cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon receptor alpha/beta is associated with improved survival after adjuvant therapy in resected pancreatic cancer.

Aim. Interferons (IFNs) are known to have antiproliferative and immunoregulatory activities that are modulated through specific cell surface ligands, known as IFN-α, -β, and -γ receptors. The presence of these receptors and their impact on response to adjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer has not been determined. Patients and methods. Slides were prepared from 46 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was subsequently used to determine the expression of IFN- α/β receptor-chain 2 (IFN-α/βR) and IFN-γ receptor-chain 1 (IFN-γR). The correlation between IFN receptor expression, tumor characteristics, and the overall patient response to adjuvant therapy were determined analytically. Results. The IHC performed for pancreatic adenocarcinoma demonstrated a high IFN-α/βR expression in 4% (2/46) of patients, moderate expression in 20% (9/46) of patients, and faint or no expression in 76% (35/46) of patients. IHC confirmed a high expression of IFN-γR in 52% (24/46) of patients, moderate expression in 35% (16/46) of patients, and faint or no expression in the remaining 13% (6/46) of patients. Thirty-two (69.7%) patients received adjuvant therapy. Clinicopathological survey did not demonstrate any significant correlation between IFN-α/βR and IFN-γR expression with regard to tumor size, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, lymph node metastases, or stage of disease. Use of adjuvant therapy was associated with increased survival in patients with IFN-α/βR-positive tumors compared with patients with IFN-α/βR-negative tumors (24 months versus 14.7 months in log rank test, p=0.012). The expression of IFN-γR, however, had no impact on patient survival (20 months vs 17 months; p=0.656, log rank test). Conclusion. IFN-α/βR is associated with improved survival for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer who received adjuvant therapy.
Lactotroph and somatotroph function in piglets reared in a constant hot environment.

Abstract The present study evaluated the effect of rearing in a constant hot (32°C) or cool (21°C) thermal environment (TE) on lactotroph and somatotroph secretory activity in 5-wk-old barrows (castrate males) and gilts (females). Pituitary cells from seven gilts and seven barrows from each TE were cultured at a density of 250,000 cells/1 ml well and exposed to vehicle (culture medium); .1, 1, 10, or 100 nM thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH); or .1, 1, or 10 nM growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Post-receptor cellular stimulation was induced pharmacologically with 2 mM 8-Br-cAMP (cAMP); 100 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA); or 59 mM KC1. Prolactin secretion in culture was stimulated by TRH and by pharmacological compounds (p In vitro PRL secretion was increased approximately two-fold in the hot environment (p in vitro secretion of growth hormone (GH) was increased by GHRH and by pharmacological compounds (p .5). No effects of sex (p > .3) or sex × TE interactions (p > .2) were detected in any endpoint. The results of this study demonstrate that lactotroph, but not somatotroph, secretory activity is enhanced by a constant hot TE in early postweaning pigs. This increase in secretory activity does not appear to be dependent on receptor-mediated cellular activation, but may reflect enhanced levels of cellular PRL available for release.
Invited review a measure of the effects of competition in the U.S. health care sector during the 1980s

For some years now, health planning and management efforts have been assigning greater importance to the values and preferences of patients as consumers of health care services. A key objective of this 'marketing orientation' has been to effect responsible change in the way health services are designed, priced, advertised, and delivered. Implementation of such a philosophy--inconceivable just a few years ago--was originally motivated by the emergence of competitive market forces in the hospital and health care sector. In the current paper, a perspective on the precursors and facilitating factors that gave rise to these forces is presented. With this perspective, the review of two relevant books, one published at the beginning of the 1980s and one towards the end of the decade, will serve as a measure of the large and increasing impact of competition in the U.S. health care sector during the 1980s.
Chemical microscopy of platinum metals and gold reactions with 2-aminoquinoline

Abstract The 2-aminoquinoline reagent serves as a microscopic reagent for identifying low concentrations of most platinum metals and gold by means of the characteristic crystalline derivatives which separate. Rhodium and ruthenium are the only members of the platinum group which fail to respond. The greatest sensitivity of the reagent is for platinum, of which as little as 1.0 μg can be identified in a 20-μl drop. In certain instances the reagent can identify both precious metals in a mixture containing two, as in a sample containing equal concentrations of platinum and palladium; more generally, however, only one of the two components can be identified. It is of interest to find that even a large excess of cupric ion does not interfere with the identification of platinum, palladium, iridium, or gold.
Correction of odontoid dysplasia following bone-marrow transplantation and engraftment (in Hurler syndrome MPS 1H)

Background. Odontoid dysplasia is recognized as a major component of the constellation of dysostosis multiplex lesions associated with Hurler's syndrome (MPS 1H). Because of this abnormality, there is an increased risk of atlantoaxial subluxation with potential cervical spinal cord injury. A significant alteration of the natural history of the disease with respect to the visceral, cardiac, and skeletal systems has resulted in an increased life span for MPS 1H patients associated with engraftment from normal donors.¶Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal changes of odontoid dysplasia in MPS 1H following engraftment from bone-marrow transplantation (BMT).¶Materials and methods. A retrospective review of sequential plain film or cervical spine MR was performed in patients with MPS 1H. Odontoid morphology was graded as aplasia, severe dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, mild dysplasia, or normal. Odontoid morphology was plotted against the time interval. Fully engrafted, nontransplanted, and partially engrafted patients had careful imaging evaluation of the odontoid process.¶Results. Ten patients were studied with a mean interval follow-up of 8.7 years post-BMT. Seven patients were totally engrafted. Two patients were nontransplanted, and one patient had only partial engraftment (20 % enzyme activity). All totally engrafted patients had a progressive improvement in the grade of odontoid dysplasia following BMT. Patients with partial engraftment or without transplantation demonstrated static or increasing odontoid dysplasia. MR imaging showed abnormal dural soft-tissue masses at the level of C2 in all patients. Reduction in the grade of odontoid dysplasia was not associated with significant change in the appearance of the upper cervical soft-tissue masses.¶Conclusion. For the first time, this report documents that patients with MPS 1H show a decrease in the degree of odontoid dysplasia on imaging after successful engraftment following BMT.
Transforming the FBI: A Challenge of Culture, Resources, and Mission

A recent review of restructuring efforts at the Federal Bureau of Investigation published by the National Academy of Public Administration examines several studies that precipitated the reorganization and discusses the current state of counterterrorism, intelligence, and internal security functions within the agency. However, the report fails to seriously engage the benefits of restructuring federal agencies to separate criminal investigation from antiterrorism or to address the financial implications of the current reorganization. Although it provides a useful overview of current changes within the FBI, it lacks theoretical linkages.
Household Context, Generational Status, and English Proficiency Among the Children of African Immigrants in the United States

This study examines how household and parental-level determinants affect English proficiency among the children of African immigrants in the United States. Within immigrant families, the study finds that children’s level of proficiency has a stronger positive association with the proficiency of their mothers than with that of their fathers. Children’s level of English proficiency significantly increases as the number of other English-proficient children within their household increases. These impacts are stronger on the proficiency levels of first compared to second-generation children. Levels of proficiency are, however, lowest among children in families from Portuguese-speaking countries followed by their counterparts in families from countries where indigenous languages and Arabic are dominant. Although proficiency levels generally improve with increasing generational status, these improvements are smallest for children in families from Portuguese-speaking countries. Except for children in families from English-speaking countries, the largest improvements to proficiency with increasing generational status were observed among children in families from indigenous language backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Functional equivalency of saltcedar (Tamarix Chinensis) and fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonth) along a free-flowing river

Saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis) reportedly has altered ecosystem function in many riparian areas of the American Southwest. I investigated the functional role of this exotic species relative to native Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) along the free-flowing middle San Pedro River in southern Arizona. Floodplains in this river reach are co-dominated by young stands of saltcedar (<44 yrs old) and Fremont cottonwood (<67 yrs old). Mean values for 22 of 30 soil, geomorphology, and vegetation structure traits did not differ significantly between saltcedar and Fremont cottonwood stands. Twenty-six of the 30 traits had similar patterns for change over time (infereed from a succession gradient). Saltcedar was functionally equivalent to Fremont cottonwood for about half of the traits construed as indicators of riparian ecosystem function. Several functions or traits that are theoretically or observably influenced by saltcedar on other rivers (e.g., sedimentation rates, electrical conductivity of soils) did not differ between the two species along the San Pedro. This suggests that the functional role of saltcedar is context-specific and variable among rivers. Also in contrast to the working paradigm, saltcedar appeared to enhance the maintenance of floristic biodiversity. Understory herbaceous cover and species richness were significantly greater than in cottonwood stands, perhaps due to soil differences that developed between the two stand types (e.g., higher clay content in saltcedar soils). Stem densities of velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutinu) and other woody successional species did not differ between saltcedar and cottonwood stands. However, stem densities for this group increased with stand age only for cottonwood, raising the possibility that salicedar may disrupt successional pathways. Other notable differences included greater basal area and canopy height in cottonwood stands, and accumulation of more phosphorus in cottonwood soils than in saltcedar soils.
Migratory Strategy and Seasonal Patterns of Bird Diversity in Relation to Forest Habitat

Aspen stands and riparian areas are important to breeding birds in the southwestern U.S. because they provide resources such as food and shelter. We investigated how this importance varies throughout the year for both resident and migratory birds. We sampled birds in 96 sites, half in small isolated aspen stands and half in the ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona during the summer of 1996, and a subset of those plots during fall of 1996 and the spring of 1997. Bird species richness and abundance varied seasonally. During the summer there were more birds and more bird species in aspen stands. This relationship appears to be driven by an affiliation between Neotropical migrants and aspen trees. During fall, residents were associated with riparian areas. We demonstrate the importance of small inclusions of aspen to Neotropical migrants in the Southwest during the breeding season and we show that preference for habitat types among migratory groups can vary seasonally.
A numerical study of barotropicly forced intrusion in DeSoto Canyon

[1] The intrusion of open ocean water across the head of DeSoto Canyon offshore of Pensacola, Florida, is investigated using a version of the Bryan-Cox model of the entire Gulf of Mexico. The Loop Current-forced model circulation in DeSoto Canyon features an eastward, nearly along-isobath, current with a weak cross-isobath velocity component. In contrast, the southward wind-driven currents over the west Florida shelf in response to northerly winds induce strong cross-isobath flow at the head of DeSoto Canyon. The flow is diagnosed to be the bottom Ekman flow associated with the strong along-isobath currents. In addition, transient responses of sea levels to the northerly wind bursts give rise to pressure gradient-forced currents up the canyon during the collapse phase of the winds. A case study in November 1997 is conducted, and the above arguments are substantiated with the simulated and the observed currents.
The Beatbug – evolution of a musical controller

Abstract The paper describes the development of a novel handheld musical controller called Beatbug, which was designed to address three main goals – providing rich gestural experience for musicians in different skill levels, exploring novel group interactions in local musical networks and facilitating constructionist-learning activities through hands-on musical interaction. The paper portrays the different approaches that were taken to address these goals over a period of seven years, as well as the educational activities, compositions and performances that were conducted with the controller. The description follows three chronological development phases titled ‘Fireflies’, ‘Nerve’ and ‘iltur’ and addresses the improvements in hardware and software that were made in each phase based on observations and user feedback. The paper concludes with a comparative summary of the three development phases and a final note regarding the controller's future prospects.
Functional outcomes of drug treatment in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Patient functioning is an important outcome in Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment-related improvements in patient function are difficult to quantify because a number of different scales are used in its measurement.
Enriching student experience with student driven content while teaching an online data mining class

An online class provides a unique opportunity for the students to participate in the class at their own convenience. However, the students have to be kept motivated by providing the tools to enable discussions related to the class topics. This paper implements and presents a model coupled with data mining techniques that will predict how the students are faring in the classroom discussions. The model provides feedback on which students are active in their online discussions, what topics they are discussing, the relevance of those discussions, and share the information with all those involved in the class.The techniques presented in this work can be applied to any online class. However, presenting this work in the context of a data mining class is especially rewarding. Students can use their discussions themselves as a case study and apply them in the context of various data mining and text mining algorithms covered in the class. The framework not only aides an instructor in understanding the student interest and participation in an online class, but also helps the students with feedback on their posts with respect to the others.
Habitat temperature is an important determinant of cholesterol contents in copepods

Effects of habitat and acclimation temperature on cholesterol contents were examined in oceanic and inshore species of copepods. The cholesterol content of five species of thermally acclimated copepods was determined, and nine species (representing six families) were sampled to assess the role of habitat temperature. The species selected have maximum habitat temperatures (and temperature tolerances) that vary at least twofold. Levels of dietary cholesterol required to achieve maximum growth were also studied at different acclimation temperatures in a eurythermal copepod. Both eggs and copepodites of Calanus finmarchicus had higher cholesterol levels at the warm acclimation temperature (16°C) than at the cooler temperature (6°C). Neither Acartia tonsa, Acartia hudsonica, Temora longicornis nor Eurytemora affinis altered cholesterol contents with acclimation temperature. Maximum growth rates were achieved at fourfold higher concentrations of dietary cholesterol in warm-acclimated Eurytemora affinis than in cold-acclimated animals. The most consistent trend is the positive relationship between cholesterol content and habitat temperature. Species residing in warmer habitats (e.g. Centropages typicus, Eurytemora affinis) had approximately twice the cholesterol of species living in colder waters (e.g. Calanus glacialis, Euchaeta norvegica). A similar pattern was observed for comparisons of species within genera (Calanus, Acartia and Centropages), with the species abundant at lower latitudes having more cholesterol than the northern congener. These data indicate that habitat temperature is an important determinant of cholesterol content, and cholesterol endows membranes with the stability required for a range of body temperatures.
Whose Bad Objects Are We Anyway? Repetition and Our Elusive Love Affair with Evil

What allows us to explain the repetitive cycles of self-destructive, self-defeating behavior that we all struggle to help patients overcome? What explains the malignancy that can infuse certain transference—countertransference relationships, often suddenly and without warning? Why do some patients come to hate us despite our best efforts? Why do we come to hate some of them? Perhaps more to the point of this paper, why do we come to hate that version of ourselves that emerges when we are with them? This paper explores these questions, examining the issues of repetition and repair with regard to our most toxic introjects—the patients' and our own. Whereas Melanie Klein helped us to understand why we come to hate that which is good in others, this author explores the complementary question of how loving that which is bad in others keeps the self innocent, good, and sane. A fundamental dissociative split in two necessary but incompatible self–other organizations is posed. With reference to a detailed clinica...
A new relationship between radar cross-section and ocean surface wind speed using ERS-t scatterometer and buoy measurements

Abstract The ERS–I spacecraft scatterometer, C-band VV polarization, acquired radar cross-section measurements over the global oceans during 1992 and 1993. We investigate the cross-section dependence on mean wind speed U using collocated buoys within ±25km of the scatterometer cells. These collocated measurements result in over 75000 matches in two diITerent oceanic regions. The buoys measure hourly mean wind speeds from 0·2–10 mS 1 and 0·2–18ms -1 in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and at mid-latitudes off the North American coasts, respectively. We present experimental evidence for a new and compact exponential model dependence on wind speed. The previously used power–law form inadequately characterizes the cross-section measurements based on a single index over a large wind speed range. The cross-sectional slope varies from about zero dB/ms-1 at high wind speeds U=18ms -1 and small incidence angles 0=20° to about 1·3dB/ms -1 at low wind speeds U=3ms -1 and large incidence angles, 0=55°. The CMOD4 model si...
ASSESSING THE GENERALITY OF GENERAL STRAIN THEORY: THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG OCCUPATIONAL STRESS EXPERIENCED BY MALE POLICE OFFICERS AND DOMESTIC FORMS OF VIOLENCE

Agnew's (1992) General Strain Theory (GST) is one of the more recent advances in criminological theory. This study explores the generality of GST using a sample of 596 Baltimore, Maryland male poli...
Nanostructured gas sensors integrated into fabric for wearable breath monitoring system

This paper presents a technology to design and fabricate nanostructured gas sensors in fabric substrates. Nanostructured gas sensors were fabricated by constructing ZnO nanorods on fabrics including polyester, cotton and polyimide for continuous monitoring of wearer's breath gas that can indicate health status. The developed fabric-based gas sensors demonstrated gas sensing by monitoring electrical resistance change upon exposure of acetone and ethanol gases.
Factor IX activity derived from purified prothrombin

Abstract Factor IX-like activity could be generated from highly purified prothrombin in the presence of phospholipids and CaCl2 when BaCO3-adsorbed Factor XI deficient plasma and Factor XIa were present, when BaSO4-adsorbed hemophilia B plasma was present or when only Factor XIa was present. Factor IX-like activity was observed to increase when prothrombin, Factor XIa, phospholipids and CaCl2 were incubated while prothrombin activity was observed to disappear. A 3-hour incubation sample was shown to correct only hemophilia B plasma; it did not correct hemophilia A nor Factor X deficient plasmas.
The stock market speaks: How Dr. Alchian learned to build the bomb

Abstract At RAND in 1954, Armen A. Alchian conducted the world's first event study to infer the fuel material used in the manufacturing of the newly-developed hydrogen bomb. Successfully identifying lithium as the fusion fuel using only publicly available financial data, the paper was seen as a threat to national security and was immediately confiscated and destroyed. The bomb's construction being secret at the time but having since been partially declassified, the nuclear tests of the early 1950s provide an opportunity to observe market efficiency through the dissemination of private information as it becomes public. I replicate Alchian's event study of capital market reactions to the Operation Castle series of nuclear detonations in the Marshall Islands, beginning with the Bravo shot on March 1, 1954 at Bikini Atoll which remains the largest nuclear detonation in US history, confirming Alchian's results. The Operation Castle tests pioneered the use of lithium deuteride dry fuel which paved the way for the development of high yield nuclear weapons deliverable by aircraft. I find significant upward movement in the price of Lithium Corp. relative to the other corporations and to DJIA in March 1954; within three weeks of Castle Bravo the stock was up 48% before settling down to a monthly return of 28% despite secrecy, scientific uncertainty, and public confusion surrounding the test; the company saw a return of 461% for the year.
The elastic constants of nickel-copper alloy single crystals

Abstract The elastic constants of single crystals of the nickel-copper alloy system were determined by an ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The elastic constants are proportional to the nickel concentration up to 70 at. % nickel at room temperature. Above this concentration where the alloys are ferromagnetic at ambient temperatures a slight positive deviation from linearity is observed in the elastic constant versus composition curves. The ΔE-effect was observed in all of the ferromagnetic nickel-rich alloys.
258: Serotonin reuptake inhibitor use in pregnancy and the neonatal behavioral syndrome

Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,Dallas, Texas, USA(Received 15 January 2008; revised 2 June 2008; accepted 4 June 2008)AbstractObjective. To assess the severity of neonatal behavioral syndrome (NBS) in infants of serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)-treated pregnancies, compared with infants of women with psychiatric illness not treated with medication.Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies followed in a prenatal clinic for women with psychiatricillness. Infants of women who received SRI medication through delivery (SRI-treated) were compared with those who didnot receive treatment or discontinued medication before the last month of pregnancy (SRI-untreated). NBS was deﬁned asone or more of the following: jitteriness, irritability, lethargy, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreﬂexia, apnea, respiratorydistress, vomiting, poor feeding, or hypoglycemia.Results. Findings of NBS were identiﬁed in 28% of 46 SRI-treated pregnancies and 17% of 59 untreated pregnancies.There were no differences in rates of prematurity (4% vs. 7%), fetal growth restriction (6% vs. 2%), transfer to a highernursery for NBS (11% vs. 10%), respiratory abnormality (7% vs. 5%), or hospitalization duration among infants with NBSﬁndings (2 vs. 6 days).Conclusions. Findings of NBS were identiﬁed in 28% of SRI-exposed neonates. However, these infants were not more likelythan unexposed infants to be admitted to a higher nursery, experience respiratory abnormalities, or have prolongedhospitalization.Keywords: Neonatal behavioral syndrome, serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Success criteria and risk management for the new millennium program

Abstract The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) New Millennium Program (NMP) is a technology development and validation program that will flight-validate advanced, new technologies with space flight applications. NMP's purpose is twofold. First, it will develop technologies that will enable future spacecraft to be smaller, more capable and reliable, and to be launched more frequently. Second, it will validate the technologies in flight to reduce the risks to future science missions that fly these technologies for the first time. To measure the program's success, NMP has devised a set of criteria that stresses the relevance of technologies selected for flight validation to NASA's 21st-century science mission needs. Also, NMP has instituted a ‘risk management’ policy, where, through a combination of adequate resources and early risk assessment and risk mitigation plans for the technologies, the overall risk of the NMP flights can be rendered acceptable.
Drying Rates in Infrared Drying of Clay

Equations are presented showing the effect of (a) distance of lamp bank from drying surface, (b) thickness of material, (c) absorptivity of the material, (d) intensity of radiation, and (e) humidity on the drying rate of clay. The equations were developed by graphical methods and it was found that the drying rate was a linear function of intensity of radiation and absorptivity of clay and a power function of thickness and distance of lamps from the drying surface. Infrared drying was independent of humidity below an absolute humidity of 71%.
On the free surface of a viscous fluid motion

We consider a container of fluid with a rod inserted in the centre. As the rod rotates the surface of the fluid forms a curved surface whose shape correctly balances the forces of gravity, internal stress, atmospheric pressure, and surface tension. The surface of the fluid is depressed in the neighbourhood of the rod in the case of a Newtonian fluid, but the fluid may climb along the rod in the case of non-Newtonian fluids. In recent work by D. D. Joseph and R. S. Fosdick this free surface problem has been treated quantitatively by virtue of a formal perturbation series in which the solution is developed in powers of the angular velocity of the rod. The purpose of the present paper is to give a rigorous proof of convergence in the case of a Newtonian fluid. The method here may possibly be applied to other free surface problems - for example, surface waves of a viscous fluid. The convergence proof provides, to our knowledge, the first rigorous existence theorem for a free surface problem in the theory of viscous fluids. The proof also raises a novel problem in the theory of elliptic systems of partial differential equations. By means of the implicit function theorem, the question of convergence is reduced to that of obtaining a priori estimates for an elliptic boundary value problem. That problem is formulated on a domain with a ridge where the fluid surface meets the rod. In addition, the type of boundary conditions prescribed differ on the free surface and on the rod. In general, the solution to such a mixed boundary value problem is not smooth at the ridge, even if the boundary data is smooth. The solution will be smooth, however, if the boundary data satisfy certain consistency conditions which make it compatible with the given set of partial differential equations. The consistency conditions in question here are a set of linear relations between various derivatives of the boundary and inhomogeneous data. It is shown that if one makes the assumption that the wetting angle of the surface is zero, the consistency conditions are invariant under the full nonlinear equations of the free surface problem. This makes it possible to consider the original problem on a smaller function space - namely the subclass of functions satisfying the appropriate consistency conditions - and in this subclass one can apply the implicit function theorem and obtain the required a priori estimates. The solution thus obtained is regular up to the ridge.
Ion-exchanged SAPO-34 membranes for light gas separations

Abstract Ion exchange of H–SAPO-34 zeolite membranes with Li+, Na+, K+, NH 4 + , and Cu2+ cations in non-aqueous solutions increased CO2/CH4 ideal and separation selectivities up to 60%, but increased H2/CH4 ideal and separation selectivities less than 18%. Ion exchange decreased permeances, and the decrease was larger for large cations, apparently due to steric hindrance. Exchange did not degrade SAPO-34 crystals or membranes, but changed adsorption properties for some ions.
Aiming at quality and coverage combined: blending physical and virtual union catalogues

This article discusses the deficiencies of search engines and the importance of metadata before examining three models of metadata retrieval: distributed; distributed data with a centralised index; and centralised union catalogue. In listing the advantages and disadvantages of the distributed model, the Z39.50 protocol is used as an example. The OAI harvest protocol is the example of the second model. Virtual union catalogues are compared with a real one. A pan‐European model is discussed as a way to combine the best of all three models, with EUCAT as its base.
Ubiquitin Immunocytochemistry of Spinal Cord in an Inherited Porcine Motor Neuron Disease

The inherited hypermetria described in Shorthorn cattle in this report can be differentiated from cerebellar abiotrophy and other similar diseases by the absence of histologic and ultrastructural lesions in Purkinje cells. Also, in cerebellar abiotrophy clinical signs are usually progressive, whereas in the Shorthorn cattle disease described here clinical signs were always nonprogressive. Acknowledgements. This research was supported by the EMBRAPA-UFPel agreement and by Conselho National de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, CNPq. 8.
Characterization of bifunctional adducts produced in DNA by trans-diamminedichloroplatinum(II).

Abstract The cancer chemotherapeutic drug cis -diamminedichloroplatinum(II) ( cis -DDP) produces bifunctional reactions with DNA which appear critical to its toxic action. The relative inefficacy of the isomer trans -DDP results from its production of predominantly monofunctional adducts in DNA. However, trans -DDP is also toxic and this is presumed to result from bifunctional reaction. These reactions have been characterized by platinating pure DNA followed by enzyme digestion, HPLC separation and analysis by atomic absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Bifunctional adducts occur between deoxyguanosine (dG) and either deoxyadenosine (dA), deoxycytidine (dC) or another dG. Although dG-Pt-dG occurs in both double-stranded (∼40% of total adducts) and single-stranded DNA (∼60%) there is a marked preference for formation of dG-Pt-dC in double-stranded DNA (∼50%) and dG-Pt-dA in single-stranded DNA (∼35%). Only dG-Pt-dG forms rapidly; the other adducts derive from rapid formation of a monofunctional dG-Pt and further reaction with dA or dC over many hours.
Characterization of light output and scintillation emission in CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl), and LaBr3(Ce) under isostatic pressure

Abstract The application of high isostatic pressure has been known to affect the electronic band structure of the host lattice and the electronic states of luminescence centers in scintillators. Using pulse-height gamma-ray and photoluminescence spectroscopy, the scintillation light output, decay time, and emission behavior of CsI(Tl), NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce) were studied under high isostatic pressure up to 800 MPa. The light output behavior of CsI(Tl) was found to exhibit a different trend than those observed by NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce), explained by shifts in the photoluminescence wavelengths with increased applied pressure. Scintillation decay times were also observed to shorten with pressure. The observed trends in light output and decay times are explained and compared to estimations by analytical models.
Handheld echocardiography offers rapid assessment of clinical volume status.

Background Assessment of volume status is vital for successful management of patients in heart failure (HF) programs. Bedside determination of elevated left-sided filling pressure (LFP) can be challenging and frequently inaccurate; therefore, incorporating technology such as handheld echocardiography, to aid in estimation of LFP, may improve patient care. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of handheld echocardiography by a nonexpert for potential use in the point of care evaluation of compensation. Methods Subjects were recruited from the HF clinic or inpatient service at a single center. Each subject underwent a focused handheld transthoracic echocardiogram by a medical resident trained for 10 hours. Subjects were assigned to 1 of 4 filling patterns (1 = normal, 2 = abnormal relaxation, 3 = pseudonormal, 4 = restrictive) based on measurements by pulsed wave and tissue Doppler. A 3-step echocardiography test for congestion in HF (TEC-HF) was devised for estimation of LFP. The gold standard for determining elevated LFP was clinical evaluation by a HF specialist, who classified subjects as being euvolemic or hypervolemic. Results A total of 100 consecutive subjects (72% male) were recruited, with average age of 60 years and left ventricular ejection fraction of 27%. All subjects had evaluable echocardiographic data. Based on TEC-HF, filling patterns 3 and 4 predicted hypervolemia and patterns 1 and 2 predicted euvolemia, with sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 92%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 86% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions Applying TEC-HF with handheld echocardiography accurately reflects clinical LFP as assessed by HF specialists. This procedure was easily taught to nonexpert medical staff who obtained adequate images in all patients. Handheld echocardiography could be a useful tool for assessing volume status in nonspecialized community settings.
Synthesis of Allenylidene Lithium and Silver Complexes, and Subsequent Transmetalation Reactions†

Alpha, beta, gamma! Amino substituents in alpha and beta positions allow the isolation of free carbenes, but even in the gamma position, their strong pi-electron-donating properties permit the synthesis of allenylidene lithium adducts and silver complexes (see picture), which are ideal precursors for the preparation of various transition-metal-allenylidene complexes.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the breast. A case report and review of the literature

The clinicopathologic features of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising in a female breast are presented. Seven cases have been previously reported. These may be divided into three subgroups based on history and pathologic findings. Three of the seven occurred in women without a history of other tumors or previous irradiation. One appeared with a cystosarcoma phyllodes, and three arose following radiation for carcinoma of the breast. The patient in this study had received no radiation. Treatment has been based on surgical resection; the roles of chemotherapy and radiation are uncertain. Although resection alone in the first subgroup has lead to no reported mortality, the small number of cases and the relatively short follow-up does not allow a meaningful assessment of the prognosis in this disease.
The 5'-flanking region of the ovarian promoter of the bovine CYP19 gene contains a deletion in a cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-like responsive sequence.

Conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens is catalyzed by aromatase P450 (P450arom; the product of the CYP19 gene). In the ovary, P450arom is expressed in granulosa cells of both human (h) and bovine (b) follicles. After the ovulatory surge of gonadotropins, however, P450arom expression is maintained only in the luteinized granulosa cells of the human ovary and is absent from the bovine corpus luteum. We compared the regulation of expression of the ovary-specific human CYP19 (hCYP19ov) and the bovine CYP19 (bCYP19ov) gene by cAMP (forskolin) and sought to determine whether the divergence in the expression of P450arom with the onset of luteinization could be explained by specific cis-acting elements present uniquely in the 5′-flanking DNA of the hCYP19ov or bCYP19ov gene. We, therefore, subcloned DNA encompassing the promoters and 5′-flanking regions of the hCYP19ov or bCYP19ov gene into a promoterless luciferase vector. These constructs were transfected into luteinized bovine granulosa cells or bovine lutea...
Effects of overstory composition and prescribed fire on fuel loading across a heterogeneous managed landscape in the southeastern USA

In the southeastern USA, land use history, forest management and natural geomorphic features have created heterogeneous fuel loads. This apparent temporal and spatial variation in fuel loads make it difficult to reliably assess potential fire behavior from remotely sensed canopy variables to determine risk and to prescribe treatments. We examined this variation by exploring the relationships between overstory forest vegetation attributes, recent fire history, and selected surface fuel components across an 80,000 ha contiguous landscape. Measurements of dead and live vegetation components of surface fuels were obtained from 624 permanent plots, or about 1 plot per 100 ha of forest cover. Within forest vegetation groups, we modeled the relationship between individual surface fuel components and overstory stand age, basal area, site quality and recent fire history, then stochastically predicted fuel loads across the landscape using the same linkage variables. The fraction of the plot variation, i.e., R2, explained by predictive models for individual fuel components ranged from 0.05 to 0.66 for dead fuels and 0.03 to 0.97 for live fuels in pine dominated vegetation groups. Stand age and basal area were generally more important than recent fire history for predicting fuel loads. Mapped fuel loads using these regressor variables showedmore » a very heterogeneous landscape even at the scale of a few square kilometers. The mapped patterns corresponded to stand based forest management disturbances that are reflected in age, basal area, and fire history. Recent fire history was significant in explaining variation in litter and duff biomass. Stand basal area was positively and consistently related to dead fuel biomass in most groups and was present in many predictive equations. Patterns in live fuel biomass were related to recent fire history, but the patterns were not consistent among forest vegetation groups. Age and basal area were related to live fuels in a complex manner that is likely confounded with periodic disturbances that disrupt stand dynamics. This study complements earlier hazardous fuels research in the southeastern USA, and indicates that succession, disturbance, site quality and decomposition interact with forest management practices to create variable spatial and temporal conditions. The inclusion of additional land use, disturbance history, and soil-topographic variables coupled to improved sampling methods may increase precision and subsequent fuel mapping.« less
Organic geochemistry and brine composition in Great Salt, Mono, and Walker Lakes

Abstract Samples of Recent sediments, representing up to 1000 years of accumulation, were collected from three closed basin lakes (Mono Lake, CA, Walker Lake, NV, and Great Salt Lake, UT) to assess the effects of brine composition on the accumulation of total organic carbon, the concentration of dissolved organic carbon, humic acid structure and diagenesis, and trace metal complexation. The Great Salt Lake water column is a stratified Na-Mg-Cl-SO 4 brine with low alkalinity. Algal debris is entrained in the high density (1.132–1.190 g/cc) bottom brines, and in this region maximum organic matter decomposition occurs by anaerobic processes, with sulfate ion as the terminal electron acceptor. Organic matter, below 5 cm of the sediment-water interface, degrades at a very slow rate in spite of very high pore-fluid sulfate levels. The organic carbon concentration stabilizes at 1.1 wt%. Mono Lake is an alkaline (Na-CO 3 -Cl-SO 4 ) system. The water column is stratified, but the bottom brines are of lower density relative to the Great Salt Lake, and sedimentation of algal debris is rapid. Depletion of pore-fluid sulfate, near l m of core, results in a much higher accumulation of organic carbon, approximately 6 wt%. Walker Lake is also an alkaline system. The water column is not stratified, and decomposition of organic matter occurs by aerobic processes at the sediment-water interface and by anaerobic processes below. Total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon concentrations in Walker Lake sediments vary with location and depth due to changes in input and pore-fluid sulfate concentrations. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies ( 13 C) of humic substances and dissolved organic carbon provide information on the source of the Recent sedimentary organic carbon (aquatic vs. terrestrial), its relative state of decomposition, and its chemical structure. The spectra suggest an algal origin with little terrestrial signature at all three lakes. This is indicated by the ratio of aliphatic to aromatic carbon and the absence of chemical structures indicative of the lignin of vascular plants. The dissolved organic carbon of the Mono Lake pore fluids is structurally related to humic acid and is also related to carbohydrate metabolism. The alkaline pore fluids, due to high pH, solubilize high molecular weight organic matter from the sediments. This hydrophilic material is a metal complexing agent. Despite very high algal productivities, organic carbon accumulation can be low in stratified lakes if the anoxic bottom waters are hypersaline with high concentrations of sulfate ion. Labile organic matter is recycled to the water column and the sedimentary organic matter is relatively nonsusceptible to bacterial metabolism. As a result, pore-fluid dissolved organic carbon and metal-organic complexation are low.
Electronic characterization of diamond films prepared by electron cyclotron resonance microwave plasma

Diamond films with different surface morphologies were produced by the electron cyclotron resonance microwave-plasma-assisted CVD method from gas mixtures containing COH2O2 at a relatively low pressure. The electrical conductivity of the samples along the growth direction was measured in the temperature range from 200 to 800 °C. The films with (111) morphologies have conductivity activation energies of between 0.3 and 0.4 eV consistent with boron incorporation in such films. On the contrary, films with (100) morphologies have a conductivity activation energy of 1.5 eV consistent with nitrogen incorporation in such films. Electron spin resonance and cathodoluminescence measurements show the simultaneous existence of boron and nitrogen impurities. Owing to their high solubility, boron and nitrogen are the most common impurities in natural and synthetic diamonds. The results suggest that electrically active boron and nitrogen incorporation takes place more efficiently when growth proceeds along the (111) and (100) directions respectively.
How People Can Benefit from Mental Health Consumer-Run Organizations

The goal of this study is to develop a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of the processes by which people can benefit from mental health consumer-run organizations (CROs). To accomplish this goal, the concept of roles is used to create a preliminary framework that draws connections between several established theoretical explanations. To ground theory development in empirical data, 194 CRO members from 20 CROs answered open-ended questions about what personal changes occurred as a result of their CRO involvement and what CRO participation experiences enabled personal change. Data analysis led to the identification of 18 personal change categories and 7 experiences that led to change. These categories were integrated into the preliminary theoretical framework, which needed to be extended to accommodate all categories. While inevitably tentative, the final conceptualization provides a more comprehensive understanding of the processes by which people can benefit from CRO participation.
The Nucleation and Growth of Germanium on (1 1 02) Sapphire Deposited by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Single crystal undoped germanium has been grown successfully for the first time on (1 1 02) sapphire [1,2]. Germanium was found to grow (110) with an in plane registry of Ge( 1 11)/Al 2 0 3 ( 1 012) [1]. When a 2μm germanium film was grown on ( 1 102) sapphire at 800°C and after a substrate preanneal of 1400°C, the X-ray line width of the Ge(220) reflection was measured to be 230 arcseconds [2]. Strain was observed only in germanium films that were thinner than 40 nm [2].
Propensity of Persuasive Attack and Intensity of Pretreatment Messages as Predictors of Resistance to Persuasion

Summary This investigation was an extension of earlier work in the resistance to persuasion paradigm. Ss were 158 male and female college students enrolled in a sophomore level communication course. Two hypotheses were advanced to test the effects of propensity of a persuasive attack: i. e., likelihood of having present attitudes and beliefs attacked, and the intensity/threatening nature of pretreatment messages. As predicted, in the condition of 50% probability of subsequent attack, there was more resistance to persuasion as measured by semantic differential attitude scales that when it was either highly probable that an attack was forthcoming or when it was highly likely no attack would follow. There were no effects for pretreatment message intensity. Results are discussed in terms of the import to future resistance to persuasion research.
Stable static solitons in the nonlinear sigma model with a topological term

Abstract Soliton solutions in the nonlinear sigma model in (2 + 1) space-time dimensions are analyzed classically in the presence of the Chern-Simons term using a CP1 map. Making an expansion in θCP, the new contributions to the energy functional push the solitons to infinite size. It is further shown that including quantum zero-point fluctuations around the soliton vacuum in the long-wavelength limit is insufficient to stabilize its size.