cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of lymph node yield in robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with that in open radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE • To investigate both the feasibility and the adequacy of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) by comparing lymph node yields obtained during RALP with those obtained during traditional open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS • We retrospectively reviewed 1047 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2001 and 2009. • In all, 626 patients underwent RALP while 421 patients had traditional open RRP. All patients undergoing bilateral PLND were included in our analysis. • Lymph node yields and lymph node involvement for each surgical approach were calculated and examined. • PLND-related complications were analysed. RESULTS • Of the 1047 patients, 816 patients underwent bilateral PLND of whom 473 underwent RALP, while 343 underwent RRP. The mean lymph node yields for the RALP cohort (7.1, interquartile range 4–10) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than for the RRP cohort (6.0, interquartile range 3–8). • The percentage of patients with nodal involvement was 1.1 for RALP and 2.3 for RRP (P= 0.167). • Mean age, preoperative PSA values, and pre- and postoperative Gleason scores were similar between the two cohorts. • PLND-related complications were similar between both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS • In patients undergoing RALP, PLND is feasible and provides lymph node yields comparable with those of the standard open approach. • PLND should be strongly considered in all radical prostatectomy patients when clinically indicated, regardless of surgical technique.
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Pearls and Pitfalls

There has been a proliferation of new patellofemoral implants, which reflects an increasing interest in this topic on the part of the orthopedic community. The procedure is a niche procedure reserved for patients with isolated patellofemoral arthritis who are unlikely to develop femorotibial arthritis in their lifetime, and for patients considered too young or too active to receive a total knee replacement. Other options include biological repair, tibial tuberosity transfers, patellectomy (partial or total), and total joint replacement surgery.
Trait, Interactionist, and Behavior Assessment Variables in Open Communication

In an effort to explore viable alternatives to trait and situational orientations in behavioral research, this article examines an interactionist perspective. Specifically, the role of behavioral expectations in open communication is investigated. The findings suggest that personal expectations of openness are strongly related to general predispositions to disclose and to exhibit open style, to expectations of others' open behavior, and to self-ratings of open behavior. Personal expectations for open behavior are not as strongly related to ratings of open behavior by others. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications of considering personal expectations as an interaction variable in the study of open communication.
Epidemiology of hepatitis B in hospital personnel.

To identify occupational categories and work areas of possible risk for acquisition of nosocomial hepatitis B by hospital personnel, serologic sampling for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) and antibody (anti-HBS) by radioimmunoassay was carried out in 513 employees of a large metropolitan hospital serving predominantly indigent patients. HBSAg was detected in 0.7%, HBSAg and anti-HBS in 0.4%, and anti-HBS in 13.3% of the study population. No significant difference in seropositivity was noted between sexes. Furthermore, neither exposure to patients with hapatitis nor previous blood transfusion correlated with serologic evidence of hepatitis B infection. However, frequency and intensity of exposure to blood products was associated with serologic evidence of infection: 18.9% of those with frequent blood contact were positive for HBSAg or anti-HBS, compared with 11.4% of those without blood product exposure (p less than .05). Direct patient contact, apart from blood exposure, did not appear operative as a major factor in hepatitis B transmission in this population. Accordingly, occupational categories and work areas with highest risk for acquisition of nosocomial hepatitis B were those with greatest blood exposure.
Bargaining in distribution channels

Abstract This study empirically assesses the impact two fundamental dimensions of distribution channels have on channel member bargaining behavior, namely, (1) the expected duration of the channel bargaining relationship and (2) the channel member dependence on the bargaining. The following findings were observed from a laboratory study using 160 business students: low dependence produced fewer bargaining sessions ending in agreement compared to high dependence among buyer-seller dyads. Low dependence bargainers made more extreme initial offers, conceded less, and used the pronoun we less than did high dependence bargainers. The sellers emerged better off than the buyers from the negotiations. Sellers achieved this advantage by making more extreme initial offers than buyers, conceding more than buyers, but emerging with the better deal.
Laser-induced luminescence of xenon implanted natural diamond

Abstract We report here on laser-induced luminescence studies of the Xe ion related optical center in diamond. The sample with the Xe center was a natural diamond (type Ia) irradiated with 500 keV Xe ions at room temperature with the dose 1×10 13 cm −2 and annealed at 1400 C. The Xe center exhibits an isolated zero phonon line (ZPL) at 811.7 nm (1.527 eV) and a weak vibrational sideband. Growth of a second ZPL at 793.1 nm was observed at elevated temperatures T >65 K. Using Ti:sapphire laser excitation, it was established that both ZPLs observed are resonance 0–0 lines. It was concluded that the excited state of the optical transition has a double-level structure, and the ground state consists of a single level. The excited state energy level splitting of about Δ E =236±20 cm −1 was found by studying the temperature behavior of these ZPLs. This splitting is different from the spectroscopic splitting of 289 cm −1 . Possible reasons of the discrepancy are discussed. The vibronic sideband of the ZPL at 811.7 nm with several phonons and quasilocal peaks was observed. The Huang–Rhys factor was determined to be exp(− S )=0.9±0.05 at temperature 8 K.
A note on computer analysis of a thermocouple-based respiration signal for assessing human-computer interactive task performance

Abstract This note discusses a procedure for computer analysis of the respiration signal as obtained from a thermocouple transducer. Emphasis is given to: (1) the need for a sensor that is relatively insensitive to movement artifacts; (2) the development of a computer algorithm capable of dealing with the ill-defined character of the respiratory waveform; and (3) a procedure for validating the results of computer analysis. The discussion is within the context of assessing job design of computer-interactive tasks for older persons.
A Modular Electronic System for Magnetostrictive Spark Chambers

A flexible electronic system is described where each module performs a single function. The system has been designed around a digital data buss which allows read-out by typewriter, magnetic tape, computer or combinations of these. Besides those associated directly with magnetostrictive spark chambers the system includes auxiliary modules such as scalers, pulse height to digital converters, event registers, and fixed data input so that all aspects of a particular event can be recorded. Sub modular techniques and integrated circuits reduce the required number of printed circuit boards and facilitate fabrication of special modules. Several operating systems are described.
Synthesis of microamounts of ketones from carboxylic acids: 1‐phenoxy‐2‐butanones‐2‐14‐14C

A technique using acetic acid as a co-reactant for synthesizing microamounts of radiolabelled ketones from carboxylic acids with ethyl lithium is described. The acetic acid forms methyl ethyl ketone, a compound easily separated from the radiolabelled products.
Research in the process and content of manufacturing strategy

Abstract Traditionally, research in manufacturing strategy has not explicitly recognized the distinction between process and content research. In this paper, however, separate conceptual models for process and content are extracted from the literature. These models are used to: (1) articulate the distinction between process and content research; (2) synthesize the predominant process and content models; (3) evaluate the existing research; and (4) propose future research directions from both a process and content perspective. The research reported in this paper reveals that the literature has not progressed sufficiently beyond articulating the major issues in manufacturing strategy. Three causes for this lack of progress are identified: (1) a paucity of theory construction; (2) little empirical research; and (3) insufficient efforts in adopting ideas and methods from related fields.
Cellular neural network implementation using a phase-only joint transform correlator

A phase-only joint transform correlator (JTC) is used to realize cellular neural networks (CNNs). The operation of summing cross-correlations of bipolar data in CNNs can be realized in parallel by phase-encoding bipolar data. Compared to other optical systems for implementing CNNs, the proposed method offers the advantages of easier implementation and robustness in terms of system alignment, and requires neither electronic precalculation nor data rearrangement. Simulation results of the proposed optical CNNs for edge detection are provided.
Phase retrieval from experimental far-field speckle data.

Phase retrieval from experimental (laboratory) data has been successfully demonstrated. A diffuse object was coherently illuminated and Fourier intensity data were collected by a charge-coupled device detector and a video digitizer. By using the data and an a priori triangular image support constraint, an iterative Fourier-transform algorithm was used to estimate the phase of the Fourier transform of the object. The reconstructed image compares favorably with a conventional image with the same spatial-frequency bandwidth.
Experimental evaluation of infiniband transport over local- and wide-area networks

High-performance file systems that span across supercomputers and storage systems are becoming increasingly important, as these resources are being dispersed both within the enterprise and across the wide-area. Infiniband transport has been proposed as a candidate to provide high-performance access over interconnects primarily within an enterprise. In this paper, we present an experimental study of Infiniband transport over ORNL infrastructure of Cray XT3 supercomputer and cluster storage system for local-area and DOE UltraScience Network (USN) for wide-area. Our results indicate that Infiniband throughput of 7.6Gbps (4x) scales to 8,000 miles with 5% degradation with no customization over 10Gbps wide-area connections. We conducted preliminary performance tests of Lustre file system over these connections, which identified potential parameter and modules optimizations.
Criteria for reliable entanglement quantification with finite data

We propose one and a half criteria for determining how many measurements are needed to quantify entanglement reliably. We base these criteria on Bayesian analysis of measurement results and apply our methods to four-qubit entanglement, but generalizations to more qubits are straightforward.
A p-ADIC SUPERCONGRUENCE CONJECTURE OF VAN HAMME

In this paper we prove a p-adic supercongruence conjecture of van Hamme by placing it in the context of the Beukers-like supercongruences of Rodriguez-Villegas. This conjecture is a p-adic analog of a formula of Ramanujan.
Hard disk drive seek-arrival vibration reduction with parametric damped flexible printed circuits

Seek-arrival track-mis-registration (TMR) is one of the most critical dynamic design factors for modern hard disk drives to achieve high data transfer-rate performance goal. With its flexible structural nature, the flex cable itself inevitably renders low-frequency natural modes which have been a challenge with respect to balancing design efforts among servo control, mechanical design, and manufacturing process in disk drive industry. In this paper, particular focus will be given to vibration damping approach to reduce flex cable related seek-arrival dynamics in a state of the art magnetic disk storage drive. Experimental parameter studies of a typical constrained-layer damped flex cable vibrations are presented with cable exposed to various damper length and fold in different geometries. Effectiveness of the damper is also demonstrated by frequency responses with random excitation from actuator arm. Several design options toward reducing the flex circuit related arrival TMR will also be discussed in this paper.
Development and Implementation of an Interactive, Objective, and Simulation-Based Curriculum for General Surgery Residents

Objective A Steering Committee of residents and faculty initiated a systematic approach to curriculum development, focusing on competency-based education and emphasizing both resident and faculty engagement in the didactic process. Setting Integrated General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut. Participants Postgraduate year (PGY) 1 through 5 general surgery categorical and preliminary residents. Methods A Core Curriculum consisting of 45-minute blocks and 2.5 hours of resident time per week was developed by a steering committee composed of faculty and residents. Each block is assigned a faculty and resident moderator, and has defined competency and knowledge-based objectives. An anonymous online evaluation tool collected residents' perceptions of value and satisfaction with the curriculum utilizing 15 5-point Likert items focusing on conferences, objectives, preparation, and quality of presentations, and materials. Measures were taken at the close of the previous academic year (baseline) and at 6 months and 1 year after implementation. The analysis focused on the percent responding in the 2 highest Likert categories (good/excellent, almost always/always, agree/strongly agree). The resulting dichotomous outcomes were compared with time point using χ2-tests of proportion; Kruskal-Wallis statistic was also used to compare the full distribution of responses. All analyses were done using SPSS v. 14 with α = 0.05. Results One hundred two surveys were completed on-line (42 at baseline, 38 at 6 months, and 22 at 1 year). All 15 items showed increases from baseline to 1-year follow-up; 9 of the 15 were statistically significant with conferences and presentation quality and interaction showing the greatest improvement. Conclusions Resident satisfaction with the core curriculum, and their self-reported clinical and academic abilities showed improvement after a systematic collaborative faculty–resident approach to curriculum development and implementation.
Rotational and finite strain contributions to spin-lattice interactions in paramagnets

Abstract A theory is developed to treat rotational and finite strain contributions to the spin-lattice coupling in paramagnets. The spin system is described by pseudospin operators whose spatial rotational properties may be unknown. Measurements of the magnetoelastic shifts in the elastic constants of two rare earth vanadates are in excellent agreement with the theory.
The Arginine-Rich RNA-Binding Motif of HIV-1 Rev Is Intrinsically Disordered and Folds upon RRE Binding

Arginine-rich motifs (ARMs) capable of binding diverse RNA structures play critical roles in transcription, translation, RNA trafficking, and RNA packaging. The regulatory HIV-1 protein Rev is essential for viral replication and belongs to the ARM family of RNA-binding proteins. During the early stages of the HIV-1 life cycle, incompletely spliced and full-length viral mRNAs are very inefficiently recognized by the splicing machinery of the host cell and are subject to degradation in the cell nucleus. These transcripts harbor the Rev Response Element (RRE), which orchestrates the interaction with the Rev ARM and the successive Rev-dependent mRNA export pathway. Based on established criteria for predicting intrinsic disorder, such as hydropathy, combined with significant net charge, the very basic primary sequences of ARMs are expected to adopt coil-like structures. Thus, we initiated this study to investigate the conformational changes of the Rev ARM associated with RNA binding. We used multidimensional NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy to monitor the observed structural transitions, and described the conformational landscapes using statistical ensemble and molecular-dynamics simulations. The combined spectroscopic and simulated results imply that the Rev ARM is intrinsically disordered not only as an isolated peptide but also when it is embedded into an oligomerization-deficient Rev mutant. RRE recognition triggers a crucial coil-to-helix transition employing an induced-fit mechanism.
Laser-induced transient regression of Barrett's epithelium

tula repair during the initial surgery have been advo­ cated in an attempt to reduce complications such as recurrence of gallstone ileus, cholangitis, and carci­ noma of the gallbladder and to preclude further sur­ gery.16 The mortality rate of the one-stage procedure is reported to be between 0 and 19%.3,7,11 In any case, the prime objective when dealing with this condition at laparotomy is to relieve the intestinal obstruction. Thus, an endoscopic approach, such as we employed, could be a possible alternative with appropriate pa­ tient selection. Elective surgery after evaluation of patients, including evaluation of the biliary system, will enable us to achieve proper treatment in each case. We would like to stress that treatment of gallstone ileus by EHL is quite effective for patients with prox­ imal intestinal obstruction if the location of impacted gallstones and the patient's condition allow.
Fundamentals and Use of Potassium/Polymer Drilling Fluids To Minimize Drilling and Completion Problems Associated With Hydratable Clays

Water sensitive shales cause expensive problems and may defeat the purpose of drilling a well. Clay hydration can produce drilling problems such as wellbore instability, stuck pipe, bottomhole fill, torque, drag, and solids buildup in the drilling fluid. It also can produce completion problems such as formation damage in shaly sands, logging and coring failures, hole washout, and poor cement jobs. Proper application of an inhibitive drilling fluid will reduce drilling costs, rig time, formation damage, and completion costs. The potassium ion, when used at the proper concentration, is a powerful shale inhibitor. It interacts with clays, such as illite or montmorillonite, lowers the hydration energy, and reduces swelling. Relatively simple potassium/polymer drilling fluid systems, which provide excellent rheological and filtration properties, have been formulated at moderate costs. The systems, when properly used, are quite stable and easily maintained.
PtSiO2: II. Characterization of the gel and the platinum particles by X-Ray diffraction

Abstract Modern techniques for analysis of X-ray diffraction profiles have been applied to several of the platinum-silica gel catalysts described in Part I to determine average platinum crystallite size, percentage exposed, crystallite shape, size distribution, lattice parameter, residual stresses and strains, presence or absence of faulting, and mean-square amplitude of vibration. In addition the surface area of the gel was determined with small-angle scattering (SAS). There is good agreement between the percentage exposed of platinum measured by gas adsorption in Part I and the results reported here, calculated from crystallite sizes, indicating the crystallite size is the true platinum particle size. Crystallites to sizes as small as ≈25 A have been examined. Furthermore, the crystallites are equiaxed in shape (and definitely not cuboidal) and are strain and defect free, except in the case where the average size is near the pore size of the gel. Size distributions are sharper when the catalyst preparation is by impregnation rather than by ion exchange. The size distributions indicate that there is coalescence of some surface species during preparation rather than coarsening (Ostwald ripening). The meansquare amplitude of vibration of platinum increases by ≈30% as the particles decrease in size from ≈100 to ≈25 A. There is no change in the lattice parameter greater than ≈0.1%. The gel surface areas determined by SAS are in agreement with those determined in Part I by physisorbtion of nitrogen.
Pan- H -Linked Graphs

Let H be a multigraph, possibly containing loops. An H-subdivision is any simple graph obtained by replacing the edges of H with paths of arbitrary length. Let H be an arbitrary multigraph of order k, size m, n 0(H) isolated vertices and n 1(H) vertices of degree one. In Gould and Whalen (Graphs Comb. 23:165–182, 2007) it was shown that if G is a simple graph of order n containing an H-subdivision $${\mathcal{H}}$$and $${\delta(G) \ge \frac{n+m-k+n_1(H)+2n_0(H)}{2}}$$, then G contains a spanning H-subdivision with the same ground set as $${\mathcal{H}}$$. As a corollary to this result, the authors were able to obtain Dirac’s famed theorem on hamiltonian graphs; namely that if G is a graph of order n ≥ 3 with $${\delta(G)\ge\frac{n}{2}}$$, then G is hamiltonian. Bondy (J. Comb. Theory Ser. B 11:80–84, 1971) extended Dirac’s theorem by showing that if G satisfied the condition $${\delta(G) \ge \frac{n}{2}}$$then G was either pancyclic or a complete bipartite graph. In this paper, we extend the result from Gould and Whalen (Graphs Comb. 23:165–182, 2007) in a similar manner. An H-subdivision $${\mathcal{H}}$$in G is 1-extendible if there exists an H-subdivision $${\mathcal{H}^{*}}$$ with the same ground set as $${\mathcal{H}}$$and $${|\mathcal{H}^{*}| = |\mathcal{H}| + 1}$$. If every H-subdivision in G is 1-extendible, then G is pan-H-linked. We demonstrate that if H is sufficiently dense and G is a graph of large enough order n such that $${\delta(G) \ge \frac{n+m-k+n_1(H)+2n_0(H)}{2}}$$, then G is pan-H-linked. This result is sharp.
Does “Smarter” Lead to Safer? An Assessment of the US Border Accords with Canada and Mexico

The terrorist attacks of September 11 and their immediate aftermath along the US-Canadian and US-Mexican borders focused attention on border management strategies in ways previously unimaginable. Suddenly confronted by the fact that existing systems and processes were not particularly effective either at protecting security or facilitating legitimate traffic, the United States, in conjunction with the Canadian and Mexican Governments, demonstrated an uncharacteristic willingness to reconceptualize its approach to physical borders. While initiating a series of internal policy adjustments to secure themselves against terrorist threats, the US, Canadian, and Mexican Governments also signed two bilateral agreements — the 12 December 2001 United States-Canada Smart Border Declaration and the 22 March 2002 United States-Mexico Border Partnership Agreement. These agreements represent an important development in the US's relationship with each of its North American neighbours, acknowledging not only the deep economic, social, and cultural ties, but also the new reality that the United States cannot attain the additional security it desires through unilateral actions alone. Thus, while September 11 forced a reassessment of vulnerabilities, it simultaneously provided the United States an opportunity to work more systematically with its contiguous neighbours for security benefits, a realization likely to flow into other areas where the benefits of cooperation eclipse those of unilateralism. This paper analyses the first year of the two border accords, tracking their implementation and evaluating their successes and failures. Most importantly, the paper outlines outstanding challenges, highlights steps that the governments should take to achieve additional border security and efficiency, and draws conclusions regarding factors likely to make their efforts more, or less, successful.
Investigation on the Optical Performance of Co and Al Co-Doping ZnO Films

ZnO is a novel kind of semiconductor material, which has hexagonal Wurtzite crystal structure, with a wide band-gap of 3.37eV at room temperature. It owns a large excitation binding energy of 60meV and excellent room temperature stability. ZnO has very useful properties of piezoelectricity, gas & pressure sensitivity etc. Therefore, application researches on low dimensional ZnO materials have become hot topics and significant values.In this paper, ZnO doped thin films were prepared by sol-gel method. Zn (CH3COO)2•2H2O was employed as the precursor, anhydrous alcohol was the solvent, monoethanolamine was the complexant, Co(CH3COO)2•4H2O was used as the source of the Co-dopant, Al(NO3)3•9H2O was used as the source of the Al-dopant in the experiment to yield the doped ZnO films. The sample preparation spin coating number is 6, the average grain size is in nanometer level, and the thermal treatment temperature is 450, 500, 550, 600°C, respectively. The effect of the doping proportion on the crystallization and energy band structure of the ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Infrared spectrum and the ultraviolet-visible transmission spectra (UV-Vis).The results show that the crystalline grain size of the ZnO doped films grown on glass substrates increases, since the thermal treatment temperature rise. In this paper, a best ZnO doped film was obtained at the temperature of 600°C. It preliminarily analyses that Co-doped ZnO films present a absorption peak in infrared area when the thermal treatment is at 550°C. Al or Co doped ZnO films can cause a redshift of ultraviolet absorption peaks. Energy gap is around 3.2eV when doped. The ultraviolet absorption peaks of Al-doped ZnO films will have a shift to high energy, since it has a better crystallinity.
Sleeping Beauty-mediated down-regulation of huntingtin expression by RNA interference.

Huntington disease (HD) is a devastating neurologic disorder that is characterized by abnormal expansion of a CAG nt repeat in the first exon of the huntingtin (htt) gene, producing a mutant protein with an elongated polyglutamine stretch. The presence of this mutant protein is correlated with the characteristic loss of striatal neurons and the clinical manifestation of HD. Currently there is no effective treatment for the associated cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate an innovative strategy combining RNA interference (RNAi) and gene transfer via the nonviral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system to down-regulate Htt expression. siRNA expression vectors were designed to target exons 1, 4, 6, and 62 of the human htt gene. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to quantify Htt mRNA and protein levels, respectively, in human cell lines. The results indicated that selected siRNA constructs significantly decreased Htt mRNA and protein levels relative to controls. In addition, SB transposition of the siRNA constructs into the genome reduced long-term protein expression of Htt by ∼90%. The combination of siRNA, the SB transposon, and an accurate transgenic mouse model may permit evaluation of this approach in preventing the pathogenesis associated with expression of mutant Htt.
Paraplegia After Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Is Dissection a Risk Factor?

Abstract Background . The association between aortic dissection and paraplegia or paraparesis (P/P) after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is not clear. Methods . Six hundred sixty patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair from 1986 through 1995 using selective atriodistal bypass, liberal reattachment of critical intercostal arteries, moderate heparinization, and permissive mild hypothermia. Dissection was present in 163 patients (24.7%) and absent in 497 (75.3%). Results . Early mortality occurred in 7.4% overall, and did not differ between patients with nondissection, acute dissection, or chronic dissection. The incidence of P/P was 5.4% overall, 5.5% without dissection, and 5.0% with dissection. The risk of P/P for acute versus chronic dissection was 19% versus 2.9%, respectively ( p = 0.011). Rupture and Crawford extent II were predictive of the development of P/P. In patients at high risk for P/P (ie, Crawford extent I or II), atriodistal bypass reduced the intercostal artery ischemic time, and reattachment of critical intercostal arteries (T8 to L1) reduced the incidence of P/P. Conclusions . Acute dissection increases the risk of P/P after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair; using contemporary methods, however, chronic dissection does not increase the risk of postoperative P/P. Critical intercostal artery reattachment and atriodistal bypass are beneficial in patients undergoing extensive repairs.
Synthesis of 5-Substituted Derivatives of Isophthalic Acid as Non-Polymeric Amphiphilic Coating for Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

In the course of development of novel capping ligands with variable steric factor, which will be used as an organic coating for metal oxide nanoparticles, a base-catalyzed nucleophilic oxirane ring-opening addition reaction between dimethyl 5-hydroxyisophthalate and allyl glycidyl ether was studied. The allyl-terminated 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 adducts and dihydroxylated derivative of the 1-1 adduct, 5-diglyceroxy isophthalic acid, were synthesized. The latter binds to the surface of 5 nm γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in reaction with their surfactant-free diethylene glycol colloids.
Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity in cerebral cortical synaptosomes by nitric oxide donors: evidence for feedback autoregulation

Despite evidence which supports a neurotransmitter-like role for nitric oxide (NO) in the CNS, relatively little is known regarding mechanisms which control NO formation within CNS neurons. In this study, isolated nerve endings (synaptosomes) from rat cerebral cortex were used to ascertain whether NO can autoregulate its own formation within neurons through feedback inhibition of the NO biosynthetic enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Under the conditions described here, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-sensitive conversion of L-[3H]arginine into L-[3H]citrulline (i.e., NOS activity) was found to be highly calcium-dependent and strongly inhibited (up to 60 percent) by NO donors, including sodium nitroprusside, hydroxylamine and nitroglycerin. The inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside was concentration-dependent (IC50 approximately 100 microM) and prevented by the NO scavenger oxyhemoglobin. L-Citrulline, the other major end-product from NOS, had no apparent effect on synaptosomal NOS activity. Taken together, these results indicate that neuronal NOS can be inhibited by NO released from exogenous donors and, therefore, may be subject to end-product feedback inhibition by NO that is formed locally within neurons or released from proximal cells.
Angular scattering of low-energy electrons by atomic and molecular oxygen, argon, and helium

The differential cross sections for electrons scattered by He, O, Ar, and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ at 15 eV and by O and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ at 5 eV have been determined using a modulated crossed-beam technique. The results for He, Ar and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ agree well with previously published experimental and theoretical values. Measurements on ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ extend to larger back-scattered angles than previously reported. Results for O are compared with the theoretical calculations of Thomas and Nesbet. Reasonable agreement with theory is obtained at 5 eV, and while the calculations only extend to 11.0 eV, the trend in shape appears correct at 15 eV. A small-angle dip in the cross section is observed which is not predicted by the theory.
Parallel development of ethanol tolerance and operant compensatory behaviors in rats.

Abstract This experiment was designed to detect compensatory learning that has been suggested to occur during the course of tolerance development to ethanol's effects on operant performance. The effects of presession ethanol injections on the development of tolerance to ethanol's effects on operant performance in an afternoon Fixed-Ratio (FR) task was assessed in rats that were concurrently performing in a morning DRL task. Only presession saline injections were administered for the DRL task. A cumulative dosing procedure was used to establish initial and postethanol exposure dose-effect curves for both tasks. Daily presession ethanol administration produced a 3-fold-shift-to-the-right in the dose-effect curve for FR-task performance. No changes were evident in the FR-task performance of controls that received daily saline injections. However, during the period of daily ethanol injections and during subsequent cumulative dose tests, the ethanol, but not the control, group displayed dose-related increases in total DRL-task responses relative to baseline. These DRL data were interpreted as reflecting the development of rate-increasing behaviors that compensated for and contributed to the tolerance of ethanol's rate-decreasing effects on FR-task performance.
Organizational and occupational commitment in relation to bridge employment and retirement intentions

Abstract Understanding the antecedents to retirement and bridge employment is important to older-aged adults who seek ways to smoothly transition to full retirement, and to organizations that benefit from retaining their highly skilled and most experienced workers, especially in occupations for which labor shortages are projected. We tested the effects of affective, continuance, and normative commitment to organizations and to occupations on older-aged pharmacists' ( N = 294) intentions to fully retire and to pursue three types of bridge employment. As hypothesized, criteria that were more organizationally focused (e.g., bridge employment in the same organization) were predicted more strongly by organizational, rather than occupational, commitment. For one type of bridge employment that was more occupationally focused—bridge employment in a different field—the hypothesized differential effects were supported, such that it was predicted more strongly by occupational, rather than organizational, commitment. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, research, and practice.
Targeted radiotherapy with [90Y]-SMT 487 in mice bearing human nonsmall cell lung tumor xenografts induced to express human somatostatin receptor subtype 2 with an adenoviral vector

BACKGROUND Novel approaches to increasing the therapeutic efficacy of targeted radiotherapy of cancer are required. One strategy to achieve this goal is to induce high-level expression of a receptor on the surface of tumor cells that can be targeted with a radiolabeled peptide. The objectives of this study were to 1) induce somatostatin receptor (SSTr2) expression in tumor cells using an adenovirus encoding the SSTr2 gene (AdSSTr2), 2) demonstrate tumor localization of [111In]-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide in AdSSTr2-injected tumors, and 3) show therapeutic efficacy with [90Y]-DOTA-D-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide ([90Y]-SMT 487). METHODS SSTr2 expression was validated in vitro by the binding and subsequent internalization of [111In]-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide (21.3% per mg of total protein) in A-427 cells infected with AdSSTr2. In vivo imaging confirmed 5- to 10-fold greater uptake 5.5 hours after intravenous administration of [111In]-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide in AdSSTr2-injected tumors relative to control tumors. For therapy studies, mice bearing established subcutaneous A-427 tumors were given two intratumoral injections of AdSSTr2 1 week apart, followed by an intravenous injection of 400 μCi or 500 μCi [90Y]-SMT 487 at 2 and 4 days after each adenoviral administration. Control animals either were not treated or were administered 500 μCi [90Y]-SMT 487 with no AdSSTr2 injection. RESULTS These studies showed that untreated animals and animals treated with no virus and 500 μCi [90Y]-SMT 487 had median tumor quadrupling times of 16 and 25 days, respectively. Mice administered AdSSTr2 and either 400 μCi or 500 μCi of [90Y]-SMT 487 demonstrated significantly longer median tumor quadrupling times of 40 and 44 days, respectively (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS These studies are the first to demonstrate in vivo therapeutic efficacy using a radiolabeled peptide targeted to a receptor expressed on the surface of tumor cells following gene transfer. Future studies will focus on the optimization of this approach. Cancer 2002;94:1298–1305. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10300
Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children: results of a national survey of paediatric orthopaedic consultants.

Abstract Several aspects of the management of displaced supracondylar fractures in children remain controversial. Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (Type III) in children have traditionally been considered orthopaedic emergencies. Recent studies have suggested that closed Type III supracondylar fractures without vascular compromise may be treated in a delayed manner without compromise to functional and cosmetic outcome. Debate continues over the fixation method of choice in these difficult fractures. A postal questionnaire of 121 practising paediatric orthopaedic consultants in the UK was performed to explore these issues. Seventy-seven replies were obtained (63.6%). The 54.5% of the respondents managed displaced supracondylar fractures without vascular compromise in a delayed manner (more than 8 h from presentation). The incidence, initial assessment and factors which influence the timing of surgery of these fractures are discussed. The fixation method of choice reported was closed reduction and the use of smooth Kirshner wires (93.4%). Of these, crossed pin fixation is used by 83.9% of respondents and 9.7% employed laterally placed wires. The majority of consultants (69.7%) considered the operative treatment of these fractures a consultant-led procedure. This survey has established an overview of the current practices of paediatric orthopaedic consultants in the UK in the management of these difficult fractures.
Rational choice and the sociology of age: Heuristic models

Rational choice is contrasted with the sociology of age as two broad frameworks to aid the search for conceptual models to integrate our fragmented discipline. Some suggestive differences and convergences between them point to the desirability of a more dynamic emphasis in rational choice theory, and to consideration of the philosophical and moral assumptions underlying the “purpose” of action in the sociology of age.
Differential Responses to Adjuvants of Macrophages from Young Virgin, Aging Virgin and Aging Breeder Mice.

Age related differences in macrophage responsiveness to adjuvants seen previously with thioglycollate induced cells were also found with resident macrophages. Thus, activation of phagocytosis by lipopolysaccharide, polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid complexes and muramyl dipeptides occurred when exposed to macrophages removed from young but not aging C58 and C3H/He mice. However, breeding status differences were observed in that aging virgin mice were unresponsive to these adjuvants, while aging breeder mice responded similarly to young virgin mice. Analysis of any changes in membrane phospholipids was carried out to determine their association with the age related and breeding status differences observed. Significant differences occurred in 32P labelling of phosphatidyl inositol between unstimulated macrophages from young and aging C58 mice. No differences were evident, however, after LPS stimulation. Analysis of macrophage plasma membranes from young and aging mice for cholesterol revealed significant age related differences in their ability to undergo increases in cholesterol content after LPS activation.
Parent–infant co-sleeping: why the interest and concern?

The practice of parents and their young children co-sleeping is a topic of ongoing controversy and debate. Both physical and psychosocial risks and benefits have been attached to this practice. In this introduction to the special issue, we present the prevailing views about early sleep arrangements. We then discuss the organization of the special issue and highlight the contributions of each article. Together, this collection of original articles comprises a body of research that advances our understanding of co-sleeping in the context of social and physical environments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Orbital and Physical Parameters for the Pluto-Charon System

Analysis of the observations of several Pluto-Charon occultation and transit events in 1985 and 1986 has provided a more detailed knowledge of the system. The sum of the radii of Pluto and Charon is 1786 +/- 19 kilometers, but the individual radii are somewhat more poorly determined; Pluto is 1145 +/- 46 kilometers in radius and Charon is 642 +/- 34 kilometers in radius. The mean density of the system is 1.84 +/- 0.19 grams per cubic centimeter, implying that more than half of the mass is due to rock. Charon appears to have hemispheres of two different colors, the Plutofacing side being neutral in color and the opposite hemisphere being a reddish color similar to Pluto.
Maxillary polydimethylsiloxane glossal prostheses.

Abstract A technique was described to mechanically combine acrylic resin with a polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) material. The polysiloxane glossal prosthesis was suspended from the palatal surface of a maxillary complete denture obturator. While a prosthetic tongue is a poor substitute for a most vital structure, every attempt must be made to make the patient comfortable and aid the patient in dealing with routine social demands. This type of prosthesis attached to a stable maxillary denture provides a rehabilitative service which may be considered for patients who experience glossectomy.
Prevalence of preseason conditioning among high school athletes in two spring sports.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and predictors of preseason conditioning among high school athletes. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 451 high school athletes participating on girls and boys track and boys soccer teams in five public high schools in Seattle, WA, spring 2005. Questions were modified from validated surveys of physical activity for adolescents. The main outcome measure was meeting criteria for adequate preseason conditioning, which specify a combination of aerobic conditioning (vigorous exercise for at least 300 min·wk-1) and stretching and strengthening exercises (at least three times a week for any duration). Log-binomial regression was performed to examine factors associated with preseason conditioning. Results: The majority of athletes met the criteria for each of the components (59% for aerobic conditioning, 62% for stretching, 63% for strengthening). As defined by meeting the criteria for all three components, 33% of the athletes had adequate preseason conditioning. Of those athletes meeting criteria for all three components, the majority reported at least 1 month of conditioning to prepare for the season. Varsity athletes were more likely to meet the preseason conditioning criteria compared with junior varsity athletes (38 vs 25%, prevalence ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1). Athletes who reported help with conditioning from a coach were twice as likely to have adequate preseason conditioning compared with those who did not receive help from a coach (45 vs 23%, prevalence ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4). Conclusion: The majority of athletes in this study did meet criteria for each individual conditioning component (aerobic, stretching, strengthening), but only a minority met all three criteria. These findings highlight the need for school- or coach-sponsored involvement to ensure that all athletes engage in comprehensive preseason conditioning programs.
Defining the heating characteristics of ferromagnetic implants using calorimetry.

The induction heating of small, cylindrical ferromagnetic implants for localized tumors is currently under investigation. These thermal rods are implanted within a lesion in 1 cm(2) arrays and subsequently exposed to an externally applied alternating magnetic field. Implants absorb energy from the field and transfer it as heat to the surrounding tissue. To achieve a uniform temperature rise throughout the tissue volume and to account for any field-rod misalignment, 400 mW of power per implant is used as the design specification. The temperature to necrose cells must be greater than 46 degrees C. A calorimeter was constructed to confirm that the rod power output specification is satisfied at temperatures adequate for inducing cell death. The rods were designed to undergo a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at temperatures of 55 degrees C, 60 degrees C, 65 degrees C, and 70 degrees C; this transition produces rods that are temperature self-regulating. Calorimetric results demonstrated that 55 degrees C, 60 degrees C, 65 degrees C, and 70 degrees C rods provided 400 mW at 47-51 degrees C, 51-53.5 degrees C, 57 degrees C, and 62.5-63.5 degrees C, respectively. Thermal rods provide sufficient power output at the temperatures necessary to cause thermal ablation of tumors. The higher-temperature rods give a greater margin to ensure that necrotizing temperatures can be achieved throughout the rod array even with minor misalignment.