cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New oxybromide cobaltites with layered perovskite-related structures: 18R-Ba6Co5BrO14 and 14H-Ba7Co6BrO17

Single crystals of the title compounds were prepared by solid–solid reaction using BaBr2 flux at 1373 K. The structures of these two new cobaltites were solved and refined. The two compounds are built from a close-packing of [BaO3] and [BaOBr] layers with stacking sequences (c′chhcc′)3 and (c′chhhcc′)2 for the 18R and 14H structures, respectively, which create Co3O12 trimers or Co4O15 tetramers of face-sharing octahedra connected at their extremities to isolated tetrahedra by corner-sharing. These new materials are strongly related to the 5H-Ba5Co5O14/12H-Ba0.9CoO2.6 and 10H-Ba5Co5ClO13/6H-Ba6Co6ClO16 materials, with the existence of common blocks. In Ba6Co5BrO14 and Ba7Co6BrO17, all the atoms in the vicinity of the [BaOBr] layers are disordered, whereas the rest of the structure is perfectly ordered.
“If I Get Cured, My Whole Quality of Life Will Change”: Patients’ Anticipated and Actualized Benefits Following Cure from Chronic Hepatitis C

Patients’ motivations for undergoing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C may include anticipation of treatment benefits not well described in the literature. Evaluate patients’ anticipated and actualized improvements in several domains of functioning before and after viral cure. Pre–post-study utilizing in-depth interviews with 28 patients prior to, and several months after, DAA therapy. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by two qualitative experts. Patients had a median age of 54 years, 43% were male, 57% white, 25% had cirrhosis, and 71% were treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Pre-treatment, patients hoped for improvements in several domains including psychological, emotional, physical, social, and occupational functioning. After viral cure, increased energy and less fear of transmission were pathways to better quality of life. Psychological and emotional improvements positively affected physical, social, and occupational functioning. Social improvements were due to better mood and motivation, fewer symptoms, and reduced fear of stigma and transmission. Occupational benefits were linked to increased stamina, self-confidence, and less pain, anxiety, and stigma. Reduced fear of stigma had a pervasive impact on all life improvements after cure. Patient characteristics such as the presence of cirrhosis or psychiatric issues influence treatment motivations. Qualitative data correspond with change in pre–post-survey scores. Tremendous hope is placed on the ability of DAA therapy to bring about substantial improvements in life functioning after viral cure. Highly interconnected effects on quality of life worked synergistically through improved physical and psychological well-being. Stakeholders should appreciate the multi-dimensional benefits that viral eradication bestows upon individuals and society.
Stress-Responsive Gene FK506-Binding Protein 51 Mediates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury Through the Hippo Pathway and Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Ligand 1 Signaling.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic alcohol drinking is a major risk factor for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a cochaperone protein, is involved in many key regulatory pathways. It is known to be involved in stress-related disorders, but there are no reports regarding its role in ALD. This present study aimed to examine the molecular mechanism of FKBP5 in ALD. APPROACH AND RESULTS We found a significant increase in hepatic FKBP5 transcripts and protein expression in patients with ALD and mice fed with chronic-plus-single binge ethanol. Loss of Fkbp5 in mice protected against alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant reduction of Transcriptional enhancer factor TEF-1 (TEA) domain transcription factor 1 (Tead1) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1) mRNA in ethanol-fed Fkbp5-/- mice. Ethanol-induced Fkbp5 expression was secondary to down-regulation of methylation level at its 5' untranslated promoter region. The increase in Fkbp5 expression led to induction in transcription factor TEAD1 through Hippo signaling pathway. Fkbp5 can interact with yes-associated protein (YAP) upstream kinase, mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1 (MST1), affecting its ability to phosphorylate YAP and the inhibitory effect of hepatic YAP phosphorylation by ethanol leading to YAP nuclear translocation and TEAD1 activation. Activation of TEAD1 led to increased expression of its target, CXCL1, a chemokine-mediated neutrophil recruitment, causing hepatic inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in our mouse model. CONCLUSIONS We identified an FKBP5-YAP-TEAD1-CXCL1 axis in the pathogenesis of ALD. Loss of FKBP5 ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury through the Hippo pathway and CXCL1 signaling, suggesting its potential role as a target for the treatment of ALD.
Theta-burst stimulation entrains frequency-specific oscillatory responses.

Abstract Background Brain stimulation has emerged as a powerful tool in human neuroscience, becoming integral to next-generation psychiatric and neurologic therapeutics. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS), in which electrical pulses are delivered in rhythmic bouts of 3–8 Hz, seeks to recapitulate neural activity seen endogenously during cognitive tasks. A growing literature suggests that TBS can be used to alter or enhance cognitive processes, but little is known about how these stimulation events influence underlying neural activity. Objective Our study sought to investigate the effect of direct electrical TBS on mesoscale neural activity in humans by asking (1) whether TBS evokes persistent theta oscillations in cortical areas, (2) whether these oscillations occur at the stimulated frequency, and (3) whether stimulation events propagate in a manner consistent with underlying functional and structural brain architecture. Methods We recruited 20 neurosurgical epilepsy patients with indwelling electrodes and delivered direct cortical TBS at varying locations and frequencies. Simultaneous iEEG was recorded from non-stimulated electrodes and analyzed to understand how TBS influences mesoscale neural activity. Results We found that TBS rapidly evoked theta rhythms in widespread brain regions, preferentially at the stimulation frequency, and that these oscillations persisted for hundreds of milliseconds post stimulation offset. Furthermore, the functional connectivity between recording and stimulation sites predicted the strength of theta response, suggesting that underlying brain architecture guides the flow of stimulation through the brain. Conclusions By demonstrating that cortical TBS induces frequency-specific oscillatory responses, our results suggest this technology can be used to directly and predictably influence the activity of cognitively-relevant brain networks.
Can IP Rights Be Reconceived Via Music Modernization Act

The Music Modernization Act, passed in 2018, offers added momentum to a budding reconceptualization of intellectual property rights. First triggered by Oil States Energy Services, LLC v. Greene’s Energy Group LLC, the U.S. Supreme Court effectively "rebundled" patent rights into two separate bundles: private rights and public rights. Included as a public right, notably, is an inventor's right to exclusively own the invention he patents. While the effects have yet to fully come to fruition, there has been overlap into other intellectual property realms, particularly copyright law. Now, the MMA (and subsequent litigation involving the MMA) could impose the same "rebundling" reconceptualization on copyright law.
Immunogenic Cell Death: A Step Ahead of Autophagy in Cancer Therapy

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays a major role in providing long lasting protective antitumor immunity by the chronic exposure of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). DAMPs are essential for attracting immunogenic cells to the TME, maturation of DCs, and proper presentation of tumor antigens to the T cells so they can kill more cancer cells. Thus for the proper release of DAMPs, a controlled mechanism of cell death is necessary. Drug induced tumor cell killing occurs by apoptosis, wherein autophagy may act as a shield protecting the tumor cells and sometimes providing multi-drug resistance to chemotherapeutics. However, autophagy is required for the release of ATP as it remains one of the key DAMPs for the induction of ICD. In this review, we discuss the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis and the various strategies that we can apply to make these immunologically silent processes immunogenic. There are several steps of autophagy and apoptosis that can be regulated to generate an immune response. The genes involved in the processes can be regulated by drugs or inhibitors to amplify the effects of ICD and therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Recent Administrative and Judicial Developments in IRS Appeals

Since enactment of the Taxpayer First Act (TFA) in July 2019, the IRS has issued subregulatory guidance to implement the major new provisions affecting appeals, including a memorandum on taxpayer access to the appeals office and a memorandum on taxpayer access to case files prior to scheduled appeals conferences. In addition, recent court decisions have also dealt with appeals-related issues, including challenges over the scope of the right to appeal under the TFA. Although it can be argued the TFA simply rebranded the "IRS Independent Office of Appeals” because most of the appeals-related provisions formalized current IRS practice and procedure, the TFA has provided significant taxpayer rights.
The Erg in Retinitis Pigmentosa

The electroretinograms from 215 patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) were examined for recordability and presence of photopic flicker response. Ten diagnostic categories were established for the purpose of analysis, including rod-cone and cone-rod degenerations, choroideremia and Usher’s syndrome. Rod-cone and cone-rod degeneration categories were differentiated by the pattern of the electroretinogram and by the final rod threshold values (patients with ⩾ 2.0 log units of elevation were placed in the rod-cone group).
Organization Design and Management

In this chapter, we will uncover the difficult problem of organizational influence on HCD, and potentially the influence of HCD on organizations. Many authors have already investigated and analyzed such problem. In the human error arena, Reason (Human error, 1990) provided the famous Swiss cheese model. This model provides a macroscopic view of what it requires to prevent potential accidents by developing appropriate defenses. However, it does not tell us how the organization should be designed to manage socio-technical reliability. Kletz (2000) addressed the influence of senior management on functional risk, and its involvement in the detail of safety issues with close attention to output, costs, and even product quality.
Echocardiography in Acute Heart Failure: Current Perspectives

In contrast to chronic heart failure (HF), the use of echocardiography in acute HF (AHF) is less well defined, both in clinical practice and in clinical trials. Current guidelines recommend the utility of echocardiography as an adjunct diagnostic tool in the clinical setting of new-onset or decompensated HF. However, despite its unique advantages as the only practical imaging modality in AHF, echocardiography poses unique challenges in this setting. Data from early-phase clinical studies and trials provide evidence that echocardiographic end points can be clinically meaningful surrogate end points as a means to track response to treatment in AHF; however, the optimal timing and selection of echocardiographic measures is under active investigation. In addition, despite a number of studies indicating that certain echocardiographic measures of cardiac function are predictive of post-discharge prognosis, the role of echocardiography as a tool for patient classification and risk determination in AHF is less well defined. Importantly, it is unclear whether echocardiography can be used to phenotype and select AHF patients for interventions. In this article, we (1) appraise the current evidence for use of echocardiographic measures in AHF, (2) identify knowledge gaps regarding optimal use of echocardiography in AHF, and (3) assess the evidence for echocardiography as a prognosis determination and risk stratification tool in AHF.
General theory of shells

This chapter provides a general theory of shells. Any singly or doubly curved body one of whose dimensions, the thickness, is small compared to the other lateral dimensions of the body, is termed a “shell.” The curved surface midway among the bounding faces and therefore at the midpoint of the thickness at every point is termed “the middle surface of the shell.” In the limiting case of a flat (plane) middle surface the body is called a plate. For most simple geometries, such as cylindrical, spherical, or conical shells the principal directions are immediately evident. Having selected x and y axes as coinciding with lines of curvature of the middle surface it is necessary to specify the location of an arbitrary point in the shell and this is accomplished by introducing a z-axis coinciding with the normal n and having its positive direction directed toward the center of curvature of the shell.
The Glacial Tropical Pacific--Not Just a West Side Story

The impact of the tropical Pacific on global climate is well known during El NiA±o events, implying that tropical climate also played a major role in ice age cycles. But studies into these effects have been hampered by the lack of high-resolution records of tropical sea surface temperatures during glacial times. In his Perspective, [Lea][1] highlights the reports by [ Stott et al .][2] and [ Koutavas et al .][3] Their records from different parts of the tropical Pacific shed light on how tropical climate varied during the last glacial period and during the deglaciation that led to the current warm period. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/297/5579/202 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/297/5579/222 [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/297/5579/226
ASBO nation: the criminalisation of nuisance, edited by Peter Squires

Under the reign of Prime Minister Tony Blair, Great Britain experienced an increased focus on antisocial behavior, loosely defined as offensive activities that do not meet the threshold of a crimin...
THE "ROLLER COASTER" OF CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGETING AFTER PROPOSITION 13

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that have produced the boom-to-bust budget cycles that the State of California has experienced since the passage of Proposition 13. This is first done by examining historical budget patterns for the State to see if there is any evidence that they differ from what has been observed for states as a whole. The specific circumstances in California – constitutional restrictions, revenue reliance, demographics, future concerns, and public opinion – responsible for its budget patterns are then described. The paper concludes with a description of how the State’s budget faired during the last business cycle and suggested policy reforms that could help alter the expected course of California’s budget outcomes over such future cycles.
Microsoft's Pricing of Windows: A Reply to Reddy, Evans, Nichols, and Schmalensee

Despite arguments to the contrary, PCheterogeneity may go a long way towardexplaining why the price ofWindows might be as low as it is.
Three-dimensional stress analysis of plain weave composites

Techniques were developed and described for performing three-dimensional finite element analysis of plain weave composites. Emphasized here are aspects of the analysis which are different from analysis of traditional laminated composites, such as the mesh generation and representative unit cells. The analysis was used to study several different variations of plain weaves which illustrate the effects of tow waviness on composite moduli, Poisson's ratios, and internal strain distributions. In-plane moduli decreased almost linearly with increasing tow waviness. The tow waviness was shown to cause large normal and shear strain concentrations in composites subjected to uniaxial load. These strain concentrations may lead to earlier damage initiation than occurs in traditional cross-ply laminates.
The Characterization of High Temperature Electronics for Future Aircraft Engine Digital Electronic Control Systems

The characterization of high temperature electronics is presented including high temperature effects, semiconductors and barrier metallizations. Design solutions and material selections for mitigation of high temperature effects are indicated. The following semiconductor materials are considered as future high temperature candidates: - Silicon (Si) - Gallium arsenide (GaAs) - Gallium phosphide (GaP) - Silicon carbide (SiC) - Diamond like carbon (C) This characterization was originally prepared in accordance with the USAF Future Advance Controls Technology Study (FACTS).
Dispersing hemipteran vectors have reduced arbovirus prevalence

A challenge in managing vector-borne zoonotic diseases in human and wildlife populations is predicting where epidemics or epizootics are likely to occur, and this requires knowing in part the likelihood of infected insect vectors dispersing pathogens from existing infection foci to novel areas. We measured prevalence of an arbovirus, Buggy Creek virus, in dispersing and resident individuals of its exclusive vector, the ectoparasitic swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius), that occupies cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) colonies in western Nebraska. Bugs colonizing new colony sites and immigrating into established colonies by clinging to the swallows' legs and feet had significantly lower virus prevalence than bugs in established colonies and those that were clustering in established colonies before dispersing. The reduced likelihood of infected bugs dispersing to new colony sites indicates that even heavily infected sites may not always export virus to nearby foci at a high rate. Infected arthropods should not be assumed to exhibit the same dispersal or movement behaviour as uninfected individuals, and these differences in dispersal should perhaps be considered in the epidemiology of vector-borne pathogens such as arboviruses.
Morphology and electronic structure in nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond

Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films consist of 2–5 nm grains of pure sp3-bonded carbon and ∼0.5-nm-wide grain boundaries with a disordered mixture of sp2- and sp3-bonded carbon. UNCD exhibits many interesting materials properties that are a direct consequence of its nanoscale morphology. In this work, we report the changes in morphology induced in UNCD by the addition of nitrogen gas to the Ar/CH4 microwave plasma, as studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and nanoprobe-based electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Both the grain size and grain-boundary widths increase with the addition of N2, but the overall bonding structure in both regions remains mostly unchanged. These results are used to explain the variation of materials properties of nitrogen-incorporated UNCD films.
A Method of Estimating Ionospheric Absorption Heights from Recovery Times

IT is generally agreed that the absorption of radio waves in the ionosphere occurs at heights below about 100 km. In a particular instance it is usually possible to deduce the approximate height by indirect reasoning. For example, Hultquist1 has used indirect evidence to place the abnormal absorption which follows intense solar flares at heights as low as 50 km. As yet there are too few direct measurements (using rockets) to provide a complete and consistent picture. This communication suggests a new method of estimating the height of the regions responsible for abnormal absorption of the kind associated with auroral disturbances.
ANATOMIC TYPES OF SINGLE OR COMMON VENTRICLE IN MAN. MORPHOLOGIC AND GEOMETRIC ASPECTS OF 60 NECROPSIED CASES.

Abstract In 60 necropsied cases of single or common ventricle in man, four major unrelated ventricular malformations were found: (1) absence of the right ventricular sinus, in 47 cases (78%), designated type A; (2) absence of the left ventricular sinus, in 3 cases (5%), type B; (3) absence or rudimentary development of the ventricular septum, in 4 cases (7%), type C; and (4) absence of both ventricular sinuses and of the ventricular septum, in 6 cases (10%), type D. Three types of relationship between the great arteries were present: a normal (solitus) interrelationship, in 9 cases (15%), designated type I; d -transposition, the transposed aortic valve lying to the right (dextro, or d ), relative to the transposed pulmonary valve, in 25 cases (42%), type II; and l -transposition, the transposed aortic valve lying to the left (levo or l ), relative to the transposed pulmonary valve, in 26 cases (43%), type III. In none was the inversus interrelationship, type IV, displayed. Three types of visceral and atrial situs were found: solitus, or normal, in 50 cases (83%); inversus, an exact apparent mirror image of normal, in 2 cases (3%); and heterotaxy, the uncertain visceral and atrial situs associated with asplenia, in 8 cases (13%). The 60 cases were classified segmentally, according to the anatomy of the three cardiac segments: the great arteries, the ventricular sinuses, and the atria. The classic single ventricle with a rudimentary outlet chamber was found morphologically to be a large left ventricle with a right ventricular infundibulum, the sinus of the right ventricle being absent (type A). The myocardium of the right ventricular infundibulum, of the right ventricular sinus, and of the left ventricular sinus was identified by the distinctive gross morphologic characteristics of each. The planes of the atrial and ventricular septa, and the relationships between the great arteries at the semilunar valves, were measured as projections upon the horizontal plane, relative to the anteroposterior line. An approach to cardiac anatomy is presented which is segmental, morphologic and geometric. This approach has angiocardiographic, electrocardiographic and embryologic applications.
Rapid oscillations in cataclysmic variables. 11: X-ray pulses in YY Draconis

ROSAT observations of the cataclysmic variable YY Draconis reveal pulses with a period of 264.6 + or - 1.2 s, confirming the presence of a rapidly rotating, magnetic white dwarf. Comparison with the periods seen in ultraviolet and blue light indicates that the 275-s ultraviolet signals arises from the reprocessing of X-ray pulsations in structures fixed in the binary reference frame. Only harmonics and orbital sidebands of the white dwarf spin frequency are observed, not the spin frequency itself.
PPARgamma: an essential regulator of adipogenesis and modulator of fat cell function.

As outlined above, recent years have witnessed a phenomenal increase in knowledge regarding the molecular control of adipogenesis. These findings now lead to the next level of questions. Does an “excess” supply of fuel to preadipocytes directly stimulate adipogenesis or does this induce production in mature adipocytes of a paracrine signal that secondarily promotes adipogenesis in neighboring cells? Of particular interest is the role of dietary fats to serve as precursors to PPARγ ligands. Alternatively, does positive caloric balance alter systemic hormones, insulin being one example, which then stimulate adipogenesis? Do the candidate signals mentioned above directly engage C/EBPβ and/or C/EBPδ, or are other transcription factors involved? Finally, and importantly, what cell within a fat cell depot, in vivo, is the adipocyte precursor? Given the identification of markers such as C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, C/EBPα, and PPARγ, this important question should now be addressable. Based upon recent progress, it is likely that answers to these questions will be forthcoming.
Resonance reactions and continuous channels

Abstract A general formal theory of resonance reactions is extended to the case in which continuous channels are present. The introduction of continuous channels does not alter the formal results and interpretation for the resonances which appear in two-particle → two-particle reactions. Breit-Wigner formulas are obtained for a type of resonance which occurs under certain conditions in reactions leading to three-body channels as a function of the momentum of one of the particles while the total energy is fixed.
Aligning Policy to Promote Cascade Genetic Screening for Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Heritable Diseases

Cascade genetic screening is a methodology for identifying and testing close blood relatives of individuals at increased risk for heritable conditions and follows a sequential process, minimizing testing costs and the number of family members who need to be tested. It offers considerable potential for cost savings and increased awareness of heritable conditions within families. CDC-classified Tier 1 genomic applications for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), Lynch Syndrome (LS), and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are recommended for clinical use and support the use of cascade genetic screening. Most individuals are unaware of their increased risk for heritable conditions such as HBOC, LS, and FH. Consistent implementation of cascade genetic screening could significantly increase awareness and prevention of heritable conditions. Limitations to effective implementation of cascade genetic screening include: insufficient genetic risk assessment and knowledge by a majority of healthcare providers without genetics credentials; a shortage of genetic specialists, especially in rural areas; a low rate of reimbursement for comprehensive genetic counseling services; and an individual focus on prevention by clinical guidelines and insurance coverage. The family-centric approach of cascade genetic screening improves prevention and early diagnosis of heritable diseases on a population health level. Cascade genetic screening could be better supported and augmented through changes in health policy.
Decision-making and addiction (part I): impaired activation of somatic states in substance dependent individuals when pondering decisions with negative future consequences

Abstract Some substance dependent individuals (SDI) suffer from a decision-making impairment akin to that seen in neurological patients with lesions of the ventromedial (VM) prefrontal cortex. The somatic-marker hypothesis posits that decision-making is a process that depends on emotion and that deficits in emotional signaling will lead to poor decision-making. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that SDI who perform disadvantageously on a decision-making instrument, the gambling task (GT), have a deficit in the somatic signals that help guide their decision in the advantageous direction. Since deficits in decision-making/somatic markers can also result from dysfunctional amygdala, we asked indirectly (i.e. via tests sensitive to VM or amygdala dysfunction) whether such a deficit in SDI is restricted to VM dysfunction or includes the amygdala. Using the GT, and skin conductance response (SCR) as an index of somatic state activation, we studied groups of SDI (n=46), normal controls (n=49), and VM patients (n=10). A subgroup of SDI showed defective performance on the GT coupled with impaired anticipatory SCR, but normal SCR to punishment, and normal acquisition of conditioned SCR to an aversive loud sound. This supports the hypothesis that the poor decision-making in some SDI is associated with defective somatic state activation that is linked to a dysfunctional VM cortex. Thus, the dysfunctional VM cortex underlying the “myopia” for the future in some SDI may be one of the principle mechanisms underlying the transition from casual substance taking to compulsive and uncontrollable behavior.
Activation-associated alterations in neutrophil pyridine nucleotide levels: a potential regulatory role for calcium and calmodulin

Abstract The concentration of NADP + NADPH in resting human neutrophils has been measured to be 24.0±2.7·10−18 mol/cell. Upon activation with opsonized zymosan A, phorbol myristic acetate or N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine, neutrophil NADP + NADPH pools increase to 80.5, 84.0, and 54.0·10−18 mol/cell, respectively. These increases in pyridine nucleotide concentration are blocked by the addition of the calcium antagonist 8-(N,N-dimethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride, while calcium ionophore A23187, in the presence of calcium, will trigger the increase in the absence of other stimuli. Calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide also inhibit stimulus-induced increases in the NADP + NADPH pool. These studies are interpreted as suggesting a role for calcium and calmodulin, and possibly protein kinase C in the regulation of pyridine nucleotide concentration in the activated neutrophil.
International networking: an experience of American and Chinese pediatric nurses.

International networking offers opportunities for broadening insights of nursing and collegial contacts beyond the confines of one's national and educational setting. This article discusses the networking experiences of a group of American nurses participating in an educational exchange in the People's Republic of China. Exchange discussions centered on commonalities of concerns such as education of nurses, staffing patterns, well-child versus ill-child care, major health problems of childhood, clinical nursing techniques, patient education, and organizational policies. Participants became aware of the common core of caring that unites nurses throughout the world and its power to advance the health of the world community.
A-monotone nonlinear relaxed cocoercive variational inclusions

Based on the notion of A — monotonicity, a new class of nonlinear variational inclusion problems is presented. Since A — monotonicity generalizes H — monotonicity (and in turn, generalizes maximal monotonicity), results thus obtained, are general in nature.
Safe extracranial vascular evaluation and surgery without preoperative arteriography

Carotid surgery without preoperative arteriography was performed in 101 consecutive patients with an average age of 68.5 years and almost equal sex distribution. This prospective study analyzed risk factors, operative approach, bruits, indications for surgery, and outcome. All patients were studied by real-time B-mode ultrasound and spectral analysis and none were referred for arteriogram. The majority of patients had a standard carotid endarterectomy, and the findings at surgery correlated with noninvasive imaging. No mortality was recorded in this series of patients; a 1% rate of neurologic morbidity was noted. These results suggest that one can safely operate on the basis of a duplex scan. A preoperative arteriogram is not always necessary for carotid evaluation.
FOSTERING PRESCHOOLERS’ PROSOCIAL BEHAVIORS TOWARD THE ELDERLY: THE EFFECT OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAM

The findings of this study provide valuable information to gerontology professionals interested in fostering caring connections between the young and the old. Contact with elderly in a variety of roles and settings as well as exposure to media presenting nonstereotypic information about older adults and the aging process were found to enhance young children's prosocial behaviors toward the elderly. Pretest and posttest analyses indicated that 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds who participated in a nine‐month intergenerational program were more willing to share, help, and cooperate with elderly persons than those without the experience.
Comparing Strategies for Presenting Concepts in Introductory Undergraduate Geography: Physical Models vs. Computer Visualization

Two experiments investigating the benefit of computer-based applications in geography education are presented. The computer-based methods employ concepts of visualization, including animation and interactivity, to facilitate active learning. These computer-based methods are compared with physical (i.e. tangible) models, which themselves can be considered active learning tools. Thus, this report compares a pair of learning strategies using interactive external cognitive tools (one computer-based and one physical), rather than more typical studies which compare an approach using such interactive tools with an approach using more traditional lecture-based presentations. Results confirm existing findings that computer-based approaches are appealing to students but are not, by themselves, significantly beneficial in enabling understanding of complex concepts.
Autonomous state classifications by dynamical systems

Abstract A number of key areas of theoretical biology involve essentially similar formalisms and treat essentially similar questions; among these areas are the theories of (micro- physical) measurement, pattern recognition, classification and discrimination mechanisms, and pattern generation. It is pointed out that, in each of these areas, we must ultimately deal with a dynamical system which is, in some sense, classifying its own states in an unambiguous way, on the basis of its intrinsic autonomous dynamics. We call such systems autonomous state classifiers ; we characterize these systems mathematically and deduce a number of their elementary properties. The manner in which these properties manifest themselves in the areas of theoretical biology enumerated above is also briefly discussed.
Organotypic culture of the developing cerebral cortex and hypothalamus : relevance to sexual differentiation

Addition of estradiol to organotypic cultures of the rodent hypothalamus, preoptic area and cerebral cortex elicits a striking enhancement of neurite growth which is restricted to estrogen receptor-containing regions of the explants. The morphogenetic consequences of enhanced neurite growth help explain the origin of structural sexual dimorphisms in the CNS. Neurite enhancement may result from both neuronotrophic and growth-promoting actions of steroids. Steroid effects may be mediated by interactions with endogenous growth factors or their receptors. Growth-promoting effects of steroids on the developing cerebral cortex, in particular, may have relevance for sexual differentiation of cognitive functions.
The multidiscipline team in a cancer center.

To surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for cancer has been added a fourth modality: multidisciplinary therapy, which is improving the survival and cure rate among children. Specialists working together in a coordinated effort suspect, confirm, then treat cancer; follow and rehabilitate the patient; analyze and report results. Prospective protocols for the different cancer types are written. Research discoveries are constantly introduced to refine diagnosis and treatment, minimize morbidity, and improve results. A series of confrontations and agreements concerning each individual patient takes place among representatives from the specialties to review submitted information, select research and diagnostic tests, plan and carry out precisely coordinated treatment and rehabilitation, modify protocols according to patients' tolerance, and categorize response. Personal and single therapeutic modality bias lessens, house staff education is provided, and competent and understanding professionals function in the child's best interest. Documentation of input leading to decisions at serial meetings and of the extent to which they were carried out during each patient's course provides a particular dimension of the case record which is needed by subsequent participants over months and years.
Rate of utilization of acetate in the ruminant.

SummaryYearling lambs which had been trained to wear a face mask were used in experiments to study the metabolism of acetate. The rate of turnover of acetate in the body, that is, rate of acetate influx from the rumen into the blood, its transfer from the blood into other tissues, its conversion into other compounds, and its subsequent appearance as CO2 were measured in 2 sheep. Acetate- 1-C14 disappeared from the body pool with an extremely short turnover time, approximately 3 min., while 50% recovery as expired CO2 required well over an hour. These results indicate the formation of intermediary compounds which turn over much more slowly than body acetate. The calculated acetate flux during the fourth hour after feeding was 9.7 and 10.9 mM/min/sheep, equivalent to 35 and 39 g of acetic acid/hr.
Bilateral carcinoma of the breast.

Abstract Twelve patients had bilateral carcinoma of the breast in a series of 113 patients with mammary carcinoma. The five year survival rate in this group of patients after development of the second primary lesion compared favorably with that in patients with unilateral carcinoma of the breast. Therefore, despite the fact that 10 per cent of patients with carcinoma of the breast will develop carcinoma in the second breast, I do not recommend prophylactic mastectomy after apparent cure of unilateral breast carcinoma.
The discrete element method (DEM) to simulate fruit impact damage during transport and handling: Model building and validation of DEM to predict bruise damage of apples

The validity of the discrete element method (DEM) as a tool to predict impact damage of fruit was investigated for 'Jonagold' apples. 'Bruise damage' was preferred over the 'particle trajectory' as the validation parameter. The bruise damage of apples in boxes shaken with a well defined acceleration signal on an electro-hydraulic shaker was compared with the bruise damage calculated from DEM simulations with the same initial conditions. The parameters for the contact force models, needed as input for the simulations, and the bruise prediction model were determined on the same batch of apples, utilized in the validation experiments. The validations indicated that DEM can predict in an acceptable way apple bruise damage (bruise depth). However, due to the lack of the possibility of saving the impact positions on the apple surface by means of a coordinate system no prediction of multi-impact bruise surface and volume could be obtained.
Spectroscopic Monitoring of Kidney Tissue Ischemic Injury

Noninvasive evaluation of tissue viability of donor kidneys used for transplantation is an issue that current technology is not able to address. In this work, we explore optical spectroscopy for its potential to assess the degree of ischemic damage in kidney tissue. We hypothesized that ischemic damage to kidney tissue will give rise to changes in its optical properties which in turn may be used to asses the degree of tissue injury. The experimental results demonstrate that the autofluorescence intensity of the injured kidney is decreasing as a function of time exposed to ischemic injury. Changes were also observed in the NIR light scattering intensities most probably arising from changes due to injury and death of the tissue.
EVIDENCE FOR REPAIR-REPLICATION OF ULTRAVIOLET DAMAGED DNA IN BACTERIA.

Density-labeling with the thymine analogue, 5-bromouracil, was used to follow DNA replication in ultraviolet irradiated bacteria. The partial degradation of the damaged DNA and simultaneous synthesis at random positions in the genome was demonstrated. This non-conservative mode of replication eventually resulted in density heterogeneity (due to differences in the 5-bromouracil-thymine ratio) among the isolated DNA fragments. Normal semi-conservative replication was observed if photoreactivating conditions followed the ultraviolet irradiation prior to density labeling. Molecular fragments containing these regions of random replication were thermally denatured and/or fragmented by sonication. Density-distribution analysis in the CsCl density-gradient indicated that the density label was incorporated into very short segments along single DNA strands. Our findings are consistent with the view that in ultraviolet-resistant organisms a mechanism for repair replication exists in which damaged single-strand regions of the chromosome can be excised and replaced, using the undamaged DNA strand as template.
Therapeutic options for acute myelogenous leukemia

BACKGROUND General therapeutic options for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are reviewed and specific new therapies are described. METHODS Data in this review came from the published literature and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's acute leukemia database. RESULTS Outcome following standard therapy of AML is so variable that is best to speak of a range of outcomes determined by various prognostic factors. Therapy can (and usually does) fail because of treatment-induced mortality or (more usually) resistance to therapy. Performance status and age are the principal predictors of early death, whereas cytogenetics, a history of abnormal blood counts, and MDR1 expression are predictors of resistance. Using this information, physicians can categorize patients into those in whom 1) standard therapy is indicated, 2) either standard or investigational therapy is appropriate, and 3) investigational therapy is indicated. The majority of even newly diagnosed patients belong to Group 3. The availability of allogeneic or autologous transplantation does not alter this conclusion. Investigational therapies have been developed that are directed against the CD33 surface antigen, the multidrug-resistant MDR1 protein, and other targets. Because of the number of new therapies clinical research in AML should emphasize pilot trials rather than traditionally large Phase III studies. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with newly diagnosed AML should be offered investigational regimens. Cancer 2001;92:1059–73. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Lower extremity schwannoma: F-18 FDG PET and MR demonstration.

PET imaging with F-18 FDG is valuable in the staging of melanomas with helpful demonstration of high metabolic locoregional and distant metastases of this neoplasm. Dissemination of melanoma may be falsely diagnosed in the concomitant existence of benign soft tissue lesions taking up F-18 FDG as shown in the two following cases of lower extremity schwannomas. Epidemiology and imaging characteristics of schwannomas are briefly reviewed and discussed.
RNA-Seq Analysis of the Host Response to Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in a Mouse Model.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), which are primarily self-limiting. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the host transcriptome during a S. aureus SSTI to provide insight on the protective mechanisms that thwart these infections. We utilized a murine SSTI model in which one ear is epicutaneously challenged while the other is not. We then harvested these infected and uninfected ears, as well as ears from naive mice, at one, four, and seven days post-challenge, and performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) using the Illumina platform. RNA-seq data demonstrated a robust response at the site of infection. Comparison of gene expression profiles between infected ears and the non-infected ears of challenged mice defined the local response to infection, while comparisons of expression profiles of non-infected ears from challenged mice to ears of naive mice revealed changes in gene expression levels away from the site indicative of a systemic response. Over 1000 genes exhibited increased expression locally at all tested time points. The local response was more robust than the systemic response. Through evaluation of the RNA-seq data using the Upstream Regulator Analytic as part of the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software package, we found that changes in the activation and inhibition of regulatory pathways happen first locally, and lag behind systemically. The activated pathways are highly similar at all three time points during SSTI, suggesting a stable global response over time. Transcript increases and pathway activation involve pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, chemotaxis, cell signaling, keratins, and TH1/TH17 cytokines. Transcript decreases and pathway inhibition demonstrate that metabolic genes and anti-inflammatory pathways are repressed. These data provide insight on the host responses that may aid in resolution of this self-limited S. aureus infection, and may shed light on potential immune correlates of protection for staphylococcal SSTI.
Chronic wheel running reduces maladaptive patterns of methamphetamine intake: regulation by attenuation of methamphetamine-induced neuronal nitric oxide synthase

We investigated whether prior exposure to chronic wheel running (WR) alters maladaptive patterns of excessive and escalating methamphetamine intake under extended access conditions, and intravenous methamphetamine self-administration-induced neurotoxicity. Adult rats were given access to WR or no wheel (sedentary) in their home cage for 6 weeks. A set of WR rats were injected with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to determine WR-induced changes in proliferation (2-h old) and survival (28-day old) of hippocampal progenitors. Another set of WR rats were withdrawn (WRw) or continued (WRc) to have access to running wheels in their home cages during self-administration days. Following self-administration [6 h/day], rats were tested on the progressive ratio (PR) schedule. Following PR, BrdU was injected to determine levels of proliferating progenitors (2-h old). WRc rats self-administered significantly less methamphetamine than sedentary rats during acquisition and escalation sessions, and demonstrated reduced motivation for methamphetamine seeking. Methamphetamine reduced daily running activity of WRc rats compared with that of pre-methamphetamine days. WRw rats self-administered significantly more methamphetamine than sedentary rats during acquisition, an effect that was not observed during escalation and PR sessions. WR-induced beneficial effects on methamphetamine self-administration were not attributable to neuroplasticity effects in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, but were attributable to WR-induced inhibition of methamphetamine-induced increases in the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase expressing neurons and apoptosis in the nucleus accumbens shell. Our results demonstrate that WR prevents methamphetamine-induced damage to forebrain neurons to provide a beneficial effect on drug-taking behavior. Importantly, WR-induced neuroprotective effects are transient and continued WR activity is necessary to prevent compulsive methamphetamine intake.
Predator-prey interaction between insular populations of Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus and Aedes aegypti.

The accumulation of late-instar larvae of the predator, Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Coquillett), during late summer and early fall in automobile tires on an island near the west coast of Florida reduced the average densities of prey larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.), from more than 100 to less than 5/tire. Then during the winter months, while the predators overwintered as diapausing last-instar larvae, the number of tires positive for prey increased from 13 to 43%. With the termination of diapause in the spring, the predator population again increased, and the prey population decreased. The findings are discussed in the context of using Toxorhynchites Theobald as a biological control agent against container breeding mosquitoes.