cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Outcomes in Patients Requiring Iliac Conduits or Direct Access for Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background Iliac conduit or direct iliac access (ICDA) can be used when anatomy is unfavorable for femoral access during abdominal endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). The impact of this approach has not been adequately addressed. The objective of this study was to analyze perioperative outcomes of patients requiring use of ICDAs for EVAR. Methods Patients undergoing EVAR with and without ICDA were identified in the 2005–2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data sets. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were assessed by crude comparison of matched groups and multivariate analyses. Results Of 15,082 patients undergoing infrarenal EVAR 147 (1%) required ICDA. The ICDA group had a higher proportion of females (25.9% vs. 17.8%, P = 0.017), peripheral vascular disease (12.9% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.001), and patients with a history of dyspnea (31.3% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.024). There was no difference in age (74.5 ± 8.4 conduit vs. 73.5 ± 8.5). On multivariate analysis, the ICDA cohort had a higher rate of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–5.4; P = 0.004) and an increase in other major complications including cardiac arrest and/or myocardial infarction (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.3; P = 0.007), pulmonary complications (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.9; P = 0.013), and postoperative length of stay (means ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4; P = 0.001). There was a trend toward increased bleeding complications with ICDA. Matched analyses of comorbidities revealed that patients requiring ICDA had higher perioperative mortality (6.8% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.008), cardiac (4.8% vs. 1%, P = 0.004), pulmonary (8.8% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.006), and bleeding complications (10.2% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.016). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the use of ICDA during EVAR is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In situations where anatomy mandates the use of iliac conduits or access for EVAR, surgeons should consider this increased risk. Open repair or the use of lower profile devices, if possible, should be considered as options for these patients.
Warpage modeling technique of organic interposer considering deformation by insulator material shrinkage

The increase of organic interposer warpage in large-die fine-pitch flip-chip package applications makes more challenging for C4 bumps on chip to be connected to solder on the interposer pads during reflow process for chip attach. Therefore the pattern layout and material selection of the interposer should be optimized to minimize the warpage during the reflow. In order to do that, it is essential to establish a precise mechanical modeling methodology to predict warpage behavior in earlier stage of design. In the typical modeling, initial warpage at final lamination process of interposer manufacturing is assumed to be zero. However the actual has some deformation caused by such as resin cure shrinkage and handling at manufacturing operations. It can't be ignored on the prediction and results in the accuracy limitation. In this paper, we focus on the warpage behavior of organic laminates consisting of glass reinforced core, build-up and solder resist materials which have been widely used for application processor of mobile applications and high-end microprocessors. Firstly, we try to characterize the cure shrinkage of build-up and solder resist materials. Then we try to make a new modeling technique for the warpage prediction simulating the actual laminate manufacturing process steps considering such material shrinkage. The results of the warpage by the new models are indicating that the technique can realize the shape of the initial warpage just after laminate manufacturing line.
Lac repressor-operator interaction. I. Equilibrium studies.

Abstract A membrane filter technique for detecting lac repressor-operator complexes is discussed and it is shown that this method assays for complexes present in solution prior to filtering. The method is sensitive (10−16 mole), accurate, and suitable for physical chemical experiments. Our results are consistent with the idea that only one repressor binds per operator. We report on the equilibrium constant (1 × 10−13 m in our standard buffer) and the effect of several reaction conditions on this parameter. In particular, the binding is very sensitive to ionic strength, the logarithm of the equilibrium constant being proportional to the square root of the ionic strength. Evidence for repressor subunits and a preferential loss of DNA binding activity compared to inducer (isopropyl-thiogalactoside) binding activity is presented. Methods for determining the concentration of repressor capable of binding to DNA are described. Actinomycin D inhibits the binding, suggesting that there is at least one guanine in or near the operator. We also report on a sensitive competition assay for unlabeled operator and show that the repressor does not bind to denatured DNA but will bind following renaturation of the DNA. Native Escherichia coli DNA without the lac region does not compete even when a 300-fold weight excess (10 μg/ml.) is used. The binding to the operator is thus extremely specific.
A novel half-rate architecture for high-speed clock and data recovery

A bang-bang half-rate architecture is presented for high-speed random input clock and data recovery. In contrast to the conventional half-rate architectures, which contain two separated full-rate phase detectors and additional complicated logic and clock distribution circuits, the proposed architecture utilizes a genuine half-rate phase detector and eliminates the logic circuits. Therefore, it significantly simplifies the circuit complexity. A SiGe clock and data recovery circuit using this architecture is designed with 40Gb/s input data rate.
Teaching Market Efficiency with the Value Line Anomaly

Value Line’s timeliness rankings for common stocks are the topic of much debate and research in finance journals. The interest stems from Value Line’s purported ability to select stocks that outperform the market, and such stock-selection success is considered anomalous to the market efficiency hypothesis. This paper reviews the literature involving the Value Line anomaly in order to provide finance professors with an interesting method of teaching some of the intricacies of the debate on the market efficiency hypothesis.
A modified peripheral capillary blood culture sampling technique.

Previous reports from this facility described a method of blood culture sampling in three animal species using 0.2 ml or less of arterial and peripheral capillary blood.1,2 When ten or more organisms per milliliter of blood were present, the small sample method was as effective in detecting Escherichia coli bacteremia as was the standard blood culture technique using larger quantities of blood. However, when using the micro blood collecting tube method, contamination of the sample with air or skin microorganisms was a distinct problem. In this report, refinement of the micro sampling method was attempted to reduce contamination. Ten Beagle puppies (five male and five female), in the weight range between 5.7 to 9.0 kg, were utilized.
Failure of Rearranged TCR Transgenes to Prevent Age-Associated Thymic Involution

After puberty, the thymus undergoes a dramatic loss in volume, in weight and in the number of thymocytes, a phenomenon termed age-associated thymic involution. Recently, it was reported that age-associated thymic involution did not occur in mice expressing a rearranged transgenic (Tg) TCRαβ receptor. This finding implied that an age-associated defect in TCR rearrangement was the major, if not the only, cause for thymic involution. Here, we examined thymic involution in three other widely used MHC class I-restricted TCRαβ Tg mouse strains and compared it with that in non-Tg mice. In all three TCRαβ Tg strains, as in control mice, thymocyte numbers were reduced by ∼90% between 2 and 24 mo of age. The presence or absence of the selecting MHC molecules did not alter this age-associated cell loss. Our results indicate that the expression of a rearranged TCR alone cannot, by itself, prevent thymic involution. Consequently, other presently unknown factors must also contribute to this phenomenon.
A PC-based system to assist researchers in electric power distribution systems analysis

A PC-based system has been developed as an aid to research in power engineering. This system was developed using off-the-shelf hardware cards, and a commercially available software package that provides a high-level programming "shell" for hardware interfacing/control and graphic user interface development. The system consists of a data acquisition unit and a waveform generator. The data acquisition unit can monitor and record actual field measurements, whereas the waveform generator is able to recreate analog versions of stored data in a laboratory environment. The system has been used to test a prototype high-impedance fault detection unit which is under development. The system can also be used as an aid in classroom instruction. The design and development of the system reflects a simple cost-effective way for students to gain valuable practical experience in developing hardware/software-based systems within a reasonable length of time. >
A 4H-SiC trench MOS barrier Schottky (TMBS) rectifier

We present the first experimental demonstration of a 4H-SiC trench MOS barrier Schottky (TMBS) rectifier. The forward and reverse characteristics of the TMBS devices are studied as a function of various design parameters and compared with those of planar Schottky and planar PiN rectifiers. More than two orders of magnitude improvement in the leakage current has been obtained over a Ni/4H-SiC Schottky rectifier. Dynamic switching measurements on the device indicated negligible reverse recovery current.
Monetary Policy and Stock Returns

The Standard & Poor stock market composite index is examined to determine how much of the variance in returns can be explained by monetary policy. The note employs the econometric technique of generalized forecast error variance decomposition developed by Koop et al. (Journal of Econometrics, vol. 74, 1996, pp.119–47) and Pesaran and Shin (Economics Letters, vol. 58, pp.17–29). Unlike the traditional orthogonalized decomposition, the generalized version is invariant to the ordering of the variables in the underlying vector autoregression. The results provide important information about the relationship between monetary policy and the stock market.
Citizenship status and language education policy in an emerging Latino community in the United States

This article draws on a 23 month ethnographic study of an emerging—newly established and rapidly growing—Latino community in the New Latino Diaspora of the U.S. in order to examine how educators and parents interpret language education policy (LEP). It analyzes how an English as a Second Language director and one undocumented Mexican mother respond to the federal education legislation of 2002, known as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, which seeks to improve educational achievement by assessing student progress through standardized testing, mandating curricular reforms, and improving teacher quality. The analysis focuses on the portion of NCLB known as Title III, which is the section of the legislation that attempts to enlist parental participation in public schooling by mandating that schools communicate with parents in a language that they can understand. Drawing on participant observations, interviews, and informal conversations, this research demonstrates the ways that participants’ understandings of citizenship influence their interpretation of language education policy reforms resulting from Title III of NCLB. The findings indicate that various conceptualizations of citizenship circulate between home and school settings, and that those conceptualizations shape approaches to enlisting and offering parental participation. The article contributes to our understanding of three aspects of LEP: the way that LEP is interpreted in formal and informal educational settings, the role of parents and educators in shaping policy implementation locally, and the way individual understandings of LEP are linked to beliefs about citizenship and immigration.
Commentary: In the shadow of liberalism? Comments on Neil Smith's “The Endgame of Globalization”

Abstract In this commentary, I respond to Neil Smith's essay “The Endgame of Globalization.” Smith's analysis of the three rounds of U.S. administrations' attempts to complete a project of global economic dominance and the recurrent nationalism that undermines such a project is an important and insightful contribution to understanding the workings of American imperialism and current national politics. However, I argue that his critique of liberalism and theorization of globalization in this essay are weakened by, on the one hand, a narrow definition of liberalism and a failure to address some key philosophical and political questions that arise as a result of its critique, and, on the other, a notion of power that obscures the paradoxical nature of globalization and the centrality of gender and other markers of difference to its operation. In line with critical feminist and postcolonial scholarship, I suggest that important theoretical insight is lost by neglecting conflicting accounts of liberalism, neoliberalism and globalization from alternative perspectives.
Cardiovascular and endocrine effects of naloxone compared in normotensive and hypertensive patients.

Abstract Naloxone, a competitive antagonist of opioid receptors, and placebo (dextrose 5% in water (D5W)) were administered on separate days to healthy normotensive (NT) male volunteers and to male patients with essential hypertension (HT). A single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design was employed. Increasing doses of naloxone (0.4, 1.2, 3.6, 10.8, 32.4, 97.2 mg) were given every 30 min as slow i.v. boluses. On a separate day, i.v. boluses of D5W were given according to a similar protocol. Naloxone failed to significantly modify systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, oral temperature or plasma catecholamines. No adverse reactions or behavioral effects were seen with naloxone. Naloxone produced a dose-dependent increase in plasma cortisol, whereas plasma cortisol showed a gradual decline on the placebo day (circadian variation). HT and NT showed similar maximal increases in plasma cortisol. Hypertensives responded to lower doses of naloxone with greater increases in plasma cortisol. The results were significantly different only if corrected by using the baseline values obtained on the placebo day. The study suggests that in awake, resting men, endogenous opioids play no role in regulating BP, HR, respiration, temperature or the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. It also suggests that the sustained elevation of BP in HT is not due to endogenous opioid substances. However, endogenous opioid substances produce a tonic inhibitory effect on the release of cortisol. This tonic inhibition seems to be greater in hypertensives than in normotensives.
Why make websites accessible?: and how?

A university's website is an essential tool for recruiting students, faculty, and staff, and for conveying information to the campus community, alumni, and the outside world. When a website is inaccessible, the university may lose a prospective student, faculty member or alumni donor; students or employees may not be able to get crucial information; and there may be a legal liability. Also, web pages are accessed in a variety of different situations (hands-free, eyes-free) utilizing an increasing variety of technologies (screen reader, slow modem, small screen, PDA).This paper discusses six things common to web pages that can easily be made more accessible - the how and why for each: Images, Links, Color, Tables, Headings, Navigation.
Test response inconsistency in young children

Abstract Five studies were conducted which indicated that young children show a high degree of inconsistency of response from test to retest. The first three studies included one in which the same concepts were measured on two different forms of a test of basic concepts given one day apart—one in which the same test was given prior to and following a 3-month intervention program, and one in which the same concepts were presented twice on the same test. Studies four and five employed standardized test items from the Stanford Binet, WPPSI and McCarthy Scales with retest intervals of approximately 3 months and 15 minutes, respectively. Results indicated that preschool children show a high degree of variability when responding to the same test questions even with a short time interval. In the first two studies, 90% to 100% of the children were inconsistent in responding. In the third study, one third of the children responded inconsistently. The last two studies with standardized test items revealed inconsistency of response among approximately 40% to over 80% of the children, depending upon the retest interval and the items examined. The studies highlight the need for those who evaluate educational programs and those who design tests to have a greater understanding of the manner in which young children perform in situations that are designed to demonstrate learning.
Inactivation of Naegleria gruberi cysts by chlorine dioxide

Abstract Investigations were carried out to determine the kinetics of chlorine dioxide inactivation of Naegleria gruberi cysts and the influence of pH from 5 to 9, temperature from 5 to 30°C, cyst age from 3 to 12 days, and cyst clumping. Inactivation was characterized by an initial concave downward shoulder followed by an essentially linear portion but the process obeyed Watson's Law. At 25°C and pH 7 the mean concentration time product for 99% inactivation was 5.5 mg·min l−1. These products varied inversely with temperature and pH.
Topology in the little higgs models

We investigate the implications of the nontrivial vacuum structure of little Higgs models. In particular, focusing on the littlest Higgs model, we demonstrate the existence of three types of topological defects. One is a global cosmic string that is truly topological. The second is more subtle; a semilocal cosmic string, which may be stable due to dynamical effects. The final defect is a ${Z}_{2}$ monopole solution with an unusual structure. We briefly discuss the possible cosmological consequences of such nonperturbative structures, although we note that these depend crucially on the fermionic content of the models.
Radiation response of optically-triggered GaAs thyristors

Gallium arsenide optically triggered thyristors that exhibit tolerance to high X-ray dose rates have been fabricated. These two-terminal epitaxial devices feature breakover voltages of 18 V to 38 V with no radiation. They trigger at less than 2 V with only tenths of a milliwatt of laser light, but they do not trigger at 2*10/sup 9/ rad(Si)/s with a bias level as much as 40% to 60% of the zero-radiation breakover voltage. When these devices are bombarded with neutrons, the reduced carrier lifetimes result in a decreased sensitivity to triggering by light and ionizing radiation. The thyristors show some decrease in optical and X-ray sensitivity upon neutron exposure in excess of 10/sup 13/ n/cm/sup 2/. At 10/sup 14/ n/cm/sup 2/, there are major reductions in photon sensitivity, and some instability is observed. >
Visual Myths of Female Identity in Eighteenth- Century France

Eighteenth-century France experienced a major shift in the position of women, with new value placed on domestic virtue. Analysis of seven representative eighteenth-century French paintings and prints suggests how cultural myths of female identity variously served to uphold and subvert the political, social, and economic status quo. The female gender continues to be reduced to the status of the Other, but now the female Other is increasingly portrayed in a domesticated and privatized way, rather than through gutted classical myths. Non-aristocratic concepts penetrated aristocratic culture through visual art. Spinning and reading become signs which identify middle class females with private domesticity. While feudal folktales and traditional gender inversion images remain popular, representations of poor women produced for privileged audiences begin to change in important ways. For example, the plates of Diderot's Encyclopedie suggest that wage labor outside the home is neither boring nor deforming; the large tractable force of cheap labor demanded by modernity's dreams of rationalist efficiency, new technology, and the industrial age appear in the Encyclopedie plates. A telling starting point for understanding eighteenth-century French cultural myths of female identity is the famous European folktale "The Three Spinners."' This folk story, produced in Europe in the Middle Ages and still popular in eighteenth-century France, warns that a life of drudgery- in this case, flax spinning-will age a woman, deform her, and transform a beauty into a hag. This sort of traditional prose tale was told by itinerant peddlers, market women, parents to children and spinners at their
Medium-Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Bound to a Product Analogue, Hexadienoyl-Coenzyme A: Effects on Reduction Potential, pKa, and Polarization

2,4-Hexadienoyl-coenzyme A (HD-CoA) has been used to investigate the redox and ionization properties of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) from pig kidney. HD-CoA is a thermodynamically stabilized product analogue that binds tightly to oxidized MCAD (K(dox) = 3.5 +/- 0.1 microM, pH 7.6) and elicits a redox potential shift that is 78% of that observed with the natural substrate/product couple [Lenn, N. D., Stankovich, M. T., and Liu, H. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 3709-3715]. The midpoint potential of the MCAD.HD-CoA complex exhibits a pH dependence that is consistent with the redox-linked ionization of two key glutamic acids as well as the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. The estimated ionization constants for Glu376-COOH (pK(a,ox) approximately 9.3) and Glu99-COOH (pK(a,ox) approximately 7.4) in the oxidized MCAD.HD-CoA complex indicate that while binding of the C(6) analogue makes Glu376 a stronger catalytic base (pK(a,ox) approximately 6.5, free MCAD), it has little effect on the pK of Glu99 (pK(a,ox) approximately 7.5, free MCAD) [Mancini-Samuelson, G. J., Kieweg, V., Sabaj, K. M., Ghisla, S., and Stankovich, M. T. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 14605-14612]. This finding is in agreement with the apparent pK of 9.2 determined for Glu376 in the human MCAD.4-thia-octenoyl-CoA complex [Rudik, I., Ghisla, S., and Thorpe, C. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 8437-8445]. The pK(a)s estimated for Glu376 and Glu99 in the reduced pig kidney MCAD.HD-CoA complex, 9.8 and 8.6, respectively, suggest that both of these residues remain protonated in the charge-transfer complex under physiological conditions. Polarization of HD-CoA in the enzyme active site may contribute to the observed pK(a) and redox potential shifts. Consequently, the electronic structures of the product analogue in its free and MCAD-bound forms have been characterized by Raman difference spectroscopy. Binding to either the oxidized or reduced enzyme results in localized pi-electron polarization of the hexadienoyl C(1)=O and C(2)=C(3) bonds. The C(4)=C(5) bond, in contrast, is relatively unaffected by binding. These results suggest that, upon binding to MCAD, HD-CoA is selectively polarized such that partial positive charge develops at the C(3)-H region of the ligand, regardless of the oxidation state of the enzyme.
Spatial role-taking ability among bilingual and monolingual kindergarten children.

Fifty-seven children enrolled in a bilingual Spanish kindergarten program, assigned to appropriate language and age-related groups, were shown a graduated sequence of increasingly complex arrangements of multicolored blocks and were asked to judge how the original arrangement would look from the opposite and the side perspectives. A series of 2(younger vs. older) x 3(Spanish Monolingual vs. English Monolingual vs. Spanish-English Bilingual) ANOVAs for each of the types of responses (correct, incorrect, egocentric) showed a significant main effect for age on the incorrect answers. No differences associated with egocentrism were obtained. There was no relationship between age and success with simple and complex spatial tasks. As opposed to other studies that suggest certain cognitive advantages for young bilingual children, this study indicates no perceptible differences associated with being monolingual or bilingual at the ages of 5 and 6 for spatial tasks.
Site-directed mutagenesis of catalytic residues in N(5)-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase.

N5-CAIR synthetase, an essential enzyme in microorganisms, converts 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) and bicarbonate to N5-CAIR with the aid of ATP. Previous X-ray crystallographic analyses of Aspergillus clavatus N5-CAIR synthetase postulated that R271, H273, and K353 were important for bicarbonate binding and for catalysis. As reported here, site-directed mutagenesis of these residues revealed that R271 and H273 are, indeed, critical for bicarbonate binding and catalysis whereas all K353 mutations, even ones conservative in nature, are inactive. Studies on the R271K mutant protein revealed cooperative substrate inhibition for ATP with a Ki of 1.2 mM. Kinetic investigation of the H273A mutant protein indicated that it was cooperative with respect to AIR; however, this effect was not seen in either the wild-type or any of the other mutant proteins. Cooperative ATP-dependent inhibition of wild-type N5-CAIR synthetase was also detected with ATP displaying a Ki of 3.3 mM. Taken together, these results i...
Preclinical Evaluation of 86Y-Labeled Inhibitors of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen for Dosimetry Estimates

86Y (half-life = 14.74 h, 33% β+) is within an emerging class of positron-emitting isotopes with relatively long physical half-lives that enables extended imaging of biologic processes. We report the synthesis and evaluation of 3 low-molecular-weight compounds labeled with 86Y for imaging the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) using PET. Impetus for the study derives from the need to perform dosimetry estimates for the corresponding 90Y-labeled radiotherapeutics. Methods: Multistep syntheses were used in preparing 86Y-4–6. PSMA inhibition constants were evaluated by competitive binding assay. In vivo characterization using tumor-bearing male mice was performed by PET/CT for 86Y-4–6 and by biodistribution studies of 86Y-4 and 86Y-6 out to 24 h after injection. Quantitative whole-body PET scans were recorded to measure the kinetics for 14 organs in a male baboon using 86Y-6. Results: Compounds 86Y-4–6 were obtained in high radiochemical yield and purity, with specific radioactivities of more than 83.92 GBq/μmol. PET imaging and biodistribution studies using PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP and PSMA-negative PC-3 flu tumor-bearing mice revealed that 86Y-4–6 had high site-specific uptake in PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP tumor starting at 20 min after injection and remained high at 24 h. Compound 86Y-6 demonstrated the highest tumor uptake and retention, with 32.17 ± 7.99 and 15.79 ± 6.44 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g) at 5 and 24 h, respectively. Low activity concentrations were associated with blood and normal organs, except for the kidneys, a PSMA-expressing tissue. PET imaging in baboons reveals that all organs have a 2-phase (rapid and slow) clearance, with the highest uptake (8 %ID/g) in the kidneys at 25 min. The individual absolute uptake kinetics were used to calculate radiation doses using the OLINDA/EXM software. The highest mean absorbed dose was received by the renal cortex, with 1.9 mGy per MBq of 86Y-6.Conclusion: Compound 86Y-6 is a promising candidate for quantitative PET imaging of PSMA-expressing tumors. Dosimetry calculations indicate promise for future 90Y or other radiometals that could use a similar chelator/scaffold combination for radiopharmaceutical therapy based on the structure of 6.
Sucuk and pastırma: Microbiological changes and formation of volatile compounds

There is an increasing interest in traditional foods in Turkey like other countries. Sucuk, dry-fermented sausage, and pastirma, a type of dry-cured meat product, are traditional Turkish meat products that are widely consumed. Sucuk is air-dried and neither smoked nor ripened by mold. In spite of increasing use of starter culture in production of sucuk in the industry, traditionally produced sucuk is generally preferred by the consumers because of its sensory characteristics. Pastirma is traditionally processed under natural conditions where air temperature and relative humidity depend on climate and weather conditions. Pastirma differs from other raw cured meat products made from whole pieces of meat in terms of manufacturing process, ingredients, microbial properties and flavor. In this study, microbiological changes and formation of volatile compounds in sucuk and pastirma were reviewed.
Towards efficient search on unstructured data: an intelligent-storage approach

Applications that create and consume unstructured data have grown both in scale of storage requirements and complexity of search primitives. We consider two such applications: exhaustive search and integration of structured and unstructured data. Current block-based storage systems are either incapable or inefficient to address the challenges bought forth by the above applications. We propose a storage framework to efficiently store and search unstructured and structured data while controlling storage management costs. Experimental results based on our prototype show that the proposed system can provide impressive performance and feature benefits.
The Relationship Between Age, Verbal Working Memory, and Language Comprehension.

A structural modeling approach was used to examine the relationships between age, verbal working memory (vWM), and 3 types of language measures: online syntactic processing, sentence comprehension, and text comprehension. The best-fit model for the online-processing measure revealed a direct effect of age on online sentence processing, but no effect mediated through vWM. The best-fit models for sentence and text comprehension included an effect of age mediated through vWM and no direct effect of age. These results indicate that the relationship among age, vWM, and comprehension differs depending on the measure of language processing and support the view that individual differences in vWM do not affect individuals' online syntactic processing.
Successful Desensitization in a Child with Carboplatin Allergy: A Case Report

Hypersensitivity to platinum is described, although its mechanism is unknown. Carboplatin and cisplatin are cytotoxic agents containing platinum. Carboplatin is used to treat childhood tumors. Desensitization to carboplatin has been reported with some protocols requiring more than 3 days duration. We present a 30-month-old Mexican boy with hypothalamic astrocytoma, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, and hypersensitivity to carboplatin that developed after six courses of treatment. His symptoms included wheezing and mild urticaria. He failed two attempts before successfully completing three desensitizations with the following regimen: hydroxyzine 2 mg/kg/d and prednisolone 4 mg/kg/d begun at 48 hours prior to the carboplatin infusion, ranitidine 2 mg/kg/d at 24 hours. Carboplatin (1 mg/mL) was given at an initial rate of 1 mg/h with increments every 15 minutes (2, 4, 8,16, 32, 40 mg/h). He experienced mild wheezing at 40 mg/h and responded well to steroids, diphenhydramine, and nebulized albuterol. The infus...
Presenilins Mediate Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT and ERK Activation via Select Signaling Receptors SELECTIVITY OF PS2 IN PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR SIGNALING

The Alzheimer's disease-linked genes, PS1 and PS2, are required for intramembrane proteolysis of multiple type I proteins, including Notch and amyloid precursor protein. In addition, it has been documented that PS1 positively regulates, whereas PS1 familial Alzheimer disease mutations suppress, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation, a pathway known to inactivate glycogen synthase kinase-3 and reduce tau phosphorylation. In this study, we show that the loss of presenilins not only inhibits PI3K/Akt signaling and increases tau phosphorylation but also suppresses the MEK/ERK pathway. The deficits in Akt and ERK activation in cells deficient in both PS1 and PS2 (PS-/-) are evident after serum withdrawal and stimulation with fetal bovine serum or ligands of select receptor tyrosine kinases, platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR beta) and PDGFR alpha, but not insulin-like growth factor-1R and epidermal growth factor receptor. The defects in PDGF signaling in PS-/- cells are due to reduced expression of PDGF receptors. Whereas fetal bovine serum-induced Akt activation is reconstituted by both PS1 and PS2 in PS-/- cells, PDGF signaling is selectively restored by PS2 but not PS1 and is dependent on the N-terminal fragment of PS2 but not gamma-secretase activity or the hydrophilic loop of PS2. The rescue of PDGF receptor expression and activation by PS2 is facilitated by FHL2, a PS2-interacting transcriptional co-activator. Finally, we present evidence that PS1 mutations interfere with this PS2-mediated activity by reducing PS2 fragments. These findings highlight important roles of both presenilins in Akt and ERK signaling via select signaling receptors.
Effect of Progesterone and Estradiol on LH Release and Ovulation in Rhesus Monkeys

Rhesus monkeys were injected with 0.5 mg of progesterone daily on days 2–6, 2–10, 8–16 or 8–22 of the menstrual cycle or 0.5–1.0 mg of an antiestrogen (U-ll, 100A) on days 8–11 of the cycle. Other females received 100, 200 and 300 μg of estradiol 17β in sequence on threedays following progesterone treatment. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in peripheral serum samples and ovarian morphology was observed at laparotomy. In untreated monkeys ovulation was preceded by an LH surge of 4–10 times baseline values. A similar LH rise was observed in 3 of 4 monkeys 6–7 days following cessation of progesterone injected from days 2–6 of the cycle. The LH surge and ovulation were blocked in all of 12 monkeys treated with progesterone on days 2–10, 8–16 or 8–22 of the cycle. No LH surge occurred prior to menses in these 12 monkeys. Three of 9 progesterone-blocked females exhibited a rise in LH and ovulation when injected with estradiol. Smaller elevations in serum LH levels, without ovulation, occurred in two addit...
Reconstruction of pulmonary artery with porcine small intestinal submucosa in a lamb surgical model: Viability and growth potential

Objectives This study investigated the time-dependent remodeling and growth potential of porcine small intestine submucosa as a biomaterial for the reconstruction of pulmonary arteries in a lamb model. Methods Left pulmonary arteries were partially replaced with small intestine submucosal biomaterial in 6 lambs. Two animals each were humanely killed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Computed tomographic angiography, macroscopic examination of the implanted patch, and microscopic analysis of tissue explants were performed. Results All animals survived without complications. Patency and arborization of the pulmonary arteries were detected 6 months after implantation. There was no macroscopic narrowing or aneurysm formation in the patch area. The luminal appearance of the patch was similar to the intimal layer of the adjacent native pulmonary artery. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the luminal surface of the patch was covered by confluent cells. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed endothelialization of the luminal side of the patch in all of the explanted patches. The presence of smooth muscle cells in the medial layer was confirmed at all time points; however, expression of elastin, growth of the muscular layer, and complete degradation of patch material were detectable only after 6 months. The presence of c-Kit–positive cells suggests migration of multipotent cells into the patch, which may play a role in remodeling the small intestine submucosal biomaterial. Conclusions Our data confirmed that remodeling and growth potential of the small intestine submucosal biomaterial are time dependent. Additional experiments are required to investigate the stability of the patch material over a longer period.
Forces on the mitotic spindle produced by an internal pressure gradient.

Abstract A pressure gradient within a cell produces forces that form the geometry of the spindle. The gradient also supplies an imbalance of forces that act in the gel around the spindle fibers.
Effect of endogenous cortisol levels on natural killer cell activity in healthy humans.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increasing and decreasing endogenous cortisol levels on natural killer (NK) cell activity in vivo. Normal healthy volunteers participated in the following studies: baseline (n = 27), metyrapone challenge test (n = 10), dexamethasone suppression test (n = 10), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (n = 8). Each subject served as his own control for each study. Each subject was tested for NK activity and plasma cortisol levels at 9 a.m., just before the challenge drug administration, and at 10 a.m., except for the dexamethasone study, in which only the 9 a.m. blood was drawn, 10 h after the dexamethasone administration. On the baseline study day, a significant decrease in plasma cortisol levels was found from 9 to 10 a.m. (p <.02) along with a significant increase in NK activity (p <.001). On the metyrapone test day, plasma cortisol levels at 10 a.m. were significantly reduced (p <.005) as expected, while NK activity at the same time point was not affected and was increased to an extent equivalent to the baseline study day. On the dexamethasone test day, plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased (p <.0001) as compared to the same time point on the baseline day, without any significant change in the NK activity. On the ACTH test day, plasma cortisol rose significantly at 10 a.m. (p <.02), with no change in NK activity. We conclude that plasma cortisol alone has no significant effect on NK activity in vivo.
Preference for Same- Versus Cross-Sex Friendships1

How is preferring same- vs. cross-sex friendships related to one's perceptions of these friendships? In Phase 1, college students (N = 122) listed qualities they valued in their same- and cross-sex friends. In Phase 2, survey items constructed from the responses were administered to 231 students who indicated a preference for same- vs. cross-sex friendship. Those who reported a preference for opposite-sex friends rated these friendships as higher in closeness, trust, caring, having common interests, and providing narcissistic benefits, compared to those who reported a preference for same-sex friends. Results demonstrate that gender differences often associated with close friendships are greatly attenuated and sometimes reversed when preference for same- vs. cross-sex friendship is included as a moderating variable.
Malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase in the uropygial gland and liver of embryonic and neonatal ducklings. Tissue-specific regulation of gene expression

Malic enzyme [L-malate-NADP oxidoreductase (decarboxylating), EC 1.1.1.40] and fatty acid synthase activities were barely detectable in the uropygial gland of duck embryos until 4 or 5 days before hatching, when they began to increase. These activities increased about 30- and 140-fold, respectively, by the day of hatching. Malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase activities were also very low in embryonic liver. However, hepatic malic enzyme activity did not increase until the newly hatched ducklings were fed. Hepatic fatty acid synthase began to increase the day before hatching and the rate of increase in enzyme activity accelerated markedly when the newly hatched ducklings were fed. Starvation of newly hatched or 12-day-old ducklings had no effect on the activities of malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase in the uropygial gland but markedly inhibited these activities in liver. Changes in the concentrations of both enzymes and in the relative synthesis rates of fatty acid synthase correlated with enzyme activities in both uropygial gland and liver. Developmental patterns for sequence abundance of malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase mRNAs in uropygial gland and liver were similar to those for their respective enzyme activities. Starvation of 4-day-old ducklings had no significant effect on the abundance of these mRNAs in uropygial gland but caused a pronounced decrease in their abundance in liver. It is concluded that developmental and nutritional regulation of these enzymes is tissue specific and occurs primarily at a pretranslational level in both uropygial gland and liver.
Palate development in mouse foetuses after tongue removal.

Abstract The role of the tongue in palate development was investigated by a technique which permitted tongue removal without interruption of umbilical blood flow. Strain CD-1 pregnant mice were subjected to spinal cord transection at T3 to produce abdominal anaesthesia and the foetuses were delivered by caesarean section at 14 days postconception. The pregnant mouse was half submerged in a tissue culture medium, thus rendering the foetuses accessible for tongue removal without severing the umbilical cord. One-third of the foetuses with tongue excised and one half of the control foetuses survived under these conditions for 8 hr. Development proceeded from sagittally disposed palatal shelves to fusion in 56 per cent of control foetuses during the 8 hr, whereas palate fusion occurred in 84 per cent of the foetuses subjected to tongue removal. Apparently, the tongue was an obstacle to some stage of palate development. However, morphological differences in palate shape between the two groups of foetuses indicated that the tongue also served to mould the palate at a later stage of development. Thus, the tongue may have both inhibitory and facilitative roles, depending on the stage of palate development.
Combined effects of radiation and interleukin-13 receptor-targeted cytotoxin on glioblastoma cell lines.

Purpose: Interleukin-13 receptor-targeted cytotoxin (IL13-PE38) is highly cytotoxic to human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Although this molecule is being tested in a multicenter Phase III clinical trial (PRECISE Study) in patients with recurrent disease, the activity of IL13-PE38 when combined with radiation therapy has not been investigated. Methods and Materials: Cytotoxicity of IL13-PE38 to GBM cell lines was assessed by protein synthesis inhibition and clonogenic assays, and the growth of GBM cells receiving radiation was assessed by thymidine uptake assays. Expression of IL-13 receptor {alpha}2 (IL-13R{alpha}2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in GBM cells exposed to radiation was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and IL-13R density by radiolabeled IL-13 binding assays. Results: Prior irradiation of GBM cell lines followed by IL13-PE38 treatment did not enhance cytotoxicity; however, concomitant 5 Gy irradiation and IL13-PE38 treatment was highly cytotoxic to T98G, M059K, A172, and LN-229 cell lines as determined by cell viability assays. There was a statistically significant decrease in number of viable cells in IL13-PE38 and irradiated cells compared with irradiated cells alone (p < 0.05) or IL13-PE38 treated cells alone (p < 0.05). In contrast, U251, SN19, and U87MG cell lines did not show any combined effect. These resultsmore » were confirmed by clonogenic assays. Although three GBM cell lines-U251, SN19, and A172-showed 2.8- to 13.9-fold upregulation of IL-13R{alpha}2 mRNA expression at 6-24 h after exposure to 5 Gy radiation, specific binding of radiolabeled IL-13 to these cell lines did not improve. Conclusions: Our results suggest that concomitant radiation therapy and IL13-PE38 treatment may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with GBM. This strategy may be worth exploring in animal models of human glioma.« less
Perceptions of risk among childhood and young adult cancer survivors who smoke

Despite the fact that childhood and young adult cancer survivors are at increased risk for chronic health problems as a result of their cancer treatment, many use tobacco, thereby increasing their risks. Perceptions of risk related to tobacco use can be targeted for interventions aimed at improving health behaviors for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. Understanding the covariates of perceptions of health risks among young adult survivors who smoke will help to determine targets for intervention. Three hundred seventy-four participants who were diagnosed with cancer prior to age 35, currently between 18 and 55 years of age, and current smokers were recruited as part of a larger smoking cessation study, Partnership for Health-2 (PFH-2). Data were collected by telephone survey. Overall, women had the highest perception of risk for serious health problems, a second cancer, and heart problems. Additionally, those participants who were dependent on nicotine endorsed that they were at higher risk of serious health problems and second cancers, but not heart problems. Finally, Hodgkin lymphoma survivors reported that they were at increased risk for second cancers and heart problems compared to their “healthy” peers. Young adult cancer survivors who smoke correctly perceived some of their increased health risks. Additional motivation and education is needed for those young adult cancer survivors who perceive their increased health risks yet continue to smoke. Further education is needed for young survivors so they have a fully appropriate sense of risk, especially as it relates to their tobacco use.
The Role of Social Networks in Influenza Vaccine Attitudes and Intentions Among College Students in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Purpose To investigate whether support for vaccines among one's health discussants is associated with beliefs in vaccine safety and intention to vaccinate among college students. Methods Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted of data collected from 1,019 undergraduates at a large public university in 2009 and 2010. Results Having health discussion networks that support vaccination is a significant predictor of beliefs of H1N1 vaccine safety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.32) and intention (aOR = 1.78) in 2009 and of influenza vaccine safety (aOR = 1.85) and intention (aOR = 1.74) in 2010. These relationships are strongest among parents, friends, and spouses. Conclusions Perceptions of flu vaccine attitudes among health discussants were strongly related to vaccination intent and beliefs about flu vaccine safety among survey respondents.
THE INFLUENCE OF STANDARD GRAPHIC ORIENTATIONS ON CHILDREN'S SPATIAL PERSPECTIVE‐TAKING

Summary. To determine whether the rules children use in drawing tasks influence their performance on other spatial tasks, 120 children in kindergarten, second, and fourth grade were asked to indicate the orientation of objects when viewed from another's perspective. The results were analysed to determine if the standard orientations found in drawings of the same objects influenced correct responses or egocentric errors on the perspective task. A lack of significant findings suggests that the standard orientations found in drawings are a product of constructions in that medium rather than a reflection of more general internal images.
Angular correlation studies in 144Nd

Abstract The decays of 144Pr and 144Pm populate ten excited states in 144Nd. We have carried out detailed γγ angular correlation measurements in order to establish spin assignments for these levels. The measurements were performed with Ge(Li)-Ge(Li) and NaI(Tl)-Ge(Li) systems. Eleven sets of A22 and A44 values were obtained. The Jπ assignments for levels in 144Nd (level energies in keV) are as follows: g.s.,0+; 696, 2+; 1314, 4+ ; 1511, 3−; 1561, 2+ ; 1791, 6+; 2084, 2+ ; 2093, 5−; 2186, 1−; 2204, 4; 2644, 1. Mixing ratios were determined for six γ-transitions.