cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiation therapy impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that external-beam radiation induces a chronic impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. BACKGROUND Radiation therapy is used commonly in the treatment of cancer and is associated with an increased incidence of adverse vascular events related to the field of radiation, including stroke and myocardial infarction. As endothelial injury is central to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, we hypothesized that radiotherapy induces arterial endothelial dysfunction. METHODS Sixteen women with unilateral breast cancer who underwent standard external-beam radiation therapy to the breast and axilla >3 years before enrollment and ten healthy women were studied. Vascular ultrasonography was used to image both the artery exposed to radiation and the contralateral artery. Flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation and endothelium-independent vasodilation to nitroglycerin of both axillary arteries were measured. RESULTS Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was significantly impaired in the irradiated axillary arteries compared with the contralateral, nonirradiated arteries (−0.4 ± 0.4% vs. 3.2 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) and also compared with control subjects’ arteries (−0.4 ± 0.4% vs. 2.5 ± 0.6%, p < 0.001). In contrast, endothelium-independent vasodilation was greater in the arteries that received radiation compared with the contralateral arteries (3.8 ± 0.5% vs. 2.0 ± 0.4%, p < 0.05) and also compared with control arteries (3.8 ± 0.5% vs. 2.5 ± 0.4%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS External beam radiation therapy impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation of conduit arteries, implicating a decrease in the bioavailability of nitric oxide. These abnormalities may contribute to the development of arterial occlusive disease and associated clinical events.
Prevalence and detection of illicit drug disorders among hospitalized patients

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of a lifetime history of illicit drug dependence--abuse among hospitalized patients, and to determine the rate of identification of these patients by physicians. This cross-sectional study included patient interview and chart review in an acute-care teaching hospital. The participants were 235 randomly selected inpatients with medical, neurologic, or surgical diagnoses. The prevalence of life-time history of dependence--abuse of at least one class of illicit drug was 11.9%. Across all classes of drugs, hospitalized patients had higher prevalences than community estimates. Only 18% of patients had documentation of having been asked about illicit drug use compared to 49% having been asked about alcohol use. There was no significant difference in physicians' asking across clinical services: Medicine 21%, Neurology 15%, Surgery 14%. Smokers, unmarried persons, and patients without a regular physician were most likely to have been asked. Screening for drug abuse is not routinely performed and documented among hospitalized patients. Wider identification of persons at risk for drug use may allow for specific physician interventions.
Growing the roots of STEM majors: Female math and science high school faculty and the participation of students in STEM

Abstract The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is problematic given the economic and social inequities it fosters and the rising global importance of STEM occupations. This paper examines the role of the demographic composition of high school faculty—specifically the proportion of female high school math and science teachers—on college students’ decisions to declare and/or major in STEM fields. We analyze longitudinal data from students who spent their academic careers in North Carolina public secondary schools and attended North Carolina public universities. Our results suggest that although the proportion of female math and science teachers at a school has no impact on male students, it has a powerful effect on female students’ likelihood of declaring and graduating with a STEM degree, and effects are largest for female students with the highest math skills. The estimates are robust to the inclusion of controls for students’ initial ability.
A dermatologic lesion resulting from a mandibular molar with periradicular pathosis.

Abstract A case report of the diagnosis and treatment of an extraoral draining fistula associated with a mandibular left first molar is presented. Conventional nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed. After 10 months, only slight extraoral scarring is present and the periradicular area is recalcifying.
Modeling the interactions between ozone, natural organic matter, and particles in water treatment

Abstract Laboratory bench-scale experiments were conducted to improve our understanding of the effect of ozone on the colloidal stability of alumina particles coated with natural organic matter (NOM), both in the absence and presence of calcium. It was found that ozone-induced particle destabilization occurred only in the presence of calcium. The experimental results were interpreted in terms of surface complexation equilibria using the triple layer model of Davis et al. [J.A. Davis, R.O. James and J.O. Leckie, J. Colloid Interface Sci., 63 (1978) 480–499]. NOM interactions with the alumina surface and calcium could be modeled successfully by treating NOM as a triprotic acid. The calcium-NOM complexation reaction was represented as a monodentate reaction, i.e. binding of a metal cation with one ligand. The ternary system (alumina-NOM-calcium) was successfully simulated through appropriate combinations of the overall ternary system sub-reactions or binary systems (e.g. NOM-alumina, NOM-calcium). Model simulations and experimental results were generally in good agreement, indicating the applicability of surface complexation models to problems in water treatment.
Crystallization Kinetics and Dielectric Properties of Fresnoite BaO–TiO2–SiO2 Glass–Ceramics

Nucleation and crystallization kinetics of fresnoite (Ba2TiSi2O8) crystals in BaO–TiO2–SiO2 glasses have been explored for dielectric applications. The volume fractions crystallized at different temperatures and times were tracked by XRD analysis. The activation energy of crystallization was estimated from DTA results to be about 528 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the value obtained by XRD results. The Avrami parameter values calculated at different temperatures from DTA results were found to be between 3.2 and 3.9, indicating that the growth is three dimensional and the mechanism of growth is interface-controlled. Additionally, because of compositional similarities, the dielectric contrast between the glass (ɛr∼15) and the resulting glass–ceramic (ɛr∼18) was minimal.
Brain stimulation for epilepsy: can scheduled or responsive neurostimulation stop seizures?

Purpose of reviewScheduled and responsive direct brain stimulation may be an effective and safe therapy for medically intractable epilepsy.Recent findingsScheduled stimulation (open loop) has been provided via electrodes implanted in thalamic nuclei, the cerebellum and the hippocampus using devices
Risk and Resilience in Human Development: An Introduction

At its most elemental level, human development consists of constancy and change in quantitative and qualitative aspects of behavior and functioning. The science of human development therefore illuminates the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of constancy and change in behavior and functioning. This chapter epitomizes the complexity of human development as a process of constancy and change throughout life. It was a handful of pioneering psychologists—Norman Garmezy, Emmy Werner, and Michael Rutter—primarily interested in child development who bridged the study of risk and resilience and brought this dual focus into the science of human development. Notwithstanding the growing corpus of findings, the field of risk and resilience research in human development has recently undergone a period of internal, critical reflection. In sum, the study of risk and resilience is now a vibrant and significant part of the study of human development.
Wetland habitat development and long-term monitoring at Windmill Point, Virginia

Windmill Point (WP) is an 8-ha dredged material island site in the intertidal reach of the James River. This fine-textured, freshwater site was one of the first habitat development projects built by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (CE). Long-term physical, chemical, and biological monitoring has been conducted since 1974. Three nearby natural wetlands have been used for comparison purposes in order to document site success or failure and the speed of wetland development. With the exception of some herbaceous plantings on the WP containment dikes, vegetation has colonized naturally. Over time, predominant species have beenPeltandra virginica, Pontederia cordata, andSagittaria latifolia. Wild-life and fish populations and species diversity have been consistently greater at WP than at the 3 reference wetlands. Benthos regained pre-disposal levels within 6 months. Five heavy metals and 14 PCBs were examined in soil and plant samples. Only DDE was found to translocate to wetland plant shoots, and kepone was found to be relatively stable. WP was broken into 2 smaller islands by flooding in 1983 and now consists of as much shallow aquatic habitat as emergent wetlands. The CE recognizes that active site management of such riverine wetlands through placement of additional dredged material and dike repair is needed to ensure long-term site integrity.
Adiabatic vs Bloch Approximation in Lattice Scattering of Electrons

The time dependence of an electron-phonon system described by means of Born-Oppenheimer states is shown to be the same to first order in the coupling as the usual Bloch theory.
Microassay for measuring thermal inactivation of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in naturally infected chicken meat

A precise, reproducible microassay was developed to measure thermal inactivation of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus in chicken meat. Small pieces of breast or thigh meat (0.05 g) from chickens infected with A/chicken/Pennsylvania/1370/1983 (H5N2) (PA/83) or A/chicken/Korea/ES/2003 (H5N1) (Korea/03) HPAI viruses were tested for inactivation in the heating block of a thermocycler. Korea/03 infected thigh and breast meat had higher virus concentrations (10(6.8) and 10(5.6) mean embryo infectious doses [EID(50)]/g, respectively) compared to PA/83 infected thigh and breast meat (10(2.8) and 10(2.3) EID(50)/g, respectively). The samples were ran through a ramp-up cycle from 25 to 70 degrees C, and meat samples were removed and examined for virus infectivity at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 degrees C, and after treatment for 1, 5, 10, 30 and 60 s at 70 degrees C. The reduction in virus infectivity titers was dependent on virus concentration and no HPAI virus was isolated after 1 s of treatment at 70 degrees C. A change in coloration from pink-tan to white was associated with a loss in recovery of infectious virus. The microassay provided a predictable and reproducible method to measure thermal inactivation of HPAI virus in chicken meat.
Lack of influence of brain catecholamines on acute effects of barbiturates.

Abstract Rats with cerebral electrode implants were tested for sensitivity to EEG burst suppression by intravenously-infused sodium methohexital following manipulation of brain catecholamine function. Although depletion of both norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) with 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in a slight increase in methohexital sensitivity (MHS), similar depletion with α-methyltyrosine did not alter MHS. In addition, desipramine, an agent which selectively blocks uptake of NE did not affect MHS. The results indicate that brain NE and DA exert little, if any, effect on brain responsiveness to the acute effect of barbiturates.
A diftusive limit tor entrainment

An entrainment model is developed which includes the effect of the buoyancy flux by molecular diffusion across a density interface. This effect is incorporated into the conservation equation for turbulent kinetic energy through a “diffusion parameter” RiPe -1/2, where Ri is the bulk Richardson number and Pe the Peclet number. As RiPRiPe -1/2e increases and approaches a critical limiting value the net entrainment, defined as the rate of deepening of the mixed layer, becomes zero. Based on a numerical study and on results from two experiments of different scales, it is shown that the limiting value of this parameter for entrainment to occur is approximately 10 for a salt-stratified system, though this value may depend on the diffusivity of the stratified component.
Dilatory or anticipatory? Voting on the Journal in the House of Representatives

In this paper, I examine a simple procedure in the United States House of Representatives, approving the Journal, and its implications for legislative business. In this paper, I examine the hypothesis that such votes are more than simply pro forma motions or dilatory tactics by the minority party. Considering the 102nd–107th Congresses, I show that votes on the Journal’s approval are just as frequently requested by the majority party as by members of the minority party. Furthermore, I find that votes recorded on days on which a vote was also recorded on the House Journal were more likely to be close and more likely to be party-line votes than those recorded on other days.
Ion flow in the bath and flux interactions between channels

We present an exact solution to the linearized Nernst-Planck-Poisson equation for spherically symmetric current flow. This solution differs from Levitt's solution (Levitt, D. G. 1992. Biophys. J., Eq. A5) by its dependence on an additional parameter, which is equal to the net ion flux for monovalent ion-selective channels. For ion-selective channels, this solution may provide better boundary conditions to modelling the flow in the channel pore itself, although only at low salt concentrations. We use the solution to estimate the effects of flux interaction between closely packed channels.
Proceedings of the international workshop on measurement and computation of turbulent nonpremixed flames

This report documents the proceedings of the International Workshop on Measurement and Computation of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames, held in Naples, Italy on July 26--27, 1996. Contents include materials that were distributed to participants at the beginning of the workshop, as well as a Summary of Workshop Accomplishments that was generated at the close to this Naples meeting. The Naples workshop involved sixty-one people from eleven countries. The primary objectives were: (1) to select a set of well-documented and relatively simple flames that would be appropriate for collaborative comparisons of model predictions; and (2) to specify common submodels to be used in these predictions, such that models for the coupling of turbulence and chemistry might be isolated and better understood. Studies involve hydrogen and natural gas fuels. These proceedings are also published on the Web and those interested in the ongoing process of data selection and model comparison should consult the workshop page for the most recent and complete information on these collaborative research efforts. The URL is: http://www/ca.sandia/gov/tdf/Workshop.html.
One-trial context fear conditioning with immediate shock: The roles of transport and contextual cues

In three experiments, using a total of 120 albino rats, we assessed whether transportation cues might evoke some of the freezing (i.e., defensive immobility) that we see in a context on a day following a footshock given immediately after placement in that context. The results suggested that immediate shock could directly condition strong fear to both simulated and actual transport cues. Although conditioning to transport cues explains some of the freezing that is seen on the test day, it does not explain all of it. We also found evidence that some of the freezing is due to conditioning to permanent features of the context in which the immediate shock is given. The results support a role for transport cues in theories of context conditioning and argue against shock-processing accounts of the conditioning deficit that results from immediate shock.
Fatty acid variability of plasma lipids and cholesteryl esters in adult male twins and their brothers

Variation in the fatty acid composition of fasting plasma lipids and of cholesteryl esters was studied in 69 sets of adult male twins and 25 of their brothers. Genetic variances were estimated using the twin model. In general, monozygotic (MZ) twins were characterized by the smallest within-pair variance, and brothers of twins by the largest. Variation within dizygotic pairs fell intermediate to that of MZ twins and brothers. The present study did not reveal consistent significant (P<0.05) genetic variation in plasma fatty acids from total plasma lipids or cholesteryl esters.
Effects of composition and microstructure on fatigue of γ/γ′-δ type eutectic alloys

Room temperature tension-tension fatigue tests were performed on two lamellar γ/γ′-δ alloys, one with 0 pct Cr and one with 6 pct Cr. The 6 pct Cr alloy was solidified at 3 cmJh while the 0 pct Cr alloy was solidified at 3 cm/h and 5.7 cm/h. Fatigue testing was done on both alloys in the as-directionally solidified condition and on the 0 pct Cr alloy after heat treatment. Increasing the growth speed of the 0 pct Cr alloy increased the fatigue life of the material at stresses above the 107 cycle fatigue limit. Partial solution treating and aging of the 0 pct Cr alloy,R = 3 cm/h, increased the fatigue life relative to the as-directionally solidified material at high stresses, to the same extent as increasing the growth speed. Full solution treatment and aging of the 0 pct Cr alloy,R = 5.7 cm/ h, caused a reduction in the fatigue life relative to the as-directionally solidified material. Fatigue cracking tended to be faceted in the 6 pct Cr alloy as opposed to the more ductile failure of the 0 pct Cr alloy. Microstructural perfection, grain size and shape, interlamellar spacing, longitudinal cracking, and longitudinal and transverse ductility all are believed to have influenced the fatigue resistance of the alloys.
Sex and ethnic differences in 47 candidate proteomic markers of cardiovascular disease: the Mayo Clinic proteomic markers of arteriosclerosis study.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) susceptibility differs between men and women and varies with ethnicity. This variability is not entirely explained by conventional CVD risk factors. We examined differences in circulating levels of 47 novel protein markers of CVD in 2561 men and women of African-American (AA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) ethnicity, enrolled at geographically distinct sites. Methodology/Principal Findings Participants (1,324 AAs, mean age 63.5 y, 71% women; 1,237 NHWs, mean age 58.9 y, 57% women) belonged to sibships ascertained on the basis of hypertension. Solid-phase immunoassays and immunoturbidometric, clot-based, chromogenic, and electrophoretic assays were used to measure the 47 protein markers in plasma or serum. Marker levels were log transformed and outliers were adjusted to within 4 SD. To identify markers independently associated with sex or ethnicity, we employed multivariable regression analyses that adjusted for conventional risk factors, prior history of CVD, medication use and lifestyle factors (physical activity, alcohol consumption and education). Generalized estimating equations were used to correct for intrafamilial correlations. After adjustment for the above covariates, female sex was associated with higher levels of 29 markers and lower levels of 6 markers. Female sex was independently associated with higher levels of several inflammatory markers as well as lipoproteins, adipokines, natriuretic peptides, vasoconstrictor peptides and markers of calcification and thrombosis. AA ethnicity was associated with higher levels of 19 markers and lower levels of 6 markers, including higher levels of several inflammatory makers, higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels, lower levels of vasodilator-natriuretic peptides, higher levels of vasoconstrictor-antidiuretic peptides and markers of calcification and thrombosis. Conclusions/Significance Plasma levels of several novel protein markers of CVD differ significantly in the context of sex and ethnicity. These results have implications for individualized CVD risk assessment.
Quiet, Short-Haul Research Aircraft - Current status and future plans

The Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) is a new research aircraft which NASA will use as a flight-test facility for advanced flight experiments in terminal area operations. The data resulting from the QSRA flight research program will be used by the U.S. aircraft industry to establish design criteria and by regulatory agencies to establish certification criteria for advanced STOL aircraft. The total funding for the QSRA was established at $29 million in January 1974. Attention is given to an aircraft description, wind-tunnel results, simulation, predicted aircraft performance, initial airworthiness flight tests, design configuration studies, and training studies.
Study on the effect of fracture characteristics to ultra-low permeability reservoirs development

A mathematical model was derived for flow in ultra-low permeability reservoir with hydraulic fracturing, including three coupling sections: low-velocity non-Darcy flow in matrix, flow in elliptical area around fractures and nonlinear flow in fractures. Based on data from test areas, the effects on hydraulic fracturing development of artificial fracture length, flow conductivity, and angle to development effect were clarified by numerical simulations. According to fracture characteristics and production data of test areas, effect of natural fracture pattern, and degree of fracture development on developing ultra-low permeability reservoir was studied. Analysis results show that optimal values of half-length of artificial fracture are 70m∼85m, flow conductivity 30D.cm∼40D.cm and fracture angle 0∼25 degrees.
Detailed three-dimensional structure of the deep crust based on COCORP data in the Cordilleran interior, north-central Washington

An unusual opportunity for special processing of selected COCORP data has provided three-dimensional information on deep crustal structure related to Proterozoic rifting, Mesozoic thrusting, and Cenozoic extension in the interior of the United States Cordillera, near the Okanogan Dome, north-central Washington. Using a set of short, intersecting seismic line segments in conjunction with longer regional east-west and north-south seismic lines, we have found dramatic variation vertically in the orientation of structure throughout the crust in this region. A lower crustal block of south-dipping structures lies above a regionally horizontal Moho found at about 34 km depth.This block is ∼13 km thick and is bounded above by a southwest-dipping structure which is discordant to structures both above and below it and is interpreted as a midcrustal thrust formed during Mesozoic to Paleocene convergence. These relationships suggest that the south- dipping lower crustal features were formed prior to, or during, Mesozoic convergence and may be associated either with Proterozoic rifting of the North American continental margin, earlier Proterozoic basement structure, or with a Mesozoic duplex structure formed along a lateral ramp. A zone of relatively few reflections occurs above the mid-crustal thrust and below a highly reflective upper crust and may represent a separate thrust slice in a basement duplex structure. The inferred duplex is cut by east-dipping reflections that project to surface exposures of mylonites and that may be an Eocene(?) normal fault traceable to mid-crustal depths. This duplex structure beneath the Okanogan Dome is analogous to the proposed crustal-scale duplex beneath the Monashee Deecollement exposed in a doubly plunging antiform 150 km to the north in the Shuswap Complex. The three-dimensional analysis, along with the southerly plunge of the antiform, indicates that a thrust at depth just south of the United States-Canadian border may be continuous with the Monashee Deecollement or with the proposed lower thrusts of the Canadian duplex. If so, then by extending the survey north across the international border, a structure deep in the crust may be traceable to the surface.
Electric field induced variations in the wettability of stainless steel by ionic surfactant and electrolyte solutions

Sessile drops of aqueous electrolyte as well as cationic and anionic surfactant solutions are placed on the lower plate of a stainless steel parallel plate capacitor and the variation of static advanced contact angles with the field strength between the plates is monitored. Even at field strengths where changes in electrical body forces are negligible, these drops spreads outward, irreversibly, in response to variations in the externally applied potential gradient. Contact angles always decrease, regardless of the polarity of the applied electric field. However, the magnitude of the change is sensitive to both the polarity and strength of the field. These angles relax over time scales that are an order of magnitude higher than that predicted by diffusional resistance alone. The variation in solution surface tension in response to the externally applied electric field has been obtained experimentally from the drop shapes. For both ionic surfactant and simple electrolyte solutions, the surface tension alway...
How to minimize infection and thereby maximize patient outcomes in total joint arthroplasty: A multicenter approach

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common and most successful orthopaedic procedures. Infection after total joint arthroplasty is a devastating problem that expends patient, surgeon, and hospital resources, and it substantially decreases the chances of a successful patient outcome. Postoperative infection affects approximately 1% to 7% of all total joint arthroplasties, at a cost of approximately $50,000 per infection. Decreasing postoperative periprosthetic joint infection is of the utmost importance for the total joint arthroplasty surgeon. Preoperative, perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measures to minimize infection and optimize patient outcomes in total joint arthroplasty are discussed. Preoperative measures include management of patients colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, nutritional optimization, and management of medical comorbidities. Perioperative measures include skin preparation and prophylactic antibiotics. Intraoperative measures include body exhaust suits, laminar flow, ultraviolet light, operating-room traffic control, surgical suite enclosures, anesthesia-related considerations, and antibiotic-loaded bone cement. Postoperative measures include continued antibiotic prophylaxis, blood transfusions, hematoma formation and wound drainage, duration of hospital stay, and antibiotic prophylaxis for future invasive procedures.
The electoral consequences of voter ignorance

A great deal of research has suggested that scholarly and popular concerns about low levels of citizen political knowledge are exaggerated. One implication of that research is that political history would have unfolded just as it did even if electorates had been more politically informed. This paper presents evidence that counters these claims, showing an infusion of electorally relevant information in twenty-seven democracies would have likely led to a lot of vote “switching”, ultimately changing the composition of many governments. The paper also directly and systematically examines what we might call the “enlightened natural constituency” hypothesis, which expects lower-income citizens to vote disproportionately for left parties once armed with more political knowledge. While the basic argument about how political ignorance disproportionately affects the left’s natural constituency is not new, the hypothesis has thus far not been tested. The analysis provides provisional support for the hypothesis.
Self-help organizations for alcohol and drug problems: Toward evidence-based practice and policy

This expert consensus statement reviews evidence on the effectiveness of drug and alcohol self-help groups and presents potential implications for clinicians, treatment program managers and policymakers. Because longitudinal studies associate self-help group involvement with reduced substance use, improved psychosocial functioning, and lessened health care costs, there are humane and practical reasons to develop self-help group supportive policies. Policies described here that could be implemented by clinicians and program managers include making greater use of empirically-validated self-help group referral methods in both specialty and non-specialty treatment settings and developing a menu of locally available self-help group options that are responsive to client's needs, preferences, and cultural background. The workgroup also offered possible self-help supportive policy options (e.g., supporting self-help clearinghouses) for state and federal decision makers. Implementing such policies could strengthen alcohol and drug self-help organizations, and thereby enhance the national response to the serious public health problem of substance abuse.
Locus-specific de novo methylation down-regulates MHC class I in S49 lymphomas

Several tumors from distinct cell lineages can modulate their surface expression of key molecules, thereby avoiding recognition and elimination by the immune system. One group of molecules that has demonstrated this altered expression is encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes. The MHC encodes for a large multigene family of highly polymorphic class I molecules that are expressed on the cell surface of most nucleated cells. Class I molecules function as receptors for peptides derived from self or foreign (e.g., viral, tumor) proteins, thereby facilitating immune surveillance against infected or malignant cells. 39 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
Earl Browder: The Failure of American Communism

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Earl Browder, the preeminent 20th-century Communist party leader in the United States, steered the CPUSA through the critical years of the Great Depression and World War II. A Kansas native and veteran of numerous radical movements, he was peculiarly fitted by circumstance and temperament to head the cause during its heyday.Serving as a bridge between American Communism s secret and public worlds, Browder did more than anyone to attempt to explain the Soviet Union s shifting policies to the American people in a way that would serve the interests of the CPUSA. A proud and loyal follower of Joseph Stalin, Browder nevertheless sought to move the party into the U.S. political mainstream. He used his knowledge of domestic politics to persuade the Communist International to modify Popular Front (1935-1939) tactics for the United States.Despite his rise in the hierarchy, he possessed an independent streak that ultimately proved his undoing. Imprisonment as he neared age 50 left permanent psychological damage. After being released with the approval of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Browder lost his perspective and began entertaining delusions of grandeur about his status in American politics and in the world Communist movement. Still, he could never quite bring legitimacy to the CPUSA because he lacked the vision and moral courage to separate himself totally from the Soviet Union. Ryan concludes that Browder was not so much insincere as deluded. His failure contributed to the demise of the popularity of the Communist party in the United States.In preparation for this book, the author consulted the Browder Papers at Syracuse University and U.S. Government documents, particularly the F.B.I. files. In addition, he traveled to Russia for research in the Soviet Archives when recently opened to Western scholars, including the records of the former Communist International and a collection of American Communist party files, 1919-1944, shipped secretly to Moscow long ago. Indeed, until 1992, the existence of the CPUSA collection was only rumored.
Amphibian terminal nerve: distribution revealed by LHRH and AChE markers.

Abstract Immunocytochemical and histochemical studies in the tiger salamander and bullfrog demonstrated the presence of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-like immunoreactive (LHRH-ir) material and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the terminal nerve (TN). Immunoreactive perikarya and processes were found within the olfactory, vomeronasal and trigeminal nerves and in the nasal epithelium. Central TN projections consisted of (1) fibers terminating in the olfactory bulb and (2) bundles that projected to another group of LHRH-ir perikarya in the preoptic region. Up to 4 weeks following hypophysectomy, the labeling intensity and number of TN-immunoreactive neurons were not altered. Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry in the salamander revealed two distinct groups of neurons associated with the TN: a lightly labeled group of fusiform perikarya was located in the olfactory nerve proper and a more heavily labeled group of larger oval perikarya was found within AChE-positive trigeminal fascicles in the ventral mucosa. This study has demonstrated that the amphibian TN follows olfactory, vomeronasal and trigeminal nerves to reach peripheral targets in the nasal mucosa. The projection of TN fibers to discrete olfactory bulb glomeruli, especially evident in the bullfrog, suggests that the TN functions in odor processing. The TN projection to the preoptic region in both of these amphibians implicates the TN in reproductive processes.
A standard definition of major hepatectomy: resection of four or more liver segments

Background While commonly used to describe liver resections at risk for post-operative complications, no standard definition of ‘major hepatectomy’ exists. The objective of the present retrospective study is to specify the extent of hepatic resection that should describe a major hepatectomy.
Prefabricated radiopaque sutures in ductal sialolithotomy.

Abstract The indications for the utilization of a prefabricated silk-braided wire suture (Ethicon, Inc.) in the surgical treatment of salivary stones of the oral floor have been discussed. Two case reports have been presented, to demonstrate the successful application of this radiopaque suture material.
Bacteremic shock: aspects of high-energy metabolism of rat liver following living Escherichia coli injection

Sublethal and lethal doses of living Escherichia coli (E. coli) (serotype: O-18) were injected intravenously into rats. The amounts of live E. coli injected were 0.5 ml of 0.8 – 1.0 × 109 or 2.5 – 3.0 × 109 organisms/ml saline per 100 g body weight for the sublethal (SL) or lethal (L) groups, respectively. The adenylate energy charge (ATP + 1/2ADP/ATP + ADP + AMP) and free NAD+/NADH ratios of the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic compartments in rat livers were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr following E. coli injection. At 6 hr in both groups, the hepatic energy charge levels were decreased from 0.856 in controls to 0.823 (SL) and 0.812 (L), associated with elevated mitochondrial NAD+/NADH ratios (P < 0.05). At 12 hr the sublethal group maintained the above state. In the lethal group, however, the hepatic energy charge was markedly decreased (P < 0.001), associated with remarkably decreased NAD+/NADH ratios in both mitochondria and cytoplasm (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). In both groups the total ketone body (acetoacetate + β-hydroxybutyrate) contents were decreased with an elevation of mitochondrial NAD+/NADH. From these results, it is concluded that the difference between the sublethal and lethal groups is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the high-energy level in the lethal group, possibly due to restricted mitochondrial respiration. In addition, it is suggested that the elevated mitochondrial NAD+/NADH ratio may play a role in decreased ketone body contents in the liver following E. coli injection.
Preferential nucleation and high mobility of linear Cu trimers on Ag(111)

Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we studied the formation of dimers, trimers, and other clusters of Cu on Ag(111) at low temperature. We show that trimers, once formed, have significantly higher mobilities than either atoms or dimers. While transient, this mobility makes linear trimers a major contributor to mass transport. Using the scanning tunneling microscopy tip, we constructed linear and compact trimers at 5 K and investigated their stabilities and diffusion parameters as a function of temperature. Analysis shows that the diffusion barrier for linear trimers is very low, 13.6 meV, compared to 65 meV for atoms, while the compact trimer is stable and immobile. Thus, significant diffusion of this nonequilibrium cluster can occur before the equilibrium compact trimer is reached. The details of trimer diffusion and rotation provide insights into the intermediate diffusion steps and indicate that the large lattice mismatch plays an important role. The properties of Cu trimers on Ag(111) contrast with those reported for homoepitaxial trimers on fcc(111) surfaces. Because the diffusion phenomena for Cu trimers and other clusters on Ag(111) are largely a result of lattice mismatch, similar phenomena may exist in the early stages of nucleation and growth of other heteroepitaxial systems.
Mechanical durability of bioactive glasses as a function of structure, solubility and incubation time

This project investigates the mechanical durability of bioactive glasses as a function of structure, solubility and incubation time of a bioactive glass series where Strontium (Sr) and Sodium (Na) are substituted. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to ensure structure of each starting material (amorphous/crystalline). Ion release profiles were used to detect the concentrations of dissolution products of each sample. Hardness Testing was conducted on each sample after 1, 7 and 30 days immersion in sterile de-ionized water at 37°C.
Proëmial Prolepsis in Plato's Politeia

A recently proposed proleptic, or anticipatory reading of the Platonic dialogues insufficiently modifies the conventional doctrinal-developmental reading of these. Fuller literary consideration of the way Republic 1 anticipates the following books suggests how a genuine appreciation of a principle previously applied to Aeschylean drama invites deeper re-assessment both of Plato's philosophical manner of writing and of his political philosophy.
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 5 in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract Cytogenetic abnormalities are among the most important pretreatment predictors of outcome in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Deletions of genetic material can result in loss of tumor suppressor genes or other translation products that are crucial in maintaining an orderly cell cycle sequence or viability of the apoptotic cascade. Chromosome 5 contains many genes that are relevant in hematopoiesis. Deletions of chromosome 5 or parts thereof are found frequently in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemias (AML) where they are associated with a poor prognosis. Although abnormalities of chromosome 5 are not commonly detected by cytogenetic analysis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemias, we hypothesized that loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of microsatellite markers on chromosome 5 may occur more frequently and likewise influence outcome in these patients. Therefore, we analyzed peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of 41 adults with a diagnosis of ALL for LOH by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and correlated our findings with overall survival of patients with and without LOH. LOH for at least one microsatellite marker was found in seven of 41 patients (17%). All patients demonstrated LOH on the long arm of chromosome 5. In three patients, LOH was extended to 5p. A region of minimal deletion which overlapped in all seven patients could be localized between markers D5S410 and D5S436 corresponding to chromosomal location 5q31–33 which is similar to the area of minimal deletion seen in AML. None of these patients showed involvement of chromosome 5 by cytogenetic analysis. We conclude that patients with ALL have LOH for gene segments on chromosome 5, especially 5q, more frequently than expected from cytogenetic studies. Although, unlike AML, no significant impact on prognosis could be found between patients with and without LOH on chromosome 5: The current data suggest that 5q abnormalities are not specific for AML and can also occur in patients with ALL.
UNITED STATES IMPORT FINANCING METHODS

THE ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION ADMINISTRATION, in connection with its efforts to promote the exports of the Marshall Plan countries to the United States and thereby lessen their need for dollar aid, engaged a consultant to prepare an analysis of the financing of these exports. The Department of Commerce co-operated in this study through interviews of personnel in its I7 field offices with importers, bankers, warehousemen, foreign-trade zone authorities, factors, and dealers in foreign exchange to ascertain the methods of import trade financing currently utilized and to sample opinion concerning the adequacy of these methods. The principal results of this survey may be summarized as follows: I. The United States as an international finance center.-Although the dollar is today the world's leading international standard of account and medium of exchatnge, the American foreign trade financing market lacks the breadth, depth, and flexibility of the London market of pre-World War II days. There is less variety in the institutions engaged, and the instruments employed, in foreign trade financing. The devices currently employed were held, by the large majority of those interviewed, to be adequate for the financing of routine, standardized transactions. The financing of the novel transaction-the import business requiring medium-term capital, foreign area development, and the extension of American enterprise abroad-was less adequately met. 2. Dominance of the commercial bank.-Most of our import financing transactions are handled by commercial banks. The services which these banks render in this connection were widely regarded as satisfactory and their charges, interest and other, as reasonable. Many of these banks have well-staffed foreign trade departments, equipped to render service and advice to foreign traders. Some of those interviewed expressed the opinion that banks could place greater emphasis
Numerical Study of the Thermal Development in a Rotating Cooling Passage

In the present study, the fully developed turbulent secondary flows inside rotating square-upstream section and rectangular downstream section oriented at several angles with axis rotation are numerically simulated using the low Reynolds Non-linear k–ω, k–e Reynolds-Stress Model (RSM), and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models. The two flat walls are heated (leading and trailing sides), while the outer wall and the splitter plate are thermally insulated. The simulation has been done at Re = 36000 with different rotation numbers from Ro = −0.4 to Ro = 0.4, where negative Ro values refer to counter-clock wise and positive Ro values refer to clock wise sense of rotation. This enables to investigate the effects on the thermal development of the rotation numbers. The effects of minor modifications, in cross section area at the bend exit, on thermal development, under rotating conditions, can also be explored. The interactions between secondary flows and separation lead to very complex flow patterns. To accurately simulate these flows and heat transfer, both refined turbulence models and higher-order numerical schemes are indispensable for turbine designers to improve the cooling performance. Previous studies have shown that the flow and heat transfer features through curved bends, even with a moderate curvature, cannot be accurately simulated. It is the conventional belief and practice that the usage of a proper turbulence model and a reliable numerical method for achieving accurate computations. It is shown that the present RSM model produces satisfactory predictions of the flow development inside the sharp U-bend comparing with the experiments [1]. In the present study, three turbulence models are used to predict Nusselt number distribution. The results were further compared with the LES computations and discussed the difference between the turbulence models and the LES as well.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Decreasing Emissions of Methane from Rice Agriculture

Abstract Methane emissions from rice fields are controlled by several key factors. The most important are the application of organic soil amendments and water management: whether the fields are flooded intermittently or continuously. The total annual emissions from any country or the world are thus affected by the area of rice harvested, and a composite emission factor that takes into account how the various agricultural practices are distributed in terms of fertilizer use and water management, as well as other less important variables. Over decades, the area of rice harvested changes but so does the composite emission factor. The product, therefore, may change substantially over decadal time scales. We will argue that, for China at least, there are downward trends of both area and emission factor leading to a substantial reduction of annual emissions over the last two decades from some 30 Tg/year to perhaps less than 10 Tg/year. The changes that cause these reductions would increase nitrous oxide emissions from rice fields as organic fertilizers are replaced with nitrogen-based fertilizers. Similar changes are likely to be occurring worldwide. These trends of emissions are probably represented in the observed slowdown of methane trend in the atmosphere and the continuing steady increase of nitrous oxide.
Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation or Merkel Cell Carcinoma

We present here a case of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with neuroendocrine features that has transformed into a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with various morphologic features of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). A 54-year-old white female was treated for a BCC of the right thigh. Pathologic examination revealed an otherwise classical BCC that demonstrated granular positivity for chromogranin. Six years later the patient developed a right inguinal lymphadenopathy diagnosed as metastatic BCC with squamous changes. The metastatic BCC showed partial peripheral palisading and a trabecular pattern. Two years later the patient underwent a right nephrectomy due to obstruction of the right ureter by metastatic BCC. After another four years the patient came back with extensive involvement of the appendiceal wall and right ovary by a diffusely infiltrating metastatic basaloid and trabecular carcinoma. This time the tumor had many histologic features of MCC and showed strong positivity for chromogranin and also for CK20 and NSE. Electron microscopy revealed neurosecretory granules. This case is an example of a chromogranin positive basal cell carcinoma of the skin, which transformed during multiple recurrences into a high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with features of Merkel cell tumor, demonstrating the potential for cross differentiation among skin tumors.