cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extraperitoneal surgical approach to the pelvis after radiation therapy or radical surgery

Abstract Use of extraperitoneal surgical procedures in patients who have developed a retroperitoneal surgical problem after radiation therapy, primary radical surgery, or both has the advantages of excellence of exposure, shortness of operating time, isolation of infections, and avoidance of bowel manipulation. The surgical technique was adjusted to each individual patient's needs in the 21 patients involved in this study. Intensified pelvic fibrosis with constriction of ureter and pelvic vessels postoperatively was experienced in one patient. The surgical exploration should remain confined to the area of interest.
Science and the Person: A Complacent Reflection

This short essay, written to be presented at a conference at William and Mary on “Law and Human Agency,” argues that developments in neuroscience, however impressive and valuable, do not negate or seriously threaten either the traditional philosophical debates about the “mind-body problem,” free will, or personal identity or the “everyday view of the person” that is assumed in law.
Pilot study of ‘Scissorhands’ technique for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection using novel gel and endoscopic scissors in a porcine model (with video)

Background and Aim Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a complex procedure and is associated with significant risks. The aims of this pilot study were to study feasibility and procedural times of gastric ESD using a novel gel and endoscopic scissors in a porcine model. Methods Simulated 3-cm gastric submucosal lesions were created in a porcine model. Subsequently, viscous gel was injected into the created bleb. A needle knife was used to create an initial incision when needed. Endoscopic scissors were then used for circumferential incision around the simulated submucosal lesions. The inserted coil (i.e. submucosal lesion) was then removed. The submucosal surface was carefully examined for signs of injury. Procedural times were recorded. Results ESD was carried out in four consecutive pigs using the ‘Scissorhands’ technique. A small submucosal incision was created a using needle knife in the first pig and electrocauterywas not used in the remaining three pigs. Circumferential incision using the scissors was done successfully in all pigs. Submucosal dissection was not required in any case. ‘Auto-dissection’ of created lesions by the gel was noted to be complete in all cases. Inserted coils were noted in the submucosal space during all experiments and were removed. All lesions were successfully resected en bloc. The mean procedure time was 19 min (range 13–22 min). Conclusion The combined technique of endoscopic scissors for circumferential incision and viscous gel for submucosal dissection permitted easy, safe and efficient gastric ESD. Electrocautery may be avoided and its consequent adverse events (e.g. perforation).
American Indian suicide--Fact and fantasy.

This is an epidemiology report on American Indian suicide patterns in the Pacific Northwest. The purpose of this report is to: (1) describe the first three years of a pilot project in suicide epidemiology, (2) demonstrate significant differences in tribal rates, (3) show that the total American Indian population has equally significant differences in tribal comparisons, and (4) clarify previous misconceptions about the "American Indian suicide phenomenon". Language: en
A theory of rate-based execution

We present a task model for the real-time execution of event-driven tasks in which no a priori characterization of the actual arrival rates of events is known; only the expected arrival rates of events is known. The model, called rate-bared execution (RBE), is a generalization of Mok's sporadic task model. The RBE model is motivated naturally by distributed multimedia and digital signal processing applications. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for determining the feasibility of an RBE task set and demonstrate that earliest deadline first (EDF) scheduling is an optimal scheduling algorithm for both preemptive and nonpreemptive execution environments, as well as hybrid environments wherein RBE tasks access shared resources. Our analysis of RBE tasks demonstrates a fundamental distinction between deadline based scheduling methods and static priority based methods. We show that for deadline-based scheduling methods, feasibility is solely a function of the distribution of task deadlines in time. This is contrasted with static priority schedulers where feasibility is a function of the actual arrival rates of work for tasks. Thus whereas the feasibility of static priority schedulers is a function of the periodicity of tasks, the feasibility of deadline schedulers is independent of task arrival processes and hence deadline schedulers are more suitable for use in distributed, event-driven, real-time systems.
Gastric cancer associated variant of DNA polymerase beta (Leu22Pro) promotes DNA replication associated double strand breaks

// Jenna Rozacky 1 , Antoni A. Nemec 2 , Joann B. Sweasy 3 and Dawit Kidane 1 1 Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX, USA 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA 3 Departments of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics, The Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, New Haven CT, USA Correspondence to: Dawit Kidane, email: // Keywords : DNA polymerase beta, gastric cancer Received : April 24, 2015 Accepted : May 31, 2015 Published : June 10, 2015 Abstract DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) is a key enzymefor the protection against oxidative DNA lesions via itsrole in base excision repair (BER). Approximately 1/3 of tumors studied to date express Pol β variant proteins, and several tumors overexpress Pol β. Pol β possesses DNA polymerase and dRP lyase activities, both of which are known to be important for efficient BER. The dRP lyase activity resides within the 8kDa amino terminal domain of Pol β, is responsible for removal of the 5’ phosphate group (5’-dRP). The DNA polymerase subsequently fills the gaps. Previously, we demonstrated that the human gastric cancer-associated variant of Pol β (Leu22Pro (L22P)) lacks dRP lyase function in vitro . Here, we report that L22P-expressing cells harbor significantly increased replication associated DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and defective maintenance of the nascent DNA strand (NDS) during replication stress. Moreover, L22P-expressing cells are sensitive to PARP1 inhibitors, which suggests trapped PARP1 binds to the 5’-dRP group and blocks replications forks, resulting in fork collapse and DSBs. Our data suggest that the normal function of the dRP lyase is critical to maintain replication fork integrity and prevent replication fork collapse to DSBs and cellular transformation.
Past, present, and the future: Discussions surrounding a new model of sleep-dependent learning and memory processing

Following on from the target article, which presented a new model of procedural skill memory development, in this response I will reflect on issues raised by invited commentators and further expound attributes of the model. Discussion will focus on: evidence against sleep-dependent memory processing, definitions of memory stages and memory systems, and relationships between memory enhancement, sleep-stages, dreaming, circadian time, and sleep-disorders.
Heuristic sampling on DAGs

In theory, many problems in computer applications can be solved by searching through a directed-acyclic graph (DAG). In practice, however, this approach has been hampered by our analytical inability to predict the search cost accurately without actually implementing and executing the program. To overcome this inability, a simple and quick heuristic procedure based on a stratified sampling approach is presented. It generalizes a tree sampling technique already shown to be useful in predicting the performance of tree-searching programs. With the addition of this DAG sampling procedure, we should be able to forecast the complexity and feasibility of alternative tree or DAG searching algorithms so that we may utilize our computational resources more effectively.
Evaluating random choice models using multivariate correlation analysis

Researchers often use specific models to predict the vector of selection probabilities , for some population of decision makers. We assume that the i-th decision maker's vector of selection probabilities follows some prior cross-sectional distribution ,. (v being the parameter vector of F.) To assess the predictive power of random choice models we use two data sets: , the model-based estimates, and r i, the sample-based relative frequency vectors. We suggest the use of the correlation coefficient between . Estimates of the latter are given for an arbitrary F(π,v) and when F is the Dirichlet distribution. In the latter case we show that . We use a distribution free estimation method, the method of moments and the maximum likelihood estimation method to estimate . These estimation methods are tested and evaluated in a Monte Carlo study that simulates a six-brand product class. The third method is found superior to the other two.
The effect of qualitative differences in audio stimuli and backgrounds in instrumental escape conditioning

Escape conditioning to 2 audio stimuli (buzzer or white noise) was investigated in a running wheel under 2 audio background conditions (buzzer or white noise). Audio aversiveness was found to be dependent not upon a particular stimulus or background but on a specific relation between the two. That is, while a buzzer stimulus out of a white-noise background produced a high level of escape responding, neither the converse situation or either white noise out of white noise or buzzer out of buzzer conditions produced escape behavior. The implications of these data for a broader explanation of audio aversiveness are discussed.
Screening preschoolers with special problems: Use of the personality inventory for children (PIC)

Abstract A precise and simple screening device completed by their parents can prove valuable in identifying children in need of special education services. Personality Inventory for Children (PIC) profiles of 153 normal and impaired preschoolers were studied. Appropriate PIC scales were found to correlate significantly with teacher ratings as well as with measures of intelligence and language ability, suggesting both convergent and discriminant validity. Regression analysis of the PIC was also performed for the pre-school children. These studies suggest the effectiveness of using parents as informants in screening children to assess the need for special education services.
Relative Motion Estimation for Vision-based Formation Flight using Unscented Kalman Filter

This paper describes a vision-based relative motion estimator in the formation ∞ight of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s). The navigation of a follower aircraft relative to a target (or leader) aircraft is performed by vision-only information from a single camera flxed to the follower aircraft. The images of the target aircraft projected on the videocamera plane of the follower aircraft are captured and processed into vision information. The vision information for the relative motion estimator in this work is composed of three target angles: an azimuth angle, an elevation angle, and a subtended angle. Using this vision information measurement, the follower aircraft estimates a target relative position, a target relative velocity, a target size, and target acceleration components in the framework of an unscented Kalman fllter (UKF). The UKF is applied to the relative motion estimator due to the highly nonlinear characteristics of the problem at hand. In order to evaluate the performance of the vision-based navigation fllter, vision information obtained through a real-time ∞ight test is post-processed by the fllter. The real-time vision information, obtained by a geometric active contour method on an onboard computer, is composed of three points of the target aircraft on the camera image plane of the follower aircraft. These target points are the center point, the left wingtip point, and the right wingtip point. The target center point on the image plane provides information about the azimuth and the elevation angles of the target in the camera frame, and the two wingtip points provide information about the subtended angle of the target, which ultimately provides the target size. The vision-based estimation results of the target-follower relative motion and target characteristics are compared to actual data that are independently obtained from the onboard integrated navigation systems of both aircraft during the ∞ight test. Each integrated navigation system is composed of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a global positioning system (GPS), and a magnetometer. Comparisons indicate that the vision-based estimation fllter produces satisfactory estimation results and thus successfully overcomes the highly nonlinear system characteristics by the UKF framework.
Dynamical behavior of differential equation models of frequency and density dependent populations

This paper studies the dynamics of a mathematical model of a continuously reproducing diploid population with two alleles at one locus. The dependent variables are allele frequency and population density. If the genotype fitnesses are frequency and density dependent, the stability of equilibria is related to the geometry of the zero allele fitness curves. The asymptotic behavior of solutions where fitness is only density dependent is contrasted to the asymptotic behavior where fitness is frequency and density dependent. A parameterized family of fitness functions giving a Hopf bifurcation and limit cycles is investigated analytically and numerically.
Antidepressant activity of 2‐hydroxydesipramine

We describe the relationship of 2-hydroxydesipramine (OH-DMI) plasma levels and response in a prospective DMI study in which dosage was rapidly adjusted to achieve a relatively uniform DMI plasma level. In prior studies, OH-DMI plasma levels were not related to response, but in these fixed-dose protocols the effects of OH-DMI are easily obscured by the higher concentrations of the parent drug. We hypothesized that in this study a contribution of OH-DMI to response might become apparent because DMI levels were relatively constant. Inpatients with nonpsychotic, unipolar DSM-III major depression who remained depressed (Hamilton score > 18) after 1 week of hospitalization without medication received a 4-week DMI trial. Twenty-four-hour drug plasma levels were used to adjust dose to reach a target DMI steady-state plasma level. Twenty-seven patients completed the trial. On every measure of response, total drug levels (DMI + OH-DMI) were more strongly correlated with outcome than were DMI levels alone. With multiple regression, both DMI and OH-DMI levels were independently and significantly associated with response. These findings suggest that OH-DMI has antidepressant activity. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1988) 44, 283–288; doi:10.1038/clpt.1988.151
Biodegradation of tetrachloroethylene in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor

Abstract The laboratory study using upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor in high strength wastewater containing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was carried out to develop granular sludge in the presence of PCE (2 mg/l) and to assess the potential of UASB reactor in treating PCE containing wastewater. The granules of 0.25–4 mm size were observed after 82 days having mostly Methanothrix and Methanosarcina bacteria. Influent PCE concentration of 5–50 mg/l decreased to less than 0.23 mg/l (98.5 ± 1% removal) in most cases. The trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE), vinyl chloride (VC) and ethylene were formed on dehalogenation of PCE. Under steady state operation conditions the COD removal of 94 ± 2% and biogas production of 0.559–0.508 m3/kg CODrem with methane content of 64 ± 2% was achieved. The maximum PCE dechlorination rate (qmax), was 14.28 mg PCE/g VSS d and the half velocity coefficient, (Ks ), was 0.417 mg PCE/l under steady state conditions. The UASB reactor may prove to be a potential wastewater treatment process for PCE containing wastewater.
Interferon-γ in the Management of Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells depends largely upon their production of highly reactive compounds via the metabolism of oxygen. A lesion anywhere in the biochemical pathway of hydrogen peroxide production potentially can cause chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Recent work has shown that CGD results from specific abnormalities in the nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) system, which includes membrane-associated proteins, NADPH, cytochrome b-558, and several cytosolic proteins. Pharmacologic alteration of phagocytic oxidative metabolism can now be achieved through use of recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Data from a multicenter clinical trial indicate that sustained administration of IFN-gamma is effective in the management of CGD; for patients who received IFN-gamma, a 72% reduction in the relative risk of serious infection was noted in comparison with the risk for patients who received placebo. IFN-gamma reduced not only the number of serious primary infections but also the length of hospitalizations.
Examining the Intersection of Sex and Stress in Modelling Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, are the major cause of disability in the developed world. Elevated stress sensitivity has been proposed as a key underlying factor in disease onset. Sex differences in stress sensitivity are associated with corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and serotonin neurotransmission, which are important central regulators of mood and coping responses. To elucidate the underlying neurobiology of stress-related disease predisposition, it is critical to develop appropriate animal models of stress pathway dysregulation. Furthermore, the inclusion of sex difference comparisons in stress responsive behaviours, physiology and central stress pathway maturation in these models is essential. Recent studies by our laboratory and others have begun to investigate the intersection of stress and sex where the development of mouse models of stress pathway dysregulation via prenatal stress experience or early-life manipulations has provided insight into points of developmental vulnerability. In addition, examination of the maturation of these pathways, including the functional importance of the organisational and activational effects of gonadal hormones on stress responsivity, is essential for determination of when sex differences in stress sensitivity may begin. In such studies, we have detected distinct sex differences in stress coping strategies where activational effects of testosterone produced females that displayed male-like strategies in tests of passive coping, but were similar to females in tests of active coping. In a second model of elevated stress sensitivity, male mice experiencing prenatal stress early in gestation showed feminised physiological and behavioural stress responses, and were highly sensitive to a low dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Analyses of expression and epigenetic patterns revealed changes in CRF and glucocorticoid receptor genes in these mice. Mechanistically, stress early in pregnancy produced a significant sex-dependent effect on placental gene expression that was supportive of altered foetal transport of key growth factors and nutrients. These mouse models examining alterations and hormonal effects on development of stress pathways provide necessary insight into how specific stress responses can be reprogrammed early in development resulting in sex differences in stress sensitivity and neuropsychiatric disease vulnerability.
Capillary blood glucose screening for gestational diabetes: A preliminary investigation

Home glucose monitoring with the use of reflectance meters is an important adjunct in the care of pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes. The accuracy of reflectance meters for the assay of capillary glucose specimens has been well documented. The present preliminary study was undertaken to determine the utility of outpatient screening for gestational diabetes mellitus with the use of a reflectance meter (Accu-Chek, Boehringer Mannheim Co.). One hundred twenty-five patients in our high-risk practice had a standard 50 gm glucose load at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation. Capillary glucose values were measured on site with the Accu-Chek. Venous plasma glucose levels were measured by the central laboratory chemistry analyzer. While the laboratory (x) and meter (y) glucose determinations between the two sets of values were highly correlated (R = 0.89, p
Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of a series of pnictogen-centered chromophores

Abstract A complete series of triarylpnictines of the form PnTbs 3 (Pn = a pnictogen, P, As, Sb, or Bi, Tbs = ( E )-4-(4- t -butylstyryl)phenyl) has been prepared, and their absorption and photoluminescence spectral properties examined. Although it was anticipated that fluoresence would be significantly quenched for the heavier atom-centered pnictines in this series, unexpectedly high fluorescence was observed for AsTbs 3 and SbTbs 3 . Phosphorescence was also observed to increase as the series was descended. This set of materials includes the first examples of stilbene-substituted As, Sb, and Bi materials.
Opposing microtubule motors drive robust nuclear dynamics in developing muscle cells

Dynamic interactions with the cytoskeleton drive the movement and positioning of nuclei in many cell types. During muscle cell development, myoblasts fuse to form syncytial myofibers with nuclei positioned regularly along the length of the cell. Nuclear translocation in developing myotubes requires microtubules, but the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. We find that as nuclei actively translocate through the cell, they rotate in three dimensions. The nuclear envelope, nucleoli and chromocenters within the nucleus rotate together as a unit. Both translocation and rotation require an intact microtubule cytoskeleton, which forms a dynamic bipolar network around nuclei. The plus- and minus-end-directed microtubule motor proteins, kinesin-1 and dynein, localize to the nuclear envelope in myotubes. Kinesin-1 localization is mediated at least in part by interaction with klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne homology (KASH) proteins. Depletion of kinesin-1 abolishes nuclear rotation and significantly inhibits nuclear translocation, resulting in the abnormal aggregation of nuclei at the midline of the myotube. Dynein depletion also inhibits nuclear dynamics, but to a lesser extent, leading to altered spacing between adjacent nuclei. Thus, oppositely directed motors acting from the surface of the nucleus drive nuclear motility in myotubes. The variable dynamics observed for individual nuclei within a single myotube are likely to result from the stochastic activity of competing motors interacting with a complex bipolar microtubule cytoskeleton that is also continuously remodeled as the nuclei move. The three-dimensional rotation of myotube nuclei may facilitate their motility through the complex and crowded cellular environment of the developing muscle cell, allowing for proper myonuclear positioning.
Input-output formalism for few-photon transport in one-dimensional nanophotonic waveguides coupled to a qubit

We extend the input-output formalism of quantum optics to analyze few-photon transport in waveguides with an embedded qubit. We provide explicit analytical derivations for one- and two-photon scattering matrix elements based on operator equations in the Heisenberg picture.
Tritium behavior in lithium ceramics

Tritium is the principal fuel for future fusion power reactors. Unfortunately, tritium is not available naturally and so must be produced through transmutation of lithium. The current approach to fusion reactor breeder blanket design is to place lithium-containing ceramics in a blanket module that surrounds the fusion plasma. These materials have performed well in numerous in-pile experiments, showing good thermal stability and good tritium release characteristics. Tritium release is particularly facile when an argon or helium purge gas containing hydrogen, typically at levels of about 0.1%, is used. However, the addition of hydrogen to the purge gas imposes a penalty when it comes to recovery of the tritium produced in the blanket. Optimizing tritium release while minimizing the amount of hydrogen necessary in the purge gas requires a detailed understanding of the tritium release process, especially the interactions of hydrogen with the surface of the lithium ceramic.
Some considerations in the design of hot-cathode mercury-vapour rectifier circuits

It is known that in mercury-vapour rectifier circuits certain important advantages may be obtained by the addition of a smoothing filter in which the first element is a choke. In this paper it is shown that the inductance of this choke has to be sufficiently great to ensure that at every instant at least one of the rectifying valves is passing current. A method of calculating the minimum value of inductance required, and some notes on the practical design of a choke, are given.
A microplate culture method for assay of guinea pig mitogenic factor.

Abstract An improved method for assay of guinea pig mitogenic factor (MF) is described. The technique is based on the use of thymocytes in microplate cultures and yields significant savings in time, labour and materials. The quantitative potential of the assay is examined using antigen- and concanavalin A-induced MF, and its application to assessing in vitro immune responsiveness of individual guinea pigs is explored.
Cloning, sex, and new kinds of families

While study of the relationship between new reproductive technologies and sexuality has proceeded apace with demography of the family and study of bioethics, the cloning of a mammal presents new issues about how sexuality, relatedness, and science will be integrated in an era of entirely new forms of reproduction. Some of the ethical problems associated with the ways in which cloning might change family, sexuality, and society are examined and a new, more systematic approach to research on ethics and new reproductive technology is discussed.
Myocardial norepinephrine assay of needle biopsy specimens.

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioenzymatic norepinephrine (NE) assay based on the conversion of norepinephrine to tritiated epinephrine has been modified for myocardial needle biopsy specimens. The tritiated epinephrine is quantitated by scintillation counting of similarly processed standards and specimens and is reported as micrograms of NE per gram of wet tissue. Norepinephrine levels have been determined in 5- to 30-mg samples of canine left ventricular free wall, ventricular apex, and right ventricular free wall and of rat right and left ventricles. The technique is compared to other previous spectrofluorometric methods.
Contribution of mitochondria and lysosomes to photodynamic therapy-induced death in cancer cells

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), visible light activates a photosensitizing drug added to a tissue, resulting in singlet oxygen formation and cell death. Employing confocal microscopy, we previously found that the phthalocyanine Pc 4 localized primarily to mitochondrial membranes in various cancer cell lines, resulting in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, followed by inner membrane permeabilization (mitochondrial permeability transition) with mitochondrial depolarization and swelling, which in turn led to cytochrome c release and apoptotic death. Recently, derivatives of Pc 4 with OH groups added to one of the axial ligands were synthesized. These derivatives appeared to be taken up more avidly by cells and caused more cytotoxicity than the parent compound Pc 4. Using organelle-specific fluorophores, we found that one of these derivatives, Pc 181, accumulated into lysosomes and that PDT with Pc 181 caused rapid disintegration of lysosomes. We hypothesized that chelatable iron released from lysosomes during PDT contributes to mitochondrial damage and subsequent cell death. We monitored cytosolic Fe2+ concentrations after PDT with calcein. Fe2+ binds to calcein causing quenching of calcein fluorescence. After bafilomycin, an inhibitor of the vacuolar proton-translocating ATPase, calcein fluorescence became quenched, an effect prevented by starch desferal s-DFO, an iron chelator that enters cells by endocytosis. After Pc 181-PDT, cytosolic calcein fluorescence also decreased, indicating increased chelatable Fe2+ in the cytosol, and apoptosis occurred. s-DFO decreased Pc 181-PDT-induced apoptosis as measured by a decrease of caspase-3 activation. In isolated mitochondria preparations, Fe2+ induced mitochondrial swelling, which was prevented by Ru360, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. The data support a hypothesis of oxidative injury in which Pc 181-PDT disintegrates lysosomes and releases constituents that synergistically promote mitochondrial permeabilization and apoptotic signaling. One important constituent seems to be Fe2+ that is taken up by mitochondria through the Ca2+ uniporter to promote mitochondrial ROS-dependent chain reactions. Lysosomal proteases may also directly promote apoptotic signaling, e.g., through cleavage/activation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bid.yyy
A real-world scheduling problem using genetic algorithms

Abstract Genetic algorithms are an optimization methodology based on a direct analogy to Darwinian natural selection and mutations in biological systems. Instances of a concept description (such as schedules) correspond to individuals of a species, and induced changes and recombinations of these concepts are tested against an evaluation function (i.e., performance criteria) to see which alterations advance into the next generation. This genetic process encodes a parallel search through concept space that can be applied to solve job shop scheduling problems. A real-world scheduling example is presented illustrating the speed, responsiveness, flexibility, and computational efficiency of genetic algorithms to combinatorial optimization.
AORTIC REPLACEMENT DURING POST-CHEMOTHERAPY RETROPERITONEAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION

Purpose: We reviewed the records of 15 patients with metastatic germ cell cancer who underwent aortic resection and replacement during post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection to determine the morbidity and the therapeutic benefit.Materials and Methods: Between 1970 and 1998, 1,250 patients underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Our retrospective review revealed that 15 patients underwent aortic replacement at that operation.Results: In addition to aortic replacement 11 patients underwent 15 additional procedures, including nephrectomy in 7, vena caval resection in 3, pulmonary resection in 1, small bowel resection in 2, 1 hepatic resection in 1 and L4 vertebrectomy in 1. No patient had necrosis as the only pathological condition. Three patients (20%) had teratoma and 12 (80%) had viable tumor in the retroperitoneal specimen. All 4 patients who underwent post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and aortic replacement after induction chemotherapy al...
Allosteric Control of Syntaxin 1a by Munc18-1: Characterization of the Open and Closed Conformations of Syntaxin

Syntaxin 1a is a plasma membrane soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor protein (SNARE) that contains an H3 domain (SNARE motif) and a regulatory Habc domain. These regions associate to produce a closed state, which is generally thought to suppress assembly of syntaxin into the SNARE complex. However, the molecular nature of the closed and open states of syntaxin is not well defined. Here, we use electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize conformational exchange in syntaxin. The data indicate that the H3 segment is in equilibrium between ordered and disordered states that have significant populations. In solution, the central region of the H3 segment is positioned close to the Habc domain and the configuration of syntaxin 1a is dominated by a closed state. However, an open state is enhanced in full-length membrane reconstituted syntaxin. Munc18-1 binding alters the equilibrium along H3 to favor the ordered, folded state. Munc18 also suppresses the minor open population and narrows the distance distributions between H3 and Habc. The allosteric control exhibited by Munc18 on the H3 segment and the suppression of the minor open component may both play a role in regulating membrane fusion by controlling the assembly of syntaxin into the SNARE complex.
Localization of the site of ventricular premature complexes by radionuclide angiographic phase imaging

Abstract To investigate whether gated radionuclide angiographic phase imaging is useful for visually displaying the origin of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), 82 patients were studied by gating only VPCs. The VPC “origin” by the scintigraphic method was defined as the area of earliest phase and was compared with that predicted by 12-lead electrocardiographic criteria in all patients and to invasive electrophysiologic mapping in 10. Separating the right ventricle into 3 and the left ventricle into 4 segments, the phase imaging method and the electrocardiographic criteria agreed as to ventricle of VPC origin in 69 patients (84%) and segment of origin within each ventricle in 46 (56%). When baseline ventricular wall motion was analyzed, the 2 methods agreed to the ventricle of VPC origin in 31 of 33 patients (94%) with normal wall motion, 20 of 23 (87%) with segmental wall motion abnormalities and 19 of 26 (73%) with diffuse wall motion abnormalities. Agreement between the 2 methods as to specific segmental localization of the arrhythmia focus was noted in 21 of 33 patients (64%) with normal wall motion, 11 of 23 (48%) with segmental wall motion abnormalities and 12 of 26 (46%) with diffuse hypocontractility. In the 10 patients with endocardial mapping studies, the phase imaging technique confirmed the segment of VPC origin in all 10; the electrocardiographic method was accurate in 8. Thus, gated radionuclide angiographic phase imaging methods may be of value in noninvasively defining the origin of spontaneous VPCs. The visual format allows ready interpretation of the arrhythmia origin, and there may be an advantage to this approach over electrocardiographic morphometric criteria.
Scanning from an independently specified branch point defines the 3' splice site of mammalian introns

During pre-messenger RNA splicing the lariat branch point in mammalian introns is specified independently of the 3' splice site by the sequence surrounding the branch point and by an adjacent downstream polypyrimidine tract. The 3' splice site is dispensable for spliceosome assembly and cleavage at the 5' splice site, and is itself determined by a scanning process that recognizes the first AG located 3' of the branch point/polypyrimidine tract, irrespective of distance or sequence environment.
Basic principles of electron density fluctuations in a plasma

The collective fluctuation spectrum of the electron density in a plasma is calculated by a method which does not utilize a specific kinetic equation, and relies only on the following three very general principles: the linear response of a plasma to a weak electric field, the Nyquist theorem, and the principle of causality in the form of the Hilbert transform relations. A new general principle is deduced from the preceding ones which relates the random fluctuation spectrum uniquely to the imaginary part of a function G. This function determines most of the important plasma properties such as the electrical conductivity, the permittivity and the collective fluctuation spectrum. The four principles together allow one to deduce the collective fluctuation spectrum from the random single particle spectrum previously derived by one of the authors.
Ultrastructure of inclusion bodies in annulus cells in the degenerating human intervertebral disc

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of the cell has an architectural editing function that checks whether protein structure and three-dimensional assembly have occurred properly prior to export of newly synthesized material out of the cell. If these have been faulty, the material is retained within the rER as an inclusion body. Inclusion bodies have been identified previously in chondrocytes and osteoblasts in chondrodysplasias and osteogenesis imperfecta. Inclusion bodies in intervertebral disc cells, however, have only recently been recognized. Our objectives were to use transmission electron microscopy to analyze more fully inclusion bodies in the annulus pulposus and to study the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cells containing inclusion bodies. ECM frequently encapsulated cells with inclusion bodies, and commonly contained prominent banded aggregates of Type VI collagen. Inclusion body material had several morphologies, including relatively smooth, homogeneous material, or a rougher, less ho...
Monte Carlo Simulation Study of Several Camera Designs for the PET Component of a Dedicated Breast PET/CT Scanner

In this study we used Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the patient imaging performance of a range of camera geometries for the PET portion of a dedicated pendant breast PET/CT system. Performance was assessed by comparing NEC, rates, and scatter fractions for a range of injected FDG activities. The same LSO block detector (9times9 arrays of 3 mm times 3 mm times 20 mm crystals and 3.3 mm pitch) was used to compose a cylindrical, split-ring, five-sided box, and a planar dual-headed system. To simulate the patient an anthropomorphic model was created consisting of the NCAT phantom, volumes acting as the brain and bladder, and one of three CT-derived pendant breast shapes (representative of small, medium, and large volume breasts) appended to the left chest wall, with FDG concentration ratios set to those given by Ramos et al. Systems were modeled with LSO background, dead time effects (256 ns paralysable at the block level, and non-paralysable), a 7.5 ns coincidence time window, and energy window of 350 to 650 keV. The cylindrical scanner gave significantly higher NEC rates across all viable injection activities (~5 to ~20 mCi) regardless of the breast size imaged. For the medium sized breast, at an injection activity of 20 mCi, the cylindrical scanner showed a 3-fold gain in NEC rate compared to the dual-headed system (32.4 vs. 10.5 kcps) at the cost of a slightly higher scatter fraction (0.28 vs. 0.24). Additional simulations with an alternative cylindrical scanner system composed of DOI capable detectors (APD front end and PMT back) gave somewhat lower NEC rates compared with the conventional cylindrical design due to a lower effective packing fraction. Based on these results the cylindrical scanner was found the optimal geometry for prone dedicated breast PET/CT imaging.
“I Actually Learned A Lot from This”: A Field Assignment to Prepare Future Preservice Math Teachers for Culturally Diverse Classrooms

Teacher education programs are cognizant of the need to prepare preservice teachers (PTs) to work effectively with children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Well-constructedfield experiences can help PTs develop awareness and gain understanding of important cultural considerations related to effective teaching and learning (Sleeter, 2001). This paper describes a unique field assignment created for an Elementary Math Methods course in which 61 PTs were trained to conduct a semi-structured interview with a student whose cultural background was different than their own. PTs transcribed their own interviews and completed a guided reflection on their experiences. Reflections were submitted and analyzed for emerging themes. Analyses suggest that the structured interview component of this field assignment provided PTs with increased insight into mathematics instruction and the learning needs of diverse students. We also discuss the value and limitations of this instructional innovation and propose avenues by which to continue to help PTs grow toward becoming culturally relevant pedagogists (Irvine, 2003).
FORCES FOR CHANGE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

Johnsons, G.E. and Stafford, F.P. (1974) qThe Earnings and promotion of Women Faculty,q American Economic Review, 64 (December): 888-903. Lester, Richard A. (1980) Reasoning About Discrimination. Princeton: Princeton U. Press. Pezzullo, Thomas R. and Brittingham, Barbara E. (1979) Salary Equity: Detecting Sex Bias in Salaries among College and University professors. Lexington, Mass.: D.C. Heath. Scott, Elizabeth (1977) Higher Education Salary Evaluation Kit. Washington, D.C.: American Association of University Professors. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES FORCES FOR CHANGE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES David P. Gardner, University of Utah ABSTRACT Government control of colleges and universities has been increasing in recent years. The challenge for higher educa— tion is how to make institutions properly accountable but less controlled by government. The experience in this regard in the United Kingdom and the United States is compared. The danger in both nations is that, left unchecked, control will leave universities resembling regulated public utilities. American and British academics can learn from each other on how to avoid such a fate. The independence of our nation&#39;s colleges and universi- ties to chart their own destinies and bring them to fruition has diminished in recent years. While this trend has been attributed to federally spawned governmental regulations, the more significant loss of independence has come more as a function of decisions made at the state rather than at the national level. The reasons for this trend are readily apparent: the rising unit costs of higher education in recent years; the increase in the number of colleges and universities, mostly publicly supported or assisted; the doubling of enrollments since the early 1960’ with most of the increase going to 123
Noise in double-injection InSb diodes☆

Abstract Noise measurement on double-injection InSb diodes show thermal noise of the h.f. conductance g , whereas Van der Ziel's ambipolar diffusion conjecture would give S i ( f ) = α · 4 kTg , with α ≈ 0.04. This shows conclusively that the ambipolar diffusion conjecture is incorrect.
Localized attack of a two-phase metal, scanning electrochemical microscopy studies of NiCrMoGd alloys

Abstract In this paper, the corrosion of a two-phase alloy, NiCrMoGd, was studied using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). This alloy was developed as a neutron-absorbing alloy for use in nuclear waste storage applications. Gadolinium, the neutron-absorbing element, forms a secondary Ni5Gd eutectic phase, referred to as the gadolinide phase. This phase is preferentially attacked in halide-containing solutions, resulting in dissolution of the surface exposed gadolinide phase. SECM was used to image the attack of these micrometer-scale particles. The surface activity decreases following the dissolution of the gadolinide particles, which is due to the passive nature of the NiCrMo base alloy. Evidence of a coupled mechanism was observed, where the chemistry of a dissolving particle influences the stability of neighboring particles. This alloy serves as a useful system for studying the effect of localized chemistry developed at a dissolving pit on neighboring surfaces, which is a phenomenon that is inferred but not well understood.
doublecortin-like kinase Functions with doublecortin to Mediate Fiber Tract Decussation and Neuronal Migration

The potential role of doublecortin (Dcx), encoding a microtubule-associated protein, in brain development has remained controversial. Humans with mutations show profound alterations in cortical lamination, whereas in mouse, RNAi-mediated knockdown but not germline knockout shows abnormal positioning of cortical neurons. Here, we report that the doublecortin-like kinase (Dclk) gene functions in a partially redundant pathway with Dcx in the formation of axonal projections across the midline and migration of cortical neurons. Dosage-dependent genetic effects were observed in both interhemispheric connectivity and migration of cortically and subcortically derived neurons. Surprisingly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of either gene results in similar migration defects. These results indicate the Dcx microtubule-associated protein family is required for proper neuronal migration and axonal wiring.
A multivariate statistical method for comparing protein amino acid compositions: Studies of muscle actins and proteins derived from membranes and microtubular organelles

A multivariate statistical method is derived which can be used to compare groups of proteins or individual proteins on the basis of their amino acid composition. The numerical measure obtained is called the Y-value; it may be used with the chi-squared test to test statistical hypotheses concerning the mean amino acid compositions of groups of proteins. Members of a population of cytochrome c molecules were compared with each other and with hemoglobin chain molecules; significant differences in composition between the two groups were found. A comparison of a group of muscle actins and a group of membrane- and microtubule-derived proteins, or tektins, also showed significant differences in composition. The uses of the Y-value method, and of multivariate statistics in general, in testing hypotheses about the genetic code are discussed. There is also a discussion of the evidence for and against the hypothesis that actins and tektins evolved from a common ancestral protein.
Displacement Measurement Repeatability In Tens Of Nanometers With Laser Interferometry

Recent advancements in Hewlett-Packard laser interferometers has made it possible to achieve displacement measurements with a repeatability in the tens of nanometers. This will be of key importance in achieving the submicron geometries in future integrated circuits. This measurement repeatability is achieved by the use of two new products that significantly reduce the major error components of the interferometer system. Before discussing the details of these products, an account is given on how to analyze the measurement repeatability of a laser interferometer system. Each component of the system repeatability budget are discussed. From this analysis it is observed that the most significant error components in this budget are due to atmospheric affects and the thermal drift of the optics. The affects of these errors have been reduced on the Hewlett-Packard system by the use of Wavelength Tracking Compensation and a new high stability interferometer.
Semi-Empirical Tight Binding Calculations for the Energy Bands of the Diamond and Zincblende Type Semiconductors

A semi-empirical molecular orbital theory is applied to study the band structures of the elemental (group IV) and III-V compound semiconductors. The various parameterizational procedures of the elemental semiconductors are carefully studied and some of the results applied to the III-V compounds to establish good sets of parameters for them. It is found that the orbital exponents are a set of very sensitive and important parameters in determining the correct shape of the bands in all the semiconductors. Zur Berechnung von Bandstrukturen elementarer Halbleiter (Gruppe IV) and III-V-Halbleiter-verbindungen wird eine halbempirische MO-Theorie angewandt. Verschiedene Ergebnisse von veroffentlichten Parametrisierungsverfahren fur elementare Halbleiter werden eingehend untersucht und einige der Resultate werden zur Ermittlung von Parametern fur die Gruppe III-V benutzt. Es wird festgestellt, das die Orbitalexponenten einen Satz von sehr empfindlichen und wichtigen Parametern zur Ermittlung der korrekten Form der Bander in allen Halbleitern darstellen.