cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined endoscopic medial and external lateral orbital decompression for progressive thyroid eye disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of endoscopic medial and lateral orbital wall surgery to 3-wall decompression in patients with thyroid eye disease.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study of patients with thyroid eye disease with severe proptosis, exposure keratitis, or compressive optic neuropathy was conducted.RESULTS: Mean reduction in proptosis was 4.37 mm in the 2-wall approach and 4.59 mm in the 3-wall group. Seventy-five percent of patients in the 2-wall group demonstrated improved visual acuity; 50% improved after 3-wall decompression. Vertical palpebral fissure height decreased by an average of 2.50 mm in the 2-wall group and by 2.03 mm in the 3-wall group. New onset diplopia was 11.8% and 12.5%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in the degree of proptosis, visual acuity, and palpebral fissure height was seen in the majority of our patients and compared favorably to our results with 3-wall orbital decompression.EBM rating: C-4
Influence of mRNA determinants on translation initiation in Escherichia coli

We have studied the classic initiation elements of mRNA sequence and structure to better understand their influence on translation initiation rates in Escherichia coli. Changes introduced in the initiation codon, the Shine and Dalgarno sequence, the spacing between those two elements, and in the secondary structures within initiation domains each change the rate of 30 S ternary complex formation. We measured these differences using extension inhibition analysis, a technique we have called “toeprinting”. The rate of 30 S initiation complex formation in the absence of initiation factors agrees well with in vivo translation rates in some instances, although in others a regulatory role of initiation factors in 30 S complex formation is likely. Nucleotides 5′ to the Shine and Dalgarno domain facilitate ternary complex formation.
3-Hydroxykynurenine potentiates quinolinate but not NMDA toxicity in the rat striatum.

L-3-Hydroxykynurenine (L-3-HK) and quinolinate (QUIN) are two metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, the major route of tryptophan degradation in mammals. L-3-HK is a known generator of highly reactive free radicals, whereas QUIN is an endogenous excitotoxin acting specifically at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This study was designed to examine possible synergistic interactions between L-3-HK and QUIN in the rat brain in vivo. Intrastriatal coinjection of 5 nmol L-3-HK and 15 nmol QUIN, i.e. doses which caused no or minimal neurodegeneration on their own, resulted in substantial neuronal loss, determined both behaviourally (apomorphine-induced rotations) and histologically (quantitative assessment of lesion size). The excitotoxic nature of the lesion was verified by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, showing the survival of dopaminergic striatal afferents. There was also a relative sparing of large striatal neurons, and neurodegeneration was prevented both by NMDA receptor blockade (using CGP 40116) and free radical scavenging [using N-tert-butyl-alpha-(2-sulphophenyl)-nitrone, S-PBN]. The pro-excitotoxic features of L-3-HK were especially pronounced at low QUIN doses and were not observed when QUIN was substituted by NMDA. Notably, the effect of L-3-HK was not due to its intracerebral conversion to QUIN and was duplicated by equimolar D,L-3-HK. These data indicate that an elevation of L-3-HK levels constitutes a significant hazard in situations of excitotoxic injury. Pharmacological interventions aimed at decreasing L-3-HK formation may therefore be particularly useful for the treatment of neurological diseases which are associated with an abnormally enhanced flux through the kynurenine pathway.
Direct optical control for a silicon microactuator

Abstract We propose a simple device, fabricated by standard Si processing, which unites for the first time direct optical signal control and micromechanisms. A Si cantilever forming the top plate of a capacitor deflects when a potential is applied. The generation of a photocurrent can control its position. A cantilever 600 × 50 × 1 μm with a gap 12 μm would use bias ∼6 V and optical power −2 to actuate 4 μm in ∼30 μs in the photoelectric scheme. Preliminary experiments with a gap ∼300 μm and d.c. biases 5–20 V demonstrate that a photocurrent flows, even in an air environment, sufficient to deflect the cantilever end some 30% of the gap under various white light illuminations of 0–1 W cm −2 .
Analog simulation of a fire safety probability model for high-rise buildings

An electrical analogy of a fire safety system decision tree has been made to assist building designers to attain fire safety goals in structural design.
Relation between ventricular function and antiarrhythmic responses to sotalol.

Abstract Sotalol, a unique β-receptor antagonist with additional class III antiarrhythmic action, has remarkable efficacy for suppression of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. 1–6 Unlike other β blockers, sotalol significantly prolongs the myocardial action potential duration. This additional action of sotalol probably accounts for its greater antiarrhythmic efficacy and perhaps its minimal negative or positive inotropic action. Comparison of the effects of sotalol on ventricular premature complex (VPC) suppression in patients with normal and abnormal left ventricular function has not been well studied. We examined the efficacy of sotalol in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia with respect to left ventricular function.
Control of shock-wave boundary-layer interactions by bleed in supersonic mixed compression inlets

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effect of bleed region geometry and bleed rate on shock wave-boundary layer interactions in an axisymmetric, mixed-compression inlet at a Mach number of 2.5. The full realizable reduction in transformed form factor is obtained by bleeding off about half the incident boundary layer mass flow. Bleeding upstream or downstream of the shock-induced pressure rise is preferable to bleeding across the shock-induced pressure rise. Slanted holes are more effective than normal holes. Two different bleed hole sizes were tested without detectable difference in performance.
Benefits of management disclosure precision on analysts’ forecasts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of management’s choice of forecast precision on the subsequent dispersion and accuracy of analysts’ earnings forecasts. Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample of 3,584 yearly management earnings per share (EPS) forecasts and 10,287 quarterly management EPS forecasts made during the period of 2002-2007 and collected from the First Call database, the authors controlled for factors previously found to impact analysts’ forecast accuracy and dispersion and investigate the link between management forecast precision and attributes of the analysts’ forecasts. Findings – Results provide empirical evidence that managements’ disclosure precision has a statistically significant impact on both the dispersion and the accuracy of subsequent analysts’ forecasts. It was found that the dispersion in analysts’ forecasts is negatively related to the management forecast precision. In other words, a precise management forecast is associated with a smaller dispe...
Transient electrical transport in pure and doped chalcogenide glasses

Abstract Transient hole transport measurements in undoped As 2 Se 3 and Se and in doped As 2 Se 3 are explained without recourse to the presence of deep traps. We suggest that the conduction process involves small polarons as originally proposed by Emin. Correlations between the measured activation energies and the dispersion in the Se and As 2 Se 3 systems as well as the dependences of the drift mobilities and the dc mobilities on doping in As 2 Se 3 are explained.
Mining the Adenovirus Virome for Oncolytics Against Multiple Solid Tumor Types

Although there are 55 serotypes of adenovirus (Ad) that infect humans, Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) is the most widely studied because of the availability of commercial kits for its genetic manipulation. In fact, engineered Ad 5 is currently being used in all of the 87 global clinical trials utilizing Ad for the treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, Ad5 is one of the most seroprevalent serotypes, meaning that this virus has to confront additional immunological barriers to be effective in Ad5-immune patients. In this work, we compare Ad5 to 13 other adenoviral serotypes from species B, C, D and E for oncolytic potential in both immunodeficient mouse and immunocompetent hamster models. Our results indicate that species D Ads are not effective oncolytics against most solid tumors. Conversely, lower seroprevalent Ad6 and Ad11 had anti-cancer activity comparable to Ad5. This work strongly supports the consideration of Ad6-based oncolytic therapies for the treatment of breast, ovarian, kidney and liver tumors.
Potential ocular hazards from solar exposure during extravehicular activity

In earth orbit, the ambient optical radiation environment provided by the sun is not the same as on the surface of the earth. The atmosphere provides a protective layer that is not present in space. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has published guidelines for exposure to broad-band optical radiation. These guidelines are called threshold limit values (TLV). Potential hazards include photochemical and thermal effects on the eye and skin. These guidelines are intended to be used with artificial sources such as arc lamps, however, they may be applied to solar exposure during extravehicular activity so that recommendations may be made to limit the risk of astronauts who are spending more and more time outside the space shuttle. Protective filters are discussed that will limit exposure to optical radiation. Permissible exposure times are calculated based on the ACGIH TLVs. Although thermal TLVs may be exceeded, exposures are well below injury thresholds.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Histamine release with differing antigen-antibody reactions☆

T HE frequency with which histamine release is attributed to antigen-antibody reaction has encouraged the concept that different types of antigen-antibody reaction, without discrimination as to type, result in histamine release. General statements and inferences to this effect are found in current reference works on the subject.l Measurably differing results of such reactions are assumed to be explained by either a variation in the rate of hi&amine release or a difference in the reactivity of tissues responding to the histamine released. Thus, many clinical features of certain syndromes and reactions have been attribut,ed t,o alleged widely varying results of the action of histamine. Two experimental models have been shown to be associated with histamine release accompanying antigen-antibody reactions. The first, which borrows its materials from a clinical syndrome involving an antigen-antibody reaction, is in vitro release of histamine from blood cells of atopically-sensitive human beings upon exposure of such cells to the appropriate antigen. This is exemplified by the release of histamine from the blood of ragweed-sensitive individuals upon the addition of ragweed antigen23 3 or from other sensitive human tissue, such as bronchiolar muscle.4 The second model involves histamine release from the tissue of experimentally sensitized animals by the in vitro exposure of such tissue to the sensitizing antigen. The Schultz-Dale reaction may represent the simplest form of this sort of histamine release, although the chopped guinea pig lung experiment devised by Mongar and Schild,5 and used by a number of other workers, is the setup in which release of histamine is clearly demonstrated. A summary of features of these two models and their possible basic relationship, as indicated by similar physical and chemical characteristics, has recently been published.6 Awareness of these conditions of histamine release has stimulated a search for other antigen-anbibody reactions which might release histamine. This paper is a report of such an inquiry which is limited by the experimental confines of the in vitro human blood model. Included are attempts to demonstrate histamine release : (a) with tuberculin as the antigen to which tuberculin-sen-
Precision measurement of the bound-coherent-neutron scattering length of 235U.

With use of the neutron interferometric technique, the real parts of the bound-coherent scattering length, b, of /sup 235/U have been precisely measured for five different incident neutron energies in the range of 30 to 92 meV. The value of b at each incident neutron energy was obtained from the average of two independent measurements using two samples of different thicknesses. The results are b = 10.47 +- 0.04 fm (E = 30.34 meV), b = 10.47 +- 0.03 fm (E = 41.02 meV), b = 10.51 +- 0.03 fm (E = 51.43 meV), b = 10.39 +- 0.03 fm (E = 74.90 meV), b = 10.41 +- 0.03 fm (E = 91.39 meV). The uncertainty in these results is about an order of magnitude smaller than the present literature value. The small energy dependence of the observed scattering lengths has been used to establish the parameters of the negative energy resonance level (-1.4 eV) using the Breit-Wigner formalism.
Origin of the spin reorientation transitions in (Fe1–xCox)2B alloys

Low-temperature measurements of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy K in (Fe1–xCox)2B alloys are reported, and the origin of this anisotropy is elucidated using a first-principles electronic structure analysis. The calculated concentration dependence K(x) with a maximum near x = 0.3 and a minimum near x = 0.8 is in excellent agreement with experiment. This dependence is traced down to spin-orbital selection rules and the filling of electronic bands with increasing electronic concentration. At the optimal Co concentration, K depends strongly on the tetragonality and doubles under a modest 3% increase of the c/a ratio, suggesting that the magnetocrystalline anisotropy can be further enhanced using epitaxial or chemical strain.
Asymmetry of recurrent dynamics as a function of postural stance.

This experiment was setup to investigate the deterministic and stochastic properties of the recurrent dynamics of the center of pressure trajectories of each leg (COPleft and COPright) and whole-body (COPnet) as a function of different foot positions in postural stance (side-by-side, staggered, and tandem standing) and the availability of visual information. The foot position of postural stance can induce degrees of asymmetry of postural instabilities as well as load on each leg that it was hypothesized would influence the deterministic and stochastic properties of COP fluctuations of each leg and of COPnet. Young adults performed two 60 s trials of quiet standing at each posture–vision condition. The availability of visual information increased COP path length, but had no effect on the recurrent dynamics of COP trajectories. Recurrence quantification analysis showed that recurrence, determinism, and entropy were dependent on the direction (AP/ML) of COP motion and foot position during postural stances. The degree of asymmetry between the left and right leg COP dynamics differed across all postural stances and COPnet dynamics were more similar to those of the more loaded leg. The cross-recurrence quantification analysis also revealed asymmetries in the coordination coupling of AP/ML under each leg; although, these differences were markedly reduced in tandem postures. The findings support the postulation that the asymmetry generated through mechanical constraints (foot position and load) is related to asymmetrical recurrent dynamics of the individual leg and COPnet based on the degree of postural instability.
Influence of Certain Hypnotic Suggestions upon a Type of Visual Illusion: Preliminary Report

The present report is concerned with an attempt to "objectify" suggested hallucinations, so-to-speak, and determine the level of "reality" such experiences have. For this purpose, we have made use, among other things, of visual illusions which depend for their existence upon the presence of certain specific elements about which hypnotic suggestions can be given. Twenty-six Ss capable of developing a good deep hypnosis were selected by means of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale ( 1 ) and given equal opportunity to experience a large variety of hypnotic phenomena. They were then presented with a number of visual illusions, one set of which has been described best by Orbison ( 2 ) . It consists in the distortion of geometrical figures by the presence of specific ground patterns, e.g., the Zelner Illusion. Any major alteration of the ground will destroy the illusion. Our experimental procedure briefly, has been to present first a blank card to the hypnotized S, then a card with a cross on it, followed by some cards with small transluscent windows both with and without designs on them and next superimposed upon the first two cards. Each time S is told what he is going to be shown. Following this practice session, S is told that he is again going to be shown a blank card, but chis time a card with a test ground pattern on it is actually shown. If S experienced this suggested "negative" hallucination completely, on nearly so, various test figures were then superimposed upon the "negatedw grounds. Twelve Ss in all, each completely naive with regard to the illusion and each capable of experiencing it under normal conditions, did not experience it when they negated the grounds. To these 12 we feel justified in adding two others belonging to an earlier comparable sample, bringing the total to 14. This represents about 10% of the student population from which we normally obtain Ss. It therefore appears that under conditions which we feel were free of contamination, suggestions aimed at negating a certain visual experience have a "reality" at such a level as to affect the existence of a visual illusion which has been generally believed to depend upon definite retinal and cortical processes. W e offer the present data as preliminary evidence in support of the contention that not all hypnotic behavior is pretense or role-playing, that hypnotic experiences in the form of hallucinations can have a reality comparable to that of actual events and objects, and that it is possible to study subjective phenomena in an objective manner. W e must, however, re-assert that both our data and conclusions are tentative and partial, and we reserve our final conclusions to such a time as our study will have been completed.
Cytokines and Their Role in Depression

PURPOSE. This study aims to review the cytokines that mediate the inflammatory process, the interleukins and the interferons, and the interaction of cytokines with serotonin as causative factors in the role of depression. CONCLUSIONS. Administration of proinflammatory cytokines to treat medical diseases induces depressive symptoms in humans. Patients diagnosed with depression tend to have high levels of cytokine activity and impaired immune response, as well as those patients suffering from inflammatory processes. Proinflammatory cytokines interfere with the body's feedback loop to reduce circulating corticosteroids during the stress response. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Serotonin levels, integrally associated with depression, are lowered when levels of circulating cytokines are high when the precursor tryptophan is reduced.
The complex interplay between folate metabolism and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects all agegroups, although it is much more common inpediatric patients, with a peak incidence betweenthe ages of 1 and 4 years and a median age of 13 yearsat diagnosis (Surveillance, Epidemiology and EndResults [SEER] 2003–2007 data). While deregula-tion of pathways that control cell proliferation,differentiation, and survival contributes to its patho-genesis, the precise etiology of ALL is not yetunderstood. Many patients with ALL are in factchildren, and few have predisposing genetic syn-dromes or known carcinogenic exposures, such asionizing radiation or chemotherapeutic agents.Therefore increasing attention is being placed onidentifying underlying factors that increase thesusceptibility to the development of ALL. Folatemetabolism is essential to numerous cellular pro-cesses, including DNA and RNA synthesis as well asmethylation reactions involving homocysteine andDNA [1,2]. Rapidly dividing cells, therefore, havehigh folate requirements, and polymorphisms infolate-related genes can alter the amount or distribu-tion of this substrate available to cells. This has ledinvestigators to examine possible associations be-tween polymorphisms in the wide variety of genesinvolved in folate metabolism and the developmentof ALL. While there is a growing body of literatureexamining such associations, the results are not allconcordant.In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma,Yang et al. record the results of their study evaluatingsuch associations in the Han Chinese population [3].This study reports on polymorphisms in ninedifferent folate-related genes in both adult andpediatric patients with ALL and found that in thepopulation studied, variations in RFC1 (reducedfolate carrier 1) and MTRR (methionine synthasereductase) confer an increased risk for developingadult ALL while MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofo-late reductase) and ABCG2 (ATP-binding cassettesub-family G member 2) polymorphisms confer adecreased risk. No signiﬁcant associations werefound between polymorphisms in any of the genesstudied and the risk of pediatric ALL.The most studied folate-related gene variants todate, in relation to ALL risk, are the 677C4T and1298A4C polymorphisms in MTHFR. While thereare conﬂicting results from various studies, severalmeta-analyses suggest a reduced risk of adult ALLwith the homozygous TT genotype but perhaps lessof a risk reduction with this genotype in pediatricpopulations [1,4,5], similar to what was observed byYang et al. in their report here [3]. There have beenseveral studies in pediatric populations, however,which identiﬁed a reduced risk of pediatric ALL withthe 677T allele [2,6]. Fewer studies are available onother genes involved in folate metabolism, and theresults in different populations vary. In general,though, studies that evaluated polymorphisms inRFC1 found a signiﬁcantly increased relative risk ofALL in patients with the 80G4A variant [2,7],similar to the results reported by Yang et al. [3]. On
The sub-acute toxicology of digoxin in dogs; clinical chemistry and histopathology of heart and kidneys

Seventeen adult Beagle dogs received intravenous digoxin, over periods up to 30 days, at doses intended to induce minimal toxicity. The clinical signs of toxicity and ECG changes were as expected but, in contrast to other reports, the clinical chemistry changes (potassium, sodium, chloride, urea, creatinine) were not reliable indicators of morphological changes in the kidney. Similarly, the CPK or LDH rises did not correlate well with cardiac toxicity. All dogs but one showed rises in plasma alanine aminotransferase.
Dietary Fish Oil Reduces DNA Adduct Formation While Estradiol Upregulates Apoptosis in Response to DNA Damage in the Rat Colon

Background Dietary fish oil is associated with a decrease in colon cancer incidence: in part through a reduction in DNA adduct formation and an induction of colonocyte apoptosis. Estradiol (E2) has also been demonstrated to be protective against colon cancer incidence. Studies evaluating fish oil diets and DNA adduct formation in the colon have been conducted in male models without regard to possible interactions with E2.
Macular pigment and visual acuity in Stargardt macular dystrophy.

Abstract Purpose. To test the hypothesis that macular pigment reflects foveal cone function and possibly the presence of foveal cones in recessive Stargardt macular dystrophy. Methods. Sixteen patients (32 eyes) diagnosed to have Stargardt macular dystrophy by clinical criteria were studied with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) comparing argon laser blue (488 nm), green (514), helium-neon laser red (633 nm) and infrared diode laser (780 nm) images for the presence or absence of macular pigment in the fovea. Fifteen of the patients were screened for mutations in the ABCR gene. Eyes were graded into three categories: those without foveal macular pigment, those with partial pigment and those with normal amounts of macular pigment. These categories were compared with visual acuity determined by the Snellen chart. Results. All patients with a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse had no macular pigment in the fovea. All patients with visual acuity of 20/40 or better had a normal amount of macular pigment in the fovea. Patients with partial macular pigment had intermediary acuity values except for two eyes, one with 20/20 and another with 20/200 acuity. Infrared light revealed more retinal abnormalities than blue light at early stages of the disease. Conclusion. Foveal macular pigment is related to foveal cone acuity in Stargardt macular dystrophy and may be a marker for the presence of foveal cones. Infrared light is a sensitive monitor of early Stargardt macular dystrophy.
Preclinical cardiac malfunction in chronic alcoholism. Comparison with matched normal controls and with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract To determine whether cardiac malfunction in chronic alcoholics precedes clinical signs of cardiac damage, noninvasive polygraphic recordings were carried out and interpreted independently ...
A New Rating System for High-Current High-Frequency Thyristors

The composition and use of an improved current rating system for high-current high-frequency thyristors is described. Commonly accepted methods for rating thyristors at low-frequency wide-pulsewidth conditions were not adequate for this task. To fill this void, a new system was developed that incorporates a combination of simultaneously measured high-frequency parameter data with a computer program based on thyristor models using device parameters measured at low frequency. A complete description of the high-frequency simultaneous parameter data is given, including the direct measurement of peak junction temperature, turnoff time, which is used as an indirect check on the junction temperature measurement, and dissipated power. A description of the computer models, including those for instantaneous active area, charge modulation, and thermal impedance as a function of area, is also given. These models generally require the input of empirical parameters, the value of which can be measured at low repetition rate. These include the steady state and dynamic forward drop for the charge modulation model, the plasma spreading velocity for the instantaneous active area model, and the steady state dc thermal resistance for the thermal impedance model. A direct comparison between computer predictions and actual performance for a particular device is presented as a check on rating system performance. When the computer correctly predicts device performance for specific cases, it can be used to derive ratings for any arbitrary current waveform.
Stabilizing fuzzy system models using linear controllers

A Lyapunov-based approach is used to derive a sufficiency condition for stabilizing a class of fuzzy system models using linear controllers. A design algorithm for constructing stabilizing linear controllers is given. The results obtained are illustrated with a design of a linear stabilizing controller for a system consisting of an inverted pendulum mounted on a cart. The controller is designed using a fuzzy model of the system and tested on the original system model.
Development of a performance appraisal training program for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

“Nobody w ants to get one. Nobody wants to give one.” The problem was that the supervisors and managers of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) did not know how to use the Institute's new performance management system and had not been trained on how to prepare and deliver effective performance appraisals. The problem further included the fact that RIC was required to improve its effectiveness and timeliness with performance appraisals in preparation for its 2002 Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) review and felt bound to be timely for its employees as sound management practice. The research question was: “What should be contained in a training program for effective performance appraisals that drives performance accountabilities in a mutually satisfying way for adults who can find themselves as either appraisees or appraisers?” Procedures to develop a performance appraisal training program included a review of the literature, selection of formative and summative committee members, and design and validation of criteria and contents of a performance appraisal training program. The results of the study included the creation of a two‐module performance appraisal training program that included a module on the new performance management system contents and the manager's role within that system, and a module on preparing, delivering and assessing effective performance appraisal experiences. The conclusions reached included that it was possible to design a performance appraisal training that incorporated adult learning principles including learner‐centered strategies that also reinforced ownership of timeliness. Face‐to‐face training experiences were augmented by online training materials, allowing for access by 20 RIC locations. RIC has approved recommendations for further evaluation of the effectiveness of the performance appraisal system. Recommendations to apply adult learning principles to internal adult learning venues have received broader acceptance within the wider management and employee groups.
Measuring Permeability of Rigid Materials by a Beam‐Bending Method: V, Isotropic Rectangular Plates of Cement Paste

Beam bending is an excellent method for measuring low permeabilities (≤10−18 m2) in homogeneous materials, because it is fast, requires no high pressure, and provides a concurrent measurement of the modulus of the material. The method was previously analyzed and substantiated for cylindrical or square beams. Recently, the analysis was extended to include isotropic and transversely isotropic rectangular beams. In this paper, the analysis is applied to measurements performed on cement paste, and it is shown that the solution for isotropic rectangular beams accounts for changes in the hydrodynamic behavior caused by changing the aspect ratio of the sample. The permeability and elastic modulus results are verified through comparison to previous measurements on cylindrical beams.
Extensive personal experience: Paget's disease of bone.

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic skeletal disorder that affects both men and women. Current data suggest that 2-3% of people in the U.S. over the age of 50 yr have this condition. It may be an asymptomatic process incidentally discovered on a radiograph or from an elevated alkaline phosphatase level on a routine chemistry profile, or it may be the source of a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms, ranging from annoying to painful to disabling to, very rarely, life threatening (1). First described by Sir James Paget in 1876, this condition is caused by a localized disorder of bone turnover. Normal bone remodeling is a process regularly occurring throughout the skeleton in an orderly pattern. Periodically, areas of older bone undergo osteoclast-mediated resorption. Osteoblasts subsequently enter the resorbed sites, depositing newly formed osteoid that is then mineralized to form normal new bone. In Paget’s disease, the initial lesion is manifested by the presence at affected skeletal sites of increased numbers of abnormally enlarged osteoclasts with greatly increased numbers of nuclei. The process of bone resorption is increased by the action of these cells, and the coupled process of osteoblast-mediated new bone formation is also too rapid, such that the newly formed bone is laid down in a chaotic manner and, as a consequence, is architecturally inferior. Pagetic bone may be expanded in size, less compact, and have increased vascularity. These characteristics may result in bone deformity and an increased tendency to fracture. Symptoms may arise from the bone itself, from secondary arthritic changes resulting from bone deformity at joints, or from the compression of neural structures adjacent to Pagetic bone. Laboratory abnormalities resulting from the localized derangement in bone turnover include increases in the urinary markers of bone resorption, such as total hydroxyproline or collagen cross-links (e.g. pyridinoline or deoxypyridinoline), and increases in bone formation markers, such as total or bone alkaline phosphatase. Thus, depending on the location and number of affected sites, the severity of the ongoing bone remodeling abnormality, and the degree of bone deformity in this setting, a wide variety of clinical presentations (including no symp-
The Lived Experience of Associate Degree Nursing Students Intending to Pursue the RN-BSN

This qualitative phenomenological research study explored the lived experience of ten senior Associate Degree nursing students intending to continue their education. Findings revealed eight themes and although most students were motivated to pursue the RN-BSN, it did not take away from the overwhelming barriers they faced. Based on study findings, there needs to be greater emphasis on individual student barriers, nursing advisement, and accurate information about the changes within academia.
Abstract 3192A: Senescence may play an important role in explaining the mechanisms of increased radiosensitivity of HPV- and EBV-associated HNSCC

Background: Viral associated HPV and EBV squamous cell carcinomas are common in the oropharynx and nasopharynx respectively. In fact co-infection of these viruses is reported in 15-46% of nasopharyngeal carcinomas, 13% of oral cancers and 11% of other head and neck tumors. Viral associated HNSCC tumors are inherently radiosensitive when compared to tobacco associated malignancies. We had determined using stable clones generated in a HNSCC cell line that HPV, EBV and the combination was significantly more radiosensitive than the negative viral clone. However mechanisms of increased sensitivity had not been defined. The aim of the study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of increased radiosensitivity in viral associated HNSCC. Methods: To test our hypothesis four stable clones of FaDu cells (HPV-/EBV-, HPV+/EBV-, HPV-/EBV+, HPV+/EBV+) generated by transfection with HPV E6/7 ORF constructs or/and infection with recombinant EBV strain were irradiated with 4Gy. Cell cycle was analyzed using FACS and protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Senescence associated beta-galactosidase (SABG) staining was used to determine the level of senescence. Results: Cell cycle analysis at various time points (0-72h) after 4Gy γ-radiation revealed the viral positive clones showed increased G1/S arrest compared to the HPV-/EBV- clone and resumed cycling earlier at 24h compared to recovery at 48h noted in the viral negative clone. Deregulated phosphorylation of DNA repair components such as ATM and ATR was observed in the viral clones while steady state phosphorylation was seen in the negative clone. Cell cycle and protein analysis did not show increased apoptosis in the viral clones. However p21 protein expression was significantly increased in the viral positive clones after radiation treatment (P Conclusion: We show that both HPV and EBV disrupt cell cycle control and DNA repair signaling. Radiation-induced upregulation of p21 expression in viral clones was associated with reduced clonogenicity, altered cell cycle progression and an increase in the percentage of cells with markers of premature cellular senescence. The faster recovery of cell cycle in the viral clones could result in incomplete DNA repair resulting in genomic instability and an increase in cellular senescence. Citation Format: Arunkumar Anandharaj, Oleksandr Ekshyyan, Xiaohua Rong, Dylan Hartel, Brandon Bauerle, Sean Nathan, Lynn Harrison, Rona Scott, Runhua Shi, Cherie-Ann O. Nathan. Senescence may play an important role in explaining the mechanisms of increased radiosensitivity of HPV- and EBV-associated HNSCC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3192A. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3192A
A critical note on Aparecida and the future of the Catholic Church of Latin America

The conclusions of the Fifth Conference of Bishops of Latin America meeting in Aparecida in 2007 are entitled ‘Disciples and Missionaries of Jesus Christ.’ When analyzed in the light of the Catechi...
Intraoperative colonic irrigation with povidone iodine. An effective method of wound sepsis prevention.

In the ten-year period between 1975 and 1986, 367 patients underwent colonic resection with subsequent anastomosis using intraoperative colonic irrigation with 10 percent povidone iodine. One hundred thirty three patients underwent resection of the right or transverse colon, whereas 233 patients had left hemicolectomy with low anterior anastomosis or reanastomosis. Twenty individuals underwent emergency resection for perforation and temporary end colostomy. Nineteen of these patients returned for definitive reanastomosis as part of a two-stage procedure. The rate of wound infection, and/or intra-abdominal abscess formation was retrospectively reviewed and found to be completely nonexistent in these patients. This study examines the various techniques used to reduce the rate of wound infection after colonic surgery and addresses the concept of intraoperative povidone iodine irrigation.
Stability and Control of Collective Systems

In this paper, decentralized, distributed feedback control laws are presented for cooperative robotic systems whose task is to localize unknown sources. The control laws follow from a second order representation of the source field. The stability of the proposed feedback control laws for the individual robots, and for the entire robot collective, is demonstrated using Lyapunov's direct method and a vector Lyapunov approach. Additional feedback control laws are proposed to achieve an additional level of coordination. In particular, control laws that achieve desired formations surrounding a localized source are developed.
All-Atom Simulations Reveal Ensemble Dynamics of Rhodopsin

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a biomedically important class of integral membrane proteins that function by transducing signal across the cell membrane. They work as allosteric machines, with structural changes cascading through the protein to modulate activity, a mechanism that is not fully understood. Rhodopsin, the mammalian dim-light receptor, is a model GPCR that provides a unique test case for understanding allostery. The ligand-bound protein acts as a two-state switch with minimal basal activity. However, its apo-form (opsin) is outside the normal activation cycle and may behave differently. Structural data show opsin in an active-like state, but physiologically it has only minimal activity. Here, we explore opsin's ability to fluctuate between states and test the ligand's role in activation. We performed an ensemble of microsecond-scale simulations (∼60 microseconds in all) using four systems: two with the ligand present and two without. Opsin fluctuated between states, showing that both active-like and inactive-like structures may be part of its conformational ensemble. To further study the structural ensemble available to these systems we applied clustering methods. We found that the ligand-free trajectories are better able to sample both inactive-like and active-like conformations but that the four systems are converging. The underlying process is clearly not as simple as a lock and key mechanism.
A generalization of Dirichlet's unit theorem

In this paper, we obtain a unit theorem for algebraic tori defined over an algebraic number field, which generalizes Dirichlet's unit theorem as well as the S-unit theorem due to Hasse and Chevalley.
Prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity of purified rat liver 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Abstract Homogeneous 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) from rat liver cytosol displays 9, 11, and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity. Using [ 14 C]-PGF 2α as substrate the products of this reaction were separated by TLC and identified by autoradiography as PGE 2 and PGB 2 . The purified enzyme catalyzes this reaction at a rate 200 times faster than cytosol. This corresponds to the rate enhancement observed when the enzyme is purified from cytosol using androsterone (a 3α-hydroxysteroid) as substrate and suggests that it may represent a major 9-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase in this tissue. Although the 3α-HSD has many properties in common with the 9-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase of rat kidney, rat kidney contains no protein that is immunodetectable with polyclonal antibody raised against the purified 3α-HSD.
Determination of plasma heparin by polybrene neutralization.

Abstract A method for determining heparin activity (in unit/ml) in human plasma is described. The method is based on neutralization of heparin by Polybrene, a polymerized quaternary ammonium salt. It uses serial incubations of plasma with increasing amounts of Polybrene in conjunction with thrombin-induced coagulation times to define the amount of Polybrene required to neutralize heparin in the sample. Reference curves involve linear relationships between amounts of Polybrene required to neutralize known amounts of heparin. Coefficients of variation for the assay vary from 4 to 10% over the range of 0.05 to 1.0 unit/ml.
Surface hydrophobic and hydrophilic protein alterations in Candida albicans

Cell surface hydrophobicity influences pathogenesis of Candida albicans. Previous studies suggested that stationary-phase hydrophilic and hydrophobic cells, obtained by growth at 37 and 23°C, respectively, may have similar hydrophobic proteins. However, whether hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface proteins differ during the growth cycle at 37°C is unknown. Freeze-fracture analysis revealed surface fibrillar layer differences between hydrophobic late-lag and hydrophilic stationary-phase yeast cells grown at 37°C. Hydrophilic protein differences were also observed between these populations. However, similar hydrophobic proteins were detected among the late-lag and stationary phase cells grown at 37°C and hydrophobic stationary-phase cells grown at 23°C. These results suggest that hydrophobic proteins remain constant but hydrophilic proteins vary during growth. Thus, conversion from surface hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity by C. albicans may only require alterations in the hydrophilic fibrillar protein components.
Therapy of liver tumors metastatic from colorectal cancer with whole-liver radiation combined with 5-FU, adriamycin, and methotrexate.

Twenty-seven patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer were treated with intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy and external radiotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (10 mg/kg/day for 8 days), adriamycin (5 mg/m2/day for 7 days) and methotrexate (MTX) (240 mg/m2/X1), combined with 2,100 rads of whole liver irradiation. Twenty of these patients (74%) had previously received systemic chemotherapy. Of the 21 patients who could be fully evaluated, seven (33%) had an objective partial response and another 10 (48%) had stable disease following treatment. The median duration of survival for all patients after initiation of treatment was 6.5 months. Those patients responding to therapy survived longer (12.7 months) than those who had stable disease (5.5 months) or disease progression (2.5 months). The response rate was not affected by previous chemotherapy. Additionally, of the 14 patients with symptoms related to the disease, nine (64%) experienced substantial relief of these symptoms. Toxicity with the therapy used in this study was generally moderate. The median nadir WBC was 3,500 cells/mm3; the median nadir platelet count, 121,000 cells/mm3. There was, however, one treatment-associated fatality from sepsis in a patients whose WBC was 900 cells/mm3.
DEVIATIONS OF THE SPECIFIC HEATS OF THE ALKALI METALS FROM HARMONIC BEHAVIOUR. A POSSIBLE DEPENDENCE ON ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF THE ANHARMONIC CONTRIBUTION TO SPECIFIC HEAT

Abstract An analysis of the ‘high temperature‘ specific heats of all the alkali metals shows that positive departures from harmonic lattice theory predictions occur at temperatures in the range θ/3 to θ, suggesting the onset of appreciable anharmonic contributions to the specific heat in this temperature range. A further positive anomaly is observed starting at temperatures of about 50 °K below the melting point (except possibly in lithium) and is believed to correspond to the thermal generation of lattice vacancies. Recent measurements have shown that at low temperatures the specific heats of alloys of the two isotopes of lithium are intermediate between the specific heats of the separated isotopes. However, as the temperature is increased the specific heats of the alloys increase more rapidly than do the specific heats of the separated isotopes. As a result by 300 °K (where the lattice constants of the alloys and pure isotopes are probably all the same) the specific heats of alloys containing more than about 50 per cent 7Li exceed the specific heat of pure 7Li (which is itself greater than the specific heat of pure 6Li). These results suggest that the anharmonic contribution to the specific heat may depend on isotopic composition. However, the observed effect is rather small (less than 1 per cent of the total specific heat) and an independent set of measurements is desirable to confirm its existence and magnitude.