cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of postconcussional symptoms with CDP-choline

To evaluate the efficacy of cytidine diphosphoryl choline (CDP-choline) in treating postconcussional symptoms for one month after mild to moderate closed head injury (CHI), we completed a preliminary double blind placebo-controlled study. Fourteen young men admitted to the neurosurgery service after sustaining mild to moderate CHI were randomized to oral CDP-choline (1 g) and placebo control groups which were matched for age, education and severity of impaired consciousness. Baseline (prior to discharge) and one month examinations consisted of a structured postconcussional symptom interview and neuropsychological tests. Results (Wilcoxon test) showed that CDP-choline produced a greater reduction of postconcussional symptoms than placebo (P less than 0.005). Analysis of the neuropsychological findings revealed a significantly greater improvement in recognition memory for designs in the CDP-choline treated patients (P less than 0.02) whereas other changes in test performance did not differ for the two groups. Pending replication in a larger series of patients, our findings suggest that CDP-choline may be effective in treating sequelae of mild to moderate CHI.
Molecular mechanisms involved in farnesol-induced apoptosis.

The isoprenoid alcohol farnesol is an effective inducer of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a variety of carcinoma cell types. In addition, farnesol has been reported to inhibit tumorigenesis in several animal models suggesting that it functions as a chemopreventative and anti-tumor agent in vivo. A number of different biochemical and cellular processes have been implicated in the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of farnesol. These include regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α (CCTα), rate-limiting enzymes in the mevalonate pathway and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, respectively, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In some cell types the action of farnesol is mediated through nuclear receptors, including activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Recent studies have revealed that induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) play a critical role in the induction of apoptosis by farnesol in lung carcinoma cells. This induction was found to be dependent on the activation of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway. In addition, farnesol induces activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and a number of NF-κB target genes. Optimal activation of NF-κB was reported to depend on the phosphorylation of p65/RelA by the MEK1/2-MSK1 signaling pathway. In a number of cells farnesol-induced apoptosis was found to be linked to activation of the apoptosome. This review provides an overview of the biochemical and cellular processes regulated by farnesol in relationship to its growth-inhibitory, apoptosis-promoting, and anti-tumor effects.
Full-field bulge test for planar anisotropic tissues: Part I – Experimental methods applied to human skin tissue

The nonlinear anisotropic properties of human skin tissue were investigated using bulge testing. Full-field displacement data were obtained during testing of human skin tissues procured from the lower back of post-mortem human subjects using 3-D digital image correlation. To measure anisotropy, the dominant fiber direction of the tissue was determined from the deformed geometry of the specimen. Local strains and stress resultants were calculated along both the dominant fiber direction and the perpendicular direction. Variation in anisotropy and stiffness was observed between specimens. The use of stress resultants rather than the membrane stress approximation accounted for bending effects, which are significant for a thick nonlinear tissue. Of the six specimens tested, it was observed that specimens from older donors exhibited a stiffer and more isotropic response than those from younger donors. It was seen that the mechanical response of the tissue was negligibly impacted by preconditioning or the ambient humidity. The methods presented in this work for skin tissue are sufficiently general to be applied to other planar tissues, such as pericardium, gastrointestinal tissue, and fetal membranes. The stress resultant-stretch relations will be used in a companion paper to obtain material parameters for a nonlinear anisotropic hyperelastic model.
An estimation of the plastic zone size for a bimaterial interfacial crack

Abstract This note deals with the size of the plastic zone ahead of an interfacial crack between two dissimilar isotropic elastic materials. Dugdale's concept of finite stress at the tip of the crack is used in the study. The plastic zone size is determined for plane stress problems under the von Mises yield condition.
Production of monodisperse charged metal particles by harmonic electrical spraying

Abstract An electrohydrodynamic method known as harmonic electrical spraying is utilized for producing collimated beams of monodisperse, uniformly charged molten metal particles. The uniform particles are regularly emitted from an electrically stressed meniscus at a capillary tip. Data are presented showing the dependence of the process on applied voltage and reservoir pressure. An energy balance equation for the process is developed, and from this equation the velocity of the emitted particles is computed and compared with experimental values.
Tubal sterilization: focus on the U.S. experience

Objective To review the frequency, effectiveness, and clinical sequelae of tubal sterilization with a focus on the U.S. experience. Design A review of U.S. health care statistics and English-language literature using a MEDLINE search, bibliographies of key references, and U.S. government publications. Patient(s) Women seeking tubal sterilization. Intervention Tubal sterilization. Main outcome measure(s) Effectiveness and long-term risks and benefits. Result(s) Half of the 700,000 annual bilateral tubal sterilizations (TS) are performed postpartum and half as ambulatory interval procedures. Eleven million U.S. women 15-44 years of age rely on TS for contraception. Failure rates vary by method with one third or more resulting in ectopic pregnancy. Reversal is most successful after use of methods that destroy the least tube. Evidence of menstrual or hormonal disturbance after TS is weak, although some studies find higher rates of hysterectomy among previously sterilized women. Decreased risk of subsequent ovarian cancer has been observed among sterilized women. Conclusion(s) Tubal sterilization is highly effective and safe. Failures, although uncommon, occur at higher rates than previously appreciated. Evidence for hormonal or menstrual changes due to TS is weak. Tubal sterilization is associated with decreased risk of ovarian cancer.
Use of an octree-like geometry for 3-D dose calculations

A representation used for 3‐D graphical objects, the ‘‘octree,’’ has been applied to the geometrical calculations needed to perform photon beam dose calculations for radiotherapytreatment planning. This representation allows the algorithm to attempt to minimize the number of distinct geometrical calculations that are needed to perform dose calculations to a particular resolution. In this way, the calculational time can be minimized, since the geometrical part of the dose calculations is often the most time‐intensive part of the calculation process. The octree‐like system used here has sped up the photondose calculations described here by up to a factor of 10.
Forming, switching, and maintaining mental sets among psychopathic offenders during verbal and nonverbal tasks: another look at the left-hemisphere activation hypothesis.

Three hypotheses for cognitive deficits among psychopaths were tested: executive dysfunction, left hemisphere activation, and an interaction between the two. Twenty-one psychopathic and 23 nonpsychopathic criminal offenders identified with the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised participated in verbal and visual-spatial tasks during which the level of executive processing demands was manipulated. Consistent with prior research, psychopathic offenders made more errors than controls, but only during the verbal task and only on trials with high executive demand. Within those trials, most errors occurred when set-maintenance demands were the highest. No response latency differences between groups were found. (JINS, 2006, 12, 538–548.)This article is a replication and extension of our previous study that was published in the JINS, volume 11, 2005. The article appeared as “State-dependent Executive Deficits Among Psychopathic Offenders,” by Suchy & Kosson, 2005, JINS, 11:3, pp. 311–321. There was no overlap in participants between the two studies.
Thiol methylation pharmacogenetics: Heritability of human erythrocyte thiol methyltransferase activity

Thiol methylation of aliphatic sulfhydryl drugs is catalyzed by thiol methyltransferase (TMT), an enzyme activity that can be measured in the human erythrocyte (RBC) membrane. As a first step toward determining the possible role of inheritance in the regulation of individual variations in the S-methylation of drugs in man, the heritability of human RBC membrane TMT activity was determined. RBC TMT activity was measured in blood samples from 231 first-degree relatives in 47 randomly selected families. The frequency distribution of enzyme activities was unimodal, with a fivefold variation within ±2 SDs. RBC TMT activity did not correlate with either age or sex. Heritability in the “narrow” sense (h2) was estimated by comparing correlations of RBC TMT activities in first-degree relatives with theoretical values expected for a trait under total additive genetic control. The correlation between RBC TMT activities in mothers and fathers in these families was only 0.04, a finding that made shared environment a less likely explanation for significant correlations among other family members. However, sibling-sibling (S-S), parent-offspring (P-O), and midparent (average of two parental values)-offspring (M-O) correlations were 0.49, 0.49, and 0.69. Theoretical expected values for a trait with a heritability of 1.0 (100%), for these same correlations would be 0.5, 0.5, and 0.71. Estimates of h2 calculated from the observed correlations were 0.98 (S-S), 0.98 (P-O), and 0.98 (M-O). None of the calculated values for heritability differed significantly from the theoretical maximum value of 1.0. These results suggested that inheritance was the primary factor regulating the fivefold variation in RBC TMT activity. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1983) 34, 521–528; doi:10.1038/clpt.1983.208
Combined passive and active microwave retrieval of falling snow during the 2003 Wakasa Bay field experiment

The present research describes a novel snowfall retrieval algorithm using combined radar and radiometer observations of cold-cloud precipitation. The algorithm retrieves a 1-D vertical distribution of precipitation rate, particle size, particle density, and cloud liquid water content using aircraft-or satellite-based co-located dual-wavelength radar and passive microwave radiometer observations. The 2003 Wakasa Bay field experiment over the Sea of Japan provided high-resolution observations of snowfall using aircraft-based instruments compatible with the present technique. The dual-frequency APR-2 radar operated at 13.4 and 35.6 GHz, while the co-located the MIR radiometer made cross-track observed brightness temperatures at 89, 150, 220, 183.3plusmn1, 183.3plusmn3, 183.3plusmn7, 220 and 340 GHz. The techniques described here are being developed with an eye toward the upcoming Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM). Parameterizations based on these retrievals are already being used to identify and communicate the key characteristics of cold-cloud precipitation to the larger remote sensing and climate modeling community.
What Can Meteorites Tell Us about Nebular Conditions and Processes during Planetesimal Accretion

Analysis of the most primitive meteorites can yield detailed information about environmental conditions and physical/chemical processes in the earliest Solar System, including the nebular stage during which planetesimals were accreted. Such information pertains to time scales, thermal and chemical evolution, inhomogeneity and mixing, magnetic fields, and grain growth in the solar nebula. Nebular processes identified include evaporation, condensation, localized melting, and fractionation both of solids from gas and among different solids. Little direct evidence remains even in primitive meteorites of the actual accretion process. The absence of intrinsic factors capable of enhancing accretion among meteoritic constituents suggests that gravitational instabilities might have been important in promoting planetesimal accretion.
Synthesis of macrolides

Abstract The biologically important macrolide class of natural products, although known for some time, has until recently received little synthetic attention. This was primarily due to the lack of general synthetic methodology and the complex structures involved, but in recent years has changed with the development of new experimental techniques. The recent synthetic advancements in this area, reported from the laboratories of Prof. E.J. Corey of Harvard University were undoubtedly the most powerful single thrust that brought these medicinally useful molecules into focus and propelled them into the forefront of organic synthesis. Following a brief introduction into the macrolide structural spectrum, the general methodology for macrolide synthesis is discussed in detail with several illustrative applications. A number of total syntheses of macrolides is then detailed with particular emphasis on the key macrolide ring-forming reactions.
Reinstating knowledge during reading: A strategic process

Past research has shown a tendency for readers who are given multiple perspectives on a domain to excel in solving problems with material from that domain. Mannes (1994) hypothesized the reinstatement‐and‐integration strategy as a possible processing account of these findings. According to this strategy, when a reader encounters a topic that has been learned about previously, the proposition representing that concept becomes activated in memory, as do propositions representing some information about the original learning context in which it was encountered. When the original and current contexts differ, relational processing takes place, affording the reader a more interconnected memory representation of the domain under study. In this article, three experiments are reported that provide on‐line evidence for the reinstatement‐and‐integration strategy. Subjects read a target text at a self‐determined rate after studying an outline that either did or did not conform to the perspective of the target text. Th...
Quantifying the utility of parallel corpora

Our English-Chinese cross-language IR system is trained from parallel corpora; we investigate its performance as a function of training corpus size for three different training corpora. We find that the performance of the system as trained on the three parallel corpora can be related by a simple measure, namely the out-of-vocabulary rate of query words.
A Fighting Creed: The Free Speech Narrative in the Danish Cartoon Controversy

The attainment of freedom of expression is not the sole aim of the good society. As the private right of the individual, freedom of expression is an end in itself, but it is not the only end of man as an individual… Any theory of freedom of expression must therefore take into account other values, such as public order, justice, equality and moral progress, and the need for substantive measures designed to promote those ideals. Hence there is a real problem of reconciling freedom with the other values and objectives sought by the good society (Emerson, 880).
Proud Stigma: The Domestic Narrative of a Family as Political Criminal Descendants

This performance-based autoethnographic work is inspired by the epiphanic moment in the author’s life. By depicting a woman struggling between families’ expectations to her and her own dream, the author demonstrates the complicated nature of the structure–agency interaction and sympathizes with those obedient daughters who inherit the family traditions with understanding but simultaneously are confined by the past. The haunting ghost of the woman’s family is her late grandfather who was executed as a political criminal. Always trying to please others and compensate the loss and sorrow in the family, she finally failed in intimate relationships and expelled herself to an exotic culture, where she felt settled since she carries no labels or past there. The moment of reconciliation did not solve physical problems, but helped her reexamine the painful family memory and move on with courage and agency.
Associations between vascular health indices and serum total, free and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D in adolescents.

Objective The role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health remains debated as results have been inconsistent. Previous studies have not considered the bioavailability of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Objectives of our study were to investigate the association between serum concentrations of total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D and independent predictors of cardiovascular risk such as flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and augmentation index (AIx). Design This cross-sectional study included 47 post-menarchal, adolescent females [31 African American (AA) and 16 European American (EA)]. Methods AIx was standardized to a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx75). Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D concentrations were calculated from standard formulas. Results and Conclusions Mean age of the participants was 15.8±1.4 years and mean body mass index was 23.1±4.0 kg/m2. Serum total 25(OH)D was not associated with FMD, but was positively associated with AIx75 in the adjusted model (rho = 0.4, P = 0.03). AIx75 was positively associated with bioavailable 25(OH)D (rho = 0.4, P = 0.004) and free 25(OH)D (rho = 0.4, P = 0.009) and the associations persisted after adjusting for covariates. In race-specific analyses, total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were strongly positively associated with AIx75 in AA (rho = 0.5, 0.4, 0.4, respectively), which persisted even after adjusting for covariates. Whereas in EA there was an inverse association between total 25(OH)D and AIx75 in EA (rho = −0.6), which attenuated after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Circulating total, free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were associated with arterial stiffness in adolescent girls, and these associations were race dependent. Notwithstanding, the implications of associations between vascular function indices and 25(OH)D remains unclear.
Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes in Prostate Cancer

Our understanding of the genetic basis of human carcinogenesis while far from complete has increased greatly over the past two decades. It is now clear that there exists multiple classes of cancer-associated genes which contribute to the carcinogenic process when their functions are perturbed by either genetic or epigenetic mechanisms. The more traditional classes of tumor suppressors (contributing to cancer formation when inactivated) and oncogenes (procarcinogenic when activated) are now joined by the mutator genes which, when altered, result in a decreased ability to maintain fidelity of the genetic code and function (e.g., genes involved in DNA repair). These classes of genes have been identified largely by virtue of function-altering mutations, occurring either somatically or in the germ line, which play a major readily discernable role in tumor development. For prostate cancer, genes in each one of these classes have been identified, although genes uniquely involved in prostatespecific carcinogenesis (i.e., so-called "gatekeepers", or genes which directly and specifically regulate growth of prostate tumors by inhibiting their growth or promoting their death (1)) have not been found, a situation that will undoubtedly change as more effort is focused on this question. Similarly, while the concept of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes has been very helpful in providing a basic framework for the mechanistic understanding of carcinogenesis, these concepts and categories need to be expanded to include the large array of genes in which sequence variations result in more subtle contributions to the carcinogenic process. As discussed in numerous presentations in this issue of Epidemiologic Reviews, genetic variants that modify inherited risk for prostate cancer are being identified at a rapid pace, and the role that these genes play needs to be included when considering prostate cancer-associated genes. This review will focus primarily upon more traditional tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes and the somatic alterations in these genes that have been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis.
Sport and Human Development: A Dialectical Interpretation

Sport is a conspicuous part of modern culture and is heatedly discussed by athletes, coaches, fans, sports writers, and social scientists. It is often exalted as a developer of character and criticized as a dehumanizing force. In this article I discuss sport as it relates to the continuing dialectic between the individual and society. Its initial appeal is that it simplifies that dialectic by offering a potential for the experience of conflict and for its resolution. This process may be particularly useful in the course of ontogenetic or individual change. Nevertheless, the current commercializing of sport and the bureaucratization of its control seem to undermine its special qualities of separateness and play. A critical analysis requires a closer examination of the experience of sport involvement in relation to the prevailing issues of the day. Thus, sport is examined in relation to Author's Note: I wish to acknowledge the helpful criticism of Stephen Brock, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Norman Denzin, John ...
Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,4-diaminobutyl-N,N′-bis(cyanoborane): the first substituted-borane adduct of putrescine

Abstract The reaction of 1,4-diaminobutane (putrescine) with two molar equivalents of trimethylaminecyanoborane in anhydrous diethyl ether, produced an unprecedented cyanoborane species, 1,4-diaminobutyl-N,N′-bis(cyanoborane) (1), in 78% yield, via a Lewis-base exchange reaction. The crystal structure showed the title compound (1) to be a zwitterionic species in which the two nitrogen atoms of a putrescine unit are coordinated to two cyanoborane units.
Aboveground growth interactions of paired conifer seedlings in close proximity

Where belowground resources are relatively abundant, naturally established trees sometimes occur in very close proximity to one another. We conducted a two-year study to assess the aboveground interactions between Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis) and noble fir (Abies procera) seedlings planted in closely spaced (stems 10 cm apart) conspecific and heterospecific pairs. Paired seedling growth also was compared to seedlings planted with no neighbor. Stem height growth was not affected by the presence of a neighbor seedling, although diameter growth was slightly reduced. Branch diameter growth and weight were reduced where seedling crowns overlapped; branch morphological data suggested that this was caused by shading rather than mechanical interactions. Light measurements showed the potential for significant shading, particularly by the relatively large, dense crowns of Douglas-fir. Heterospecific pairs including Douglas-fir demonstrated the competitive production principle in that their mean growth was greater than the average of conspecific pairs of both species. Neighbor seedling height significantly affected subject seedling growth; neighbor effects were similar whether the neighbor seedling was growing on the north or south side of the subject seedling. Light reflected from Douglas-fir crowns had a lower red: far-red ratio than that of noble fir, although there was no evidence of a phytochrome-mediated growth response to the neighbor seedling. While heterospecific seedling pairs showed reduced competition, we found no evidence of facilitation for seedlings growing in very close proximity.
High-frequency viscoelasticity of crosslinked actin filament networks measured by diffusing wave spectroscopy

We study the short-time relaxation dynamics of crosslinked and uncrosslinked networks of semi-flexible polymers using diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS). The networks consist of concentrated solutions of actin filaments, crosslinked with increasing amounts of α-actinin. Actin filaments (F-actin) are long semi-flexible polymers with a contour length 1–100μm and a persistence length of 5–15μm; α-actinin is a small 200kDa homodimer with two actin-binding sites. Using the large bandwidth of DWS, we measure the mean-square-displacement of 0.96μm diameter microspheres imbedded in the polymer network, from which we extract the frequency-dependent viscoelastic moduli via a generalized Langevin equation. DWS measurements yield, in a single measurement, viscoelastic moduli at frequencies up to 105Hz, almost three decades higher in frequency than probed by conventional mechanical rheology. Our measurements show that the magnitude of the small-frequency plateau modulus of F-actin is greatly enhanced in the presence of α-actinin, and that the frequency dependence of the viscoelastic moduli is much stronger at intermediate frequencies. However, the frequency-dependence of loss and storage moduli become similar for both crosslinked and uncrosslinked networks at large frequencies, G′(ω)∝G′′(ω)∝ω0.75±0.08. This high-frequency behavior is due to the small-amplitude, large-frequency lateral fluctuations of actin filaments between entanglements.
Solving Problems on Special Classes of Graphs

Abstract Most papers which solve a problem on a graph class assume there is a promise that the input is in the class. Thus, the algorithm could produce incorrect output, or fail to terminate in the time bound claimed, if the input is not in the class. We propose a stricter notion of solving problems on special classes of graphs. If a graph G is not in the class, the algorithm may either answer the problem correctly, or announce that G is not in the class. We call such an algorithm a robust algorithm. This talk describes robust algorithms for problems on classes where no robust algorithm was known previously, shows that some problems which can be solved on classes in polynomial time given a promise that the graph is in the class are intractable for robust algorithms, and poses open problems. We show that the clique problem on unit disk graphs can be solved robustly. Previous solutions needed a geometric model as input. We also show that no robust polynomial algorithm solves independent set on well-covered graphs unless P = NPM.
Secondary doping -a new concept in conducting polymers /sub (a)/

Summary form only given. A form of doping, secondary doping, responsible for promoting high conductivity in the conducting polymer, polyaniline, and also possibly in other conducting polymer systems, is reported. A secondary dopant is here defined as an inert substance which, when applied in the form of a liquid and/or vapor to polyaniline already doped (protonated) by a primary dopant, induces significant changes in molecular conformation and dependent properties such as solution viscosity, Vis-UV spectra, crystallinity, dielectric constant, conductivity/temperature relationship, etc. These effects may persist after complete removal of the secondary dopant. The effect of the secondary dopant, m-cresol, on selected properties of polyaniline doped with the primary dopant, d,l-camphorsulfonic acid, are summarized in the figure.
Tunneling spectroscopy of M3C60 superconductors: The energy gap, strong coupling, and superconductivity

Tunneling spectroscopy has been used to characterize the magnitude and temperature dependence of the superconducting energy gap (triangle up) for K(3)C(60) and Rb(3)C(60). At low temperature the reduced energy gap, 2triangle upkappaT(c) (where T(c) is the transition temperature) has a value of 5.3 +/- 0.2 and 5.2 +/- 0.3 for K(3)C(60) and Rb(3)C(60), respectively. The magnitude of the reduced gap for these materials is significantly larger than the value of 3.53 predicted by Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory. Hence, these results show that the pair-coupling interaction is strong in the M(3)C(60) superconductors. In addition, measurements of triangle up(T) for both K(3)C(60) and Rb(3)C(60) exhibit a similar mean-field temperature dependence. The characterization of triangle up and triangle up(T) for K(3)C(60) and Rb(3)C(60) provides essential constraints for theories evolving to describe superconductivity in the M(3)C(60) materials.
Toward a Model of Effective Knowledge Management and Directions for Future Research: Culture, Leadership, and CKOs

Organizational culture, organizational leadership, and Chief Knowledge Officers (CKOs) each play important roles in overcoming human barriers associated with knowledge creation, transfer and sharing. This paper examines three key components of organizational culture: cooperative involvement, trust and incentives. In addition, the impact of organizational leadership on knowledge management as well as the roles and qualifications of CKOs are discussed. Through an examination of previous research and existing literature on knowledge management, this paper also shows where gaps in research exist and suggests directions for future organizational research.
Lung cancer: Implementing lung-cancer screening--oncological 'grey areas'.

Owing to the institution of annual low-dose CT for lung cancer screening in the USA, the presumed increase in detection of early stage lung cancers elicits many questions about so-called 'grey areas' of the management of this disease that have been inadequately addressed to date. Herein, important and potentially difficult ambiguous cases that oncologists might come across are discussed.
Emotion and self-control

Abstract A biology-based model of choice is used to examine time-inconsistent preferences and the problem of self-control. Emotion is shown to be the biological substrate of choice, in that emotional systems assign value to ‘goods’ in the environment and also facilitate the learning of expectations regarding alternative options for acquiring those goods. A third major function of the emotional choice systems is motivation. Self-control is shown to be the result of a problem with the inhibition of the motive force of emotion, where this inhibition is necessary for higher level deliberation.
Diagnosis and management of bladder injuries.

Injuries to the bladder are caused by blunt and penetrating trauma. The diagnosis is made by filling the bladder with contrast in a retrograde fashion and imaging the organ when filled and after drainage. Intraperitoneal ruptures need formal surgical closure, whereas extraperitoneal lesions may be treated, under certain circumstances, with catheter drainage and observation.
Vitamin D, disease and therapeutic opportunities

The discovery of the vitamin D endocrine system and a receptor for the hormonal form, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), has brought a new understanding of the relationship between vitamin D and metabolic bone diseases, and has also established the functions of vitamin D beyond the skeleton. This has ushered in many investigations into the possible roles of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, cancers and granuloma-forming diseases. This article presents an evaluation of the possible roles of vitamin D in these diseases. The potential of vitamin D-based therapies in treating diseases for which the evidence is most compelling is also discussed.
Fe XANES spectra of iron-rich micas

Fe-rich mica crystals have been studied using microbeam XANES spectroscopy of the Fe K edges in order to evaluate the dependence of XANES features and resultant Fe 3+ /σFe values on the orientation of the crystals with respect to the polarization of the synchrotron beam. Polished, thinned samples were prepared with cleavages perpendicular to the plane of their thin sections, and these sections were then rotated relative to the horizontal plane of the ring and the 10 × 15 μm beam. Results show that both pre-edge and main-edge features in these micas exhibit orientation-dependent changes in both peak intensity and energy. These shifts constitute the majority of the error (∼ ± 10%) in determinations of Fe 3+ /σFe by pre-edge energy, a problem that will be overcome in future work through techniques for quantification of grain orientations. Results show distinctive orientation-dependent features in the main edge region, from which it will soon be possible to deconvolute contributions from multiple scattering interactions to obtain information about the electronic properties of micas. Data also demonstrate the exciting potential of XANES pre-edge spectroscopy for routine, in situ analyses of Fe 3+ /σFe on comparable scales to electron microprobe analyses.
SU‐E‐T‐237: Patient‐Specific Quality Assurance of Dose Delivery for Intracranial Linac‐Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using High‐Definition Multileaf Collimators

Purpose: Patient‐specific Quality Assurance (QA) of dose delivery for intracranial linac‐based Stereotactic Radiosurgery(SRS) is not a common practice. This study describes an efficient patient‐specific measurement using an ion chamber array system to validate the dose at the isocenter plane when High‐Definition Multileaf Collimators (HDMLC) are used for planning dynamic arcs in small fields.Methods: Measurement of dose in typical SRStreatments is a challenge due to the small sizes of the fields. This study focuses in the measurement of dose at one isocenter plane by using the ion chamber array system MatriXX® embedded into the MultiCube® phantom (IBA Dosimetry Inc.) for patients treated with SRS delivered by HDMLC (2.5‐mm leaf thickness) using the Novalis‐TX linear accelerator. The patient plan is mapped into the phantom placing the isocenter of the lesion in the center of the array, and converting the non‐coplanar arcs into coplanar ones. The total dose distribution in the ion‐chamber array plane is calculated using the same Treatment Planning Algorithm (TPA) used for the patient plan. The phantom‐mapped plan is fully delivered on the phantom such that the combined dose distribution at the isocenter plane of the array is measured directly. A statistical analysis using both the gamma‐factor criteria (3% dose difference and 3 mm distance‐to‐agreement) and the absolute dose difference is then performed between the measured and the calculated dose distributions.Results: This patient‐specific QA was applied to 14 lesions (greater than 1.8 cm in the longest extension) in 7 patients. The percent of pixels with gamma factor greater than one were below 3%, and the percent of pixels with absolute dose difference greater than 5% were less than 5% in all cases Conclusions: This patient‐specific QA for HDMLC is feasible and effective to ensure the accuracy of calculations by the TPA.
Effect of Wetting Agents on the Deformation Behavior of Kaolinite-Water Systems1

An experimental technique was developed for studying the deformation properties of kaolinite-water mixtures, and a study was made of the effects of different wetting agents on the deformation behavior of these mixtures. Particular care was taken to minimize physical effects that could be attributed to preferred orientation of clay particles. Evaluation of different compositions was made in terms of stress-strain diagrams obtained by means of a simple compression plastometer test. Auxiliary studies included sedimentation and filtration experiments of kaolinite-water mixtures containing wetting agents. The various classes of wetting agents investigated, viz., anionic, cationic and nonionic wetting agents, were found to affect the deformability of clay-liquid mixtures independently of the surface tension of the liquid phase. As compared with water alone, cationic and nonionic reagents decreased and anionic reagents increased the deformability of clay-liquid mixtures. In general, the sedimentation and filtration properties of kaolinite-water mixtures containing various wetting agents were consistent with the results of the deformation experiments.
Development of a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect enteric bacteria in ground beef.

Abstract Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli , Salmonella , Shigella and Citrobacter can potentially cause foodborne diseases if consumed in contaminated beef products. The purpose of this study was to establish a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to screen ground beef for these enteric bacteria. With the use of homologous phoP gene sequences as the target, a PCR yielded a 302-bp product from E. coli , Salmonella , Shigella and Citrobacter . No amplification was observed with genomic DNA from 48 other food-related bacterial strains. The detection limits for crude cell lysates of E . coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Shigella flexneri and Citrobacter freundii were 9.2×10 2 , 1×10 1 , 9.5×10 2 , and 1.4×10 2 total cfu, respectively. Ground beef samples inoculated with as few as 1 cfu/g of these bacteria yielded positive results with the PCR following 10 h of enrichment. In addition to cultural methods, this PCR assay provides a presumptive alternative to detect E . coli , Salmonella , Shigella or Citrobacter in ground beef. However, further steps are needed to differentiate the organisms in the presumptive samples.
Superfast Tikhonov Regularization of Toeplitz Systems

Toeplitz-structured linear systems arise often in practical engineering problems. Correspondingly, a number of algorithms have been developed that exploit Toeplitz structure to gain computational efficiency when solving these systems. The earliest "fast" algorithms for Toeplitz systems required O(n^2) operations, while more recent "superfast" algorithms reduce the cost to O(n (log n)^2) or below. In this work, we present a superfast algorithm for Tikhonov regularization of Toeplitz systems. Using an "extension-and-transformation" technique, our algorithm translates a Tikhonov-regularized Toeplitz system into a type of specialized polynomial problem known as tangential interpolation. Under this formulation, we can compute the solution in only O(n (log n)^2) operations. We use numerical simulations to demonstrate our algorithm's complexity and verify that it returns stable solutions.
Modeling of steady-state convective cooling of cylindrical Li-ion cells

While Lithium-ion batteries have the potential to serve as an excellent means of energy storage, they suffer from several operational safety concerns. Temperature excursion beyond a specified limit for a Lithium-ion battery triggers a sequence of decomposition and release, which can preclude thermal runaway events and catastrophic failure. To optimize liquid or air-based convective cooling approaches, it is important to accurately model the thermal response of Lithium-ion cells to convective cooling, particularly in high-rate discharge applications where significant heat generation is expected. This paper presents closed-form analytical solutions for the steady-state temperature profile in a convectively cooled cylindrical Lithium-ion cell. These models account for the strongly anisotropic thermal conductivity of cylindrical Lithium-ion batteries due to the spirally wound electrode assembly. Model results are in excellent agreement with experimentally measured temperature rise in a thermal test cell. Results indicate that improvements in radial thermal conductivity and axial convective heat transfer coefficient may result in significant peak temperature reduction. Battery sizing optimization using the analytical model is discussed, indicating the dependence of thermal performance of the cell on its size and aspect ratio. Results presented in this paper may aid in accurate thermal design and thermal management of Lithium-ion batteries.
Research Models for the Evaluation of Interim Programs.

Basic evaluation research of interim programs conducted to date has employed three of four conceptual models. In the present article, the authors (1) identify these four conceptual models, (2) briefly outline significant studies that have been conducted using three of them, and (3) explore the possible advantages of one model which has not been used or reported in the literature of higher education. It is hoped that some insight into the possible ways to evaluate interim programs was provided, that further thought about objective evaluation programs was initiated, and that creative ventures into areas not yet researched were stimulated.
Maintaining the parent-staff àlliance in an intensive care nursery

Abstract Although the staff of the intensive care nursery (ICN) may act as surrogate parents, a working alliance between staff and the actual parents is essential for optimum parental involvement and minimum conflict. Disruption of this alliance can jeopardize the parents’ relationship with their infants and impede the parents’ adaptation to this stressful setting. Ongoing monitoring and, when needed, prompt intervention by an ICN psychiatrist can preserve or restore the alliance and assist the staff in an empathic approach to difficult parents.
Aggregation of FcγRIIB by IgG1 immune complexes inhibits chemoattractant receptor mediated inflammation

Karine R. Mayilyan a,b, Anders Krarup a, Armen F. Soghoyan c, Thomas Hartung d, Robert B. Sim a a MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK b Institute of Molecular Biology, Armenian National Academy of Sciences, 7 Hasratyan St., Yerevan 375014, Armenia c Yerevan State Medical University, Health Ministry of Armenian, 2 Koryun St., Yerevan 375025, Armenia d European Commission, Joint Research Centre, European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, 21020 Ispra, Italy
Restricted feeding and incidence of activity-stress ulcers in the rat

Rats housed in running-wheel activity cages and fed 1 h daily exhibited excessive running and subsequently died revealing large stomach ulcers. However, prior experience with a 1-h feeding schedule for 15 days before exposure to the activity-stress procedure did significantly extend survival time. A second study illustrated that feeding schedules of.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 h daily did not yield differences in terms of stomach ulcers or survival time, but a 3-h daily feeding did significantly reduce ulcer incidence and increase survival time.
Ultrahigh and High Resolution Structures and Mutational Analysis of Monomeric Streptococcus pyogenes SpeB Reveal a Functional Role for the Glycine-rich C-terminal Loop

Cysteine protease SpeB is secreted from Streptococcus pyogenes and has been studied as a potential virulence factor since its identification almost 70 years ago. Here, we report the crystal structures of apo mature SpeB to 1.06 A resolution as well as complexes with the general cysteine protease inhibitor trans-epoxysuccinyl-l-leucylamido(4-guanidino)butane and a novel substrate mimetic peptide inhibitor. These structures uncover conformational changes associated with maturation of SpeB from the inactive zymogen to its active form and identify the residues required for substrate binding. With the use of a newly developed fluorogenic tripeptide substrate to measure SpeB activity, we determined IC(50) values for trans-epoxysuccinyl-l-leucylamido(4-guanidino)butane and our new peptide inhibitor and the effects of mutations within the C-terminal active site loop. The structures and mutational analysis suggest that the conformational movements of the glycine-rich C-terminal loop are important for the recognition and recruitment of biological substrates and release of hydrolyzed products.
The etiology and clinical significance of pseudoascites.

ASCtTES is an abnormal collection of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. The clinical presence of ascites is suggested by physical signs, including abdominal distention with bulging flanks, a palpable fluid wave, and shifting dullness to percussion. Small amounts of ascitic fluid often are difficult to detect by physical findings, and ultrasonography (US) has become the best procedure to confirm or disprove the presence of ascites in patients who have mild abdominal distent ion) Massive ascites, in contrast, is documented readily by physical examination, and usually the etiology is apparent after a complete history and thorough physical examination. 2 During the evaluation of patients who have obvious ascites, those conditions that produce the physical signs of ascites without actual peritoneal fluid accumulation may not be considered. The term pseudoascites denotes the clinical impression of ascites when, in fact, free fluid is not present within the peritoneal cavity. Our experience with pseudoascites and a literature review prompted us to summarize the reported conditions that may produce pseudoascites. Proper management of these conditions underscores the need to consider imaging studies before invasive diagnostic procedures are performed, especially if the cause of the "ascites" is unclear.
Quantitative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic Determination of Organic Acid Preservatives in Beverages

Abstract A simple quantitative HPTLC method for the determination of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and dehydroacetic acid in beverages without extraction or cleanup is described. Aliquots of samples and standards are chromatographed on preadsorbent silica gel or C-18 bonded silica gel plates containing fluorescent indicator, and the zones, which quench fluorescence, are compared by scanning densitometry. Recoveries of the acids from wine and juices spiked at 50–300 ppm averaged 98%, and the coefficient of variation of replicate analyses ranged from 2–5%. Commercial sodas containing unknown amounts sodium benzoate and iced teas containing potassium benzoate were analyzed by the method, and the tea analyses were validated by standard addition. The advantages of the TLC method relative to current HPLC and absorption spectrometric procedures are described.
Charge-magnetic-dipole bound states using the Klein-Gordon equation

We investigate bound states of a composite system consisting of a charged particle orbiting a neutral, stationary magnetic dipole. We find all bound states are metastable and none exist with angular momentum less than eleven. Our calculations is performed in two space dimensions.
Alteration of norepinephrine responses in the dog by dual adrenergic blockade

Abstract Norepinephrine was infused into anesthetized dogs at a rate of 10 μg/kg/min for 2 hr and the animals sacrificed after an additional 2 hr. Measurements were made in the presence and absences of alpha blockade (phenoxybenzamine, 7.5 mg/kg), beta blockade (propranolol, 2 mg/kg), and dual adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine, 7.5 + propranolol, 2 mg/kg). At these dose levels beta blockade alone did not prevent the decrease in blood pH; the increase in hematocrit, serum potassium, serum phosphorus, and blood lactic aicd; or the production of pericardil effusion, cardiac hemorrhage, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG voltage depression. Alpha blockade alone blocked hematocrit, serum phosphoruus, pericardial effusion effects and deaths, and reversed the rise in serum potassium. Dual blockade was unique in eliminating cardiac arrhythmias, decrease in blood pH, changes in serum potassium, rise in blood lactate, and largely reducing blood pressure changes. These data support the concept that certain effects of catecholamines are mediated by a combination of alpha plus beta stimulation.