cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Competitive Adsorption of Three Human Plasma Proteins onto Sulfhydryl-to-sulfonate Gradient Surfaces

Competitive adsorption of three human plasma proteins: albumin (HSA), fibrinogen (Fgn), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) from their ternary solution mixtures onto a sulfhydryl-to-sulfonate gradient surface was investigated using spatially-resolved total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and autoradiography. The concentration of each protein in the ternary solution mixture was kept at an equivalent of 1/100 of its physiological concentration in blood plasma. The three proteins displayed different adsorption and desorption characteristics. Each protein adsorbed less to the sulfonate region than to the sulfhydryl region of the gradient. The adsorption-desorption kinetics revealed large differences in the adsorption and desorption rates of three proteins. By fitting the experimental data to a simple model of competitive protein adsorption, the affinity of each protein to the surface at the gradient center position was ranked as: Fgn > HSA ≫ IgG. Competitive exchange of adsorbed proteins was related to the magnitude of desorption rate constants. Such competitive adsorption of the three major human plasma proteins illustrates the complex dynamics of blood proteins – biomaterials interactions.
Extended left colon interposition for esophageal replacement using arterial augmentation

Gastric necrosis after esophagectomy is a difficult clinical problem. Remedial operations to reestablish gut continuity usually rely on the use of the left colon as the neo-esophagus. Previous resection of the necrotic stomach, adhesions associated with a multiple redo-laparotomy and the need to use a substernal route to reach the cervical esophagus all conspire to produce a requirement for increased conduit length. We present a case in which the "arterial supercharge technique" was used to provide a colonic interposition with extended length in such a clinical situation.
Estradiol metabolism: an endocrine biomarker for modulation of human mammary carcinogenesis

The natural estrogen 17beta-estradiol (E2) has a profound influence on proliferation and neoplastic transformation of mammary epithelium. The role of cellular metabolism of E2 in mammary carcinogenesis, however, remains to be elucidated. Explant culture and cell culture models developed from noncancerous human mammary tissue were used to examine modulation of E2 metabolism in response to treatment with prototype rodent mammary carcinogens and the ability of the naturally occurring phytochemical indole-3-carbinol (13C) to influence E2 metabolism and regulate aberrant proliferation. In the two models, treatment with the chemical carcinogens 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene altered the metabolism of E2 as determined from the radiometric (tritium release) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assays. This alteration in E2 metabolism was accompanied by aberrant proliferation and abrogation of apoptosis as determined by the extent of replicative DNA synthesis, S-phase fraction and Sub G0 (apoptotic) peak. Exposure of carcinogen-initiated cultures to 13C resulted in induction of C2-hydroxylation of E2 and of apoptosis and downregulation of hyperproliferation. Determination of altered cellular metabolism of E2 in response to initiators and modulators of carcinogenesis and evaluation of cell cycle related markers for proliferation and apoptosis may provide a mechanism-oriented approach to validate E2 metabolism as an endocrine biomarker for induction and prevention of human mammary carcinogenesis.
Magnetic and other field effects on prochiral chemical reactions

Experiments are reported in which three prochiral organic reactions were conducted in the presence of a ca. 1T magnetic field which was oriented with reference to the earth's geometric axes. The sign and magnitude of the rotation varied with the macroscopic orientation of the magnetic field and the time that the reaction was performed. Control measurements were in accord with expectations. The fact that the sign of the observed optical rotation of the product was reversed for all three reported reactions when the magnetic field was reversed for reactions conducted on the same day suggests that either the observed asymmetric synthesis was due to the reactions being conducted in a chiral physical field or extremely unusual stochastic processes were involved.
Role of Thermo-Rheological Behaviour in Simulation of Continuous Sterilization of a Starch Dispersion

Continuous sterilization of a starch-containing fluid food in a tubular heat exchanger with heating and cooling sections was simulated numerically. Experimentally determined thermo-rheological (TR) behaviour during gelatinization of a starch dispersion was used for the fluid flowing in the heating section and a shear-thinning model combined with the Arrhenius equation was used for the cooling section. The observed plug-flow profile in the heating section was caused by gelatinization of the starch-containing fluid food that, in turn, affected the accumulated lethality and thiamine retention. Using smaller diameter tubes resulted in better nutrient quality (higher thiamine retention). Higher thiamine retention also resulted from lower heating wall temperature, even though a longer heating tube was required to achieve the required sterility. Higher volumetric flow rate resulted in longer length of the heating section in order to achieve the sterility of the product but the nutrient retention was almost unchanged.
Interfacial fracture toughness measurement for thin film interfaces

Abstract Delamination of intrinsically or residually stressed thin films is commonly encountered in microelectronics and MEMS systems. Knowledge of the interfacial fracture toughness ( Γ ) is necessary to predict if delamination will occur. A new approach based on the decohesion test, called the modified decohesion test (MDT), eliminates shortcomings of current testing methods. In this approach, a highly stressed superlayer is used to drive delamination and produce any mode mix at the crack tip. Since the deformations remain elastic, a mechanics-based solution can be used to correlate test parameters to the energy release rate. Common IC fabrication techniques are used to prepare the sample and execute the test, thereby making the test compatible with current microelectronic or MEMS facilities. MDT uses the change in crack surface area to vary the available energy per unit area for crack growth and thus to bound the interfacial fracture toughness. Therefore, this technique uses a single sample to measure the interfacial fracture toughness, as opposed to the decohesion test that uses several samples to be able to bound the interfacial fracture toughness. Other modifications allow application of the method to highly chemically reactive metals and decrease the sample preparation time. Design, preparation, and execution of the MDT are discussed. Finite element model results of MDT sites are used to validate the approach. Preliminary results of the test show that for a Ti/alumina interface, at a mode mixity of −14.5°, the interfacial fracture toughness is greater than 34 J/m 2 and for a Ti/Si interface, at a mode mixity of 23°, the interfacial fracture toughness is 8.9 J/m 2 ⩽ Γ (23°) ⩽ 9.89 J/m 2 .
Evaluation of phentermine and fenfluramine, alone and in combination, in normal, healthy volunteers

Recent clinical reports indicate that combined administration of phentermine and fenfluramine may have useful effects in the treatment of drug abuse. The present study was designed to evaluate the subjective and mood-altering effects of these drugs, alone and in combination, in normal healthy volunteers. Seven male and five female volunteers participated in an eight-session, double-blind study in which each subject received each of the following drug conditions: d-amphetamine (10 and 20 mg), phentermine (30 mg), fenfluramine (40 and 80 mg), phentermine (30 mg) with fenfluramine (40 mg), phentermine (30 mg) with fenfluramine (80 mg), and placebo. Sessions were conducted in a laboratory setting two or three days a week. Subjects completed standardized self-report questionnaires and psychomotor tests before and at regular intervals after each drug administration. Phentermine produced effects that were similar to those of d-amphetamine, whereas fenfluramine produced different and apparently aversive effects (e.g., it increased measures of anxiety and confusion). Phentermine reduced the apparently aversive effects of fenfluramine when the two drugs were given together. These results suggest that the combination of phentermine and fenfluramine would have a low potential for abuse.
Carcass and meat characteristics of crossbred lambs born to ewes of different genetic types and slaughtered at different weights

Physical, chemical and organoleptic properties of 113 carcasses from wether and ewe lambs of two genetic types — (SR) 12 Hampshire × 14 Suffolk + 14 Rambouillet and (FS)12 Hampshire × 14 Finnish Landrace + 14 Southdown — and slaughter weights of 32, 41 and 50 kg were compared. SR lambs at slaughter were younger, had heavier carcasses and lower dressing percentages. The carcasses had heavier legs, less fat, less kidney-pelvic fat and less breast and flank than FS carcasses. Rib roasts from FS lambs were more tender, juicy and flavourful than roasts from SR lambs although all were acceptable. Carcass fatness increased as weight increased. Carcass chemical composition was similar for the 41 kg FS lambs and the 50 kg SR lambs, indicating the maturity difference in the two genetic types. Ewe lambs were older at slaughter, had less carcass weight per day of age and were fatter than wether lambs. Feeding lambs to heavier weights was economically feasible for the SR type but FS lambs fed to 50 kg were often excessively fat.
Preparation and Characterization of Glow Discharge Fluorocarbon-Type Polymers

Abstract Thin polymer films have been prepared by electrodeless glow discharge polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene monomer. Process conditions are described for the deposition of adherent, Freon-insoluble polymer films on smooth metal surfaces. The polymer deposition rate is strongly dependent on position in the system. At the operating pressure of 0.05 Torr, the deposition rate was not dependent on rf power over the range of 200 to 500 W. However, the rate did increase with an increase in pressure. The polymer films were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, IR absorption spectrum, and surface wettability. The film deposited in the main chamber had a uniform chemical composition which consists of CF2 functional groups with a small fraction of CF3. The film closer to the plasma zone had a more complex chemistry. The carbon Is binding energies were compared to calculated values based upon group shifts and electrostatic potential models. The critical surface tension of the polymer film in the...
Preparation of Polystyrene- and Silica-Coated Gold Nanorods and Their Use as Templates for the Synthesis of Hollow Nanotubes

We report the preparation of polystyrene and silica-coated Au nanorods (aspect ratio 13 with 16 nm short axis). The coating resulted in a modification of the optical properties of the Au nanorods. Dissolution of the Au core from the polystyrene- and silica-coated Au nanorods using KCN enabled the formation of hollow polystyrene and silica nanotubes.
The advent and development of organocatalysis

The use of small organic molecules as catalysts has been known for more than a century. But only in the past decade has organocatalysis become a thriving area of general concepts and widely applicable asymmetric reactions. Here I present my opinion on why the field of organocatalysis has blossomed so dramatically over the past decade.
The High-Risk Postpartum Transitional Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Caring for Postpartum Woman With Hypertensive Disease

Childbearing Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program Preeclampsia complicates 5% to 8% of all pregnancies, is the second leading cause of maternal death in the United States, and a common cause of unplanned postpartum hospital readmissions. Women with perinatal hypertensive disease are also at increased risk of future cardiovascular disease. The High-Risk Postpartum Transitional Program targets postpartum women at risk of persistent hypertensive disease and includes women with the diagnoses of preeclampsia, eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet counts (HELLP), gestational hypertension, and chronic hypertension. The purpose and goal of the program is to standardize care for postpartum women with hypertensive disease, decrease postpartum morbidity, and decrease hospital readmissions related to hypertension. Proposed Change A multidisciplinary team developed a standardized clinical protocol that addressed surveillance, treatment, education, and follow-up across the continuum from identification through delivery and beyond discharge. Identified patients received education about their disease, future health implications, lifestyle modifications, and medication education if appropriate. Home care blood pressure (BP) and symptom monitoring was arranged, and an appointment was made for the patient to return within 2 weeks to the High-Risk Postpartum Transitional Clinic. A follow-up phone call was made before the appointment as reinforcement. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Overall readmission rates for patients involved in the High-Risk Postpartum Transitional Program have decreased since it was initiated in the summer of 2012. Recently, we initiated follow-up telephone calls with the goal of bolstering the current clinic admittance rate of 45% to 60%. Our multidisciplinary Unit-Based Clinical Leadership is exploring additional strategies that will enable us to serve more women through partnerships with community outreach programs and additional home care agencies. Implications for Nursing Practice As primary coordinators of postpartum care, the nurses' role is a critical factor in its development, implementation, and success. Postpartum clinical nurses educate these women about their disease and its effect on future health, and consult with other professional disciplines such as social work and the unit-based clinical pharmacist to provide additional resources. Unit-based clinical resource coordinator nurses arrange postdischarge home care nursing services for BP and symptom monitoring and women's health nurse practitioners offer inpatient support and a mechanism for home care nurses to triage identified concerns and reinforce education. This program offers nursing research opportunities to study the effect of nursing interventions on postpartum morbidities, such as hypertensive disease.
Combustion stability analysis of preburners during engine shutdown

Low-frequency combustion instability, known as chugging, is consistently experienced during shutdown in the fuel and oxidizer preburners of the Space Shuttle main engines (SSME). Such problems only occur during the helium purge of the residual oxidizer from the preburner manifolds during the shutdown sequence. Possible causes and triggering mechanisms are analyzed, and details in modeling the fuel preburner chug are presented in this report. A linearized, one-dimensional, lumped parameter chugging model capable of predicting the chug occurrence is discussed, and the predicted results are presented and compared to experimental work. In addition to predicting the actual instability, a parametric study of the various parameters such as chamber pressure, fuel and oxidizer temperatures, and the effective bulk modulus of the liquid oxidizer are considered in analyzing the fuel preburner chug. Particular attention has been given to such parameters as fuel and oxidizer temperatures since these vary with engine thrust at shutdown. The analyses show that chugging is likely to be affected by fuel and oxidizer conditions during SSME shutdown. The chug occurs when fuel, oxidizer and helium temperatures, and flow rates pass into an unstable region where the critical time delay is matched to the system resonances.
Biomechanics of cervical laminoplasty: kinetic studies comparing different surgical techniques, temporal effects and the degree of level involvement.

Laminoplasty is a common surgical technique used to treat cervical myelopathy. Both voids and contradictory information exist in the literature with regard to the initial and long-term biomechanical consequences of cervical laminoplasty. In order to clarify the existing literature, as well as provide clinically useful information, we identified three specific aims: (1) to measure the long-term differences in kinetics between the open door laminoplasty (ODL) and French door laminoplasty (FDL) techniques; (2) to delineate differences in primary and long-term cervical motion after laminoplasty; and (3) to determine whether inclusion of additional levels in the laminoplasty procedure results in a change in immediate cervical biomechanics. The study design involved both an animal (caprine) model and in vitro surgical simulation. We kinematically evaluated the cervical spine specimens (C2–C7) by applying pure bending moment loads to the cephalad vertebra (C2), while constraining the caudal vertebra (C7). Resultant intervertebral rotations (C3–C6) were determined via stereophotogrammetry. Overall, the data indicate that both FDL and ODL significantly reduce range of motion 6 months postoperatively, compared with the un-operated spine. There were no significant differences between the two techniques after 6 months. We also showed that ODL produces a significant reduction in motion 6 months postoperatively compared with the immediate postoperative condition. Finally, the data indicated that extending the laminoplasty from two to four levels did not significantly change range of motion. The choice of technique should be based upon the surgeon’s experience with these technically demanding procedures. In addition, initial stability considerations should not affect the decision to extend the laminoplasty to adjacent levels. Finally, the data also suggest that early changes in biomechanics should not be a major factor when considering whether immobilization of the cervical spine is necessary after laminoplasty. In fact, our temporal study, as well as previously reported clinical data, indicates that one should expect significantly decreased intervertebral motion 6 months after laminoplasty. Therefore, early physical therapy should be considered to preserve a more physiologic pattern of cervical range of motion.
Storage and retrieval processes in unlearning

A revised interference theory interpretation of unlearning is presented which is based on an explicit storage-retrieval model. The theory holds that the first and second lists are stored as separate memory units. Intrusions of first-list items during second-list learning are viewed as allowing the opportunity for dual storage of the first-list item within both memory units. In standard retroactive inhibition experiments in which no special cues for list discrimination are provided, the major factor which produces unlearning is held to be the S's inability to retrieve the first-list memory unit.
Lung surfactant microbubbles increase lipophilic drug payload for ultrasound-targeted delivery.

The cavitation response of circulating microbubbles to targeted ultrasound can be used for noninvasive, site-specific delivery of shell-loaded materials. One challenge for microbub- ble-mediated delivery of lipophilic compounds is the limitation of drug loading into the mi- crobubble shell, which is commonly a single phospholipid monolayer. In this study, we investigated the use of natural lung surfactant extract (Survanta ® , Abbott Nutrition) as a microbubble shell material in order to improve drug payload and delivery. Pulmonary surfactant extracts such as Survanta contain hydrophobic surfactant proteins (SP-B and SP-C) that facilitate lipid folding and retention on lipid monolayers. Here, we show that Survanta-based microbubbles exhibit wrinkles in bright-field microscopy and increased lipid retention on the microbubble surface in the form of surface-associated aggregates observed with fluorescence microscopy. The payload of a model lipophilic drug (DiO), measured by flow cytometry, increased by over 2-fold compared to li- pid-coated microbubbles lacking SP-B and SP-C. Lung surfactant microbubbles were highly echogenic to contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging at low acoustic intensities. At higher ultra- sound intensity, excess lipid was observed to be acoustically cleaved for localized release. To demonstrate targeting, a biotinylated lipopolymer was incorporated into the shell, and the mi- crobubbles were subjected to a sequence of radiation force and fragmentation pulses as they passed through an avidinated hollow fiber. Lung surfactant microbubbles showed a 3-fold increase in targeted deposition of the model fluorescent drug compared to lipid-only microbubbles. Our results demonstrate that lung surfactant microbubbles maintain the acoustic responsiveness of lipid-coated microbubbles with the added benefit of increased lipophilic drug payload.
Type specimens of Mitridae (Mollusca : Gastropoda) described by Linnaeus in the genera Voluta, Buccinum and Bulla between 1758 and 1771

From the 16 species of Mitridae described by Linnaeus between the years 1758-71 11 species are considered valid and available for taxonomic use; four specific names have been suppressed by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature for taxonomic usage (1968). One specific name, i.e. Voluta mitra episcopalis Linnaeus, has appeared in various combinations in malacological literature over the years. From the style of listing in the 10th edition of the Systerna Naturae, it is evident that ‘episcopalis’ has to be treated as of infraspecific rank; there is no evidence that ‘episcopalis’ is even a valid subspecies of Voluta mitra. Three holotypes and five lectotypes designated in this paper are extant in the Linnaean collection; illustrations representing three Linnaean species have been selected as lectotypes.
Marketmakers versus matchmakers

Abstract This paper examines why we have marketmakers (specialists in stock markets, used-car dealers) in some markets and matchmakers (real-estate brokers, employment agencies) in others. Using a bilateral search model, it is shown that when the valuations of the agents are private information, marketmaking might yield higher or lower profits and welfare effects than matchmaking, depending on the efficiency and the cost of search and on the distribution of valuations of the agents. This is in contrast to an earlier result that when the agents' valuations are common knowledge marketmaking yields higher profits and greater welfare effects than matchmaking.
Reactivation of maternal SNORD116 cluster via SETDB1 knockdown in Prader-Willi syndrome iPSCs

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disorder of genomic imprinting, is characterized by neonatal hypotonia, hypogonadism, small hands and feet, hyperphagia and obesity in adulthood. PWS results from the loss of paternal copies of the cluster of SNORD116 C/D box snoRNAs and their host transcript, 116HG, on human chromosome 15q11-q13. We have investigated the mechanism of repression of the maternal SNORD116 cluster and 116HG. Here, we report that the zinc-finger protein ZNF274, in association with the histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase SETDB1, is part of a complex that binds to the silent maternal but not the active paternal alleles. Knockdown of SETDB1 in PWS-specific induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) causes a decrease in the accumulation of H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) at 116HG and corresponding accumulation of the active chromatin mark histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2). We also show that upon knockdown of SETDB1 in PWS-specific iPSCs, expression of maternally silenced 116HG RNA is partially restored. SETDB1 knockdown in PWS iPSCs also disrupts DNA methylation at the PWS-IC where a decrease in 5-methylcytosine is observed in association with a concomitant increase in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. This observation suggests that the ZNF274/SETDB1 complex bound to the SNORD116 cluster may protect the PWS-IC from DNA demethylation during early development. Our findings reveal novel epigenetic mechanisms that function to repress the maternal 15q11-q13 region.
Attitudes towards the outgroup are predicted by activity in the precuneus in Arabs and Israelis.

The modern socio-political climate is defined by conflict between ethnic, religious and political groups: Bosnians and Serbs, Tamils and Singhalese, Irish Catholics and Protestants, Israelis and Arabs. One impediment to the resolution of these conflicts is the psychological bias that members of each group harbor towards each other. These biases, and their neural bases, are likely different from the commonly studied biases towards racial outgroups. We presented Arab, Israeli and control individuals with statements about the Middle East from the perspective of the ingroup or the outgroup. Subjects rated how ‘reasonable’ each statement was, during fMRI imaging. Increased activation in the precuneus (PC) while reading pro-outgroup vs. pro-ingroup statements correlated strongly with both explicit and implicit measures of negative attitudes towards the outgroup; other brain regions that were involved in reasoning about emotionally-laden information did not show this pattern.
Series-parallel approaches and clamp methods for extreme dynamic response with advanced digital loads

The series-input parallel-output dc-dc converter combination provides inherent sharing among the converters. With conventional controls, however, this sharing is unstable. Recent literature work proposes complicated feedback loops to correct the problem, at the cost of dynamic performance. This paper shows that a simple sensorless current mode control stabilizes sharing with fast dynamics suitable for advanced digital loads. With this control in place, a "super-matched" current sharing control emerges. Sharing occurs through transients, limited only by the energy limits of the converters. The control approach has considerable promise for high-performance voltage regulator modules. For even faster response, clamping techniques are proposed.
Effect of High Doses of High and Low Intensity UV Irradiation on Surface Microbiological Counts and Storage-Life of Fish

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at 254 run and doses of 300 mWs/cm2 from a photochemical reactor (16.6 min at 300 μW/cm2) or 4.8 Ws/cm2 from a high intensity UV-C lamp (40 sec at 120–180 mW/cm2 reduced surface microbial count on mackerel by two to three log cycles. UV treated mackerel wrapped in 1 mil polyethylene and packed in -1°C ice had at least a 7 day longer shelf life than conventional ice-packed untreated controls. Spray washing with water containing 10 ppm chlorine by itself or in combination with UV irradiation was necessary to reduce surface counts on rough surfaced fish to the same extent as that on smooth surfaced fish. When UV irradiated and packed in 0°C ice, surface microbial counts on vacuum packaged mackerel lagged by 4 days those on mackerel wrapped in 1 mil polyethylene.
Results of 141 consecutive minimally invasive tricuspid valve operations: an 11-year experience.

Background Reports of minimally invasive tricuspid valve operations are rare. We reviewed our experience and results of tricuspid valve operation using mini-thoracotomy during an 11-year period. Methods Consecutive patients (n = 141) undergoing tricuspid valve operation using mini-thoracotomy were retrospectively analyzed. Access was through a 6-cm right thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted by means of the femoral artery (n = 16) or ascending aorta (n = 125) with augmented venous return. In most cases, vacuum assist without caval occlusion and snaring the cavae was used to minimize mediastinal dissection. In all cases, the tricuspid valve operation was done with the heart unclamped, and the heart either beating or fibrillating. Results Seventy-three percent (103 of 141 patients) of the patients underwent combined mitral and tricuspid valve operations. The tricuspid valve was repaired instead of being replaced in 61% (86 of 141 patients). Previous sternotomy was present in 49% (69 of 141 patients). The average patient age was 64 years. Conversion rate to median sternotomy was only 3% (4 of 141 patients). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 216 minutes. Thirty-day mortality was 2.1% (3 of 141 patients). Stroke occurred in 2.8% (4 of 141 patients), and reexploration for bleeding occurred in 5.6% (8 of 141 patients). The stroke rate was 3 of 16 patients (18.8%) using mini-thoracotomy through femoral cannulation versus 1 of 125 patients (0.8%) through aortic cannulation ( p = 0.005). Conclusions In this largest reported series of patients undergoing tricuspid valve operation, mini-thoracotomy provides excellent short-term morbidity and mortality in these high-risk patients while avoiding redo sternotomy with a low conversion rate. Mini-thoracotomy with aortic cannulation is an attractive alternative approach to the tricuspid valve, particularly in patients with previous sternotomy.
Mothers and Children, Drugs and Crack:

This paper discusses the criminalization of pregnancy. Prosecutors have charged drug-using pregnant women with drug trafficking and child abuse. However health care providers, bound to report suspected cases of drug use among pregnant women, have brought far more women into family court where they risk forfeiting their children to congregate or foster care. The paper reviews the lack of drug treatment programs for women and concludes by recommending community-based drug treatment that keeps families together and provides full range of social services.
Innovations in radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer

The EBCTCG has clearly demonstrated that the use of RT after either breast conserving surgery (BCS) or after mastectomy in node-positive patients not only reduces local recurrence (LR), but also improves long-term survival. The EBCTCG specifically found that the absolute reduction in the 5-year rate of LR was proportional to the absolute reduction in 15-year breast cancer mortality with a 4:1 ratio. Studies from the EBCTCG have also clearly shown that when RT for breast cancer inadvertently delivers 'excessive' dose to the heart, there is an increased rate of late cardiac deaths. Over time, LR rates with RT have decreased, particularly after BCS, and this is largely due to a favorable interaction of RT with adjuvant systemic therapy. There is new information emerging about the effectiveness of RT based on newer biologic classification of breast cancer and about how the 4:1 ratio might change in the face of increasingly effective systemic therapy and with a better understanding of the importance of biologic classification and of the competing risks of local and distant recurrence. Technical innovations in RT include the development of techniques that minimize cardiac irradiation. It is critical that CT simulation be done during which the heart should be contoured and the radiation dose-cardiac volume relationship be determined. In the EBCTCG's preliminary analysis, increased late cardiac deaths were most closely linked to mean cardiac doses >5 Gy. A number of techniques are available to minimize cardiac dose both after BCS and mastectomy and these will be described. There has also been development of fractionation and treatment techniques to complete RT faster for purposes of patient convenience and to assure its optimal level of use. There are now 10-year results from a Canadian trial showing equivalent LR and cosmetic outcome with RT using the conventional 25 treatments to the whole breast compared to 16 treatments using a higher dose per day. Few randomized patients, however, were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and a boost was not used. The generalizability of the Canadian trial results to patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy or requiring a boost is not known. For patients treated after BCS, there has been great interest in the use of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), which can be accomplished using interstitial, intracavitary, external-beam or intraoperative techniques. Clinical trials are now underway to compare APBI to conventional techniques, but mature results from these trials will not be available for some time. In the U.S., ASTRO has developed a consensus statement based on an expert panel as to when APBI can be reasonably used outside of a clinical trial and this will be described.
ISOMETRIC SQUEEZE RELAXATION (PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION) VS MEDITATION: ABSORPTION AND FOCUSING AS PREDICTORS OF STATE EFFECTS

We taught isometric squeeze relaxation (a variant of progressive relaxation) or meditation to 52 anxious subjects (16 men, 36 women). For meditation, pretreatment high absorption correlated with reductions in state cognitive and somatic anxiety as well as increments in state focusing. For isometric squeeze relaxation, pretreatment low state focusing correlated with reductions in somatic anxiety and increments in focusing. Results suggest that isometric squeeze relaxation (and progressive relaxation) may be more appropriate for individuals who have difficulty focusing, and meditation for those who already possess well-developed relaxation skills at a trait level. The results appear more consistent with Smith's cognitive-behavioral model of relaxation than with Benson's relaxation response or Davidson and Schwartz's specific effects models.
Dismantling a Dystopia: On the Historiography of Music in the Third Reich

In 1981, the Gesellschaft fur Musikforschung, the official society of German musicologists, held its first formal session on the subject of “Music in the 1930s.” Rudolf Stephan, then president of the society, concluded his opening remarks with the following admonition
Testing embedded sequential cores in parallel using spectrum-based BIST

We present a new BIST (built-in-self-test) architecture for system-on-a-chip (SOC), which can test a cluster of embedded sequential cores simultaneously. The compressed spectrum for a cluster of cores under test is computed by performing spectral analysis individually on all cores. Because there is no need to combine the cores to extract the spectrum for the entire cluster, the computation complexity is greatly reduced. For each individual core, we propose an interleaved state relaxation on the compacted test sequence for its characteristic fault set, leading to a partially specified, interleaved sequence which can be merged in a much easier way. A delay network and a switching network are added selectively to allow for more aggressive merging of spectra. Experimental results show that the same level of fault coverage can be achieved for each individual core with negligible hardware overhead, while the test application time for testing the entire cluster can be reduced by up to four times and the test data storage requirement is reduced by up to 42 percent.
Evolutionary economics of mental time travel

What is the function of our capacity for 'mental time travel'? Evolutionary considerations suggest that vivid memory and imaginative foresight may be crucial cognitive devices for human decision making. Our emotional engagement with past or future events gives them great motivational force, which may counter a natural tendency towards time discounting and impulsive, opportunistic behavior. In this view, whereas simple episodic memory provides us with a store of relevant, case-based information to guide decisions, mental time travel nudges us towards more restrained choices, which in the long term are advantageous, especially so given human dependence on cooperation and coordination.
Responses from the brainstem at the entrance of the eighth nerve in human to contralateral stimulation.

Abstract Recordings were made from the exposed eighth nerve (N VIII) and the lateral brainstem near the root entry zone of N VIII to contralateral click stimulation in patients undergoing microvascular decompression operations to relieve hemifacial spasm or trigeminal neuralgia. Similar recordings were made in patients undergoing operations to remove acoustic tumors using a retromastoid approach to the cerebellopontine angle. The waveform of the response that was recorded using a monopolar electrode placed on the intracranial portion of the eighth nerve was similar to the potentials recorded from the lateral surface of the brainstem near the entrance of the eighth nerve, and consisted of a positive deflection with a latency of about 4 ms, and sometimes a second and smaller positive peak with a slightly shorter latency than that of peak V in the BAEP could be seen in such recordings. It was concluded that the potentials are generated in brainstem structures, most likely the cochlear nucleus. It is assumed that when the potentials are recorded from the exposed eighth nerve, the nerve passively conducts the activity from the active structure to the recording site. The latency of the main positive peak in these potentials does not bear any direct relationship to any identifiable component of the farfield evoked potentials when these potentials are recorded from the vertex or the earlobe of the stimulated ear and a noncephalic reference is used. It seems likely that the potential is generated by fibers that originate in cells in the cochlear nucleus on the stimulated side, and that the initial positivity reflects the termination of these fibers in the cochlear nucleus on the side from which the recording is made.
OPTIMAL PLANNING: THE USE OF SALES FORECASTS

Budgets are established and decisions in a firm are made on the basis of the sales forecast. In the majority of firms this forecast is a single value estimate of sales. The decisions made on the basis of the single value estimate frequently fall short of optimal strategies because of costs that occur when actual sales differ from forecast sales. These costs, measured in terms of opportunity losses, can be minimized when considered in conjunction with a probability distribution of sales. Three methods for determining the probability distribution of sales are considered in this paper. These are regression analysis Schlaifer's approach for establishing a subjective distribution, and Bayesian regression. The use of the distribution in conjunction with linear and quadratic loss functions is illustrated.
EphA2 and EFNA1 are transcriptional targets of EGFR in gefitinib-sensitive non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 4409 EGF receptor (EGFR) mutations are observed in the tumors of a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and several clinical trials with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Gefitinib and Erlotinib, showed significant response rates in these patients. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs induce tumor shrinkage are poorly understood. To address this question, microarray gene expression profiling was performed on 5 gefitinib-resistant NSCLC (3 with wild-type and 2 with mutant-type EGFR) and 3 gefitinib-sensitive NSCLC (all with mutant type EGFR) cell lines to uncover the immediate responses associated with sensitivity to gefitinib. The data for gene expression profiling was analyzed in two ways; first, by comparing gefitinib-resistant versus -sensitive (including only EGFR-mutant cell lines); second, by comparing gefitinib-resistant versus -sensitive (including both EGFR-wild-type and mutant cell lines). Using strict criteria, we have identified 130 genes from the first and 135 genes from the second comparisons to be significantly modulated by gefitinib. To validate the data, 50 genes were selected for SYBR-Green based quantitative Real-time PCR, and 46 genes among the 50 were confirmed to be similarly regulated. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software was used to sort those genes by their biological functions, which revealed genes involved in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, cell morphology, cellular growth and proliferation, gene transcription, and cell signaling. EphA2 and EFNA1 were two genes found to be regulated only in gefitinib-sensitive cell lines. Gefitinib increased the expression of EFNA1 3-fold and decreased the expression of EphA2 7 to 20-fold. These changes were also observed at the protein level by western blotting. The expression of other EFNA1 receptors did not change. Treatment with 5ug/ml of EphA2 antagonist, recombinant EphA2/Fc, decreased cell viability approximately 30% in sensitive but not in resistant cell lines. Additional experiments are underway to examine the role of EphA2 and EFNA1 in gefitinib response.
A Research Into the Fact That Media Have Direct Effects on People in Different Ways

Whether the effects of media on society are direct or limited has been a topic of debate for quite a long time. The effects of media touch on all classes of society. The effects of media touch on such spheres as the political sphere, the religious sphere, the education sector, the business sector as well as the entire corporate practice. Contrary to the assumptions of the limited effects theory, the effect of the media on society is direct. In other words, the media affects the society directly. This paper seeks to validate this argument through focusing on the scholarly views and expert opinions of renowned authors and specialists in the social sciences. Further, the paper bases its key arguments on the results of the empirical research executed through the use of respected books and resourceful scholarly reviewed articles on the topic of media and society. The research, just like the scholarly opinions indicate that the media impact directly on the society since what the media broadcasts and portrays is a reflection of the society. It is for this reason that the media have been described as the mirror of society.
Multi-antisera applicator for use in solid-support immunoelectrophoresis on cellulose acetate.

We describe for the first time a multi-antisera applicator to be used on cellulose acetate membranes with immunoelectrophoresis on a solid support. The new procedure overcomes previous shortcomings of immunoelectrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes and permits rapid analyses of 11 samples on single "standard"-size membranes with a substantial saving in antisera, cellulose acetate membranes, and time.
Default Rules in Contract Law as Response to Status Competition in Negotiation

This Article discusses another role for default rules--reducing costs of status competition. Default rules principally serve to reduce transaction costs and strategic behavior costs, but they also accomplish other functions. The hypothetical behavior of parties that measure the costs and benefits of the transaction in absolute terms provide a basis transaction and strategic behavior cost analysis. Parties in actual negotiations, however, often shift to measuring things in relative terms because of concerns about status. The participants enter into contract negotiations to achieve gains from trade. The process of negotiation itself, however, may become a competition. Rather than simply trying to achieve their original goals, parties sometimes shift in whole or in part to "win" the bargaining. Such status competition may have two types of costs. It may increase the resources expended in bargaining by making the negotiations longer or more complex, and it may reduce gains from trade by causing negotiations to fall through. The shift can harm the parties as a whole by changing the negotiation from one with potential gains from trade for both parties to one where any gain for one party results in a perceived loss to the other party. This Article addresses how default rules of contract law may operate to reduce such costs of status competition during negotiation.
A Prospective Randomized Crossover Study on the Comparison of Cotton Versus Waterproof Cast Liners.

Background: Many fractures are treated with casting which can cause complications likely from inability to wash the extremity. Gore-Tex-based waterproof cast liner has been compared with cotton liner and shown to be superior in physician and patient scoring but also has high cost and difficult application. The purpose of this study is to compare newer generation waterproof liners with traditional cotton liner. It is the first study to compare this new waterproof liner and cotton liner in a crossover model, allowing patients to swim in the pool with the cast. Methods: Twenty patients (ages 3-30) with upper extremity injuries were randomized to waterproof-liner or cotton-liner casts made of fiberglass. Patients would switch cast liners halfway between their treatments to fulfill crossover criteria. All fractures were within a 2-week period from original incident. At each clinic visit, patients evaluated comfort parameters through questionnaires, and physicians rated skin condition. Patients were also asked ...
Severe systolic hypertension and the search for safer motherhood

Timely and appropriate response to severe hypertension during gestation is an important component of quality, safe care for pregnant or puerperal mothers regardless of causation. The reduction of severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in the hypertensive mother is clearly enhanced by the addition of standard protocols for provider response to severe hypertension, particularly severe systolic hypertension. The program developed in New York State via the Safe Motherhood Initiative promotes the implementation of unit-specific safety bundles, especially one that is focused upon a standardized approach to handling the obstetric emergency of severe hypertension usually associated with preeclampsia/eclampsia. The comprehensive preeclampsia/eclampsia safety bundle as summarized by Drs. Moroz and colleagues is reviewed especially from the perspective of its focus on the timely and specific responses for health care providers to make when severe hypertension is detected in the pregnant patient. Evidence-based guidance to practice considerations and clinical care of patients with preeclampsia/eclampsia is embedded within the program outlined for New York State by Moroz and her District II ACOG colleagues. There is a central focus on timely and appropriate antepartum/postpartum management of severe hypertension, a core concept to lessen maternal risk for cerebral hemorrhage. Ten considerations for further integration into the New York program are suggested. Beyond blood pressure control, there is a need for systematic review of interventions and outcomes over time, attention to possible future variations of the protocol for racial/ethnic patient groups at highest risk for maternal morbidity and mortality, and the identification of biomarker(s) that further specify and quantify risk to the maternal brain and other organ systems when severe hypertension develops. Safer motherhood will happen when evidence for best practice is integrated into systems of care for all patients.
Observations on Host Preference and Feeding Success of Immature Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract Amblyomma maculatum Koch is the primary vector in the United States for Rickettsia parkeri, an emerging human pathogen, as well as Hepatozoon americanum, a protozoan causing disease in canines. We evaluated the host preference and feeding success of immature A. maculatum for 3 potential host species, the Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis Voigt), the bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus Linnaeus), and the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord). To determine host preference, ticks were given an option of two different hosts at a time. No ticks fed on anoles in the host preference study and no significant difference in preference could be determined for rats compared with quail. In a separate experiment to study feeding success, we placed ticks directly onto 10 individual animals of these same species. No ticks fed on anoles. Larvae did not statistically differ in number of days to engorge when feeding on rats (5.7 d) compared with quail (5.6 d). Nymphs, however, took significantly longe...