cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Carcinoma: Analysis of 30-Day Morbidity and Mortality

The aim of this study was to evaluate morbidity and mortality associated with cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. A retrospective review of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC from 1 January 2007 to 29 July 2013 at two academic medical centers was performed. Grade 3/4 complications (National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria version 4.0) from day of surgery until 30 days postoperatively were recorded. Thirty-two patients were identified, with 27 cases of ovarian cancer, three primary peritoneal cancers, and two fallopian tube cancers. Indications included 24 at the time of cancer recurrence, six at interval surgical resection, and two in the consolidative setting. Hyperthermic chemotherapeutic regimens included carboplatin (n = 21), cisplatin (n = 4), oxaliplatin (n = 2), oxaliplatin + intravenous 5-fluorouracil (n = 1), doxorubicin (n = 1), and cisplatin + doxorubicin (n = 1). Infusion time ranged from 30 to 90 min, with a maximum temperature range of 41–43 °C. The combined grade 3/4 morbidity rate was 65.6 %, and the most frequent morbidities included grade 3 anemia (40.6 %), infection (15.6 %), and pleural effusion (12.5 %). Six patients required readmission (18.8 %), and two patients required reoperation (6.2 %). Full-thickness diaphragm resection/peritoneal stripping had a significant association with grade 3/4 pleural effusions (p = 0.0007). Cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC is feasible in patients with ovarian cancer with 65.6 % grade 3/4 morbidity and no deaths. Balancing these complications with potential survival benefits is important in centers considering implementing HIPEC protocols.
Topological Chaos and Periodic Braiding of Almost-Cyclic Sets

In certain ($2+1$)-dimensional dynamical systems, the braiding of periodic orbits provides a framework for analyzing chaos in the system through application of the Thurston-Nielsen classification theorem. Periodic orbits generated by the dynamics can behave as physical obstructions that ``stir'' the surrounding domain and serve as the basis for this topological analysis. We provide evidence that, even in the absence of periodic orbits, almost-cyclic regions identified using a transfer operator approach can reveal an underlying structure that enables topological analysis of chaos in the domain.
Human transit: How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives, by Jarrett Walker

This book review discusses Jarrett Walker's Human transit: How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives (Island Press, 2012).
Hox-3.6: isolation and characterization of a new murine homeobox gene located in the 5' region of the Hox-3 cluster.

Most members of the murine Hox gene system can be grouped into two subclasses based on their structural similarity to either one of the Drosophila homeotic genes Antennapedia (Antp) or Abdominal B (AbdB). All the AbdB-like genes reported thus far are located in the 5′ region of their respective cluster. We describe here the isolation, structural characterization and spatio-temporal expression pattern of a new AbdB-like homeobox gene designated Hox-3.6 that is located in the 5′ region of the Hox-3 cluster. Hox-3.6 has an extreme posterior expression domain in embryos of 12.5 days of gestation, a feature that has thus far only been observed for the 5′ most genes of the Hox-4 cluster. Like the other members of the AbdB subfamily, Hox-3.6 exhibits spatially restricted expression in the hindlimb bud, but the expression domain is antero-proximal in contrast to the postero-distal domain reported for its cognate gene Hox-4.5. Structural analysis of the 5′ region revealed the presence of a 35 bp sequence which shares homology and relative 5′ position with an upstream sequence present in its two nearest downstream neighbors, Hox-3.2 and −3.1.
Effect of concurrent oxygen therapy on accuracy of forecasting imminent postoperative desaturation

Episodic postoperative desaturation occurs predominantly from respiratory depression or airway obstruction. Monitor display of desaturation is typically delayed by over 30 s after these dynamic inciting events, due to perfusion delays, signal capture and averaging. Prediction of imminent critical desaturation could aid development of dynamic high-fidelity response systems that reduce or prevent the inciting event from occurring. Oxygen therapy is known to influence the depth and duration of desaturation epochs, thereby potentially influencing the accuracy of forecasting of desaturation. In this study, postoperative pulse oximetry data were retrospectively modeled using autoregressive methods to create prediction models for $${\hbox {SpO}}_2$$ and imminent critical desaturation in the postoperative period. The accuracy of these models in predicting near future $${\hbox {SpO}}_2$$ values was tested using root mean square error. The model accuracy for prediction of critical desaturation ( $${\hbox {SpO}}_2$$ $$\le 89\,\%$$ ) was evaluated using meta-analytical methods (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios and area under summary receiver operating characteristic curves). Between-study heterogeneity was used as a measure of reliability of the model across different patients and evaluated using the tau-squared statistic. Model performance was evaluated in $$20$$ patients who received postoperative oxygen supplementation and $$20$$ patients who did not receive oxygen. Our results show that model accuracy was high with root mean square errors between 0.2 and 2.8 %. Prediction accuracy as defined by area under the curve for critical desaturation events was observed to be greater in patients receiving oxygen in the 60-s horizon ( $$0.95\pm 0.04$$ vs. $$0.76\pm 0.16$$ ). This was likely related to the higher frequency of events in this group (median [IQR] $$133.0$$ $$[31.5, 508.2]$$ ) than patients who were not treated with oxygen ( $$0$$ $$[0,110]$$ ; $$p<0.001$$ ). Model reliability was reflected by the homogeneity of the prediction models which were homogenous across both prediction horizons and oxygen treatment groups. In conclusion, we report the use of autoregressive models to predict $${\hbox {SpO}}_2$$ and forecast imminent critical desaturation events in the postoperative period with high degree of accuracy. These models reliably predict critical desaturation in patients receiving supplemental oxygen therapy. While high-fidelity prophylactic interventions that could modify these inciting events are in development, our current study offers proof of concept that the afferent limb of such a system can be modeled with a high degree of accuracy.
A Regression Analysis of Problem Solving in a Binary Choice Task

This study was designed to investigate three problems concerning human behavior in a two-choice learning situation. Rather than attempt a summary of research on two-choice learning we refer the reader to Bush and Mosteller (1955) and Feldman (1959). The first concern of this study was to develop and test certain trial-to-trial measures of the decision process. The basic trialto-trial measure is s's choice, left or right, on each experimental trial. Previous studies have utilized various transformations of this basic choice measure, such as the learning parameters of the stochastic learning models (Bush & Mosteller, 1955; Estes, 1950; Luce, 1959), run statistics (Bush & Mosteller, 1955; Goodnow, et at., 1959;3 Luce, 1959), conditional probabilities (Hake & Hyman, 1953), and stay-shift strategies (Goodnow & Pettigrew, 1955). In an attempt to tap more of rhe problem solving behavior in the situation we defined some new transformations of the choice data, including a modification of the Goodnow and Petcigrew (1955) strategy measure. Additional raw data were collected in the form of subjective probability estimates. Our aim was to define a criterion of concept attainment in the binary choice situation and to evaluate the power of our measures in predicting this criterion. The statistical technique for evaluating these measures was a regression model. We split the data at the mid-point of the trial series and ran regressions of the attainment criterion for the last half on the values of the selected measures for the first half as a means of testing the predictive power of the measures. The second concern of the study was to investigate the effect of subjective probability estimation on choice behavior. Originally there was some concern that this additional measure would bias S's conception of the choice situation and modify his pattern of choices. If this were the case the additional measure would change the situation rather than provide supplementary information about the original choice task. A control group, which made no probability estimates, was included to evaluate the extent of the bias. 'This research was conducted under the auspices of the Laboratory of Social Relations of Harvard University and was submitted as a Seniot Honors thesis toward the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Work on the project was facilitated by a grant from the Ford Foundation and an allotment of time on the IBM 704 by .the-~assachusen s Institute of Technology Computation Center. The authors wish to express their appreciation to Dr. Frederick Mosteller for his advice and encouragement. -Currently at the University of California at Berkeley. 'Goodnow, J. J., Rubinstein, I., & Lubin, A. Response to changing patterns of events. Unpublished memorandum. Problem Solving Projects, Walter Reed Army Instirute of Research, 1959; Goodnow, J. J., Shanks, B., Rubinstein, I., & Lubin, A. What is the human subject responding to in a two-choice task? Unpublished memorandum. Problem Solving Projects, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 1959.
Cutaneous Rhizopus infection at a central venous catheter site in a critically ill renal transplant patient

Invasive fungal infections are increasing in incidence, along with the use of immunosuppressive medications for the prevention of organ transplant rejection, graft versus host disease and treatment of auto-immune disorders. Additionally, the incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing with the use of new antineoplastic therapies for malignancy, increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus, expanded use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and with an aging population with chronic medical problems such as chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and HIV. We present a case of primary cutaneous zygomycosis at the insertion site of a central venous catheter in a 45-year-old renal transplant patient admitted for acute pancreatitis. In the critical care setting, clinicians must retain a high index of suspicion for invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals to ensure early diagnosis and provide aggressive medical and surgical intervention. Liposomal amphoterin B is the first line antimicrobial therapy, and reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy should be considered. Currently there are no consensus opinions or recommendations for routine, scheduled replacement of central venous catheters to prevent infections, even in immunosuppressed patients.
Finding a needle in a haystack: Activation-induced CD137 expression accurately identifies naturally occurring tumor-reactive T cells in cancer patients.

We have recently identified tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 9 (TNFRSF9, best known as CD137 or 4–1BB) as a biomarker of tumor-reactive T cells naturally occurring in cancer patients, and developed a rapid, accurate system to comprehensively isolate lymphocytes with tumor-rejecting properties from human biopsies. Our findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for CD137, a co-stimulatory TNFR family member, in the immunobiology of human cancer.
A tricarbonyl, tetranuclear tungsten cluster supported by alkoxide ligands: W4(OCH2Pri)12(η2,μ4-CO)(CO)2

Abstract Hydrocarbon solutions of W4(OCH2Pri)12 react with carbon monoxide (3–6 equiv.) to give a green, air and moisture sensitive compound W4(CO)3(OCH2Pri)12, which has been characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy in solution and by a single crystal X-ray analysis in the solid state. The latter revealed a “spiked triangle” of tungsten atoms with WW bonding distances ranging from 2.658(2) A to 2.806(3) A, all supported by bridging alkoxides. Two carbonyl ligands are cis to one another on a tungsten atom contained in the basal W3 triangle. The η2,μ4-CO ligand is C bonded to each of the three tungsten atoms in the basal triangle and O bonded to the “spiked” W atom. The η2,μ4-CO ligand contains a highly reduced carbon monoxide moiety that may be viewed as a μ3-oxyalkylidyne ligand and provides a model for partial reduction of CO on a metal surface in the steps preceding reductive cleavage to carbide and oxide. The solution NMR data are consistent with expectations based on the solid-state structure. Crystal data for W4(CO)3(OCH2Pri)12 at −141°C: a 13.361(5) A, b 22.703(11) A, c 11.627(5) A, α 94.46(3)°, β 107.30(2)°, γ 102.79(3)°, Z = 2, dcalcd 1.737 g cm−3, space group P 1 .
The protective function of belief in personal change among genocide survivors in Rwanda

The current cross-sectional study investigated the protective function of a measure of belief in personal change—personal growth initiative (PGI; Robitschek, 1998)—on physical and mental health outcomes in a genocide-affected population in Rwanda. Specifically, we examined whether an individual’s belief in their ability to change and develop had an adaptive role in managing symptoms of distress. Prior research has demonstrated that high levels of PGI are associated with psychological well-being (Robitschek & Keyes, 2009), and lower levels of depression and anxiety (Robitschek & Kashubeck, 1999). We found that genocide survivors who reported high levels of depression and low levels of PGI experienced greater physical impairment in their day-to-day life, and identified fewer positive personality changes as a result of their experience (i.e., posttraumatic growth; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). The results suggest that PGI might be an important psychological factor in enhancing recovery and well-being in the aftermath of adversity.
Regulation of the Drosophila apoptosome through feedback inhibition.

The apoptotic inhibitor IAP1 regulates a feedback loop between the caspase Dronc1 and its apoptosome adaptor Apaf1 to maintain low caspase activity in cells that are not destined to die.
A fast algorithm for the calculation of junction capacitance and its application for impurity profile determination

A fast algorithm is described which calculates the space charge layer width and junction capacitance for an arbitrary impurity profile and for plane, cylindrical and spherical junctions. The algorithm is based on the abrupt space charge edge (ASCE) approximation. A method to use the algorithm for the determination of impurity profiles for two-sided junctions is presented. An expression is derived for the built-in voltage to be used for capacitance calculations with the ASCE approximation. Experimental evidence is given that the algorithm permits very accurate capacitance calculations and also predicts the exact temperature dependence of the junction capacitance.
Clinical and Electrophysiological Responses to Dietary Challenge in Migraineurs

SYNOPSIS Thirty eight patients with a history of diet-induced migraine were studied with recording of clinical responses, electro-encephalography in resting state, in response to photic stimulation, and to hyperventilation and visual evoked potentials. Tests were carried out on an initial baseline day and on a second day, after challenge with chocolate, red wine, cheese, and fasting. Lateralized headache occurred in sixteen subjects (42%), four with scintillating scotomata. Electroencephalograms were abnormal on Day I and/or Day 2 in twelve subjects (32%), most abnormalities being non-specific slow waves. In three cases there were paroxysmal features. Electroencephalographic response to hyperventilation was calibrated and was found to be exaggerated in eight subjects (21%) on either Day 1 or Day 2; such response was not related to the occurrence of a headache. Photic simulation showed high frequency driving response (so called “H” response) in all 16 individuals who developed headache but in only 14 out of 22 (64%) who did not (p<0.01). Pattern reversal visual evoked responses were normal and failed to show any difference in latency or amplitude between headache responders and non-responders.
Boundaries of the nicking region for the F plasmid transfer origin, oriT

The extent of the F plasmid oriT nicking region was determined from the properties of successive substitution mutations in the region from base pair 121 to base pair 174 and from KMnO4 probing of DNA structural distortions induced in vivo by tra gene products. Nicking and transfer assays indicated that the left margin of oriT lies predominantly at the nick site, and that the nicking domain primarily lies within 17 bp to the right of the nick. Some mutants that were proficient for nicking showed reduced frequencies of termination, indicating that oriT nicking does not guarantee efficient termination. DNA in the vicinity of the nick (G137, T138, G140, and T141 on the nicked strand) showed elevated sensitivity to KMnO4 when tra gene products were present in the donor. Bases C145, C146, C147, C149, and G150 on the unnicked strand also became more sensitive to oxidation under tra+ conditions. The bases preferentially oxidized by KMnO4 lie within the nicking domain, as defined by the substitution mutants, and they include dinucleotides that can produce kinks in the DNA. Base pairs in the nicking region are calculated to be more thermodynamically stable than base pairs in the flanking regions.
Retrospective analysis of the management of 78 cases of postpartum metritis in the cow

Abstract Case records of post partum metritis in cows were obtained from Auburn University (42 cases) and Tuskegee University (36 cases) Large Animal Hospital files. Dairy cows (n=68) comprised 87.2% of the cases and beef (n=10) 12.8%. Age did not differ between the types, but the number of postpartum days at admission (mean ± 1 SD) differed significantly (P=0.02) between dairy (7.3 ± 4.27) and beef (3.7 ± 4.06) cows. Older cows and those with hyperthermia were less likely to recover from puerperal metritis (P=0.07 and 0.03, respectively). Type of treatment had no significant association with survival. The number of days of hospitalization was associated with institution (P
Microbeam analysis of MOS circuits

Irradiation of MOS SRAMs (static random access memories) by energetic heavy ions results in pulses on the power lines of the device. Pulse-height analysis shows a series of peaks when the irradiation consists of identical particles incident in the same direction. Analysis through a microbeam shows that the pulses are generated by traversals of the p-n junctions making up the transistors of the device. Junctions in the memory array were found to dominate the spectrum from a CMOS device while those of the support circuitry dominate the spectrum from a DRAM (dynamic RAM). Charge collection spectra measured while the chip is irradiated by 20-MeV ions confined to a 10- mu m beam spot show the individual peaks of the CMOS SRAM spectra appearing and disappearing as the beam location spot moves across the memory cells. >
Signal Detection and Approximate Adaptation Implies an Approximate Internal Model

The proper function of many biological systems requires that external perturbations be detected, allowing the system to adapt to these environmental changes. It is now well established that this dual detection and adaptation requires that the system have an internal model in the feedback loop. In this paper we relax the requirement that the response of the system adapt perfectly, but instead allow regulation to within a neighborhood of zero. We show that linear systems with the ability to detect input signals and approximately adapt require an approximate model of the input. We illustrate our results by analyzing two well-studied biological systems.
Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: Current Treatment Options

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) comprises up to 20 % of benign bone tumors in the US. GCTB are typically locally aggressive, but metastasize to the lung in ~5 % of cases. Malignant transformation occurs in a small percentage of cases, usually following radiation therapy. Historically, GCTB have been treated primarily with surgery. When the morbidity of surgery would be excessive, radiation therapy may achieve local control. In most cases the primary driver of the malignant cell appears to be a mutation in H3F3A leading to a substitution of Gly34 to either Trp or Leu in Histone H3.3. This change presumably alters the methylation of the protein, and thus, its effect on gene expression. The malignant stromal cells of GCTB secrete RANKL, which recruits osteoclast precursors to the tumor and stimulates their differentiation to osteoclasts. The elucidation of the biology of GCTB led to trials of the anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody denosumab in this disease, with a clear demonstration of beneficial clinical effect. Surgery remains the primary treatment of localized GCTB. When surgery is not possible or would be associated with excessive morbidity, denosumab is a good treatment option. The optimal length of treatment and schedule of denosumab is unknown, but recurrences after apparent complete responses have been observed after stopping denosumab, and long-term follow-up of denosumab treatment may reveal unrecognized effects. The role of denosumab in the preoperative or adjuvant setting will require clinical trials. In some cases local radiation therapy may be useful, although long term effects should be considered.
HOW DOES ADVERTISING AFFECT MARKET PERFORMANCE? A NOTE ON GENERIC ADVERTISING

We propose a novel approach to estimating the effect of advertising on market performance that relies on the preferences of firms participating in generic advertising programs. Generic advertising campaigns provide a unique window to observe advertising effects on market performance, because rotations in market demand systematically redistribute advertising rents among firms according to observable characteristics on producer size. We examine producer attitudes towards generic advertising in the “Beef. It's What's for Dinner!” campaign of the U.S. Beef Checkoff program, the subject of the recent and controversial Supreme Court ruling on generic advertising as a form of government speech. We find the likelihood producers favor an expansion of the advertising program increases in their operating scale. This finding is consistent with an advertising campaign that has led to a counterclockwise rotation of market demand and a commensurate increase in market performance in the U.S. beef market. (JEL L1, M37, Q13)
Chlorinated Solvent Cometabolism by Butane-Grown Mixed Culture

A survey of aerobic cometabolism of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons by a butane-grown mixed culture was performed. The transformation of 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (c-DCE) required O\d2 and was inhibited by butane and inactivated by acetylene, indicating that a monooxygenase enzyme was likely involved in the transformations. The initial transformation rates and the quantities of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons transformed were inversely proportional to the chlorine contents within each group of chlorinated methanes, ethanes, and ethenes. Lower quantities of chloroform were transformed than chloromethane and dichloromethane, but chloroform transformation resulted in much higher cell inactivation. For the ethane group, chloroethane was most effectively transformed but caused significant cell inactivation. Di- or trichloroethanes that have all chlorines on one carbon were more effectively transformed and caused less cell inactivation than the isomers that have chlorine on both carbons. For chlorinated ethenes, 1,1-DCE was most rapidly transformed, whereas trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (t-DCE) was not transformed. Vinyl chloride was transformed to the greatest extent, while very limited transformation of trichloroethylene was observed. The 1,1-DCE transformation caused greater cell inactivation than the transformation of the other chlorinated ethenes. Chloride release studies showed nearly complete oxidative dechlorination of chlorinated methanes and chloroethane, vinyl chloride and c-DCE (86% ∼ 100%), while incomplete dechlorination of 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, and 1,1-DCE (37% ∼ 75%) was observed.
FHWA's International Scan on Ensuring Bridge Safety and Serviceability

A growing number of bridge owners and experienced engineers in the United States are seeking to expand and mainstream the use of more rigorous design and evaluation approaches in everyday practice for both simple and complex bridges to achieve more economical use of materials, better understand the structural reliability, and ensure the traveling public a quantifiable level of safety and serviceability. To this end, an 11-member team was formed to study European practices. The team visited Finland, Austria, Germany, France, and England in June 2009. Specific topics of interest studied included safety and serviceability (design and construction; operations) and refined analysis (design, construction, and operations). The scan team identified many practices and technologies related to these topics of interest. These practices included (a) widespread use of refined methods of analyzing, designing, and assessing highway structures; (b) use of enhanced refined analysis to assess safety; (c) quality assurance and quality control practices in place; and (d) widespread use of performance-based approaches for durable structures. The scan team is in the process of developing a detailed implementation plan for the recommended initiatives and practices. Included in the plan will be a number of technical presentations and written papers at national meetings and conferences sponsored by FHWA, AASHTO, and other organizations to disseminate information from the scan. Also to be included in the plan are coordination requirements with AASHTO and FHWA to advance these initiatives and practices and to develop new FHWA and AASHTO standards and guidelines governing design and analysis.
Meta-Analysis of the Correlates of Employee Absence

A quantitative review of employee absence correlates was conducted to address inconsistencies among findings and include the results of studies conducted since the last major review. Correlates were categorized as psychological, demographic work environment, or organization-wide factors and analyzed separately using two operationalizations (total time absent and absence frequency). Occupational status was used as a moderator for correlates with unstable effects. The results of the study indicate that work environment and organization-wide correlates are better predictors of employee absence than psychological or demographic correlates. Both the implications for volitional theories of absence and practical applications of the findings are discussed.
A new approach to approximating the linear quadratic optimal control law for hereditary systems with control delays

A factorization approach is presented for deriving approximations to the optimal feedback gain for the linear regulator-quadratic cost problem associated with time-varying functional differential equations with control delays. The approach is based on a discretization of the state penalty which leads to a simple structure for the feedback control law. General properties of the Volterra factors of Hilbert-Schmidt operators are then used to obtain convergence results for the feedback kernels.
Virtual chassis for snake robots

We present a new method of defining a body coordinate frame for locomoting snake robots. Representing the motion of snake robots from the perspective of the robot is difficult because the internal shape changes that the robot uses to locomote interact with world in a complex way. Therefore, rather than representing the system in a body frame that is static to some fixed point on a link, we instead define a body frame that is consistent with the overall shape of the robot in all configurations. We are able to define such a body frame by continuously aligning it with the principal moments of inertia taken at the center of mass of the robot. In some cases we are able to further exploit symmetry in the shape of the robot's cyclic motion (gait), and use non-linear optimization to more precisely align the body frame with the true axis of symmetry of the robot's shape. These shape stable body frames serve as virtual chassis that effectively separate the internal motion of a gait from the external motion due to that gait's interaction with the world. Furthermore, these body frames allow the motion of the robot to be described in a way that is well-aligned with one's intuitive notions of position and orientation that arise when considering the system as a whole.
The Promise of Technology to Confront Dilemmas in Teacher Education: The Use of WebQuests In Problem-Based Methods Courses

This qualitative study examined the use of WebQuests as a teaching tool in problem-based elementary methods courses. We explored the potential of WebQuests to address three dilemmas faced in teacher education: (a) modeling instruction that is based on current learning theory and research-based practices, (b) providing preservice teachers with sufficient knowledge and appropriate skills for teaching and solving instructional problems given the limited time allocated to methods courses, and (c) preparing preservice teachers to integrate technology in their classrooms. We found that WebQuests, by design, support a problem-based approach to instruction, introduce students to multiple perspectives related to science and literacy teaching/learning, develop pedagogical and content knowledge and skills, and provide learning experiences that integrate technology within the contexts of science and literacy instruction.
Infection and Nitric Oxide

The author describes how his experience as an infectious disease fellow at Stanford University with Jack Remington from 1969 to 1971 influenced the direction of his subsequent laboratory investigation. The author reviews a series of studies that were intended to provide a mechanistic understanding of an in vitro cytotoxicity assay developed while he was a fellow with Jack Remington. These investigations resulted in the 1987 discovery of the synthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine by cytokine-activated macrophages. This work provided the components (the precursor, products, and an inhibitor) of the enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide by all three later-identified nitric oxide synthase isoforms. The significance of cytokine-induced nitric oxide synthesis during innate resistance and cell-mediated immune reactions is discussed briefly.
Improving the Accuracy of Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound

The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 700,000 women undergo breast biopsies (surgical or needle) in the U.S. each year. Approximately 80% of tumors biopsied are benign. 20% are malignant. Surgical biopsies--the most common--cost between $2,500 and $5,000 while needle biopsies cost from $750 to $1,000. Patients experience both physical and emotional effects when undergoing biopsy procedures and internal scarring may be problematic since it complicates interpretation of future mammograms. Until fairly recently, ultrasound in the U.S. has been used only to distinguish cystic from solid breast masses and to guide needle biopsies. A number of positive studies in Europe, Asia and the U.S. indicate that high-quality ultrasound can provide radiologists with a high degree of confidence in differentiating many benign from malignant or suspicious lesions detected by mammography.1 Results suggest that ultrasound could help reduce the number of biopsies of benign masses by 40% with a cost savings of as much as $1 billion per year in the U.S.
The biological impact of the human master regulator p53 can be altered by mutations that change the spectrum and expression of its target genes.

Human tumor suppressor p53 is a sequence-specific master regulatory transcription factor that targets response elements (REs) in many genes. p53 missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain are often cancer associated. As shown with systems based on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, p53 mutants can alter the spectra and intensities of transactivation from individual REs. We address directly in human cells the relationship between changes in the p53 master regulatory network and biological outcomes. Expression of integrated, tightly regulated DNA-binding domain p53 mutants resulted in many patterns of apoptosis and survival following UV or ionizing radiation, or spontaneously. These patterns reflected changes in the spectra and activities of target genes, as demonstrated for P21, MDM2, BAX, and MSH2. Thus, as originally proposed for “master genes of diversity,” p53 mutations in human cells can differentially influence target gene transactivation, resulting in a variety of biological consequences which, in turn, might be expected to influence tumor development and therapeutic efficacy. Master regulators provide coordinated expression of vast networks of genes that often have broad biological consequences. These transcription proteins mediate transactivation through sequence-related response elements (REs). Although many factors determine levels of expression and spectra of genes expressed, individual sequences play an important role. While many studies have addressed the impact of mutational inactivation or changes in levels of these regulators, little is known about functional mutations that might alter the networks controlled by master regulators or their biological impacts, except for the human tumor suppressor p53. As a transcription factor, p53 mediates many cellular responses to genotoxic insults and hypoxia (40, 56, 57). Through
Interface tracking method for compressible multifluids

This paper is concerned with numerical methods for compressible multicomponent fluids. The fluid components are assumed immiscible, and are separated by material interfaces, each endowed with its own equation of state (EOS). Cell averages of computational cells that are occupied by several fluid components require a "mixed-cell" EOS, which may not always be physically meaningful, and often leads to spurious oscillations. We present a new interface tracking algorithm, which avoids using mixed-cell information by solving the Riemann problem between its single-fluid neighboring cells. The resulting algorithm is oscillation-free for isolated material interfaces, conservative, and tends to produce almost perfect jumps across material fronts. The computational framework is general and may be used in conjunction with one's favorite finite-volume method. The robustness of the method is illustrated on shock-interface interaction in one space dimension, oscillating bubbles with radial symmetry and shock-bubble interaction in two space dimensions.
Tomographic microwave diversity image reconstruction employing unitary compression

Data compression through a unitary transform is utilized in tomographic microwave diversity image reconstruction in order to reduce the dimensionality and to extract the features in the data space. The unitary compression is derived by minimizing the mean-square error (MSE) and the unitary transform is made of eigenvectors of the data's covariance, regarded as a Karhunen-Loeve transform. Tomographic microwave frequency-swept imaging was developed using a unique target-derived reference technique to access the three dimensional Fourier space of the scatterer and an image reconstruction algorithm based on the projection slice theorem. It is shown that centimeter resolution of a complex object can be preserved even when half of the data set is compressed and that the reconstructed image remains identifiable by a human observer even when 2/3 of the data set is compressed. >
Advancing public sector performance analysis

Recent reforms intended to promote more accountable and responsive government have increased public attention to performance analysis and accelerated the production and use of information on agency performance and public program outcomes. Drawing from cases and empirical studies, this presentation considers questions about what should count as evidence, how it should be communicated, who should judge the quality and reliability of evidence and performance information, and how to achieve a balance between processes that produce rigorous information for decision making and those that foster democratic governance and accountability. Promising directions are suggested for efforts to improve government effectiveness through the use of more rigorous information in decision making, along with acknowledgment of the limitations and risks associated with such efforts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dedicated business centers in public libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not a dedicated business center within a public library acts as a key success factor in a public library’s services to the community entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was sent to 88 public libraries with dedicated business centers, and posted to BRASS-L and BUSLIB-L, for input from public libraries without business centers. Interviews with three survey respondents and one local city official followed. Findings – Fifty-seven per cent of all respondents felt that a dedicated business center is very essential or essential to the services provided to the entrepreneurial community. The services most often offered were workshops/seminars/classes, counseling sessions by collaborative agencies and one-on-one research sessions with librarians. The majority of responding libraries collaborated with a community business agency (80 per cent). Fifty-one per cent spend between 6 and 20 hours/month on the collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Since 2007, many of the dedicated business centers in public libraries have closed or been consolidated with other sections and services of a public library. This should be further studied. Further research on librarian expertise in market and industry research is recommended. Originality/value – This study updates the business services associated with public libraries business services since the push in the late 1990s for public libraries to be more active in community economic development.
Relationship between aldosterone and progesterone in the human menstrual cycle.

Context: Aldosterone levels increase during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Prior studies examining relationships between aldosterone and female sex hormones did not control for sodium balance, a major determinant of aldosterone production. Objectives: The objectives of this study were 1) to compare aldosterone levels between menstrual phases among cycling women in high- and low-sodium balance; and 2) to examine the relationships between aldosterone and female sex hormones in women and the effects of sex hormones on rat zona glomerulosa (ZG) cell aldosterone production in vitro. Subjects/Interventions: Normotensive, premenopausal women were studied in low- and/or high-sodium balance. Urinary aldosterone, basal serum aldosterone, plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma angiotensin II (AngII), and serum aldosterone after AngII infusion were measured. Isolated rat ZG cells were treated with progesterone, estradiol, or both, and aldosterone was measured. Results: In high-sodium balance, urinary aldostero...
The Intracellular Citrus Huanglongbing Bacterium, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Encodes Two Novel Autotransporters

Proteins secreted by the type V secretion system (T5SS), known as autotransporters, are large extracellular virulence proteins localized to the bacterial poles. In this study, we characterized two novel autotransporter proteins of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las), and redesignated them as LasAI and LasAII in lieu of the previous names HyvI and HyvII. As a phloem-limited, intracellular bacterial pathogen, Las has a significantly reduced genome and causes huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease of citrus worldwide. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that LasAI and LasAII share the structural features of an autotransporter family containing large repeats of a passenger domain and a unique C-terminal translocator domain. When fused to the GFP gene and expressed in E. coli, the LasAI C-terminus and the full length LasAII were localized to the bacterial poles, similar to other members of autotransporter family. Despite the absence of a typical signal peptide, LasAI was found to localize at the cell surface by immuno-dot blot using a monoclonal antibody against the partial LasAI protein. Its surface localization was also confirmed by the removal of the LasAI antigen using a proteinase K treatment of the intact bacterial cells. When co-inoculated with a P19 gene silencing suppressor and transiently expressed in tobacco leaves, the GFP-LasAI translocator targeted to the mitochondria. This is the first report that Las encodes novel autotransporters that target to mitochondria when expressed in the plants. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this intracellular bacterium.
Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography and hyphenated liquid chromatography to study the degradation of poly(bisphenol A)carbonate

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), gradient polymer elution chromatography (GPEC) and liquid chromatography at critical conditions (LC-CC) have been developed and applied to observe chemical changes in poly(bisphenol A)carbonate (PC) due to hydrolytic degradation. Especially LC-CC appeared to be very successful to observe differences in functionality of PC as result of hydrolytic degradation. Observed differences due to degradation could be identified by (semi) on-line coupling to matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The differences in functionality could be attributed to the formation of different end-groups, i.e. OH end-groups. In addition, comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) has been applied successfully to study the hydrolytic degradation of PC. LC-CC x SEC showed that the formation of PC with different end-groups occurred over the whole molecular mass range. This information could not be obtained with the separate liquid chromatographic techniques, thereby illustrating the added value of 2D-LC. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Downstream Toll-like receptor signaling mediates adaptor-specific cytokine expression following focal cerebral ischemia

Deletion of some Toll-like receptors (TLRs) affords protection against cerebral ischemia, but disruption of their known major downstream adaptors does not. To determine whether compensation in the production of downstream effectors by one pathway when the other is disrupted can explain these findings, we examined cytokine/chemokine expression and inflammatory infiltrates in wild-type (WT), MyD88−/− and TRIF-mutant mice following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Cytokine/chemokine expression was measured with a 25-plex bead array in the serum and brains of all three groups of mice at baseline (no surgery/naive) and at 3 hours and 24 hours following pMCAO. Brain inflammatory and neutrophil infiltrates were examined 24 hours following pMCAO. IL-6, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and IL-10 were significantly decreased in MyD88−/− mice compared to WT mice following pMCAO. Significantly, decreased levels of the neutrophil chemoattractants KC and G-CSF corresponded with a trend toward fewer neutrophils in the brains of MyD88−/− mice. IP-10 was significantly decreased when either pathway was disrupted. MIP-1α was significantly decreased in TRIF-mutant mice, consistent with TRIF-dependent production. MyD88−/− mice showed elevations of a number of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-13, at baseline, which became significantly decreased following pMCAO. Both MyD88 and TRIF mediate pathway-specific cytokine production following focal cerebral ischemia. Our results also suggest a compensatory Th2-type skew at baseline in MyD88−/− mice and a paradoxical switch to a Th1 phenotype following focal cerebral ischemia. The MyD88 pathway directs the expression of neutrophil chemoattractants following cerebral ischemia.
Neurobehavioral Aspects of Some Animal Models of Age-Related Neuropsychiatry Disorders

Animals have proven valuable as model systems to understand how the human brain degenerates in such age-related disorders as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, animal models afford a technique whereby brain-behavior interrelations can be analysed under controlled conditions. Within these analyses there exists a degree of sophistication in determining many neuroanatomical and neurochemical correlates of brain degeneration. On the other hand, commonly employed behavioral techniques usually do not elucidate many differences between animal models of age-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Thompson (1978) demonstrated this most clearly in his “Behavioral Atlas of the Rat Brain.” In this study, lesions in many different areas of the brain resulted in the same behavioral deficits. For example, there were no fewer than 50 different brain areas from the neocortex to the midbrain that resulted in a “Maze Deficit.” In human neuropsychological evaluations of the dementia disorders there are clear distinctions between the pattern of mental deterioration that occurs in each disease. In many animal models, however, these distinctions cannot be made. Thus, it is important to develop more precise behavioral analysis techniques that can be used effectively in determining the “abnormal” behaviors that occur in different animal models.
Dielectric sheet radiators

A class of electromagnetic radiators is described which employs the principle of waveguiding along a flat surface by means of dielectric coating. Radiation occurs as a result of nonuniformities in the guiding system. The efficiency of the feeding arrangements and diffraction over the edge of the flat surface are factors in the side-lobe level observed. A unit is described which has been used aboard missiles. A series of tests are reported which illustrate some of the characteristics of the radiators. Data for comparison with corrugated surface antennas is given. Problems for further investigation are listed. An experimental unit is described with a gain of 25 db and an efficiency compared to conventional aperture radiators of about 60 percent. This unit has linear dimensions comparable to a hem producing the same beamwidth.
Uterine papillary serous cancer: A review of the literature

Abstract Objective Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) represents a distinct subtype of endometrial cancer. UPSC is less common than endometrioid carcinoma (ECC) but accounts for a disproportionate number of uterine cancer related deaths. This article critically reviews the literature pertinent to the pathology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with UPSC. Methods MEDLINE was searched for all research articles published in English between January 1, 1967–January 1, 2012 which reported on patients diagnosed with UPSC. Given the rarity of this tumor, studies were not limited by design or number of reported patients. Results UPSC represents a histologically aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer. It commonly presents with extra uterine disease involvement which can be identified by comprehensive surgical staging. Optimal cytoreduction and systemic platinum/taxane-based adjuvant therapy appear to confer a survival advantage. Conclusions UPSC is a biologically distinct entity, different from ECC. Future studies should explore the role of targeted therapies in the management of UPSC.