cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Population‐Based Study

BACKGROUND To understand the impact of radiotherapy on the development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among elderly prostate cancer patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of elderly prostate cancer patients diagnosed during 1999–2011 by using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results—Medicare linked database. Competing risk analyses adjusting for patient characteristics were conducted to assess the impact of radiotherapy on the development of subsequent MDS/AML, compared with surgery. RESULTS Of 32,112 prostate cancer patients, 14,672 underwent radiotherapy, and 17,440 received surgery only. The median follow-up was 4.68 years. A total of 157 (0.47%) prostate cancer patients developed subsequent MDS or AML, and the median time to develop MDS/AML was 3.30 (range: 0.16–9.48) years. Compared with prostate cancer patients who received surgery only, patients who underwent radiotherapy had a significantly increased risk of developing MDS/AML (hazard ratio [HR] =1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–2.13). When radiotherapy was further categorized by modalities (brachytherapy, conventional conformal radiotherapy, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT]), increased risk of second MDS/AML was only observed in the IMRT group (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09–2.54). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that radiotherapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of MDS/AML, and the impact may differ by modality. Additional studies with longer follow-up are needed to further clarify the role of radiotherapy in the development of subsequent myeloid malignancies. A better understanding may help patients, physicians, and other stakeholders make more informed treatment decisions. Prostate © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Complicated by Traumatic Hepatic Laceration: A Case Report and Review of Literature

We present an interesting case of a 63-year-old patient who was having lunch with friends in a restaurant when, suddenly, bystanders witnessed him “seize” for 1- minute, after which he became he had a 1-minute witnessed “seizure” followed by unresponsive and pulseless. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initially performed by these bystanders at the scene, and then subsequently by EMS personnel, who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the field. The patient was emergently transferred to the hospital where he remained hemodynamically unstable requiring multiple pressors. Due to an acute drop in hematocrit, along with metabolic acidosis, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed. which The scan revealed a large volume of intraperitoneal hemoperitoneum which was largely attributed to CPR. The patient He underwent an exploratory laparotomy during which and the hepatic laceration was repaired and the abdomen was packed. Intraoperatively and postoperatively, the patient remained hemodynamically unstable developing multi-organ failure and requiring multiple products including fresh frozen plasma, packed red blood cells, and cryoprecipitate. Electroencephalogram (EEG) results were consistent with anoxic brain injury and the patient’s family opted for comfort care measures only and he expired the next day. Although CPR induced injuries to hepatic structures have scarcely been reported in the literature, this may underestimate their true incidence given the high mortality rate of sudden cardiac arrest requiring CPR. Our case demonstrates that intra-abdominal trauma following CPR, though rare, must needs to always be considered taken into account. and a Importantly, a high index of clinical suspicion is often necessary to make an early diagnosis of liver trauma as a potential life-threatening complication of CPR. J Med Cases. 2017;8(3):93-97 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc2775w
Citation-Based Journal Rankings: Key Questions, Metrics, and Data Sources

This guide presents nine key questions that can help researchers make good use of citation-based journal rankings (metrics) in the natural and social sciences. The nine questions address the characteristics that distinguish one metric from another: the source documents, the citation-counting window, the document types counted, the cited-document window, the impact of highly cited documents, the treatment of self-citations, the distinction between size-dependent and size-independent metrics, the use of normalization to account for disciplinary differences in impact, and the use of weighting to account for the impact or centrality of each citing journal. Next, the guide reviews 19 standard citation metrics, including the $h$ index, $g$ index, impact factor, source normalized impact per paper, eigenfactor, article influence score, and SCImago journal rank. Three underlying data sources (Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) are described, along with six major data download sites: Journal Citation Reports, Eigenfactor, CWTS Journal Indicators, SCImago, Scopus Journal Metrics, Cabell’s International, and Google Scholar Metrics. The paper summarizes the main criticisms of citation metrics and concludes with suggestions for their further development, dissemination, and use.
Multi-homed device detection using clock skew

The aim of this paper was to determine the feasibility of identifying a device connected to the Internet through multiple interfaces (i.e., multi-homed) using the information provided by passively observing network traffic. Since multi-homed hosts allow an alternate means for outside entities to circumvent the security of a firewall and gain access to a network, it is important for a network's security to be able to detect and remove such devices. In this work, the idea of using clock skew — the difference in perceived time between two system clocks — as a unique signature is utilized to identify hosts on a network that are potentially multi-homed. Testing was done on a software-defined network that contained a multi-homed host. After traffic between hosts was collected and processed, analysis of the confidence intervals of the device's clock skew was conducted to determine if IP addresses originating from the same host could be successfully detected solely from network traffic. Results confirmed that the proposed scheme provided a valid means of detecting a multi-homed device on a network.
Control of Hydraulic Wind Power Transfer System Under Wind and Load Disturbances

Hydraulic wind power transfer systems deliver the wind energy from multiple wind turbines to a centralized generator through a hydraulic medium, which effectively reduces the equipment and maintenance costs. In this system, the main generator should be remained at a constant rotational velocity regardless of the rotor speed to provide a fixed electrical voltage to the grid. To achieve this, a proportional valve is used to control the amount of flow between the main and auxiliary generators. In this paper, a controller is designed, simulated, and implemented to regulate the flow in the proportional valve. The control system is tested in MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally validated using dSPACE 1104.
Bathynomus giganteus (Isopoda: Cirolanidae) and the canyon: a population genetics assessment of De Soto Canyon as a glacial refugium for the giant deep-sea isopod

Population genetics has gained popularity as a method to discover glacial refugia in terrestrial species, but has only recently been applied to the marine realm. The last glacial maxima occurred 20,000 years ago, decreasing sea levels by 120 m and exposing much of the continental shelf in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with the exception of De Soto Canyon (2100 m depth). The goal of this study was to determine whether population dynamics of the giant deep-sea isopod, Bathynomus giganteus, were better explained by habitat diversity or by the past presence of a marine glacial refugium in De Soto Canyon. To accomplish this we (1) measured genetic diversity in De Soto Canyon and adjacent regions, (2) characterized gene flow and connectivity between these regions, and (3) investigated historical changes to population size. We sequenced three mitochondrial loci (12S, 16S, and COI) from 212 individuals and also performed a next-generation sequencing pilot study using double digest Restriction site-Associated DNA sequencing. We found high genetic diversity and connectivity throughout the study regions, migration between all three regions, low population differentiation, and evidence of population expansion. This study suggests that habitat heterogeneity, rather than the presence of a glacial refugium, has had an historical effect on the population dynamics of B. giganteus.
Oligosaccharyltransferase Inhibition Reduces Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activation and Enhances Glioma Radiosensitivity.

Purpose: Parallel signaling reduces the effects of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)–targeted therapies in glioma. We hypothesized that inhibition of protein N-linked glycosylation, an endoplasmic reticulum co- and posttranslational modification crucial for RTK maturation and activation, could provide a new therapeutic approach for glioma radiosensitization. Experimental Design: We investigated the effects of a small-molecule inhibitor of the oligosaccharyltransferase (NGI-1) on EGFR family receptors, MET, PDGFR, and FGFR1. The influence of glycosylation state on tumor cell radiosensitivity, chemotherapy-induced cell toxicity, DNA damage, and cell-cycle arrest were determined and correlated with glioma cell receptor expression profiles. The effects of NGI-1 on xenograft tumor growth were tested using a nanoparticle formulation validated by in vivo molecular imaging. A mechanistic role for RTK signaling was evaluated through the expression of a glycosylation-independent CD8-EGFR chimera. Results: NGI-1 reduced glycosylation, protein levels, and activation of most RTKs. NGI-1 also enhanced the radiosensitivity and cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy in those glioma cells with elevated ErbB family activation, but not in cells without high levels of RTK activation. NGI-1 radiosensitization was associated with increases in both DNA damage and G1 cell-cycle arrest. Combined treatment of glioma xenografts with fractionated radiotherapy and NGI-1 significantly reduced tumor growth compared with controls. Expression of the CD8-EGFR eliminated the effects of NGI-1 on G1 arrest, DNA damage, and cellular radiosensitivity, identifying RTK inhibition as the principal mechanism for the NGI-1 effect. Conclusions: This study suggests that oligosaccharyltransferase inhibition with NGI-1 is a novel approach to radiosensitize malignant gliomas with enhanced RTK signaling. See related commentary by Wahl and Lawrence, p. 455
Malpractice, Mediation, and Moral Hazard: The Virtues of Dodging the Data Bank

Health care has witnessed a rapid growth in the use of alternative dispute resolution. Nationwide, many hospitals are adopting early dispute resolution programs in which, when they err, they approach injured patients with disclosure, apology, and restitution. The results have generally been outstanding — better serving patients’ and families’ needs, and better for institutions as they save large sums on defense costs while improving safety and quality of care.Unfortunately, physicians are largely left standing on the sidelines. Medical malpractice payments, no matter how small, and no matter why they were made, must generally be reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, where they remain as a black mark for the rest of the physician’s professional life. Weighing the high odds of winning if they defend in litigation, versus a guaranteed black mark if they settle early, physicians are not often interested in early mediation.The literature is remarkably silent about this enormous disconnect. This article attempts to fill that void, exploring why physicians commonly abjure early mediation and recommending several specific, lawful ways for them to avoid the data bank and thereby embrace early dispute resolution. In the process, the article addresses the “moral hazard” issues attendant to dodging the data bank, so that ultimately physicians should be able to take a more active role in early mediation of medical malpractice disputes.
School Corporal Punishment Effects on Children

Although a substantial literature has shown that corporal punishment by parents is linked with increased behavior problems, increased mental health problems, and decreased school performance (Gershoff in Psychological Bulletin 128:539–579, 2002; Gershoff in Report on physical punishment in the United States: What research tells us about its effects on children. Center for Effective Discipline and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Coloumbus, 2008; Gershoff in Law and Contemporary Problems 31:31–56, 2010; Gershoff in Child Development Perspectives 7:133–137, 2013), corporal punishment by school personnel has been almost entirely unstudied. Only a handful of correlational studies have linked corporal punishment in schools with children’s developmental outcomes. We know very little about the effects of school corporal punishment on children’s behavior or performance in school, and thus, while this chapter covers the most important concern related to school corporal punishment, there is very little data on the key question of what effects school corporal punishment has on children.
Measurement of Early Childhood Oral Health for Research Purposes: Dental Caries Experience and Developmental Defects of the Enamel in the Primary Dentition

Epidemiological investigations of early childhood oral health rely upon the collection of high-quality clinical measures of health and disease. However, ascertainment of valid and accurate clinical measures presents unique challenges among young, preschool-age children. The paper presents a clinical research protocol for the conduct of oral epidemiological examinations among children, implemented in ZOE 2.0, a large-scale population-based genetic epidemiologic study of early childhood caries (ECC). The protocol has been developed for the collection of information on tooth surface-level dental caries experience and tooth-level developmental defects of the enamel in the primary dentition. Dental caries experience is recorded using visual criteria modified from the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), and measurement of developmental defects is based upon the modified Clarkson and O'Mullane Developmental Defects of the Enamel Index. After a dental prophylaxis (toothbrushing among all children and flossing as needed), children's teeth are examined by trained and calibrated examiners in community locations, using portable dental equipment, compressed air, and uniform artificial light and magnification conditions. Data are entered directly onto a computer using a custom Microsoft Access-based data entry application. The ZOE 2.0 clinical protocol has been implemented successfully for the conduct of over 6000 research examinations to date, contributing phenotype data to downstream genomics and other "omics" studies of ECC and DDE, as well as traditional clinical and epidemiologic dental research.
A portable three-dimensional photoacoustic tomography system for imaging of chronic foot ulcers

Background Chronic leg ulcers affect approximately 6.5 million Americans and the disorder is associated with a range of serious complications. Since many chronic ulcers have underlying vascular insufficiency, accurate assessment of tissue perfusion is critical to treatment planning and post-surgical monitoring. However, existing clinical tests fail to meet this need in practice due to their low sensitivity or accuracy. Methods In this paper, we introduce a portable photoacoustic tomography (PAT) system for wound assessment. Since hemoglobin serves as the major endogenous contrast at near-infrared wavelengths, PAT provides label-free, three-dimensional (3D) imaging of hemoglobin distribution, which is closely related to blood perfusion. The proposed system consists of a 128-element linear transducer array, a data acquisition (DAQ) system, and a pulsed Nd:YAG laser source, all mounted on a portable cart for easy clinical testing. Results We validated our system through both phantom and human imaging studies. The phantom imaging results indicate that the system's spatial resolution ranges from 0.5 mm along the axial direction to 1.3 mm along the elevational direction. The healthy volunteer result shows clear foot vasculature, indicating good perfusion. The preliminary patient imaging results agree very well with the clinical test, demonstrating that PAT has a high potential for assessing the circulation around the wound. Conclusions We believe that our technique will be a valuable tool for assessing tissue perfusion and guiding wound treatment in vascular clinics.
Investigation of the CH3CN-CO2 Potential Energy Surface (PES) Using Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT)

Abstract : Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) has been used to invesflgate me intermolecular potential energy surface (PES) of CH3CN-C02. A SAPT computation was performed for approximately 200 geometrical configurations using both a coarse grid in the five intermolecular coordinates as well as selected representative cuts. Four near-local minima are located on the PES. The deepest of these is -2.90 kcal/mol.
Open Problem—Weakly Interacting Particle Systems on Dense Random Graphs

We first briefly introduce the following classic mean-field particle system given as a collection of Rd-valued stochastic processes {Xin(t) : t ∈ [0, T]}i=1n.Xin(t)=x0+1n∑j=1n∫0tbXin(s),Xjn(s) ds+W...
Imaging of Failed Cartilage Repair

Abstract Osteoarthritis is an extremely common cause of morbidity throughout the world. Current standard of care treatment strategies focus on repairing or replacing articular cartilage defects, as methods of regenerating articular cartilage are still largely in experimental stages. Cartilage repair techniques, typically used in the setting of focal defects, allow replacement of focally damaged cartilage utilizing either donor tissue or the patient's own tissue, with the goal of restoring normal articular surface function, preventing further joint damage, and improving clinical symptoms. While these procedures succeed in many, as with any intervention, outcomes are not universally successful. Imaging can be useful in evaluation of patients following cartilage repair, providing assessment of technical success, evolution of graft tissue over time, and potential complications. Magnetic resonance imaging, in particular, allows comprehensive imaging evaluation of repair tissue, as well as potential alternate causes of clinical symptoms. Familiarity with the expected imaging appearance of cartilage repair, and particularly the expected evolution over time, is crucial for the accurate interpretation of imaging following cartilage repair.
Difficult but fulfilling: women’s lived experiences as leaders in fisherfolk organizations in Bolinao, Philippines

This qualitative study explores the experiences of women as leaders in fisherfolk organizations in Bolinao, Philippines. It aims to contribute to the ‘women do participate and lead’ discourse by pr...
Base Rates of Invalid Test Performance Across Clinical Non-forensic Contexts and Settings

Objective Base rates of invalidity in forensic neuropsychological contexts are well explored and believed to approximate 40%, whereas base rates of invalidity across clinical non-forensic contexts are relatively less known. Methods Adult-focused neuropsychologists (n = 178) were surveyed regarding base rates of invalidity across various clinical non-forensic contexts and practice settings. Median values were calculated and compared across contexts and settings. Results The median estimated base rate of invalidity across clinical non-forensic evaluations was 15%. When examining specific clinical contexts and settings, base rate estimates varied from 5% to 50%. Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (50%), external incentives (25%-40%), and oppositional attitudes toward testing (37.5%) were reported to have the highest base rates of invalidity. Patients with psychiatric illness, patients evaluated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and patients with a history of mild traumatic brain injury were also reported to invalidate testing at relatively high base rates (approximately 20%). Conversely, patients presenting for dementia evaluation and patients with none of the previously mentioned histories and for whom invalid testing was unanticipated were estimated to produce invalid testing in only 5% of cases. Regarding practice setting, Veterans Affairs providers reported base rates of invalidity to be nearly twice that of any other clinical settings. Conclusions Non-forensic clinical patients presenting with medically unexplained symptoms, external incentives, or oppositional attitudes are reported to invalidate testing at base rates similar to that of forensic examinees. The impact of context-specific base rates on the clinical evaluation of invalidity is discussed.
Insights into Potential Mechanisms of Injury and Treatment Targets in COVID-19, SARS-Cov-2 Infection

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, is the most serious pandemic in modern times. The disease was first reported in January of 2020 in China's city of Wuhan, Hubei province, and since then it has spread worldwide. Given the rapid spread of the virus and the burden it has taken on the healthcare systems it has swept through, there is the need for a concise description of current understanding of the pathogenesis of organ failure in SARS-CoV-2 infection while acknowledging that more is yet to be uncovered. This review will not only inform decision making at the bedside but will also help illustrate potential therapeutic targets for research. We searched the available literature to-date, and present the pathophysiology underlying increased morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs, heart and kidneys in a highly illustrated presentation that is easy-to-understand for the clinician, researcher, and student alike.
Involvement of c-Jun N-terminus kinase 2 (JNK2) in Endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine if JNK2 plays a causative role in endothelin-mediated loss of RGCs in mice. Methods: JNK2-/- and wild type (C57BL/6) mice were intravitreally injected in one eye with 1 nmole of ET-1, while the contralateral eye was injected with the vehicle. At two time points (2 h and 24 h) following the intravitreal injections, retinal sections were obtained and phosphorylated c-Jun was assessed. In a separate set of experiments, JNK2-/- and wild type mice were intravitreally injected with either 1 nmole of ET-1 or its vehicle, and euthanized 7 days post-injection. Retinal flat mounts were stained with antibodies to the RGC marker, Brn3a, and surviving RGCs were quantified. Axonal degeneration was assessed by imaging PPD stained optic nerve sections. Results: Intravitreal ET-1 administration produced a significant increase in immunostaining for phospho c-Jun in wild type mice, which was appreciably lower in the JNK2 -/- mice. A significant (p<0.05) 26% loss of RGCs was found in wild type mice, 7 days post injection with ET-1. JNK2-/- mice showed a significant (p=0.36) protection from RGC loss following ET-1 administration, compared to wild type mice injected with ET-1. A significant decrease in axonal counts and an increase in the collapsed axons was found in ET-1 injected mice eyes. Conclusion: JNK2 appears to play a major role in ET-1 mediated loss of RGCs in mice. Neuroprotective effects of JNK2 following ET-1 administration occur mainly in the soma and not in the axons of RGCs.
Joints and basic ways

Metaphysicians often distinguish between joints and basic ways. Joints are the unified and joint-carving properties that trace the structure of the world. They are theorized under the ideology of s...
Anthranilate synthase from Pseudomonas putida. Purification and properties of a two-component enzyme.

Abstract The anthranilate synthase purified from Pseudomonas putida, is composed of 1 molecule each of two dissimilar protein components. With molecular weights of 63,400 (Component I, or AS I) and 18,000 (Component II, AS II), the pure protein components are free of chorismate mutase, and the enzymes responsible for converting anthranilate to tryptophan but retain trace l-glutaminase activities detectable only by radioisotope assay. Using the determined amino acid composition for each component, the millimolar extinction coefficients for AS I and AS II were calculated to be 5.6 and 0.9, respectively. The experimentally determined millimolar extinction coefficients were 4.4 (AS I) and 1.1 (AS II). AS I and AS II have respective specific activities of 4.7 and 17 in the conversion of chorismate to anthranilate with glutamine as nitrogen source. For this amidetransfer to occur AS II must bind AS I; high glutamine (10 mm) enhances the binding of AS I and II, as does magnesium ion, also required for the amidetransfer. The Km values for chorismate and glutamine in anthranilate synthesis at optimum pH 7.8 are 7 and 600 µm, respectively. At optimum pH 8.8, AS I by itself converts chorismate and ammonia to anthranilate at a rate greater than the maximum for the amidetransfer. The rate of this amination decreases sharply as pH is lowered to neutrality but is unaffected by the addition of AS II. With AS II present and at optimum pH the respective Km values for chorismate and ammonium ion are 0.09 and 26 mm. AS I and II play a joint role in the binding of l-glutamine since [14C]glutamine shows negligible binding to either component alone but does bind to an equimolar mixture of AS I and II with Kd = 14 µm. Additional evidence for this joint role derives from the requirement for the presence of AS I and glutamine for protection of AS II against inactivation by bromopyruvate. Glutamine analogs 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine and azaserine inactivate amidetransfer but not amination. The inactivation is delayed but not prevented by higher levels of l-glutamine. Inactivation is markedly stimulated by the presence of chorismate. Lineweaver-Burk analysis of the increased inactivation rates showed an apparent Km for chorismate of 10 µm. Although both AS I and AS II must be incubated with 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine to achieve full inactivation, resolution of 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine-inactivated anthranilate synthase into its two nonidentical components yields an active AS I and an inactive AS II. The inactivated AS II is reactivated by sulfhydryl compounds such as 2-mercaptoethanol. The importance of an —SH group on AS II placed near the active site of the native complex (AS I + AS II) is suggested.
Vertically Differentiated Markets with Costly Under-Provisioning: The Case of Versioning in Software Industry

Versioning literature recommends that a software firm should always sell only one version of a product with the highest quality unless other factors such as piracy, network externality, or concave cost of producing quality are present. However, software firms universally adopt versioning strategies that are invariant across different market settings. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, this research proposes a vertical differentiated consumer utility model that captures consumer heterogeneity in taste for functionality and preferred level of functionality. While consumers experience disutility if the level of functionality is lower than their preferred level, they do not derive any additional utility if the level of functionality is higher than their preferred level. To that extent, under-provisioning of functionality is costly. This article shows that in a monopolistic market, versioning strategy is always optimal compared with strategies to sell one version to all consumers or only to high type users. Counterintuitively, an increase in the high (low) type users’ preferred level of functionality negatively (positively) impacts high type users’ surplus. As the preferred level of functionality of high type users increases, functionality level of the high version increases, and the impact on functionality level of the low version depends on the proportion of high type users in the market. On the other hand, as the preferred level of functionality of low type users increases, functionality level of high version remains the same and the impact on functionality level of low version is ambiguous.
The Use and Abuse of the 'Plain Meaning' Doctrine

INTERPRETATION MATTERS COLUMN:This issue introduces a new column in State Tax Notes. I recently wrote an article for State Tax Notes focusing on the constitutional and statutory construction aspects of the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Davis case. This column will extend the inquiry to other aspects of interpretive approaches to the statutes, constitutions, and regulations that frame state and local taxation. The topic of this first installment of the column, a frequently encountered device or explanation of interpreting legal texts, is “plain meaning.” Cases beyond number have recited that, when the text is clear, there is nothing to construe, and the statute, regulation, or constitutional provision will be applied according to its “plain meaning.” This approach is often reasonable, and the frequency of its assertion may seem soothing. But these waters are not always as placid as they appear. The plain meaning doctrine is sometimes problematic as applied to state and local taxation. It is sometimes overused or abused by the courts.In this article, we examine this proposition through three perspectives.
The Effects of Noise Reduction on Social Behaviors

Previous researchers have suggested that noise level reduction is correlated with generalized improvements in untreated social behaviors. While these findings are encouraging it is not dear that th...
Paramagnetic Resonance as a Probe of the Spin Gap in Normal State of Hg.Pb.BaCaCuO

It is shown that electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) can be used to observe the spin gap in copper oxide superconductors. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the Cu2
Three-dimensional work space of the amputee.

Twenty amputees participated in this study to determine the three-dimensional work space for above- and below-elbow amputees with prostheses. Data were collected from the normal as well as the prosthetic extremity by a photographic method to obtain tracings of movements of the hand against a frontal plane at different distances from the subject. The subjects with below-elbow prostheses had an average decrease in the work space of 45%. The subjects with above-elbow prostheses had an average decrease in work space of 83%. The bimanual work space showed that the majority of the work space of the above-elbow prosthetic extremity could be reached by the normal extremity work space. The normal extremity could not reach as much of the below-elbow prosthetic extremity work space.
Relationship between wind speed and gas exchange over the ocean revisited

The relationship between gas exchange and wind speed is used extensively for estimating bulk fluxes of atmospheric gases across the air-sea interface. Here, I provide an update on the frequently used method of Wanninkhof (1992). The update of the methodology reflects advances that have occurred over the past two decades in quantifying the input parameters. The general principle of obtaining a relationship constrained by the globally integrated bomb-14CO2 flux into the ocean remains unchanged. The improved relationship is created using revised global ocean 14C inventories and improved wind speed products. Empirical relationships of the Schmidt number, which are necessary to determine the fluxes, are extended to 40°C to facilitate their use in the models. The focus is on the gas exchange of carbon dioxide, but the suggested functionality can be extended to other gases at intermediate winds (≈4−15 m s−1). The updated relationship, expressed as k = 0.251 (Sc/660)−0.5 where k is the gas transfer velocity, is the average squared wind speed, and Sc is the Schmidt number, has a 20% uncertainty. The relationship is in close agreement with recent parameterizations based on results from gas exchange process studies over the ocean.
Information fusion - Methods and aggregation operators

Information fusion techniques are commonly applied in Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery. In this chapter, we will give an overview of such applications considering their three main uses. This is, we consider fusion methods for data preprocessing, model building and information extraction. Some aggregation operators (i.e. particular fusion methods) and their properties are briefly described as well.
Design and Performance of High-Speed VCSELs

Over the past several years, high-speed vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been the subject of intensive worldwide research due to their applications in optical interconnects and optical data networks. The performance of VCSELs, especially with respect to their high-speed characteristics, has made significant progress. In this chapter, we first present the basic theory for current-modulated VCSELs using rate equations and small-signal analysis. Factors that affect the modulation bandwidth, including the intrinsic laser responses and extrinsic parasitics, are identified. Once these limitations are known, we discuss various designs that have been implemented in VCSELs to specifically address them, followed by a review of the current high-speed VCSEL performance based on these designs at several different wavelengths, including 850 nm, 980 nm, \(1.1\;\upmu\hbox{m},\) and \(1.3\mbox{--}1.6\;\upmu\hbox{m}.\) Finally, we consider new modulation schemes based on loss modulation in coupled-cavity VCSELs, which has the potential to reach even higher speeds.
Why Shouldn’t Rural Kids Have It All? Place-conscious Leadership in an Era of Extralocal Reform Policy

This article explores school and community leaders' beliefs about standards-based reform and the purposes of local schooling in a single rural community in the western United States. The study used interviews of 11 community and school leaders in the community. Participants engage in a balancing act between serving local interests and satisfying extralocal mandates. They care about both the students they serve and the place they inhabit, and their own assessment of the educational enterprise indicated that state and federal policy had had little constructive influence on either. The conclusion explores critical place-consciousness as a possible tool to refocus rural educators' attention on the intent of the standards-based movement and to ensure that schooling supports individual student success and the needs of rural communities.
Making voluntary medical male circumcision a viable HIV prevention strategy in high-prevalence countries by engaging the traditional sector

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) has been rapidly accepted by global HIV policy and donor institutions as a highly valuable HIV prevention strategy given its cost-effectiveness, limited interactions with a health facility and projected long-lasting benefits. Many southern African countries have incorporated VMMC into their national HIV prevention strategies. However, intensive VMMC promotion programs have met with limited success to date and many HIV researchers have voiced concerns. This commentary discusses reasons behind the less-than-desired public demand and suggests how inclusion of the traditional sector – traditional leaders, healers, and circumcisers – with their local knowledge, cultural expertise and social capital, particularly in the realm of social meanings ascribed to male circumcision (MC), may improve the uptake of this HIV prevention strategy. We offer Lesotho and Swaziland as case studies of the integration of universal VMMC policies; these are countries with a shared HIV burd...
Zinc protects against tumor necrosis factor-induced disruption of porcine endothelial cell monolayer integrity

Some nutrients influence the metabolic response of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor. Inadequate levels of the essential trace element zinc may play a role in tumor necrosis factor-induced disruption of the vascular endothelial barrier function. To test this hypothesis, endothelial cells cultured on polycarbonate filters or culture plates were exposed to six different treatments for 3 d: medium 199 enriched with 5% fetal bovine serum (control), control+two levels of supplemental zinc (7.7 and 12.3 mumol/L medium), tumor necrosis factor (5 x 10(5) U/L) and tumor necrosis factor+the two levels of Zn as noted previously. Endothelial barrier function, expressed as albumin transfer across cultured endothelial monolayers, was not affected by Zn enrichment alone. Tumor necrosis factor treatment significantly increased albumin transfer compared with control cultures. The lower concentration of Zn partially and the higher concentration totally prevented the tumor necrosis factor-induced increase in albumin transfer. The increase in cytosolic release of [3H]adenine (marker of cell injury) induced by tumor necrosis factor was prevented by added Zn. Tumor necrosis factor treatment significantly decreased angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and tumor necrosis factor also decreased activities of two other membrane-bound enzymes, total ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase. These activities all were restored by Zn enrichment. Tumor necrosis factor treatment caused a decrease in cellular Zn concentration, which was prevented when the culture media were enriched with Zn. These data suggest that an important relationship exists between Zn status and tumor necrosis factor-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.
Presence in the Flesh: The Body in Medicine

Presence in the Flesh: The Body in Medicine. Katharine Young. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.200 pp.
Ethnic and Acculturation Differences in Self-Disclosure

Summary Self-disclosure patterns of Anglo and Mexican Americans were analyzed according to frequency of reported self-disclosure, preferred topics (whether about taste, attitude, personality, or money) and preferred targets (whether to mother, father, male friend, or female friend). Administrator ethnicity and gender were varied so that the interaction of these examiner variables with S gender and ethnicity could be analyzed. Further, the relationship between degree of acculturation and reported self-disclosure was investigated. Results revealed that females reported significantly more disclosure than males. Interestingly, no overall ethnic differences in reported self-disclosure were obtained, although there were several significant administrator × S ethnicity interactions. Acculturation was significantly correlated to reported self-disclosure in some instances.
The preparedness of dental professionals to treat persons with disabling conditions in long-term care facility and community settings.

Summary A survey was conducted of 300 state long-term care facilities to determine prior training and needs for further instruction of dental staff in the management of patients in this setting. In addition, dental practitioners in two states, Missouri and Washington, were surveyed with respect to their qualifications and availability to treat persons with disabling conditions in the community. A large proportion of dentists who work in long-term care facilities reported a lack of formal preparation for their area of dental practice. Many community dentists who stated a willingness to treat persons with disabling conditions also appeared to be inadequately prepared. Responses to the Missouri and Washington surveys were generally similar; apparent differences with respect to experience may have been caused by variation in survey criteria. Positive effects of training are beginning to carry over into practice. Larger numbers of recent graduates reported training and expressed willingness to treat patients with disabling conditions compared with dentists who have been in practice longer. Dentists with training and extensive experience probably best reflect available dental resources for persons with disabling conditions in the community.
Structural properties of platinum(II) biphenyl complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives

Abstract Seven platinum(II) complexes formulated as Pt(bph)L, where bph is the 2,2′-biphenyl dianion and L = 4-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 4-Mephen ), 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 5-Mephen ), 5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline ( 5-Clphen ), 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 5,6-Me 2 phen ), 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 4,7-Me 2 phen ), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 4,7-Ph 2 phen ) and 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ( 3,4,7,8-Me 4 phen ) are reported. Protons attached to the phen ligand resonate downfield from those attached to the bph ligand and two proton signals are split by interaction with 195 Pt. Pt(bph)(3,4,7,8-Me 4 phen), Pt(bph)(4,7-Me 2 phen), Pt(bph)(5,6-Me 2 phen), Pt(bph)(4,7-Ph 2 phen) and Pt(bph)(5-Mephen) crystallize in the space groups P na2 1 , P 2 1 / n , P 2 1 / c , P − 1 and P ca2 1 , respectively. The structures of the complexes deviate from true planarity and divide themselves into two groups where the bph and phen ligands cross in an X configuration or bow out in a butterfly (B) configuration. Circular dichroism revealed two different spectra with respect to the X and B configurations.
Solid-solid phase transitions and soft phonon modes in highly condensed Si.

The pseudopotential method is used to examine the structural transitions of Si from \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn to simple hexagonal (sh) to hexagonal close packed (hcp). The calculated transition pressures, transition volumes, and c/a ratios are in good agreement with the measured values. Furthermore, the phase-transition pressure from hexagonal close packed to face-centered cubic is predicted to be 1.2 Mbar. The phonon frequencies are also calculated with use of the frozen-phonon approximation for the \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn, sh, and hcp phases. For both the \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn and sh phases, pressure-sensitive soft phonon modes exist. These are the longitudinal optic mode at the Brillouin-zone center for \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn and the transverse acoustic mode at the Brillouin-zone boundary for sh in the [001] direction. These soft modes are most likely associated with the phase transformations from \ensuremath{\beta}-Sn to sh to hcp. The metallic sh phase has strong covalent interlayer bonding. This is opposite to the case for the graphite structure. The weak bonding in the hexagonal plane of the sh phase causes the soft transverse mode for this phase.
Group selection is implicated in the evolution of female-biased sex ratios

Female-biased sex ratios are common among arthropods that mate in small groups with episodic dispersal1–3. When breeding groups are founded by more than one female, individual (within-group) selection favours an unbiased (1:1) sex ratio, regardless of group size and degree of inbreeding (or sibmating), and regardless of the intensity of local competition among siblings for mates. On the other hand, female-biased sex ratios are favoured by group selection in randomly structured populations. Existing treatments of the evolution of female-biased sex ratios1,2,4–6 correctly predict the result of evolution, but do not make clear that it is a balance between opposing forces at two levels of selection3. I now show this to be so.
Application accuracy of computed tomography-based, image-guided navigation of temporal bone

Objective Although frameless stereotactic techniques have become indispensable in neurosurgery, their technical complexity requires careful definition and evaluation. Navigation is of particular concern when it is applied to approach a complex, tight surgical area like the temporal bone, where every millimeter is important. Theoretically, the temporal bone is an ideal location in which to use image-guided navigation because its bony construct precludes pre- and intraoperative shift. In this context, the feasibility of using a navigational system is determined by the system's accuracy and by the spatial characteristics of the targets. Literature addressing the accuracy of image guidance techniques in temporal bone surgery is relatively sparse. Accuracy of these systems within the temporal bone is still under investigation. We investigated the application accuracy of computed tomography-based, frameless, image-guided navigation to identify various bony structures in the temporal bone via a retrosigmoid approach. Methods In a total of 10 operations, we performed a retrosigmoid approach simulating operative conditions on either side of 5 whole, fresh cadaveric heads. Six titanium microscrews were implanted around the planned craniotomy site as permanent bone reference markers before the surgical procedure. High-resolution computed tomographic scans were obtained (slice thickness, 0.6-mm, contiguous non-overlapping slices; gantry setting, 0 degrees; scan window diameter, 225 mm; pixel size, >0.44 x 0.44). We used a Stryker navigation system (Stryker Instruments, Kalamazoo, MI) for intraoperative navigation. External and internal targets were selected for calculation of navigation accuracy. Results The system calculated target registration error to be 0.48 +/- 0.21 mm, and the global accuracies (navigation accuracies) were calculated using external over-the-skull and internal targets within the temporal bone. Overall navigation accuracy was 0.91 +/- 0.28 mm; for reaching internal targets within temporal bone, accuracy was 0.94 +/- 0.22 mm; and for external targets, accuracy was 0.83 +/- 0.11 mm. Ninety-five percent of targets could be reached within 1.4 mm of their actual position. Conclusion Using high-resolution computed tomography and bone-implanted reference markers, frameless navigation can be as accurate as frame-based stereotaxy in providing a guide to maximize safe surgical approaches to the temporal bone. Although error-free navigation is not possible with the submillimetric accuracy required by direct anatomic contouring of tiny structures within temporal bone, it still provides a road map to maximize safe surgical exposure.