cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatic intraductal oncocytic papillary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND There has been an increasing incidence and mortality from peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PC) in the United States over the past 24 years. PC has been classified into two principal types, a mass-forming type and a periductal-infiltrating type, with a significant difference in the clinical behavior between the two. A third type, demonstrating a noninvasive intraductal growth of PC, was described as papillary PC. Rarely, papillary hepatic tumors composed of oncocytic cells have been described. Intraductal oncocytic papillary carcinomas (IOPCs) of the liver present as large, mucin-filled, cystic lesions lined by noninvasive or focally microinvasive oncocytic tumors. METHODS From June 1999 to August 2001, three patients with hepatic IOPCs were identified in the files of the Hepatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, and the Department of Pathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. They form the basis of this study. We report the clinicopathologic presentation, as well as the outcome, with a review of the literature. RESULTS All three cases presented with well defined intrahepatic cystic masses ranging in size from 7.2 to 21.1 cm. The most prominent cells of the lining epithelium were columnar with oncocytic features showing abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and centrally located nucleoli. All three patients underwent resection with one demonstrating local bile duct recurrence that was managed with stenting. Review of the literature has identified 39 patients with papillary PC and 2 patients with IOPC. The biology of these reported cases has been variable with overall survival better than that of nonpapillary PC patients, with recurrence in 15% of the reported cases. CONCLUSION Papillary PC is a rare type of cholangiocarcinoma that includes an interesting variant: IOPC. These tumors are predominantly found in men, who present with large (> 5 cm) mucinous cystic lesions of the bile duct. A noninvasive histology is seen, and long-term survival may be achieved with complete resection. Invasive variants of IOPC have been reported in the literature and have a worse overall prognosis. Cancer 2002;95:2180–7. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10934
Influence of amsacrine (m-AMSA) on bulk and gene-specific DNA damage and c-myc expression in MCF-7 breast tumor cells

In the MCF-7 human breast tumor cell line, the aminoacridine, m-AMSA, induces protein-associated DNA strand breaks consistent with inhibition of topoisomerase II. However, neither single-strand nor double-strand breaks in DNA, determined using conventional assays, show a consistent relationship with m-AMSA-induced inhibition of growth. In contrast, when DNA strand breaks are determined by alkaline unwinding under the high salt conditions of the alkaline unwinding/Southern blotting (AU/SB) assay, developed by our laboratories, damage to DNA corresponds closely with growth inhibition. The AU/SB assay, which is capable of assessing breaks within large-scale domains (upwards of 1 megabase) surrounding genes of interest, was further utilized to explore the capacity of m-AMSA to induce damage within specific genomic regions that may regulate cell growth. Regions encompassing the transcriptionally active oncogenes, c-myc and c-fos, were found to be more susceptible to m-AMSA-induced strand breaks than the region encompassing the non-transcribed alpha-satellite DNA or the genome as a whole (bulk DNA). These findings demonstrate that m-AMSA may produce more pronounced damage within specific genomic regions than in bulk DNA, m-AMSA also preferentially altered expression of the c-myc oncogene; at an m-AMSA concentration where growth was inhibited by between 70 and 80%, steady-state c-myc mRNA levels declined to approximately 10-15% of control levels within 2-3 hr; furthermore, concentration-dependent reductions in c-myc expression appeared to coincide with growth inhibition. In addition, inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation after 2 hr directly paralleled inhibition of growth, suggesting an early effect at the level of DNA biosynthesis, possibly related to the down-regulation of c-myc expression. It is proposed that specific lesions, e.g., in regions surrounding the c-myc gene, as well as generalized lesions in DNA may lead to growth inhibition mediated by down-regulation of the expression of select growth regulatory genes, such as c-myc.
Photoelectric response of a contaminated nickel /100/ surface

Abstract The temperature variation of the photoelectric yield from the (100) surface of a nickel crystal was measured. The crystal was prepared in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. It was heated at high temperatures for many hours and intermittently subjected to argon ion bombardment and low temperature annealing. The variation of the photoelectric yield with frequency obeyed the Fowler theory, with a work function of 4.89 ± 0.03 eV. After the crystal was maintained at 1125 °K for several hours, the photoelectric current at 2380 A from the (100) surface was measured as a function of temperature. These data show a structure in the photoelectric yield that is not predicted by the Fowler theory, but that is partially attributable to the formation of Ni 3 C on the nickel (100) surface. After this surface was ion bombarded and annealed, the temperature variation of the photoelectric yield was similar to that measured after heating at 1125°K. However, the spectral dependence of the yield at constant temperature obeyed the Fowler theory with a work function of 4.84 ± 0.03 eV.
Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Testing Use of Smartphone Technology for Obesity Treatment

Background. The established interventions for weight loss are resource intensive which can create barriers for full participation and ultimate translation. The major goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of theoretically based behavioral interventions delivered by smartphone technology. Methods. The study randomized 68 obese adults to receive one of four interventions for six months: (1) intensive counseling intervention, (2) intensive counseling plus smartphone intervention, (3) a less intensive counseling plus smartphone intervention, and (4) smartphone intervention only. The outcome measures of weight, BMI, waist circumference, and self-reported dietary intake and physical activity were assessed at baseline and six months. Results. The sample was 78% female and 49% African American, with an average age of 45 years, and average BMI of 34.3 kg/m2. There were trends for differences in weight loss among the four intervention groups. Participants in the intensive counseling plus self-monitoring smartphone group and less intensive counseling plus self-monitoring smartphone group tended to lose more weight than other groups (5.4 kg and 3.3 kg, resp.). Conclusions. The results of this pilot trial of a weight loss intervention provide preliminary support for using a smartphone application for self-monitoring as an adjunct to behavioral counseling.
Communication Stereotypes: Is Interracial Communication Possible?

If Blacks and Whites are ever to engage in genuine communication, many barriers or obstacles must be removed. One of the more pervasive hindrances to authentic interracial relations is stereotyping. Blacks and Whites hold a variety of stereotypes of each other, often negative, and these racial stereotypes have generally remained unchanged over the years. Katz and Braly (1933) tackled the question of racial stereotypes early. They asked 100 White college students to choose from a prepared list of traits those that characterized certain racial groups. These-Princeton University students characterized "Negroes" as superstitious, lazy, happy-go-lucky, ignorant, musical, ostentatious, very religious, stupid, physically dirty, naive, slovenly, and unreliable. Eight years after the Katz and Braly study, Bayton (1946) suggested that, although several studies had been conducted in which White students were asked to assign traits to Blacks and other racial groups, few studies investigated how Blacks and other racial minorities viewed Whites. His study, conducted at Virginia State College, a Black school, questioned 100 students using the Katz and Braly list of traits. Bayton found that Black students characterized Whites as intelligent, industrious, scientifically minded, progressive, ambitious, peace loving, sportsmanlike, sophisticated, conceited, and neat. He also found that Black students shared many of the White stereotypes of Negroes. The Black students attributed traits to themselves such as musical, superstitious, very religious, happy-go-lucky, loud, lazy, progressive, imitative, intelligent, and
No Evidence for Heterosis as Measured by Day-Old Chick Weight of Pure and Crossbred Progeny from Red Jungle Fowl and Domestic Fowl

(1962). No Evidence for Heterosis as Measured by Day-Old Chick Weight of Pure and Crossbred Progeny from Red Jungle Fowl and Domestic Fowl. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 9-13.
Low dose exposure to sodium arsenite synergistically interacts with UV radiation to induce mutations and alter DNA repair in human cells

Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen, yet its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Epidemiological data suggest that arsenic exposure interacts with UV radiation exposure to increase the risk of skin cancer. Studies have suggested that arsenic is able to impair DNA repair enzymes and alter the repair of UV-induced DNA damage. Here we have tested the hypothesis that arsenite [As(III)] and UV interact synergistically to enhance mutagenesis. TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells that are functionally heterozygous at the thymidine kinase (TK) locus were pre-exposed to As(III) alone and in combination with UV. Our data suggest that As(III) is mutagenic only at high doses at the TK locus. As(III) enhanced UV mutagenesis in a more than additive fashion. To investigate the mechanism underlying this synergy we assessed the removal of UV-induced dimers in TK6 cells using the T4 endonuclease-incorporated Comet assay. Pre-treatment with As(III) specifically inhibited the repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimer-related DNA damage. Taken together, these data suggest that pre-treatment of human cells with arsenic impairs the nucleotide excision repair pathway and leads to enhanced UV mutagenesis.
God can be Funny: Repertoires, Religion & Resistance

What does God think about nuns siphoning their blood into plastic baby bottles, then squirting the warm result onto a U.S. Patriot missile? What would He say to priests hammering on the door of a pristine F-16 fighter jet with pickaxes purchased from the local hardware store? If you ask one of the subjects interviewed by Sharon Erickson Nepstad they would tell you that they are following the personal example of Jesus Christ, the political subversive who advised us to turn swords into plowshares. These Plowshares activists are collectively part of a faith-based peace movement and individually adopt a progressive interpretation of their Catholic faith. In Religion and War Resistance in the Plowshares Movement, Nepstad takes a close look at this movement and its international counterparts. She surveys slightly over 50 activists and interviews another three dozen to find out why they become involved in this kind of creative high-risk activism, how they endure significant personal costs, and how they keep their spirits up despite the unmet objectives of achieving a peaceful society. Plowshares activists shared their personal documents with Nepstad and made movement archives available for her review. Social movement scholars have been discussing high-risk activism since at least the mideighties. Doug McAdam, for instance, theorized that people who otherwise had a free Qual Sociol (2010) 33:105–109 DOI 10.1007/s11133-009-9143-3
The Nationwide Study of Epikeratophakia for Aphakia in Children

In the nationwide study of epikeratophakia, 97 surgeons performed a total of 335 procedures in 314 eyes for the correction of aphakia in children under the age of 8 years 1 month. Fifteen children underwent bilateral surgery. Thirty-six tissue lenses were removed and 21 of these eyes underwent a second epikeratophakia procedure. Overall, the success rate for procedures was 89%, and with repeated surgery it was 95% for eyes. Seventy-three percent of the patients were within 3 diopters of emmetropia after surgery. Visual acuity results in patients able to provide verbal responses to the illiterate E, Allen card, or Snellen line chart testing showed improvement in most cases. The safety of epikeratophakia makes it a desirable option for the correction of aphakia in children who are spectacle or contact-lens intolerant, and the permanence of the correction eliminates the problem of optical noncompliance.
Neutron diffraction study of the structure of liquid PbPd alloys

Abstract The structure factors S(Q) = Ia(Q)/〈f2〉 of liquid PbPd with 0, 10, 40, 45, and 51 at.% Pd were determined from their neutron scattering patterns at 400, 600, 500, 650 and 800°C, respectively. The sample with 40 at.% Pd which forms a glass by melt-spinning was also studied at several temperatures between 500 and 900°C. By contrast with the melt-spun alloy, no splitting of the first peak in S(Q) has been observed in any of the PbPd alloys studied. The Fourier transforms of Q[S(Q)−1] yielded the total reduced atomic distribution functions, G(r). The first peak in G(r) of the 40 at.% Pd alloy shows a splitting corresponding to the partial functions PbPb with the interatomic distance of 3.36 A and PbPd with the first neighbor distance of 2.90 A.
Cross sectional echocardiographic assessment of cardiac chamber size and ejection fraction in children

Cross sectional echocardiography can be used to determine left ventricular size and ejection fraction in children. We used two orthogonal planes from the apical four and two chamber planes to calculate the left ventricular volume in 20 children with a variety of congenital heart lesions and compared these volumes with those calculated using angiography. Better correlations were achieved at end diastole than at end systole. Comparisons between ejection fraction calculated by angiography and echocardiography showed the correlation was closer for two-dimensional than M-mode techniques. Studies using newer two-dimensional methods suggest that an even closer correlation for volume and ejection fraction can be achieved than those reported in our initial studies. Most studies which have determined right ventricular volume have used biplane methods combining short axis and four chamber images. We used single plane area-length methods from parasternal short axis and apical four chamber planes to calculate right ventricular volume in 20 children undergoing angiocardiography for a variety of congenital heart diseases. The single plane volume method underestimated the volume calculated from angiography uniformly so that a good estimate of the angiographic ejection fraction was obtained. Adding the volumes derived from each plane provided a closer approximation of the angiographic volumes and a good estimate of the ejection fraction. High resolution ultrasound equipment and computer assisted tracing devices have made accurate noninvasive assessment of volume and function accurate and practical.
Purification and properties of tetralysine endopeptidase from Escherichia coli AJ005

Abstract 1. 1. A new tetralysine endopeptidase from Escherichia coli AJ005 has been purified about 135-fold. 2. 2. The peptidase seems to be specific to tetralysine among lysine homopolymers. 3. 3. The optimal pH was about 7.5 4. 4. The activity was inhibited by KCN but not inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. 5. 5. The apparent K m value was 2.5 × 1O −3 M for tetralysine.
What happens when exports expand: some ideas for closure of regional computable general equilibrium models

While there is general agreement on various features of “standard” regional computable general equilibrium (RCGE) models, there has been little discussion of representative macro behavioral assumptions and model closure. The purpose of this paper is to review the main differences between regional and national CGE models regarding factor market, government and saving behavior and to suggest a standard closure for representative regional CGE models.
Paget's disease of the vulva

Paget’s disease of the vulva is a rare vulvar neoplasm most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. The mean age at diagnosis has been reported to range from 50 to 80 years. Women commonly present with a well-demarcated pink eczematous lesion with white islands of hyperkeratosis, often accompanied by pruritus, vulvar pain, and erythema. Some women remain asymptomatic. Page’s disease may present as type 1, a primary cutaneous form, with two subtypes: 1a, intraepithelial Paget’s disease; 1b, intraepithelial disease with invasion; and 1c, intraepithelial Paget’s disease with underlying adenocarcinoma of a skin appendage or subcutaneous gland. Type 2 is metastasis from underlying malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, and 2b is metastasis from the urogenital tract or adenocarcinoma originating elsewhere. Regardless of treatment, 12–62% of patients develop recurrent disease.
Multiplexed RT-PCR for streamlined detection and separation of barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses

Two novel multiplexed RT-PCR assays that can efficiently detect and distinguish among different barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses (B/CYDVs) are described. The basic multiplex can produce two fragments simultaneously, a ∼830-bp fragment indicating the presence of the BYDV-PAV, BYDV-MAV, or BYDV-SGV viruses and a ∼372-bp fragment indicating the presence of the CYDV-RPV, BYDV-RMV, or BYDV-GPV viruses. The enhanced multiplex produces two additional fragments, which further differentiate between BYDV-PAV, BYDV-MAV, and BYDV-SGV. These assays fulfill the critical need for a streamlined diagnostic procedure for B/CYDVs that can be cost-effectively applied to large numbers of small samples. The assays are useful not only in the basic diagnosis of B/CYDVs, but also for studies examining the ecological roles of B/CYDVs in natural systems and for longer-term epidemiological studies of grasses and cereals.
Buckling of multi-annular plates

Abstract Buckling of multi-annular plates is considered. The plate is loaded by axisymmetric radial in-plane forces, either at the outer edge or at one of the circumferential joints or a combination of the two. The plate is simply supported or clamped at the outer boundary or at one of the common joints. The various annular sections are fully connected, and they differ either in geometry or in material properties. Each annular section is homogeneous. A power series solution is used because of its applicability to various boundary conditions. A computer code is employed for the solution. Numerical examples are given for a two-part plate. The procedure is general and can be employed in various problems, such as buckling of annular plates resting on an elastic foundation, vibration analysis of annular plates, etc.
E6-associated protein (E6-AP) is a dual function coactivator of steroid hormone receptors

Steroid hormone receptors (SHR) belong to a large family of ligand-activated transcription factors that perform their biological functions by enhancing the transcription of specific target genes. The transactivation functions of SHRs are regulated by a specialized group of proteins called coactivators. The SHR coactivators represent a growing class of proteins with various enzymatic activities that serve to modify the chromatin to facilitate the transcription of SHR target genes. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway enzymes have also been added to the growing list of enzymatic activities that are recruited to the SHR target gene promoters during transcription. One such ubiquitin-proteasome pathway enzyme to be identified and characterized as a SHR coactivator was E6-associated protein (E6-AP). E6-AP is a hect (homologous to E6-associated protein carboxy-terminal domain) domain containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that possesses two independent separable functions; a coactivation function and an ubiquitin-protein ligase activity. Being a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, it is postulated that E6-AP may orchestrate the dynamics of steroid hormone receptor-mediated transcription by regulating the degradation of the transcriptional complexes. E6-AP has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of various aspects of reproduction such as prostate and mammary gland development. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that E6-AP expression is down-regulated in breast and prostate tumors and that the expression of E6-AP is inversely associated with that of estrogen and androgen receptors. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the structures, molecular mechanisms, spatiotemporal expression patterns and biological functions of E6-AP.
Perturbation of surface plasmon dispersion by "extra" electrons near a surface

An analytic formula is derived for the lowest-order effects of an added layer of electron density on the d-parameters of the theory of jellium-surface electromagnetic fields. The formula provides a basis for understanding how the d-electrons near the surface of a noble metal modify its long-wavelength surface plasmon dispersion. Thus, it helps explain why the linear coefficient of surface plasmon dispersion is larger on Ag(001) than on Ag(111), and in the [001] than in the [110] direction on Ag(110), and also why it is positive in all these cases.
Complete env gene deletions of three replication-defective strains of Rous sarcoma virus and a model for the origin of their genetic structures.

Abstract Replication-defective deletion mutants of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) have been described which transform cells in culture and elaborate envelope (−) defective particles. The env deletions of two clonal variants of the Bryan strain of RSV, RSV(−)3, and RSV(−)16, and of a replication-defective variant of Schmidt-Ruppin RSV (SRN8) were analyzed by fingerprinting oligonucleotides hybridized by a molecularly cloned env DNA probe that spans from near the 3′ end of pol to the 3′ end of env . It was observed that all three replication-defective RSV strains are essentially complete env deletions but retain the 3′ end of pol . Based on a common pol-src junction oliogonucleotide that may reflect a homologous sequence repeated at both ends of env in nondefective RSV, the env deletions of RSV(−)3 and 16 appear to be isogenic. The original deletion may have involved recombination between these sequences. The absence of this oligonucleotide in SRN8 indicates that the env deletion of SRN8 has different borders and represents an independent env deletion of nondefective RSV. All three defective RSVs have the genetic structure gag-pol-src . This genetic structure is consistent with the need for a complete gag to make a particle and with the assumption that an independent src gene rather than a gag - or gag-pol-src hybrid gene functions in transformation. It is suggested that a complete pol is not necessary for, but may assist, virus particle formation.
Extracellular glucose influences osteoblast differentiation and c-Jun expression.

Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, marked by high blood glucose levels and no insulin secretion, is associated with decreased bone mass and increased fracture rates. Analysis of bone histology suggests that osteoblast phenotype and function are influenced by diabetes. To determine if elevated extracellular glucose levels could directly influence osteoblast phenotype we treated mouse osteoblasts, MC3T3-E1 cells, with 22 mM glucose and analyzed osteoblast gene expression. Collagen I mRNA levels significantly increased while osteocalcin mRNA levels decreased 24 h after the addition of glucose. Expression of other genes, actin, osteopontin, and histone H4, was unaffected. Effects on collagen I expression were seen as early as 1 h after treatment. c-Jun, an AP-1 transcription factor involved in the regulation of osteoblast gene expression and growth, was also modulated by glucose. Specifically, an increase in c-jun expression was found at 1 h and maintained for 24 h following glucose treatment. Treatment of osteoblasts with an equal concentration of mannitol completely mimicked glucose treatment effects on collagen I and c-jun expression, demonstrating that osmotic stress rather than glucose metabolism is responsible for the effects on osteoblast gene expression and phenotype. Additional studies using staurosporine and Ro-31-8220 demonstrate that protein kinase C is required for the glucose up regulation of collagen I and c-jun. Taken together, our results demonstrate that osteoblasts respond to increasing extracellular glucose concentration through an osmotic response pathway that is dependent upon protein kinase C activity and results in upregulation of c-jun and modulation of collagen I and osteocalcin expression.
Sexually dimorphic setiferous sex patch in the male red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Site of aggregation pheromone production

Evidence for the existence of a male-produced aggregation pheromone secreted from the prothoracic femoral setiferous sex patch ofTribolium castaneum is reported. Both sexes were attracted toca. 60 ng of crude secretion. Males and females perceive the pheromone on the day of emergence while perception differs between the sexes: male response reaches a maximum on day 1 posteclosion, when tested at <1, 1, and 30 days; females show a maximum response at 30 days posteclosion. Behavioral responses to pheromone odors and a complex Chromatographic profile are reported.
Performance of 11- and 14-day-old rats on a working memory problem

Independent groups of 11- and 14-day-old Sprague—Dawley rat pups were trained on a patterned (single) alternation task at intertrial intervals (ITIs) of 8, 30, or 60 sec. In this runway task, animals encounter a regularly alternating schedule of rewarded and nonrewarded trials and learn to respond discriminatively on the basis of information from the previous trial (working memory). The 14-day-olds learned to alternate at the 8- and 30-sec but not the 60-sec ITI. The 11-day-olds learned to alternate only at the 8-sec ITI where they were nevertheless impaired relative to the 14-day-olds. Random partial-reinforcement control groups showed no evidence of alternation learning at any ITI. These data confirm earlier claims by this laboratory that infant alternation learning depends on intertrial memories and raise the possibility that the memorial and associative processes subserving patterned alternation learning are developing over the 11- to 14-day age range in the rat.
Alterations in hepatic fine structure after chronic exposure of rats to dexamethasone.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chronic dexamethasone (DEX) administration on hepatic ultrastructure and to correlate these changes with plasma lipoprotein levels. Electron microscopic studies were made of hepatocytes from male rats killed 1, 3 and 5 days after DEX (2 mg, twice per day) administration. Three days after treatment plasma lipoprotein levels were highest and hepatocytes contained regions of the cytosome rich in elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Osmiophilic particles were present in the tubules and vesicles of the SER, in the saccules and vacuoles of the Golgi complex, in secretory vesicles near the cell surface and in the space of Disse. DEX treatments also caused hepatocytes to accumulate tightly packed masses of β-particles of glycogen in some regions of the cell while other areas displayed dispersed glycogen particles that were associated with the SER. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that glucocorticoids 1. cause an elevation of plasma lipoprotein levels by in creasing hepatic synthesis and secretion of VLDL, which involves the sequential participation of the ER, the Golgi complex and exocytosis of VLDL-containing vacuoles into the space of Disse, and 2. produce a change in the nature of the association of glycogen particles with the SER membranes in response to the physiological state of the animal.
Intradermal Proximal Field Block: An Innovative Anesthetic Technique for Levonorgestrel Implant Removal

Abstract Background: Levonorgestrel implant removal is a common office procedure. These procedures can be difficult and uncomfortable for the woman. Many removal techniques use only small amounts of lidocaine to diminish tissue distortion and to allow palpation of the implants. We report an alternative technique that can maximize the anesthesia during removal procedures. Technique: Using the “ice saline” technique, lidocaine is infiltrated proximal to the implant tips, creating a field block of the superficial medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves and anesthetizing the operative site without injecting lidocaine around the implants. Experience: We began using this technique 3 years ago and have used it for more than 50 removals. There have been no complications, and the block appears to reduce the pain reported. Conclusion: The proximal intradermal field block is an alternative anesthetic technique for levonorgestrel implant removal.
Properties of spinach ferredoxin in anaerobic urea solution: a comparison with the native protein.

Abstract The preparation of spinach ferredoxin by a modification of the method of Keresztes-Nagy and Margoliash which is particularly convenient for large-scale operation is described. The optical, CD, and EPR spectra of this protein are studied in 5 m urea as a function of ionic strength. At high ionic strength the various spectra are very similar to the native protein; at low ionic strength all three spectral parameters are greatly changed. The reactivity of the protein with mercurial and iodoacetamide is compared. The very high reactivity of the former is rationalized by assuming an initial reaction with the sulfide moieties. Iodoacetamide reacts only with accompanying denaturation by an all-or-none mechanism. At most only one sulfhydryl is available for reaction, even in 5 m urea. This is consistent with the assumption that the mercaptides function as metal ligands. A very sensitive instrument for the amperometric titration of SH groups is described.
Comparison of Calculated and Experimental Cascade Performance for Controlled-Diffusion Compressor Stator Blading

The mid-span section of a previously reported controlled-diffusion compressor stator has been experimentally evaluated in cascade. Measurements are taken over a range of incidence angles for blade chord Reynolds numbers from 470,000 to 690,000. Blade chord length is 12.7 cm, aspect ratio is 2.0, and solidity is 1.67. Measurements include conventional cascade performance parameters as well as blade surface pressures. Computations are made for the inviscid flow field, surface boundary layers, and loss for several of the blade inlet angle conditions, are compared against corresponding data.
A comparative study of the effects of two copper compounds on the respiration and survival of biomphalaria glabrata (mollusca: pulmonata)☆

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of two copper compounds, CuEDTA and Cu(DEG) 2 , on Biomphalaria glabrata were bioassayed by employing respirometry and LC 50 determinations. 2. 2. At concentrations of 2.5, 12.5, and 20.0 p.p.m. of copper, CuEDTA had no effect on the respiration of B. glabrata . This compound was non-lethal to the mollusc after 2 and 24 hours of exposure. 3. 3. At concentrations of 2.5, 12.5, and 20.0 p.p.m. of copper, Cu(DEG) 2 inhibited the respiration of B. glabrata . The LC 50 of this compound was ascertained to be 3.140 p.p.m. for 2 hours of exposure and 0.0123 p.p.m. for 24 hours of exposure. 4. 4. Analysis of the stereochemistry of CuEDTA and Cu(DEG) 2 has suggested that the effects of copper compounds on B. glabrata are inversely correlated with the steric hindrance of the chelated copper.
Simulation of secondary autogenic succession in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem

Ecological succession is the process that dominates the dynamic behavior of ecosystems as they proceed from immaturity to a stage in which the living com munity achieves equilibrium with its physical envi ronment. Secondary succession refers to the tran sients that arise in response to a perturbation of a mature ecosystem. The growth-then-saturation dynamic pattern associated with this process is well known, but not well understood. The research reported in this paper formulates a dynamic model embodying a hypothesis to explain successional modes of behavior as they arise from the internal feedback structure of the ecosystem, and tests it by means of simulation experiments. The general structure of the model is based on Odum's tabular model of ecological succession;16it traces the mutual causalities between energy, living and non- living matter, and the diversity of species as they interact in time and space to produce succession. The equations are derived from grassland observations and research, biologi...
Older Adults Making End of Life Decisions: An Application of Roy's Adaptation Model

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify variables that influenced completion of advanced directives in the context of adaptation from national data in older adults. Knowledge gained from this study would help us identify factors that might influence end of life discussions and shed light on strategies on effective communication on advance care planning. Design and Method. A model-testing design and path analysis were used to examine secondary data from 938 participants. Items were extracted from the data set to correspond to variables for this study. Scales were constructed and reliabilities were tested. Results. The final path model showed that physical impairment, self-rated health, continuing to work, and family structure had direct and indirect effects on completion of advanced directives. Five percent of the variance was accounted for by the path analysis. Conclusion. The variance accounted for by the model was small. This could have been due to the use of secondary data and limitations imposed for measurement. However, health care providers and families should explore patient’s perception of self-health as well as their family and work situation in order to strategize a motivational discussion on advance directive or end of life care planning.
Self-routing of wavelength packets using an all-optical wavelength shifter and QPSK subcarrier routing control headers

We demonstrate a novel wavelength-router that directs self-routing optical packets, containing microwave subcarrier-multiplexed control information, from an input wavelength-path to one of four destination wavelength-paths. The router incorporates (1) an all-optical wavelength shifter, based on cross-gain compression of a semiconductor optical amplifier, and (2) a low-speed electronic control-header processor. Each packet is comprised of concurrently transmitted 1-Gb/s NRZ baseband payload data and a 50-Mb/s control header, QPSK-encoded onto a 1.5-GHz subcarrier. We show 10/sup -9/ BER results of packets routed to each of the four wavelength-paths. The maximum wavelength shift is 23 nm, and the inter-packet guard time is 20 ns.
Full patterns in truncated transportation polytopes

Let R = (r 1,…,rm ) and S = (s 1,…,s n) be vectors and D = (dij ) an m × n matrix all having positive entries. Let Ω(R,S,D) = {m × n matrices A = (aij ) such that and 0≦aij for all i,j}. For any A∊Ω(R,S,D) let A∗=(a∗ ij be the (0,1)-matrix with a∗ ij=1 if and only if aij>0. Let ω∗(R,S,D)={A∗ where A∊Ω(R,S,D)}. A matrixA∊Ω∗(R,S,D) is called a full pattern matrix if whenever any 0 of A is replaced by a 1, yielding B, then B∊Ω∗(R,S,D). This paper describes the full pattern matrices in Ω∗(R,S,D)
Retrievable inferior vena cava filters in high-risk patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Placement of retrievable inferior vena cava filters (rIVCF) may be beneficial in high-risk morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Patients with a previous history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at high risk for postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). A prospective database of bariatric surgery patients was studied from April 2003 to May 2007. A total of 791 patients underwent bariatric procedures, of which 30 (4%) had a previous history of VTE. These patients underwent preoperative venous duplex and concurrent placement of a rIVCF. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were examined. Thirty patients (12 (40%) men) had a mean age of 49 ± 8 years and a mean body mass index of 50 ± 8 kg/m2. Sixteen patients (53%) underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, ten (33%) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, and four (14%) underwent open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Mean operative time, including rIVCF placement, was 162 ± 66 minutes. All patients had successful rIVCF placement with standard perioperative chemoprophylaxis. Twenty-nine patients (97%) had a follow-up ultrasound on postoperative day (POD) 19 ± 25. Six patients (21%) had recurrent DVT. Twenty-seven patients (90%) underwent a follow-up venogram, and four patients (15%) had significant thrombus in the rIVCF. Retrieval was successful in 21 patients (70%). Nine patients (30%) did not undergo retrieval: four had significant thrombus in the filter, four had an above-knee DVT, and one due to technical reasons. We observed one complication with a DVT at the access site and no PE or mortality. We observed a 21% incidence of recurrent DVT and 15% incidence of thrombus in the IVCF, yet no PE occurred. IVCF retrieval was successful in 70% with one complication. Concurrent IVCF placement is safe, feasible, and an effective preventative measure in high-risk morbidly obese patients. We recommend the use of rIVCFs in conjunction with standard VTE prophylaxis in this patient population.
Enhancing Motivation and Engagement through Collaborative Discussion.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students’ motivation and engagement during classroom discussions were investigated in 2 studies. Study 1 examined students’ moment-by-moment engagement during collaborative peer-managed small-group discussions in comparison to conventional teacher-managed whole-class discussions. Study 2 evaluated the long term effects of discussions on self-reported motivation. Both studies showed that collaborative discussions produced greater interest and engagement than conventional discussions. Student self-ratings of engagement as well as adult ratings of engagement during a 6-min episode of one discussion had relatively high correlations with student self-reported interest and engagement several months later. Girls reported greater interest and engagement than boys in both conventional and collaborative discussions and were rated as more engaged by both themselves and adults; however, boys showed a greater boost in interest from collaborative discussions. Talkative children reported greater interest and engagement than less talkative children. Low-ability children put a higher value on discussion than high-ability children.
Electromagnetic scattering by stratified nanostructures with small- and large-scale periodic and random media and interface fluctuations: a full-wave approach

ABSTRACT The procedure followed in analyzing electromagnetic scattering by irregular layered structures, in which the heights of the interfaces as well as the medium parameters fluctuate laterally, is such that all the simplifying assumptions introduced in order to make the rigorous solutions to the problems more tractable, are made a posteriori rather than a priori. In this way the same analysis can be used to obtain the high frequency physical optics solutions that can be applied to structures with scales of roughness that are much larger than the wavelength as well as to obtain the low frequency small perturbation type solutions for structures with scales of roughness that are comparable to the wavelength. Thus this analysis can be applied to structures with multiple scales of roughness without introducing an artificial scale parameter that dictates the solution to the problem. In addition the same analysis can be used to obtain the far field approximations suitable for structures with scales of roughness comparable and larger than the wavelength, as well as to obtain the near field approximations that are suitable for structures with subwavelength scales of roughness. By imposing reciprocity it can be shown that near field measurements can be implied from far field measurements, provided that objects in the vicinity of the interfaces excite the near fields. Thus the analysis should account for evanescent as well as propagating waves, the lateral waves and the guided, surface waves of the irregular structures. To this end, a full wave approach, that is based on the complete expansion of the fields as well as the imposition of exact boundary conditions at the rough interfaces are used in the analysis. Since these complete fields expansions do not necessarily converge uniformly at the irregular interfaces, careful mathematical procedures must be followed such that any interchange in the order of summation and differentiation of the complete field expansions is strictly avoided. Thus for example it is shown that using the far field approximations, the solutions for the scattered fields are expressed as integrals over the spatial variables. On the other hand when the near field approximations are used, the scattered fields are expressed as integrals over the wave vector variables. This full wave analysis can also be applied to anisotropic media such as chiral materials.
Prostaglandin H synthase: An example of enzymic symbiosis

Reaction conditions which promote the heme-dependent peroxidase activity of prostaglandin H synthase appear to stimulate the heme-dependent cyclooxygenase activity also present in the synthase, even though the cyclooxygenase requires hydroperoxide for activity. However, aspirin-treated synthase, which retains only peroxidase activity, inhibited the cyclooxygenase activity of untreated synthase in the manner observed with similar levels of glutathione peroxidase. Any stimulatory effect of the synthase peroxidase on the synthase cyclooxygenase is thus likely to involve an intramolecular mechanism. Participation of peroxidase intermediates (Compounds I and II) in the initiation of a cyclooxygenase free radical chain reaction may provide an intramolecular mechanism for stimulation of the synthase cyclooxygenase by the synthase peroxidase.
Africa.com: the self-representation of sub-Saharan nations on the World Wide Web

In a textual analysis of government Web sites of 29 sub-Saharan countries, we evaluate how African nations use the Internet to construct a self-image for the world. Our analysis finds that the sites echo the ongoing struggle over the definition and purpose of the nation-state in relation to a global economy. Rather than representing a variety of domestic concerns, African countries present a “reflected” identity mirroring Western interests. Their governmental Web sites position the nation as a “brand” and construct citizens as exotic Others who can be marketed to foreign investors and tourists. The tensions between primordial loyalties and modernizing ambitions dissipate in favor of branded identities celebrating ethnicities and natural beauty to attract global investments. Moreover, the technological logic and aesthetics of the Internet reinforce the dependence of these texts on Western knowledge production. Our analysis challenges common assumptions of both post-colonial and Internet research.
Kinetic Fluorescence Optical Diffusion Tomography

A three-dimensional Bayesian parametric reconstruction method for the spatially dependent dynamics of a fluorescent contrast agent in tissue is demonstrated. A simulation study shows that the approach distinguishes between objects with different uptake rates.
Hands-on learning of programming concepts using robotics for middle and high school students

In this paper we present our experiences over the past year on developing educational materials for computing using robotics and their effectiveness for middle and high school students. Though there are likely many factors contributing to recently observed declines in undergraduate enrollment in computer related fields, student attitudes towards the field may play a significant role. A multifaceted approach using educational robots to introduce programming concepts to middle and high school students was developed as one technique to address this issue. The initiative included a teacher workshop to prepare local area educators to deliver computing concepts to their students and the development of associated educational materials to aid in student learning. The project culminated with a Robotics Programming Competition and Showcase in which the participating students demonstrated what they had learned. Results from surveys administered during the showcase indicated that the initiative was successful in improving student attitudes towards computer science, especially regarding confidence and intent to persist in the field, and provided useful information towards future program refinement.
A low pH form of thiamine pyrophosphatase from bovine brain.

Abstract A preparation of thiamine pyrophosphatase from bovine brain exhibits an activity optimum at pH 6 and only sight activity is observed at pH 9–9.5. This low pH form of thiamine pyrophosphatase gives maximal activity with Mn 2+ . Other divalent cations (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and Co 2+ also satisfy the divalent cation requirement, but give loss activation than Mn 2+ . The low pH form of thiamine pyrophosphatase has not been previously observed independent of the high pH form. The data suggest that thiamine pyrophosphatase occurs in two separate enzyme forms in brain tissue.
Differential effects of exercise on cancer-related fatigue during and following treatment: a meta-analysis.

Context Exercise-induced improvements in cancer-related fatigue may be moderated differentially in patients during and following treatment. These effects have not been reviewed systematically. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, the population effect size for exercise training on cancer-related fatigue during and following treatment was estimated and the extent to which the effect is differentiated across the time course of treatment and recovery was determined. Evidence acquisition Articles published before August 2011 were retrieved using Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Seventy studies involving 4881 cancer patients during or following treatment were selected. Articles included a cancer-related fatigue outcome measured at baseline and post-intervention and randomized allocation to exercise or non-exercise comparison. From August to October 2011, Hedges' d effect sizes were computed, study quality was evaluated, and random effects models were used to estimate sampling error and population variance. Evidence synthesis Exercise significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue by a mean effect Δ (95% CI) of 0.32 (0.21, 0.43) and 0.38 (0.21, 0.54) during and following cancer treatment, respectively. During treatment, patients with lower baseline fatigue scores and higher exercise adherence realized the largest improvements. Following treatment, improvements were largest for trials with longer durations between treatment completion and exercise initiation, trials with shorter exercise program lengths, and trials using wait-list comparisons. Conclusions Exercise reduces cancer-related fatigue among patients during and following cancer treatment. These effects are moderated differentially over the time course of treatment and recovery. Exercise has a palliative effect in patients during treatment and a recuperative effect post-treatment.
Note on the effect of transverse shear deformation in laminated anisotropic plates

The paper describes the development of some computer methods in applied mechanics. It begins with a distribution of primary stresses in laminated plates, followed by a determination of the associated statically consistent transverse shearing stress. The last section deals with the use of an energy principle for the utilization of these expressions for primary and transverse stresses. The purpose of this is to obtain two-dimensional constitutive equations involving transverse shear deformations and transverse shear stress resultants.