming Languages

From the Publisher: Designed for the upper division Programming Languages course offered in computer science departments,this text focuses on the principles of the design and implementation of programming languages. The language SCHEME,a dialect of LISP,is used to demonstrate abstraction and representation.
Does aerobic conditioning cause a sustained increase in the metabolic rate

We measured the metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry for 90 minutes following exercise in six healthy individuals. Ten and 30 minutes of cycling at 80% of maximal intensity produced comparable increases in the resting metabolic rate, (37% and 32%, respectively) immediately after exercise. However, by 30 minutes following exertion, the metabolic rate was not different from control values. The total additional caloric use during the 90 minutes of recovery was similar for the two exercise durations, and the mean increment in recovery energy expenditure was 11.4 +/- 7.1 kcals. The majority of caloric use with exercise is during the activity. Recovery energy expenditure following usual aerobic training results in only a minor contribution to total energy use.
Intestinal short-chain fatty acids alter Salmonella typhimurium invasion gene expression and virulence through BarA/SirA

Salmonella typhimurium causes enteric and systemic disease by invading the intestinal epithelium of the distal ileum, a process requiring the invasion genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1). BarA, a sensor kinase postulated to interact with the response regulator SirA, is required for the expression of SPI-1 invasion genes. We found, however, that a barA null mutation had little effect on virulence using the mouse model for septicaemia. This confounding result led us to seek environmental signals present in the distal ileum that might supplant the need for BarA. We found that acetate restored the expression of invasion genes in the barA mutant, but had no effect on a sirA mutant. Acetate had its effect only at a pH that allowed its accumulation within the bacterial cytoplasm and not with the deletion of ackA and pta, the two genes required to produce acetyl-phosphate. These results suggest that the rising concentration of acetate in the distal ileum provides a signal for invasion gene expression by the production of acetyl-phosphate in the bacterial cytoplasm, a pathway that bypasses barA. We also found that a Delta(ackA-pta) mutation alone had no effect on virulence but, in combination with Delta(barA), it increased the oral LD50 24-fold. Thus, the combined loss of the BarA- and acetate-dependent pathways is required to reduce virulence. Two other short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), propionate and butyrate, present in high concentrations in the caecum and colon, had effects opposite to those of acetate: neither restored invasion gene expression in the barA mutant, and both, in fact, reduced expression in the wild-type strain. Further, a combination of SCFAs found in the distal ileum restored invasion gene expression in the barA mutant, whereas colonic conditions failed to do so and also reduced expression in the wild-type strain. These results suggest that the concentration and composition of SCFAs in the distal ileum provide a signal for productive infection by Salmonella, whereas those of the large intestine inhibit invasion.
Photodriven Multi‐electron Storage in Disubstituted RuII Dppz Analogues

Four derivatives of the laminate acceptor ligand dipyrido-[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz) and their corresponding ruthenium complexes, [Ru(phen)2 (dppzX2 )](2+) , were prepared and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. The new ligands, generically denoted dppzX2 , were symmetrically disubstituted on the distal benzene ring to give 10,13-dibromodppz (dppz-p-Br), 11,12-dibromodppz (dppz-o-Br), 10,13-dicyanodppz (dppz-p-CN), 11,12-dicyanodppz (dppz-o-CN). Solvated ground state MO calculations of the ruthenium complexes reveal that these electron-withdrawing substituents not only lower the LUMO of the dppz ligand (dppz(CN)2 <dppzBr2 <dppz), but that the para disubstitution results in a lower LUMO than the ortho disubstitution (dppz-p-CN<(dppz-o-CN), and dppz-p-Br<dppz-o-Br). The validity of the calculations was confirmed experimentally using cyclic voltammetry. Of the complexes evaluated in this study, only the dicyanodppz complexes showed multiple dppz-based reductions prior to reduction of the phen ligands. The capacity to form singly and doubly reduced dppz-based anions at modest reduction potentials was confirmed using a combination of spectroelectrochemical and chemical titration methods. When subjected to photolysis with visible light in the presence of a sacrificial donor, such as triethylamine, both cyano complexes showed multi-electron reduction. The other complexes only show a single reduction.
Clinical evaluation of a single-wavelength fractional laser and a novel multi-wavelength fractional laser in the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Background and Objectives Nonablative fractional lasers are well recognized for rejuvenating photoaged skin. We previously reported favorable outcomes with short follow-up after the use of 1,440-nm Nd:YAG laser energy used alone or in combination with a 1,320-nm laser to effect rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. We now report longer follow-up data. Study Design/Materials and Methods Nineteen Caucasian subjects (average age 47±8.4; range 33–62) exhibiting mild-to-moderate photoaging of the face and neck were treated four times (average interval 18.1± 4.1 days; range 11–37 days) with the 1,440-nm Nd:YAG fractional laser (average fluence 3.7±0.3 J/cm2) or the 1,320/1,440-nm multiplex Nd:YAG fractional laser (1,320-nm average fluence 8.4±0.4 J/cm2; 1,440-nm average fluence 2.3±0.2 J/cm2). Outcomes were assessed by subjects and the treating physician using a quartile scale to evaluate skin tightening, surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, and global appearance after 1, 3, and 6 months. Retroauricular punch biopsies from three patients were used to evaluate wound healing. Three patients withdrew from the study prior to evaluation, one missed the 1-month evaluation, and one missed the 6-month evaluation. Results Assessment by subjects and the treating physician revealed clinical improvement for all outcomes after 1, 3, and 6 months. The differences between the treatment groups were not statistically significant. Subjects demonstrated the greatest average 6-month improvements in surface texture and global skin appearance. Subjects treated with the multiplex laser reported more skin tightening than the group treated only with the 1,440-nm laser. Histological evaluation revealed wound healing within 10 days and significant neocollagenesis at 3 months. No adverse events were reported in any subject. Conclusion The 1,440-nm Nd:YAG and 1,320/1,440-nm multiplex Nd:YAG lasers safely and effectively produced improved surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, global skin appearance, and skin tightening. Histopathologic findings correlated with clinical observations. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:408–426, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimal closure method of five-millimeter trocar sites.

Abstract Background Although many surgeons use absorbable sutures for skin closure of 5-mm trocar sites, effective alternative materials exist. We compared 5-mm trocar site closures using a vicryl suture (VS), cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA), or skin tape (ST). Methods Patients rated wound pain and appearance at 1 and 6 weeks after surgery. Seven surgeons masked to the closure method rated wound photographs at these time points using the Hollander wound evaluation scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the ratings of each closure group. Results The 137 wounds of 48 patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures were randomized among three closure method groups. Patient demographics and procedure type were similar for all groups. Long closure times (>30 seconds) was significantly higher for VS compared with CTA and ST. Patients favored VS over ST and CTA at 1 week with respect to pain and wound appearance ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). They rated CTA closures more likely to have pain and poor wound appearance at 6 weeks ( P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively). Surgeons rated VS less likely ( P = 0.02) and CTA more likely ( P = 0.003) to show moderate to severe scar formation. Vicryl suture was less likely to have wound separation and edge inversion ( P = 0.017 and P = 0.006, respectively). Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive was more likely to yield step-off ( P = 0.03), contour irregularities ( P = 0.005), separation ( P = 0.004), excessive distortion ( P = 0.001), and edge inversion ( P = 0.03). Conclusions Although VS closure time of 5-mm trocar sites takes longer than CTA and ST, VS scar formation and comfort is superior to CTA and ST. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive yields poor results with respect to both wound healing and pain.
Nanocrystalline iron sintering behavior and microstructural development

Nanocrystalline (20 nm) iron powder was closed-die sintered in a hydrogen atmosphere at a stress of 10.1 MPa and at temperatures between 670 and 1270 K. The maximum densification rate was approximately 6 × 10−4 s−1. Density greater than 90 pct was obtained at sintering temperatures greater than 990 K. Densification was marked microstructurally by local gradients which appeared after initial cold compaction. Oxygen content in the starting powder was high but was effectively a monolayer of surface adsorbed oxygen. Despite the reducing sintering atmosphere, oxide was present in dense specimens as a fine dispersion of order 0.1 to 1µm. The extent of oxide formation can be controlled by closed-die sintering to a stable structure of interconnected porosity followed by open-die resintering in the reducing atmosphere. Final grain size in material sintered 1 hour at 1080 K was generally less than 200 nm, although scattered coarsening to approximately 5 µm was observed.
Advanced information technology support for life sciences research

The revolution in life sciences research brought about by the sequencing of the human genome creates new challenges for scientists and new opportunities for computing support organizations. This may involve significant shifts in computing support strategies, particularly as regards interacting with life sciences researchers who maintain a medical practice. This paper describes Indiana University's experience in a large-scale initiative in supporting life sciences research, as well as several strategies and suggestions relevant to colleges and universities of any size. Computing organizations and support professionals have many opportunities to facilitate and accelerate life sciences research.
The three-dimensional seismic velocity structure of the East Pacific Rise near latitude 9° 30′ N

Three-dimensional images of crustal seismic structure beneath the East Pacific Rise show pronounced axial heterogeneity over distances of a few kilometres. A linear high-velocity anomaly, approximately 1–2 km in width and restricted to the uppermost 1 km of the crust, is centred on the rise axis. An axial low-velocity anomaly at depths of 1–3 km varies in amplitude along the axis, consistent with a zone of higher crustal temperatures midway between two discontinuities in the morphology of the rise axis. This apparent thermal segmentation along axis is consistent with injection of mantle-derived melt midway along a locally linear, 12-km-long segment of the rise.
Mechanism of replicative DNA polymerase delta pausing and a potential role for DNA polymerase kappa in common fragile site replication.

Common fragile sites (CFSs) are hot spots of chromosomal breakage, and CFS breakage models involve perturbations of DNA replication. Here, we analyzed the contribution of specific repetitive DNA sequence elements within CFSs to the inhibition of DNA synthesis by replicative and specialized DNA polymerases (Pols). The efficiency of in vitro DNA synthesis was quantitated using templates corresponding to regions within FRA16D and FRA3B harboring AT-rich microsatellite and quasi-palindrome (QP) sequences. QPs were predicted to form stems of ~ 75–100% self-homology, separated by 3–9 bases of intervening sequences. Analysis of DNA synthesis progression by human Pol δ demonstrated significant synthesis perturbation both at [A]n and [TA]n repeats in a length-dependent manner and at short (< 40 base pairs) QP sequences. DNA synthesis by the Y-family polymerase κ was significantly more efficient than Pol δ through both types of repetitive elements. Using DNA trap experiments, we show that Pol δ pauses within CFS sequences are sites of enzyme dissociation, and dissociation was observed in the presence of RFC-loaded PCNA. We propose that enrichment of microsatellite and QP elements at CFS regions contributes to fragility by perturbing replication through multiple mechanisms, including replicative Pol pausing and dissociation. Our finding that Pol δ dissociates at specific CFS sequences is significant, since dissociation of the replication machinery and inability to efficiently recover the replication fork can lead to fork collapse and/or formation of double-strand breaks in vivo. Our biochemical studies also extend the potential involvement of Y-family polymerases in CFS maintenance to include polymerase κ.
A High Rate Parallel Operation Encryption Card Design Base on FPGA

A design of encryption cards controlling multiple cipher chips’ high-rate parallel operation based on FPGA is proposed in this paper. According to the design method, we can achieve that multiple encryption card operates encryption in parallel way, which can improve the encryption and decryption rate of the encryption card without enhancing the performance of encryption chip, moreover, increase the key generation rate and management level of the key management system.
Determination of the electron-paramagnon coupling parameter of a transition metal from superconducting tunneling experiments

In a recent paper Burnell et al. presented a novel method of analysis for obtaining experimental estimates of the electron-phonon and electron-paramagnon coupling parameters lambda/sub ph/ and lambda/sub s/, respectively, for transition metals. Their analysis provides convincing evidence for strong paramagnon suppression of T/sub c/ in Nb and V. We show that this analysis can be improved by removing two unnecessary assumptions each of which can have a significant effect on the determination of lambda/sub s/. The experimental uncertainty in the estimate of lambda/sub s/ then depends primarily on uncertainties in the characteristic paramagnon frequency ..cap omega../sub s/ and the usual Coulomb interaction parameter ..mu../sub ph/(. We calculate lambda/sub s/ for a reasonable range of values for these parameters and obtain estimates of lambda/sub s/ that are a factor of approx.2 larger than those of Burnell et al. for the same choice of ..mu../sub ph/( and ..cap omega../sub s/approx.1 eV.
Polymer composites through in situ matrix formation

Nylon 66 graphite composites have been prepared by the in situ polymerization of the monomer epitaxially crystallized onto the fiber surface. Nylon 66 monomer, whether oriented (crystallized from solution) or unoriented (deposited from an aqueous slurry) was found to polymerize to an oriented composite by a variety of techniques (spark discharge, resistance heating, and furnace heating). X-ray diffraction has demonstrated that the matrix orientation corresponds to the polymer chains aligning themselves with the graphite crystal edges along the fiber axis. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces has shown excellent adherence between the fiber and matrix with fracture occurring mostly in the matrix material.
3'-Hydroxyesorubicin. Synthesis and antitumor activity.

A novel route to 4'-deoxy anthracycline analogues has been developed starting from previously unavailable, optically active 4, 6-dideoxy-hex-1-enitol 9. Coupling of daunomycinone (11) or 14-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyladriamycinone (12) with glycosyl chloride 10 in Koenigs-Knorr condition gave mainly a anomers, which were successfully deblocked to final 3'-deamino-4'-deoxy-3'-hydroxydaunorubicin (7) and 3'-deamino-3'-hydroxyesorubicin (8). Analogues were evaluated in vitro against P388 and L1210 leukemia and M5076 cells and in vivo against P388 leukemia. Compared with doxorubicin (1), 3'-hydroxyesorubicin (8) showed in vitro similar cytotoxic potential and in vivo higher antitumor activity.
Self-reported Health Status and Mortality in a Multiethnic US Cohort

The authors examined the relation between self-reported health status and mortality among the following racial/ethnic groups: Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, blacks, whites, and Hispanics. They pooled 1986-1994 data from the National Health Interview Survey to obtain information on more than 700,000 cohort participants. Although fewer than 5,000 Native Americans are included in this cohort, the data provide information previously unavailable for this group. Also included are almost 17,000 Asian/Pacific Islanders, over 90,000 blacks, and over 50,000 Hispanics. The authors found strong associations between self-reported health status and both socioeconomic status and subsequent mortality. A self-report of fair or poor health was associated with at least a twofold increased risk of mortality for all racial/ethnic groups. Even after adjustment for socioeconomic status and measures of comorbidity, a significant relation was found between self-reported health status and subsequent mortality. The authors found that self-reported health status is a strong prognostic indicator for subsequent mortality for both genders and all racial/ethnic groups examined. These results emphasize the utility of using simple filter questions in population research.
Multinomial probit estimates of college completion at 2-year and 4-year schools

Abstract This paper explores differences by race, ethnicity, and immigrant generation in an individual's likelihood of completing either a 2-year or a 4-year degree. Blacks and, to a lesser extent, Hispanics are more likely than whites to complete a 4-year degree.
Presurgical handling and exploratory behavior of rats with septal lesions

Behavioral effects of septal lesions are altered by presurgical history of the experimental animal. We examined the interactions between presurgical handling of young adult rats and subsequent septal lesions on postsurgical exploratory behavior in an open field. Sixty-day-old male rats were either handled twice daily for 20 days prior to surgery or left undisturbed during this period. All rats were tested in a dimly illuminated open field for 5 min on both Days 10 and 11 following surgery. Surgical control rats stood up more frequently and crossed more squares than those with septal lesions; these measures also indicated that handled animals were more active than their nonhandled counterparts. However, only nonhandled control rats displayed a marked decrease on these measures from Day 1 to Day 2 of testing. The behavioral effects of septal lesions are differentially influenced by the specifics of the presurgical manipulations and the test situation.
Loss of imprinting of IGF2 as an epigenetic marker for the risk of human cancer.

IGF2 is the first gene discovered to be imprinted and expressed exclusively from the paternal allele in both human and mouse. IGF2 is also the first imprinted gene displaying loss of imprinting (LOI) or aberrant imprinting in human cancers. Evidently, LOI or reactivation of the maternal allele of IGF2 is associated with an increase of IGF2 expression that may subsequently play an important role in the onset of human cancers. The most important discovery was the association of LOI of IGF2 with the risk of developing human colorectal cancer. LOI occurs not only in colon cancer tissues, but also in matched normal tissues and peripheral blood cells. A pilot study indicated a significant relationship between LOI of IGF2 and family history as well as personal history of colorectal cancer, suggesting that LOI of IGF2 might be a valuable biomolecular marker of predicting an individual's risk for colon cancer. A recent epigenetic progenitor model suggested that human cancers might have a common basis that involves an epigenetic disruption of progenitor cells mediated by “tumor progenitor genes” and proposed that non-neoplastic but epigenetically disrupted progenitor cells might be an important target for cancer risk assessment and prevention.
Disaster relief routing: Integrating research and practice

Disaster relief presents many unique logistics challenges, with problems including damaged trans- portation infrastructure, limited communication, and coordination of multiple agents. Central to disaster relief logistics is the distribution of life-saving commodities to beneficiaries. Operations research models have potential to help relief agencies save lives and money, maintain standards of humanitarianism and fairness and maximize the use of limited resources amid post-disaster chaos. Through interviews with aid organizations, reviews of their publications, and a literature review of operations research models in transportation of relief goods, this paper provides an analysis of the use of such models from the perspective of both practitioners and academics. With the complexity of disaster relief distribution and the relatively small number of journal articles written on it, this is an area with potential for helping relief organizations and for tremendous growth in operations research.
Nonrandom chromosome breakpoints at Xq26 and 2q33 characterize cemento-ossifying fibromas of the orbit.

Background. Cytogenetic reports of histologically benign fibroosseous lesions are rare, with only nine previously reported cases. None of these previous studies revealed consistent numerical or structural chromosome aberrations, and to the authors' knowledge, no karyotypic abnormalities in cemento-ossifying fibromas of the orbit have been reported. Methods. Short term in situ culture and Giesma-band chromosome methods were used to analyze three cementifying fibromas of the orbit: one from a 13-year-old African American male, one from a 14-year-old Hispanic male, and one from a 17-year-old white male. Results. Cytogenetic findings in these three cases revealed the presence of identical chromosomal breakpoints occurring in all three tumors at bands Xq26 and 2q33. Two of the tumors showed an identical t(X;2)(q26;q33) reciprocal translocation as the sole abnormality. The third tumor revealed an interstitial insertion of bands 2q24.2q33 into Xq26 as the sole abnormality. Conclusions. The authors described new nonrandom breakpoints in fibroosseous lesions of the orbit, which can result from at least two different types of structural chromosomal aberrations. The identification of recurring breakpoints at Xq26 and 2q33 provides a new Cytogenetic tumor marker for the identification of this tumor subtype. The sublocalization of breakpoints in this tumor should provide important information for the precise localization and characterization of genes involved in the histiogenesis of these lesions. Cancer 1995:1853–9.
The perceived benefits of agritourism: The provider’s perspective

Abstract This study examines the perceived benefits of agritourism by examining the importance of this activity in accomplishing 16 goals of farmers receiving visitors for recreation on their farms. This study also examines several farm household and business attributes associated with the accomplishment of four goal dimensions driving agritourism development. Data were derived from a survey conducted among 164 agritourism farms in Missouri. Results showed that agritourism mostly serves to capture new farm customers, educate the public about agriculture and enhance the quality of life for the farm family, which represents both, economic and non-economic benefits. Organized by goal dimensions, findings showed that agritourism is perceived as most important for market related goals, suggesting that the economic role of agritourism should not only be measured in terms of increased profits but also as a marketing tool. Four significant regression models showed that several farm business and household attributes are associated to the perceived agritourism benefits within four goal dimensions, suggesting opportunities for tailored promotional messages and policy considerations for the entrepreneurial development of agritourism.
Identification of lithium sites in a model of LiPO 3 glass: Effects of the local structure and energy landscape on ionic jump dynamics

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to study lithium dynamics in a model of ${\mathrm{LiPO}}_{3}$ glass at temperatures below the glass transition. A straightforward analysis of the ionic trajectories shows that lithium diffusion results from jumps between sites, the positions and properties of which are basically unmodified on the time scale of the lithium ionic relaxation. This allows us a detailed identification and characterization of the sites. The results indicate that the number of lithium sites is only slightly bigger than the number of lithium ions so that the fraction of vacant sites is very limited at every instant. Mapping the ionic trajectories onto sequences of jumps between the sites provides direct access to lithium jump dynamics. For each site, we determine the mean residence time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{s}$ of an ion and the probability ${p}_{s}^{b}$ that a jump from this site to another site is followed by a direct backjump. While a broad distribution $G(\mathrm{log}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{s})$ shows that different sites feature very diverse lithium dynamics, high values of ${p}_{s}^{b}$ give direct evidence for correlated back-and-forth jumps. A strong decrease of ${p}_{s}^{b}$ with increasing ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{s}$ indicates that the backjump probability depends on the dynamical state of an ion. Specifically, we find that correlated back-and-forth jumps are important at short times in the relaxation process, but not on the time scale of the lithium relaxation, where the hopping motion resembles a random walk. We further study how the local glass structure and the local energy landscape affect lithium jump dynamics. We observe substantial effects due to the energy landscape, which are difficult to capture within single-particle approaches. Our results rather imply that lithium migration is governed by the competition of the ions for a small fraction of vacant sites in a disordered energy landscape. Consistently, a statistical analysis shows that a vacancy mechanism dominates the repopulation of the lithium sites.
Kinetics of the thermal oxidation of isotactic poly(1-pentene)

Abstract The kinetics of the thermal oxidation of isotactic poly(1-pentene) was studied in the bulk phase. The experimental data were obtained from the quantitative estimation of carbonyl groups formed in the non-volatile oxidation products using infra-red spectroscopy. Reaction temperature varied from 100° to 115° and oxygen concentrations from 10% to 100% by volume. A general kinetic scheme and mathematical expressions previously reported for the thermal autoxidation of polyolefins satisfactorily explained the experimental results. Activation energies of this polymer for various steps in the kinetic scheme were compared with polypropylene and poly(1-butene).
A Social Network Approach to Organizational Design-Performance

Prior research has failed to confirm a direct relationship between organizational design and group performance. The reason, as revealed by this literature review, may be that organization-level characteristics first affect group structural properties, which, in turn, have a direct impact on performance. In support of this view, this paper offers both a conceptualization of a moderated design-performance relationship and a set of literature-derived hypotheses to serve as guides for empirical research.
General Characteristics of Magnetic Amplifiers

A general analysis of basic types of magnetic amplifiers without and with feedback is presented in dimensionless form. The use of a simplified approximation of the normal magnetization curve with a hyperbolic sine function permits a comparatively simple treatment of a most comprehensive nature on a purely analytical basis. General dimensionless characteristics are obtained which apply, without need for further calculations, to any kind of design specifications and to any core material of not too abruptly varying incremental permeability. Thus the influence of factors of design and materials on the performance is made evident. This approach also yields a practical method of accounting for the simultaneous conduction of the feedback rectifiers (commutation) in terms of a correction factor which is applied to the feedback ratio. Numerical values of this correction factor are calculated for some significant instances.
LEAF DEVELOPMENT OF RUMEX PATIENTIA L. (POLYGONACEAE) EXPOSED TO UV IRRADIATION (280-320 NM)'

Two factors which affect leaf ontogeny and ultimate leaf size: (1) the rate and duration of cell expansion, and (2) the rate and duration of cell division, were examined for their role in the slower early leaf growth rate and the smaller size of fully expanded leaves of plants exposed to ultravioletB (UV-B 280-320 nm) radiation. Rumex patientia L. was grown in controlled environment chambers under enhanced UV-B radiation (equivalent to daily solar UV-B irradiation at 40?N latitude in midMay with an atmospheric ozone concentration of 0.20 atm-cm) and control treatments. The pattern of growth as expressed in changes of mean cell size in two distinct cell types, tissue cell density, and length of the entire leaf blades are consistent with the hypothesis that the radiation primarily affects cell division rather than cell expansion. Furthermore, it appears that the radiation probably alters the rate rather than the duration of the cell division phase. An understanding of the mechanism of radiation damage should facilitate prediction of how this stress may interact with other stresses to which plants are normally subjected. Species with normally prolonged periods of cell division during leaf expansion may be particularly impacted if solar UV radiation were intensified as a result of atmospheric ozone reduction. THE EFFECT of pollutants on the stability of the stratospheric ozone layer has been of recent concern (Molina and Rowland, 1974). In the event of a partial reduction in the thickness of the ozone column there would be a predictable increase in the quantity of solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280-320 nm) reaching the Earth (Bener, 1972; Green, Sawada, and Shettle, 1974). In higher plants it has been shown that UV-B radiation of the nature one would expect from ozone reduction could potentially depress photosynthetic rates (Sisson and Caldwell, 1977; Van, Garrard, and West, 1976). It has also been reported that the rate of early leaf growth can be effectively reduced below a level solely attributable to photosynthate limitation (Sisson and Caldwell, 1976). The focus of the following research was to investigate the mechanism by which UV-B radiation results in the slower rate of early leaf growth and ultimately smaller leaves. An understanding of the mechanisms by which this radiation affects leaf development should aid in a prediction of which plant species may be most susceptible and under what conditions susceptibility of a given species might be exacerbated.