cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The Ohio State University technique

Robotic radical prostatectomy is a new innovation in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. The technique is continuously evolving. In this article we demonstrate The Ohio State University technique for robotic radical prostatectomy. Robotic radical prostatectomy is performed using the da Vinci surgical system. The video demonstrates each step of the surgical procedure. Preliminary results with robotic prostatectomy demonstrate the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while also showing encouraging short-term outcomes in terms of continence, potency and cancer control. Robotic radical prostatectomy is an evolving technique that provides a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of prostate cancer. Our experience with the procedure now stands at over 1,300 cases.
Functionalism as a philosophical theory of the cognitive sciences

Functionalism is a philosophical theory (or family of theories) concerning the nature of mental states. According to functionalism psychological/cognitive states are essentially functional states of whole systems. Functionalism characterizes psychological states essentially according to what they do, by their relations to stimulus inputs and behavioral outputs as well as their relations to other psychological and nonpsychological internal states of a system. The central constructive relation for functionalism is the so-called realization relation. Realization is a proposal for how psychological states can be real, physical, and causally efficacious while at the same time preserving the autonomy of cognitive explanations and avoiding reduction or elimination. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:337-348. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1170 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Hearing screening and middle ear measures in American Indian infants and toddlers.

Summary American Indian children have three times the rate of otitis media compared to the general population, yet prospective cohort studies of OME and hearing loss have not been previously reported in American Indian infants. Between 1997 and 2003, a cohort of 421 infants was enrolled at birth from Minnesota American Indian reservations and an urban clinic and followed to age 2 years. This study reports OAE hearing screening results related to OME diagnoses, as well as risk for recurrent hearing screening failure and OME in American Indian infants and children. Methods Infants were prospectively assessed at regular intervals with pneumatic otoscopy, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry by nurses who were trained in all procedures and validated on pneumatic otoscopy. Results In the newborn period, 23.5% of infants failed hearing screening in at least one ear. Hearing screening failures increased to 29.9% from 2 to 5 months of age. Technical fail results due to excessive noise occurred frequently in infants 6–24 months of age, making interpretation of true pass and fail rates questionable in older infants. OAE test result was associated with OM diagnosis, and this relationship strengthened with age, with the strongest association above 6 months of age. Conclusions A high rate of hearing screening failures occurred among American Indian infants in the first 5 months of age, and was significantly associated with a correspondingly high rate of otitis media. Only one infant out of 366 was identified with sensorineural hearing loss, thus essentially all of the hearing screening failures reflected either a middle ear origin or other temporary problems. OAE screening provided a valuable hearing screening measure in this population at high risk for recurrent otitis media, but due to excessive noise in infants 6 months and older, practical use of OAE screening is limited. Use of behavioral assessment is needed after 6 months of age, when high rates of OME persist in this population. Increased efforts to develop public and medical education, as well as screening, diagnosis and treatment programs are needed to detect and decrease recurrent OME in American Indian infants and children.
CH and C2 measurements imply a radical pool within a pool in acetylene flames.

Measured CH and C2 profiles show a striking resemblance as a function of time in a series of seven well-characterized fuel-rich (φ = 1.2−2.0) non-sooting acetylene flames. This implied commonality and interrelationship are unexpected as these radicals have dissimilar chemical kinetic natures. As a result, a rigorous examination was undertaken of the behavior of each of the hydrocarbon species known to be present, C, CH, CH2, CH3, CH4, CHO, CHOH, CH2O, CH2OH, CH3O, CH3OH, C2, C2H, C2H2, CHCO, CH2CO, and C2O. This emphasized the main region where CH and C2 are observed (50−600 μs) and reduced the kinetic reactions to only those that operate efficiently and are dominant. It was immediately apparent that this region of the flame reflects the nature of a hydrogen flame heavily doped with CO and CO2 and containing traces of hydrocarbons. The radical species, H, OH, O, along with H2, H2O, and O2, form an important controlling radical pool that is in partial equilibrium, and the concentrations of each of the hydr...
The epitope integration site for vaccine antigens determines virus control while maintaining efficacy in an engineered cancer vaccine.

Picornaviruses have been developed as potential therapies for gene delivery and vaccination. One drawback to their use is the potential for recombination and viral persistence. Therefore, the engineering strategies used must take into account the possibility for virus escape. We have developed Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) as a potential vaccine vector for use in immunotherapy. This study shows that insertion of a vaccine epitope at a unique site within the TMEV leader protein can dramatically increase the type I interferon (IFN) response to infection and promote rapid viral clearance. This live virus vaccine maintains its ability to drive antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses to a model antigen as well as to the weakly immunogenic tumor antigen Her2/neu. Furthermore, the epitope integration site does not affect the efficacy of this vaccine as cancer immunotherapy for treating models of melanoma and breast cancer as demonstrated by delayed tumor outgrowth and increased survival in animals implanted with these tumors. These findings show that an attenuated virus retaining limited ability to replicate nonetheless can effectively mobilize CD8+ cellular immunity and will be important for the design of picornavirus vectors used as immunotherapy in clinical settings.
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis.

Summary Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SCPD) (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) is a rare disorder. We present a case with classical clinical manifestations, and discuss the management of this disorder.
Synthesis of sialyl Lewis X mimetics: Use of O-α-fucosyl-(1R, 2R)-2-aminocyclohexanol as core structure

Abstract Six glycopeptides containing O - α -fucosyl-(1 R , 2 R )-2-aminocyclohexanol were designed and prepared as sialyl Lewis X mimetics. Compounds 2 and 6 showed better binding affinities than SLe X (IC 50 = 0.5 mM) to E-selectin with IC 50 values of 0.4 and 0.2 mM respectively.
Scoring: Bibliographic instruction helps freshman athletes compete in the academic league

Abstract Motivated by accreditation agencies, public concern, and NCAA standards, many campuses have adopted programs to ensure the academic success of collegiate athletes. This article describes a library-based instructional module developed at the University of Central Florida for freshman athletes. The development and implementation of the BI sessions are discussed.
Many-body nonradiative energy transfer in a crystalline europium (III) EDTA complex

A pulsed, tunable dye laser has been used to excite the 7F0→ 5D0 electronic transition of the europium (III) ion in single crystals of Na[Eu(EDTA)(H2O)4]doped with varying concentrations of gadolinium. since this electronic transition cannot be split by crystal fields exerted by the ligands surrounding the metal ion, the noticeably broadened and asymmetric excitation spectra observed for this electronic transition at high europium concentrations have been ascribed to interactions between excited europium (III) ions and adjacent, unexcited europium (III) ions, resulting in energy transfer between ions. The lifetimes of these Na[Eu(EDTA)(H2O)4]crystals have been measured and a linear relationship was found between the energy transfer probability (Pda) and the square of the europium (III) concentration. The many-body nonradiative energy transfer process proposed by Fong and Diestler has been used to interpret the observed lifetime data, and the corresponding mechanism has been verified to be due to an electric dipole-dipole interaction. This model is consistent with one excited europium (III) ion transferring energy to two adjacent, unexcited europium (III) ions. As expected, the nonradiative energy transfer disappears if the % europium is decreased in the single crystal by doping small amounts of europium (< 0.3%) into a gadolinium matrix. The lifetime, excitation and emission spectra of a series of complexes containing different percentages of europium will be discussed in terms of nonradiative energy transfer theory.
Differential Sensitivity of Preimplantation Mouse Embryos In Vitro to X-Irradiation

A technique was established for in vitro culture of preimplantation mouse embryos, and their development under these conditions was characterized. The embryos were recovered from superovulated mice, cultured and x-irradiated at various stages of development. Preimplantation embryos were also irradiated and grown in vivo. The investigation included a measurement of differential sensitivity of various stages of development and a comparison of the effects of radiation delivered to embryos in vivo and in vitro. The following LD$sub 50$ values (based on development to the blastocyst) were determined for embryos irradiated in vitro: 390 rads, two-cell stage, 570 rads, four-cell stage; 325 rads, morula stage. The LD$sub 50$ values for embryos irradiated and grown in vitro were: 420 rads, two-cell stage; 640 rads, four-cell stage; 340 rads, morula stage. (auth)
Localization of putative cholinergic neurons innervating the anteroventral thalamus

The brainstem localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-containing neurons projecting to the anteroventral thalamic nucleus (AVN) was studied in rats. The AVN is one of several forebrain regions innervated by the AChE-containing dorsal tegmental pathway described by Shute and Lewis. In the present study, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the region of the AVN to determine the brainstem origin of afferent projections. Alternate sections of tissue were stained for HRP or AChE. HRP-labeled neurons were found in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LTN) and the locus coeruleus. Examination of adjacent sections revealed AChE-containing neurons in both of these nuclear regions. Combined HRP/AChE histochemistry demonstrated that transported HRP and AChE were in the same cells. In further experiments, unilateral lesions of the LTN were found to cause a decrease in AChE staining of the ipsilateral AVN. Destruction of the locus coeruleus had no effect. In combination with available evidence, the present findings suggest that cholinergic neurons in the LTN innervate the AVN.
Diabetes as a risk factor for death following endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objective . To determine whether several personal or lifestyle risk factors for the occurrence of endometrial cancer are also risk factors for death following endometrial cancer. Methods . In 1986, we obtained risk factor information by mail on 41,836 women aged 55–69 years and living in Iowa. We followed those initially free of cancer through 2000 and identified incident endometrial cancers via linkage to a cancer registry. Women with endometrial cancer ( n = 415) then were followed to identify overall and endometrial cancer deaths. Results . Over a median of 6.4 years following endometrial cancer diagnosis, 93 women died, 39 with endometrial cancer as the underlying cause. Among the various personal and lifestyle risk factors examined, only diabetes (self-reported) was related to death following endometrial cancer. Adjusted for age and extent of endometrial cancer at diagnosis, the relative risk of overall death for diabetic versus nondiabetic women was 2.79 (95% CI 1.63–4.78). For endometrial cancer as a specific cause of death, the diabetes-related relative risk was 2.38 (95% CI 1.05–5.37). Further adjustment for tumor grade strengthened these relative risks slightly. Conclusions . Diabetes is associated with poorer survival after incident endometrial cancer, independent of tumor stage and grade. Our findings raise the possibility of a diabetes-related condition, such as hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia, contributing to poorer endometrial cancer survival.
Loss of naïve (CD45RA+) CD4+ lymphocytes during pediatric infection with feline immunodeficiency virus

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an immunosuppressive lentivirus of domestic cats that serves as an animal model for the pathogenesis of CD4+ lymphopenia and thymus dysfunction in HIV infected humans. During most cases of adult and pediatric HIV infection, naive CD4+ T lymphocytes recognized by the expression of the RA isoform of the leukocyte common antigen (CD45RA) are infected at a lower level than memory CD4+ T-lymphocytes identified by that lack the RA isoform; however, children with rapidly progressive disease due to thymic insufficiency harbor high levels of HIV within the naive subpopulation. In FIV infected cats, the infection status and fate of naive CD4 lymphocytes is unknown. Recently, Gengozian et al. described a monoclonal antibody (mAb 755) that recognizes the feline homologue to CD45RA, allowing the enumeration of naive CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in cats. The purpose of this study was to enumerate CD45RA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the blood of normal and FIV-infected cats. One-day-old kittens (n=4) were infected with virions either from a wild type molecular clone of FIV (JSY3; n=1) or a mutant clone lacking an intact open reading frame ORF-A (JSY3-ΔORFA; n=3) at equivalent reverse transcriptase units and compared with data from age-matched uninfected cats. At biweekly intervals, the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells belonging to the CD45RA+ subpopulation were measured by two-color flow cytometry. At 12 weeks post-inoculation both FIV inocula were associated with a reduction in total CD4+ lymphocytes from a median of 22% in controls to 8% in infected cats (P=), contributing to a reduction in the CD4:CD8 ratio from 5.5 in controls to 0.76 in infected cats (P=). The decline in CD4+ lymphocytes was attributable to a disproportionate loss of CD4+CD45RA+ cells: 13% of CD4+ cells were naive in controls, as compared to 7% in FIV infected cats (P=0.004). In contrast, naive CD8+ lymphocytes did not change significantly with FIV infection (67% of CD8 + cells were CD45RA+ in FIV infected cats as compared to 8% in controls). Therefore, within the context of acute pediatric infection, FIV is associated with a rapid depletion of naive CD4 lymphocytes from the blood. The pathogenesis of this loss with respect to lytic infection, thymus insufficiency, or transition to a memory phenotype warrants further study.
Political Authority and University Formation in Europe, 1200–1800

Both historical analysis and data on university formation in Europefor the period 1200-1800 are used to introduce a perspective which links the organizational pattern of university foundings with the structure of political authority. Most theories of higher education cannot account for the pattern of university foundings. My political-institutional perspective interprets this pattern in the context of the relationship between knowledge and authority in Western history and connects the founding and control of a university to claims to political authority. Quantitative data suggest that universities are founded least where there is a central authority with rela- tively low levels of competing authority claims (e.g., England). They are founded most in highly decentralized regions characterized by many claims to sovereignty (e.g., Germany, Italy). Intermediate to high rates of found- ings occur where a multiplicity of local and provincial claims to authority exist within a bureaucratic state (e.g., France, Spain). Universities are usually viewed in terms of educational purposes, and explana- tions of both historical and contemporary university formation tend to point to functional reasons for their existence: the educational requirements of moderniz- ation and development, the technical and bureaucratic demands of society, or the need for trained professionals. Indeed, many authors have stressed such practical aspects of the nature and origins of university education (Ben-David 1968; Cobban 1975; Hill 1972; Kagan 1974; Le Goff 1980; Powicke 1949; Smith 1958). In these discussions, the broader role of the university as an institution and its direct connection with political authority are ignored. The story of universities between 1200 and 1800 is one of change in the relationship between the university and various levels of political authority- especially the state. State-building within Western Europe evolved in a highly competitive environment. The newly emergent states were competing for au- thority and supported their claims to legitimacy by appropriating the authority
Factor analysis of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire in a young adult U.S. Army sample.

Summary.-Reasons for alcohol consumption are often conceptualized as deriving from internal and external sources and positive and negative reinforcement. The revised Drinking Motives Questionnaire (DMQ-R) was developed to classify reasons or motives for alcohol use which are associated with different drinking patterns. The factor structure of a subset of DMQ-R items was examined using exploratory factor analysis on a U.S. Army sample, to assess whether the DMQ-R subscales represent drinking motives typically identified by military service members. This study used the Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel, which sampled 10,400 Army soldiers. A total of 4,475 responses were included in the analysis, which corresponded with a weighted sample of 391,185 soldiers. Principal-axis factor analysis with promax rotation identified two factors representing pleasure-seeking/enjoyment and avoiding rejection/"fitting in." These factors may be useful in investigating relationships between drinking motives and alcohol use patterns within the U.S. Army population. Language: en
Objective MRTD As A Figure Of Merit

There is an increasing need for an objective figure of merit for specification of infrared imaging sensors in military applications such as manned airborne reconnaissance systems. This paper suggests a very simple modification of the subjective MRTD figure of merit used for predicting observer performance with infrared FLIRS. Objective MRTD can be used for modeling and control of both FLIR and infrared line scan sensor performance especially in those applications where the infrared sensor must interface with a total reconnaissance or weapon system. Such total systems, or sensor suites, usually consist of many diverse components each made by different vendors. Often interface must be established with equipment made in foreign nations. It is therefore imperative that the performance of a thermal imaging sensor be precisely measured in an unequivocal manner. Objective MRTD is suggested as an easily measured figure of merit for thermal imagers which is useful in meeting these objectives.
Reddish colouration in a Green spider: evolutionary origin and subsequent adaptation

The Green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans, is normally coloured a uniform green. An individual heavily suffused with reddish pigment was collected from a reddish flower. Origin of the ability to match the colour of a non-native flower is discussed in relation to a recent study on spider colouration.
Retinoblastoma: An Overview

Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood arises due to mutation of the retinoblastoma gene on chromosome 13q14. In the hereditary setting this mutation is present in all germ line cells and can occur as early as during development; however it requires a mandatory second "hit" or mutation of the remaining allele for retinoblastoma to develop. The non-hereditary form arises from spontaneous mutation affecting both alleles in a somatic cell of the retina. The tumor may present with leucocoria or strabismus. The diagnosis is best made by an ophthalmologist who examines the patient under sedation. Although tissue biopsy is not routinely performed, imaging studies like ultrasound and MRI scan can serve as useful adjuncts to help in establishing the diagnosis and also aid in staging. Group A tumors are smaller than 3 mm while group B tumors are >3 mm or those located in the macula. Groups C and D tumors are associated with localized and diffuse vitreous seeds respectively. Group E tumors occupy >50% of the globe and are generally not salvagable. Despite the fact that great advances have been made in the treatment of retinoblastoma in the last two decades, a large number patients undergo procedures associated with significant morbidity such as enucleation. We recommend large multi institutional studies using newer therapeutic models and targeting novel pathways to improve the outcome in advanced stage retinoblastoma.
New potent trapping agents for the peroxidic intermediates formed in the reactions of singlet oxygen

Abstract The ability of sulfenate and sulfinate esters to trap the perepoxide intermediate formed in the photooxidation of adamantylideneadamantane has been explored. The results demonstrate that these compounds are the most potent trapping agents for peroxidic intermediates yet reported. The electrophilic character of the trapping event was also demonstrated wiih a series of substituted sulfenate esters.
Excited electron dynamics modeling of warm dense matter.

We present a model (the electron force field, or eFF) based on a simplified solution to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation that with a single approximate potential between nuclei and electrons correctly describes many phases relevant for warm dense hydrogen. Over a temperature range of 0 to 100 000 K and densities up to 1 g/cm^3, we find excellent agreement with experimental, path integral Monte Carlo, and linear mixing equations of state, as well as single-shock Hugoniot curves from shock compression experiments. In principle eFF should be applicable to other warm dense systems as well.
Effect of resistance load on biomechanical characteristics of racing wheelchair propulsion over a roller system.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how resistance load influenced the kinematic characteristics and the activity of selected muscles (flexor and extensor carpi radialis, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, antero-middle and postero-middle deltoids, pectoralis major, and upper trapezius) during maximum effort racing wheelchair stroking using 3D videographic and surface EMG techniques. Fifteen male experienced wheelchair racers served as subjects and three consecutive stroke cycles were analyzed for two load conditions. In contrast to previous studies where variations in speed were a result of variations in pushing effort or disability classification, a reduction in stroking speed caused by increasing load did not result in a decrease in stroking frequency. Increases in load significantly influenced the push and recovery times but not the stroke time or frequency. The vertical ranges of motion and vertical velocities at initial hand contact of the upper extremity joints decreased significantly from light to heavy resistance conditions. These results suggest that the vertical motion is influenced greatly by the load. Various degrees of muscle co-contractions were observed in most phases of the stroke cycle. The activation pattern of the deltoid muscle was different from what has been previously reported, probably because of the exaggerated forward lean trunk position adopted by our subjects. Although the overall EMG activity remained the same or decreased when the resistance was increased, stroking under a heavy resistance load is likely to be more demanding physiologically because of the greater push time–recovery time (work–rest) ratio with increasing resistance.
Effect of iron plaque on roots of rice on growth of plants in excess zinc and accumulation of phosphorus in plants in excess copper or nickel

Abstract Iron (Fe) plaque on roots of rice was found to lessen the toxic effects of zinc (Zn). With excess Zn, plants with Fe plaque had significantly greater dry mass of roots and foliage than plants without plaque. In the excess of Zn, plants with Fe plaque had higher concentrations of Fe but lower Zn than plants without plaque, although the differences were not significant. In the excess of copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni), plants with Fe plaque had significantly lower concentration of phosphorus (P) in leaves than plants without plaque. It is suggested that the low concentration of P in leaves of plants with plaque will increase the concentration of “active iron”; inside leaves, and therefore, increase their tolerance against heavy metal toxicity.
Nowhere To Go But Up:The Return of Medicinal Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry, as a field, has moved into new and unwelcome territory. How did we get here, and what might be the way out?
Relation of Methane Generation to Undercompacted Shales, Shale Diapirs, and Mud Volcanoes

Organic matter commonly makes up a substantial part of freshly deposited muds. During postdepositional history, much of this organic matter is decomposed by biochemical and thermochemical processes, with accompanying generation of methane within the sediments. Likewise during postdepositional history, weight of overburden brings about compaction of mud sediments through expulsion under pressure of interstitial pore water. However, at the same time as pressure on the fluid is tending to increase because of compaction and other factors, the permeability of the sediment tends to be reduced by closer packing of clay particles. Thus it may happen not infrequently that the escape of fluids from a mud or shale body may fail temporarily to keep up with the causes tending to incre se fluid pressure, and in such cases these bodies will become overpressured and undercompacted with respect to surrounding sediments. The generation of methane gas within these mud and shale bodies is an important added factor which tends further to accentuate, or even create, their overpressured, undercompacted state, both by building up additional internal pressure, and also by further impeding fluid expulsion because of the development of a second phase (gas) in the pore fluid. Because of the unstable, semifluid nature of methane-charged undercompacted muds or shales, they frequently find expression in mud or shale diapirs or in mud volcanoes. The importance to petroleum exploration of a causal relation between methane generation and undercompacted shales, shale diapirs, and mud volcanoes is principally that these features thus become indicators of areas or intervals where hydrocarbons have been, or are, actively originating. Although the nearby area of these overpressured features may be unfavorable for petroleum accumulation because of a lack of extensive reservoirs, the surrounding facies, above, below, and laterally adjacent, may be particularly favorable in their relation to both reservoir and source environments.
Symmetry-Defying Iron Pyrite (FeS2) Nanocrystals through Oriented Attachment

Iron pyrite (fool's gold, FeS2) is a promising earth abundant and environmentally benign semiconductor material that shows promise as a strong and broad absorber for photovoltaics and high energy density cathode material for batteries. However, controlling FeS2 nanocrystal formation (composition, size, shape, stoichiometry, etc.) and defect mitigation still remains a challenge. These problems represent significant limitations in the ability to control electrical, optical and electrochemical properties to exploit pyrite's full potential for sustainable energy applications. Here, we report a symmetry-defying oriented attachment FeS2 nanocrystal growth by examining the nanostructure evolution and recrystallization to uncover how the shape, size and defects of FeS2 nanocrystals changes during growth. It is demonstrated that a well-controlled reaction temperature and annealing time results in polycrystal-to-monocrystal formation and defect annihilation, which correlates with the performance of photoresponse devices. This knowledge opens up a new tactic to address pyrite's known defect problems.
Pharmacokinetic profile of parecoxib sodium, an injectable prodrug of the Cox-2-selective inhibitor, valdecoxib

Background Parecoxib sodium is an injectable prodrug of the Cox-2 inhibitor, valdecoxib in regulatory review in the US for the management of acute pain. Aim To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of valdecoxib after administration of IV and IM parecoxib sodium relative to valdecoxib (BEXTRA®) tablets. Methods PK data were obtained from a study comparing single and multiple 5, 10, and 20 mg doses of oral valdecoxib tablet and IV parecoxib sodium solution (n=36), and a study comparing 20 mg IM and IV parecoxib sodium solution (n=16) in healthy volunteers. Results The 90% CIs for oral/IV treatment ratios of valdecoxib AUC after adjusting for molecular weight difference between parecoxib and valdecoxib were within 84–118% across single and multiple doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg. IM and IV parecoxib sodium were bioequivalent for valdecoxib AUC and Cmax. Valdecoxib Cmax was observed around 0.5, 0.8 and 2.3 hours after IV and IM parecoxib sodium and oral valdecoxib tablets, respectively, with mean oral/IV ratios within 0.51–0.78 due to the rapid conversion of parecoxib sodium (t1/2~22 min) to valdecoxib. Valdecoxib T1/2 (~8 hours) was unaffected by route of administration. Conclusions The pharmacokinetic profile of valdecoxib is similar when administered orally as valdecoxib tablets or as IM/IV parecoxib sodium, indicating no PK limitations to transitioning from parenteral to oral treatment. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P48–P48; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.077
Finite difference solution for transient radiative cooling of a conducting semitransparent square region

Transient solutions were obtained for a square region of heat conducting semitransparent material cooling by thermal radiation. The region is in a vacuum environment, so energy is dissipated only by radiation from within the medium leaving through its boundaries. The effect of heat conduction during the transient is to partially equalize the internal temperature distribution. As the optical thickness of the region is increased, the temperature gradients increase near the boundaries and corners, unless heat conduction is large. The solution procedure must provide accurate temperature distributions in these regions to prevent error in the calculated radiation losses. Two-dimensional numerical Gaussian integration is used to obtain the local radiative source term. A finite difference procedure with variable space and time increments is used to solve the transient energy equation. Variable spacing was used to concentrate grid points in regions with large temperature gradients.
Some further fission yields in spontaneous fission of 252Cf

Abstract Six new fission yields have been measured on the wings of the 252 Cf spontaneous fission curve. The width of the peaks at half maximum height is found to be 13 ± 1 mass units.
Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch using Radial Basis Function

This paper proposes an Artificial Neural Network approach for solving the Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch (CEED) problem using Radial Basic Function (RBF) based neural network. The goal of CEED is to minimize both the operating fuel cost and emission level simultaneously, while satisfying load demand and operational constraints. This multi-objective CEED problem is converted into a single objective function using a modified price penalty factor approach. In this paper, centres which are chosen randomly from input space are chosen such that they are fairly far apart from each other, and covering the whole of input space. Here, centres and weights memorization is done which resulted in improving RBF Network convergence and computation time. The proposed approach is implemented on two test systems and the obtained results are compared with conventional technique.
Reduced growth and survival of larval razorback sucker fed selenium-laden zooplankton.

Abstract Four groups of larval razorback sucker, an endangered fish, were exposed to selenium-laden zooplankton and survival, growth, and whole-body residues were measured. Studies were conducted with 5, 10, 24, and 28-day-old larvae fed zooplankton collected from six sites adjacent to the Green River, Utah. Water where zooplankton were collected had selenium concentrations ranging from
The use of an endorectal balloon catheter and ultrasound localization in conformal radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a DVH analysis of rectal dose-sparing with 3D-CRT, IMRT, and helical tomotherapy

Materials/Methods: 5 patients treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer were selected for analysis. PinnacleTM treatment plans were generated utilizing 3D-conformal 6-field and IMRT 7-coplanar field designs with a novel, three-step optimization and with ultrasound (U/S) localization. Helical Tomotherapy, a form of IMRT that integrates radiotherapy and helical-CT, can provide inherent image guidance and exquisitely conformal therapy. Tomotherapy treatment plans were also compared. Separate plans were devised with a rectal balloon deflated or inflated with and without inclusion of the seminal vesicles (SV) in the target volume. PTV was defined by GTV 5mm margin. The prescription dose was 76Gy (38 fx) such that the 95% isodose line encompassed 95% of the PTV. Cumulative dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were analyzed for the PTV, rectal wall, and bladder for an inflated or deflated endorectal balloon SV. The volumes of rectal wall and bladder receiving 60Gy, 65Gy, and 70Gy with each treatment approach were evaluated.
Modeling methodology for integrated simulation of embedded systems

Developing a single embedded application involves a multitude of different development tools including several different simulators. Most tools use different abstractions, have their own formalisms to represent the system under development, utilize different input and output data formats, and have their own semantics. A unified environment that allows capturing the system in one place and one that drives all necessary simulators and analysis tools from this shared representation needs a common representation technology that must support several different abstractions and formalisms seamlessly. Describing the individual formalisms by metamodels and carefully composing them is the underlying technology behind MILAN, a Model-based Integrated Simulation Framework. MILAN is an extensible framework that supports multigranular simulation of embedded systems by seamlessly integrating existing simulators into a unified environment. Formal metamodels and explicit constraints define the domain-specific modeling language developed for MILAN that combines hierarchical, heterogeneous, parametric dataflow representation with strong data typing. Multiple modeling aspects separate orthogonal concepts. The language also allows the representation of the design space of the application, not just a point solution. Nonfunctional requirements are captured as formal, application-specific constraints. MILAN has integrated tool support for design-space exploration and pruning. The models are used to automatically configure the integrated functional simulators, high-level performance and power estimators, cycle-accurate performance simulators, and power-aware simulators. Simulation results are used to automatically update the system models. The article focuses on the modeling methodology and briefly describes how the integrated models are utilized in the framework.
Responses to multiple-choice intelligibility tests.

Multiple-choice intelligibility tests consisting of four-word response sets were administered to listeners at four signal-to-noise ratios and at four signal levels. Three types of analysis were mad...
The Effect of Retirement on Mental Health and Health Behaviors: The Kaiser Permanente Retirement Study

To assess the short-term effect of retirement on mental health and health behaviors of members of a health maintenance organization aged 60-66, questionnaires were completed in 1985 and 1987 by employed members planning to retire during the study period and those not planning to retire. Mental health and health behaviors of members who actually retired (n = 320) were compared with those members who did not retire (n = 275). Using logistic regression controlling for age, gender, marital status, and education, we found that retired members were more likely to have lower stress levels and to engage in regular exercise more often as compared to those who did not retire during the study period. Retired women were more likely to report no alcohol problems as compared to nonretired women. There were no differences between the groups on self-reported mental health status, coping, depression, smoking, alcohol consumption, and frequency of drunkenness. These findings underscore the importance of assessing positive benefits associated with retirement and call for further evaluation of whether these benefits persist over time.
Influences of mating strategy on space use of Arizona gray squirrels

Space use frequently differs between sexes and may reflect differences in parental investment and limiting resources. We examined Arizona gray squirrels (Sciurus arizonensis) from April 2007 to December 2008 to determine effects of mating strategy on patterns of home-range size and overlap. Home ranges were large compared to those of congeners, suggesting an environment with low availability and predictability of resources, and differed by sex and season. Females maintained smaller home ranges overlapped more by males than females; overlap by male home ranges increased during the breeding season. Males had larger home ranges that overlapped females more than males; home-range size and overlap of both sexes increased during the breeding season. Additionally, male Arizona gray squirrels appear to respond to the distribution of females by enlarging home ranges to maximize proportion of females overlapped. Consequently, Arizona gray squirrels conform to theoretical predictions, with female space use influenced by access to food and male space use influenced by access to mates.
Calculation of the surface potential and surface charge density by measurement of the three-phase contact angle

The silica/silicon wafer is widely used in the semiconductor industry in the manufacture of electronic devices, so it is essential to understand its physical chemistry and determine the surface potential at the silica wafer/water interface. However, it is difficult to measure the surface potential of a silica/silicon wafer directly due to its high electric resistance. In the present study, the three-phase contact angle (TPCA) on silica is measured as a function of the pH. The surface potential and surface charge density at the silica/water surface are calculated by a model based on the Young-Lippmann equation in conjunction with the Gouy-Chapman model for the electric double layer. In measurements of the TPCA on silica, two distinct regions were identified with a boundary at pH 9.5-showing a dominance of the surface ionization of silanol groups below pH 9.5 and a dominance of the dissolution of silica into the aqueous solution above pH 9.5. Since the surface chemistry changes above pH 9.5, the model is applied to solutions below pH 9.5 (ionization dominant) for the calculation of the surface potential and surface charge density at the silica/aqueous interface. In order to evaluate the model, a galvanic mica cell was made of a mica sheet and the surface potential was measured directly at the mica/water interface. The model results are also validated by experimental data from the literature, as well as the results obtained by the potentiometric titration method and the electro-kinetic measurements.
Dielectric particle and void resonators for thin film solar cell textures.

Abstract: Using Mie theory and Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) we compare the properties of dielectric particle and void resonators. We show that void resonators—low refractive index inclusions within a high index embedding medium—exhibit larger bandwidth resonances, reduced peak scattering intensity, different polarization anisotropies, and enhanced forward scattering when compared to their particle (high index inclusions in a low index medium) counterparts. We evaluate amorphous silicon solar cell textures comprising either arrays of voids or particles. Both designs support substantial absorption enhancements (up to 45%) relative to a flat cell with anti-reflection coating, over a large range of cell thicknesses. By leveraging void-based textures 90% of above-bandgap photons are absorbed in cells with maximal vertical dimension of 100 nm.
Condition Based Maintenance for light trucks

Army ground vehicles often operate in extremely severe environmental and battlefield conditions. There are challenges for the reliability of the military ground vehicle fleet, which need to be addressed. Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) allows maintenance to be performed based on evidence of need provided by reliability modeling and/or other enabling technologies, thus reducing maintenance costs and increasing vehicle availability. The architecture of the Intelligent Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) for light trucks is presented. A fuzzy model is developed to diagnose the axle fatigue of the vehicle. The extraction of the fuzzy rules is based upon expert knowledge and a linear damage model. Training data will be used to modify the membership functions and the fuzzy If-Then rules to improve the quality of the fuzzy model for fault diagnostics. The improvement of the fuzzy model will be carried out using re-clustering operation and membership function optimization.
Inability of cyclo (LEU-GLY) to facilitate the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine in the rat.

Abstract The effect of cyclo (Leu-Gly), an analog of melanotropin release inhibition factor on the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine in the rat was investigated. Administration of cyclo (Leu-Gly) (1 μg/rat/day) prior to and during morphine pellet implantation failed to facilitate the development of tolerance to the analgesic and hypothermic effects of morphine. Similarly the development of dependence on morphine was not facilitated by cyclo (Leu-Gly) as evidenced by changes in body weight and body temperature observed during abrupt withdrawal of morphine. These studies do not lend support to the previous observations that cyclo (Leu-Gly) and other related peptides facilitate the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine.
Monocrotaline Pyrrole Interacts with Actin and Increases Thrombin-Mediated Permeability in Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells

Abstract One of the earliest morphologic changes evident in the monocrotaline (MCT) model of pulmonary hypertension in rats is microvascular leak. Whether this represents a direct effect of MCT metabolites or is secondary to inflammatory and thrombotic changes remains uncertain. To determine whether MCT directly affects endothelial cell permeability barrier function, we characterized the interaction of the reactive pyrrole intermediate of MCT (MCTP) with endothelial cell actin and characterized its effects on thrombin-mediated signal transduction and monolayer permeability. Bovine pulmonary endothelial cells (BPAEC) treated with MCTP had altered distribution of filamentous actin evident by fluorescence microscopy. Correlative Western blots and autoradiography of actin isolated from BPAEC treated with 14 C-MCTP showed comigration of actin and MCTP-derived 14 C. MCTP treatment did not alter cellular free Ca 2+ concentrations nor did it interfere with thrombin-mediated intracellular Ca 2+ signal. Pretreatment with MCTP significantly augmented the thrombin-mediated transudation of Evan's blue albumin in BPAEC monolayers apparently by increasing the size of intercellular gaps. We conclude that MCTP directly interacts with actin to alter its polymerization state but does not significantly affect endothelial cell response to contractile stimulus. Our results suggest that MCTP may affect endothelial cell barrier function through alterations in intracellular junctions.
Unpaid, Reproductive, Caring Labor? The Production of Labor Power? Theoretical and Practical Implications of Terms Used for Women's Work

The terms used to describe women's household production contain implicit theoretical conceptualizations of this work that are often problematic, but may have rhetorical power.
Effects of the antidepressant venlafaxine on fish brain serotonin and predation behavior.

Abstract Antidepressants that enter receiving waters through final treated wastewater effluent have exhibited relatively low acute toxicity in traditional fish tests at currently measured concentrations. However, the psychotropic mode of action of these compounds warrants examination of the behavioral effects these chemicals may have on aquatic organisms. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to the antidepressant fluoxetine causes decreased brain serotonin levels in fish and results in a decreased ability to capture prey. Another antidepressant, venlafaxine, has been found at low μg/L concentrations in final treated wastewater effluent. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of venlafaxine on fish predation behavior and determine if this effect was correlated with changes in brain neurotransmitter concentrations. The predator prey bioassay used hybrid striped bass ( Morone saxatilis x Morone chrysops ) as the predator and fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas ) as prey. Bass were exposed to venlafaxine (0–500 μg/L) for a period of 6 days and then allowed to recover for 6 days. During both exposure and recovery, bass were fed four minnows every third day. The time to capture the minnows was quantified and compared among treatments to determine if there was an effect on predation behavior. Brain tissue was analyzed for serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, to determine the relationship between exposure concentration, brain monoamine levels, and predation behavior. Results indicated that venlafaxine exposures increased time to capture prey 1 and 2 by day 6 for the 250 and 500 μg/L treatments. Time to capture prey 3 was increased for all venlafaxine treatments by day 6. Venlafaxine caused a statistically significant decrease in brain serotonin concentrations that initially decreased in a dose dependent manner before reaching a steady state by the end of exposures for all treatments. No significant, dose-dependent changes in dopamine or norepinephrine were seen. Brain serotonin alone did not adequately explain behavioral results. Serotonin response in other tissues as well as peripheral effects may have accounted for additional behavioral responses after brain serotonin reached a depressed steady state.