cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic muscular hypertrophy of the esophagus. Postmortem incidental finding in six cases and review of the literature.

Six cases of idiopathic muscular hypertrophy of the esophagus were found at autopsy in a relatively short period of time. As has been the experience in previously reported cases, our finding was incidental at the autopsy in all of the cases. In only one of our patients were there relevant symptoms and radiographic changes that could be attributed to the disease. How often patients with muscular hypertrophy of the esophagus have the clinical syndrome of diffuse esophageal spasm remains unclear. It is therefore evident that only by awareness of this entity can studies of esophageal function, x-ray films, and appropriate treatment prevent serious morbidity and occasional mortality from the disease.
Topical calcipotriene and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo.

Background: Treatment of vitiligo, despite significant advances made in the past few years, remains to be a challenge. Narrowband ultraviolet (NB-UVB) has emerged as an important therapeutic option for this condition. Objective: To evaluate whether the combination of calcipotriene ointment and NB-UVB could enhance the efficacy of NB-UVB alone. Methods: An open, bilateral comparison study was performed in 20 patients with symmetrical vitiligo between August 2001 and October 2002. All patients received NB-UVB three times per week. Calcipotriene ointment was applied to lesions on the left side of the body. Response was graded visually as significant (66–100% repigmentation), moderate (26–65%), mild (10–25%), and minimal (<10%). Results: Seventeen patients (six females, 11 males) completed the study. Eight patients (8/17=47%) had significant repigmentation after 67–180 treatments, six patients (35%), one patient (6%), and two patients (12%) had moderate, mild, and minimal repigmentation after 40–160, 57, and 14–21 treatments, respectively. Nine of the 17 patients had an appreciably better improvement on the NB-UVB and calcipotriene side by 29–114 treatments. In six of these patients, differences were still observed at the end of the study period. No side effects were noted. Conclusion: Combination therapy of topical calcipotriene and NB-UVB is a therapeutic option that could be considered in the management of patients with vitiligo.
Apparent beneficial effects of tamoxifen on bone mineral content in patients with breast cancer: preliminary study.

Eight postmenopausal women undergoing adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for breast cancer had baseline pretreatment, and 6-and 12-month post-treatment dual-photon determinations of vertebral bone mineral content (BMC). BMC measured at 6 and 12 months increased over baseline in all subjects. These observations imply that women treated with tamoxifen may retain rather than surrender the protective effect of estrogen against osteoporosis.
The effects of feedback on referential communication of preschool children.

Preschool children were paired in 12 speaker-listener dyads in which the speaker described common, familiar items and the listener attempted to guess their identity. Objects were presented until th...
Normal aging and odor intensity effects on the olfactory event-related potential

Olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) were recorded in 14 young and 14 older adults, with odor strength of isoamyl acetate manipulated to assess olfactory stimulus intensity. Young participants produced significantly larger N1/P2, N2/P3 amplitudes and shorter N1, P2 and N2 latencies than older participants. Medium- and high-odor concentrations elicited significantly shorter P2 and N2 latencies than the lowest concentration for both age groups. Odor concentration appears to affect the speed of olfactory stimulus information processing regardless of age.
Rendezvous under noisy measurements

We describe a distributed algorithm for solving the rendezvous problem based on consensus protocols. We extend our previous work by considering the case when the evolution of the system is affected by measurement noise. The consensus formulation allows us to derive conditions for convergence of the system towards a ball with a finite radius. We derive an upper bound on the radius of the ball and show how it depends on the magnitude of the noise. We also present examples showing that the bound is tight and can be in fact achieved, but that typically the convergence is much better than the bound suggests.
Arteriosclerosis in the rat: aortic enzyme changes accompanying arterial pathology.

Summary(1) Extracts of arteriosclerotic aortas of female Sprague-Dawley breeder rats were assayed for lactic dehydrogenase, glucoses-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phos-phogluconic dehydrogenase. (2) Extracts obtained from moderately and severely arteriosclerotic aortas contained significantly less lactic dehydrogenase than extracts of aortas grossly normal or only slightly affected. TPNH production by combined action of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase was significantly depressed in extracts from moderately and severely arteriosclerotic aortas. No significant differences were observed in levels of 6-phos-phogluconic dehydrogenase.
Hidden symmetry and the possibility of spin-zero leptons

Abstract Hidden in a class of gauge theories is a global symmetry which is only apparent after spontaneous breakdown of the local gauge symmetry. A particularly interesting outcome of this hidden symmetry is the possibility of spin-zero leptons, which could be responsible for the anomalous eμ events seen in e+e−annihilation, as recently proposed by Ma, Pakvassa and Tuan.
Willingness to use ADHD treatments: A mixed methods study of perceptions by adolescents, parents, health professionals and teachers

Abstract Little is known about factors that influence willingness to engage in treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From 2007 to 2008, in the context of a longitudinal study assessing ADHD detection and service use in the United States, we simultaneously elicited ADHD treatment perceptions from four stakeholder groups: adolescents, parents, health care professionals and teachers. We assessed their willingness to use ADHD interventions and views of potential undesirable effects of two pharmacological (short- and long-acting ADHD medications) and three psychosocial (ADHD education, behavior therapy, and counseling) treatments. In multiple regression analysis, willingness was found to be significantly related to respondent type (lower for adolescents than adults), feeling knowledgeable, and considering treatments acceptable and helpful, but not significantly associated with stigma/embarrassment, respondent race, gender and socioeconomic status. Because conceptual models of undesirable effects are underdeveloped, we used grounded theory method to analyze open-ended survey responses to the question: “What other undesirable effects are you concerned about?” We identified general negative treatment perceptions (dislike, burden, perceived ineffectiveness) and specific undesirable effect expectations (physiological and psychological side effects, stigma and future dependence on drugs or therapies) for pharmacological and psychosocial treatments. In summary, findings indicate significant discrepancies between teens’ and adults’ willingness to use common ADHD interventions, with low teen willingness for any treatments. Results highlight the need to develop better treatment engagement practices for adolescents with ADHD.
Radiotherapy treatment of early stage prostate cancer with IMRT and protons: a treatment planning comparison

Purpose: To compare intensity-modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT) with three-dimensional conformal proton therapy (3D-CPT) for early-stage prostate cancer, and explore the potential utility of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Methods and Materials: Ten patients were planned with both 3D-CPT (two parallel-opposed lateral fields) and IMRT (seven equally spaced coplanar fields). Prescribed dose was 79.2 Gy (or cobalt Gray-equivalent, [CGE] for protons) to the prostate gland. Dose–volume histograms, dose conformity, and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) were compared. Additionally, plans were optimized for 3D-CPT with nonstandard beam configuration, and for IMPT assuming delivery with beam scanning. Results: At least 98% of the planning target volume received the prescription dose. IMRT plans yielded better dose conformity to the target, whereas proton plans achieved higher dose homogeneity and better sparing of rectum and bladder in the range below 30 Gy/CGE. Bladder volumes receiving more than 70 Gy/CGE (V 70 ) were reduced, on average, by 34% with IMRT vs. 3D-CPT, whereas rectal V 70 were equivalent. EUD from 3D-CPT and IMRT plans were indistinguishable within uncertainties for both bladder and rectum. With the use of small-angle lateral-oblique fields in 3D-CPT and IMPT, the rectal V 70 was reduced by up to 35% compared with the standard lateral configuration, whereas the bladder V 70 increased by less than 10%. Conclusions: In the range higher than 60 Gy/CGE, IMRT achieved significantly better sparing of the bladder, whereas rectal sparing was similar with 3D-CPT and IMRT. Dose to healthy tissues in the range lower than 50% of the target prescription was substantially lower with proton therapy.
The observed landholding-fertility relationship--is it monotonic?

Empirical studies of fertility in traditional agriculture report either a positive or a negative estimate for landholding. Estimation with data from rural Bangladesh, in this study, shows that the uncontrolled effect of landholding on fertility is positive; however, when the impact of pooling land in extended families is controlled for, the effect turns negative; yet the addition of a quadratic term for landholding provides a significantly U‐shape relationship. The non‐monotonic relationship is analysed in terms of ‘prestige‐cost’ of child labour which is assumed to increase with landholding, but to generate differential child contributions to household income and potential old‐age support to parents.
Compost and manure effects on sugarbeet nitrogen uptake, nitrogen recovery, and nitrogen use efficiency

To maximize recoverable sucrose from sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), producers must effectively manage added nitrogen (N), whether it be from urea or organic sources such as manure or composted manure. Our multi-site study’s objective was to determine the effects of a one-time application of stockpiled and composted dairy cattle manure on sugarbeet N uptake, N recovery (NR) and N use efficiency (NUE). First-year treatments at Site 1 included a control (no N), urea (202 kg N/ha), compost (218 and 435 kg estimated available N/ha), and manure (140 and 280 kg available N/ha). Site 2 treatments were a control, urea (82 kg N/ha), compost (81 and 183 kg available N/ha), and manure (173 and 340 kg available N/ha). Compost and manure were incorporated into two silt loams, a Greenleaf (Xeric Calciargid) near Parma, ID, in fall 2002 and 2003 and a Portneuf (Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid) near Kimberly, ID, in fall 2002 with sugarbeet planted the following spring. Sugarbeet N uptake was similar between urea and (i) manure, and (ii) often compost, when the organic amendments were averaged across rates. Incorporating equal rates of organic amendments to 0.05 rather than 0.10 m increased whole-plant N uptake by 1.13-fold, to 163.3 kg N/ha. In general, NR varied among fertilizer sources such that urea >> manure > compost. Where similar rates of available N were supplied, NUE ranged from 44.1 to 83.5 kg sucrose per kg available N, not differing among inorganic and organic N sources within site-years.
REACTIONS OF RABBITS TO NON-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI : II. SKIN REACTIONS IN INTRAVENOUSLY IMMUNIZED ANIMALS.

Rabbits immunized intravenously with living culture or nucleoproteins of non-hemolytic streptococci react to subsequent intracutaneous inoculations with homologous streptococci with smaller and harder lesions than are shown by normal animals similarly inoculated; and they do not develop the general manifestations of hypersensitiveness such as are shown by animals previously inoculated into the tissues with the same cultures. A rabbit may react to intracutaneous inoculation with non-hemolytic streptococci in one of four ways, depending on whether it is normal, hypersensitive, immune or cachectic. Most normal animals show a secondary reaction about 10 days after inoculation with suitable strains of non-hemolytic streptococci; hypersensitive, allergic, or hyperergic animals show much larger lesions than do normals with the corresponding doses of the same streptococci, and practically never show secondary reactions; immune animals show smaller and harder early lesions and usually do not have secondary reactions if they are fairly well immunized. Cachectic animals show very soft and rapidly fading primary reactions and no secondary reactions.
Dynamical rearrangement in the Anderson-Higgs-Kibble mechanism

The Anderson-Higgs-Kibble mechanism is investigated by functional methods in the Lorentz gauge, with particular emphasis on the particle structure. We find that a massless Goldstone boson and a massless ghost particle are present besides the massive vector meson and other massive particles. The two massless particles do not contribute to matrix elements of the S-matrix or any gauge invariant quantity, because their effects compensate each other, but their presence is essential as agents of the symmetry transformations. The modifications when the Coulomb gauge is employed are also discussed.
Human cytochrome b5 requires residues E48 and E49 to stimulate the 17,20-lyase activity of cytochrome P450c17.

Cytochrome P450c17 (CYP17) catalyzes both the 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase reactions in human steroid biosynthesis. Cytochrome b5 (b5) stimulates the rate of the 17,20-lyase reaction 10-fold with little influence on 17α-hydroxylase activity. Studies with apo-b5 suggest that stimulation of 17,20-lyase activity results from an allosteric action on the hCYP17·POR complex, rather than electron transfer by b5. We hypothesized that specific residues on b5 interact with the hCYP17·POR complex and that targeted mutation of surface-exposed residues might identify b5 residues critical for stimulating 17,20-lyase activity. We constructed, expressed, and purified 14 single plus 3 double b5 mutations and assayed their ability to stimulate 17,20-lyase activity. Most mutations did not alter the capacity of b5 to stimulate 17,20-lyase activity or appeared to modestly alter the affinity of b5 for the hCYP17·POR complex. In contrast, mutation of E48, E49, or R52 reduced the maximal stimulation of 17,20-lyase activity. I...
Die Anwendung des Operations Research im betrieblichen Wirtschaftsleben

Ein normales Rationalisierungsproblem, welches nur mit Operations Research-Techniken losbar ist, beinhaltet im allgemeinen eine derart komplizierte Zielsetzung (wobei eine Menge von verschiedenen Moglichkeiten und Masnahmen einschlieslich der dabei auftretenden Beschrankungen zu berucksichtigen sind), das man ohne Mathematik und Statistik zu keinen brauchbaren Anhaltspunkten fur Rationalisierungsmasnahmen gelangen kann. Wenn das Problem ohne Hilfe von komplizierter Mathematik losbar ist, lohnt es sich gar nicht, Operations Research-Methoden anzuwenden. Das im Text angefuhrte Beispiel uber Arbeitsvorbereitung und die „optimale“ Ausnutzung der zur Verfugung stehenden Maschinenzeiten war eigentlich so einfach, das es durchaus moglich gewesen ware, ohne Anwendung der linearen Gleichungsmethode zu brauchbaren Resultaten zu gelangen. Ohne Gebrauch von Mathematik ware es jedoch nur moglich gewesen, die Maschinenausnutzung zu kalkulieren; der Profit hatte nachtraglich errechnet werden mussen. Mit Operations Research konnen wir gleichzeitig beides errechnen (Rechnungsdualismus). Wir haben also eine doppelte Zielsetzung: 1. Gewinnmaximum und 2. Maschinenkapazitatausnutzung gleichzeitig behandelt, wahrend wir anderenfalls nur eine singulare Zielsetzung erreicht hatten. Die Losung eines Problemes (welches sonst ein „unberuhrbares“ Problem darstellt), ware durch normale Denkweise schwierig gewesen, da es unmoglich ist, kostenmasig nicht erfasbare Gegebenheiten zu bewerten. Wenn man auf das menschliche Gehirn als Ausfuhrer der Rechenleistung angewiesen ist, kann man nicht erwarten, tadellose Antworten zu erhalten. Wenn man aber Papier und Bleistift zum Festhalten der Vergleichsfaktoren benutzt und unverfugbare Daten statistisch „fabriziert“, wird es moglich sein, Probleme zu losen, die sonst unlosbar erscheinen. Die Losung (das Rechenergebnis) wird naturlich nicht besser als die Validitat der statistisch ermittelten Faktoren sein. Operations Research ermoglicht die Durchfuhrung von Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalysen und dient als Mittel zum formalisierten Denken. Eine wahre „wissenschaftliche Betriebsfuhrung“ ist ohne Operations Research-Methoden nicht mehr wissenschaftlich.
Immobilization of C3b with retention of functional activity

We compared eight commercially available, pre-activated affinity chromatography supports for ability to immobilize C3b that would retain functional activity. Pre-activated supports that we studied were: cyanogen bromide activated agarose, N-hydroxysuccinimide activated agarose, Reacti-Gel HW-65, Actigel A aldehyde activated agarose, thiopropyl activated agarose, 1,4-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy) butane activated agarose, Reacti-Gel GF-2000 and tresyl activated agarose. The amount of C3b immobilized by each support varied from 81% for Actigel A aldehyde activated agarose to only 19% for Reacti-Gel GF-2000. We examined the functional capacity of the C3b immobilized on these various supports to participate in the alternative pathway. Immobilized C3b was mixed with factors D and B of the alternative pathway and examined over time for ability to consume factor B hemolytic activity. C3b immobilized on thiopropyl activated agarose consumed factor B at a rate comparable to unbound fluid phase C3b. C3b immobilized on other supports was less active in participating in factor B consumption. Thus, we have demonstrated the ability to immobilize C3b onto a solid matrix with the immobilized C3b retaining the ability to participate in the alternative pathway. This immobilized C3b can be used to fractionate substances with high C3b binding affinity.
Diffractive optical element for mode shaping of a Nd: YAG laser

A diffractive laser cavity mirror is described that can customize the amplitude and phase of a laser mode. The design of this diffractive element is shown for a square, flat-topped fundamental mode. The laser cavity has a theoretical fundamental mode loss of only 0.08% and a second-order mode loss of 48.2%, resulting in high modal discrimination. The fabricated mirror is tested in a Nd:YAG laser system. The resulting square flat-topped mode has an rms variation of 1.5% over the two-dimensional flat-topped region and a large discrimination against higher-order modes.
Egg recognition: Its advantage to a butterfly

Abstract Ovipositing females of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly, Battus philenor, detect the presence of eggs laid by other females on their host plants. The presence of eggs on a plant inhibits oviposition by a female that discovers it. The selection pressure responsible for the evolution and maintenance of discrimination against plants with eggs appears to be lower survival from egg to adult of eggs laid on plants already containing eggs than on plants without eggs.
Synthesis of platinum nanoparticles by aerosol assisted deposition method

An atmospheric pressure aerosol assisted deposition method has been developed to grow highly oriented nanoparticles and thin continuous films of platinum on a variety of substrates for applications such as catalysts including their use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Pt nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 4 nm to 78 nm were synthesized on Si, silicon dioxide coated Si substrates and carbon nanotubes. The size and density of the nanoparticles was found to depend strongly on the precursor carrier gas flow rate and deposition time. The particles showed preferential orientation of (111) that was independent of substrate used. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy in order to obtain information about their morphology, crystallinity and composition. The method developed can deposit uniform coatings of highly oriented, pure Pt nanoparticles without the need of any substrate pretreatment such as surface functionalization, deposition of seed layer for electrodeposition on insulating or semiconducting substrates, and without the use of expensive vacuum equipment.
Role of autophagy in innate viral recognition.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) detect viruses in the acidified endosomes via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) upon endocytosis of virions. Yet, pDC responses to certain single-stranded RNA viruses occur only following live viral infection. In our recent study, we presented evidence that the recognition of such viruses by TLR7 requires autophagy. We speculate that the requirement for autophagy in viral recognition reflects the necessity for transportation of cytosolic viral replication intermediates into the lysosome where TLR7 is activated. In addition, autophagy was found to be required for pDCs to produce type I interferon (IFN) in response to both ssRNA and dsDNA viruses. These results indicated that autophagy plays a key role in mediating virus detection and IFNα secretion in pDCs, and suggest that cytosolic replication intermediates of ssRNA viruses serve as pathogen signatures recognized by TLR7.Addendum to:Autophagy-Dependent Viral Recognition by Plasmacytoid Dendritic CellsH.K. Lee, J.M. Lund, B. R...
Pharmacogenetics of drug-induced arrhythmias

Abnormal functioning of cardiac ion channels can disrupt cardiac myocyte action potentials and thus cause potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias. Ion channel dysfunction has been observed at all stages in channel ontogeny, from biogenesis to regulation, and arises from genetic or environmental factors, or both. Acquired arrhythmias - including those that are drug induced - are more common than solely inherited arrhythmias but, in some cases, also contain an identifiable genetic component. This interplay between the pharmacology and genetics - known as 'pharmacogenetics' - of cardiac ion channels and the systems that impact them presents both challenges and opportunities to academics, pharmaceutical companies and clinicians seeking to develop and utilize therapies for cardiac rhythm disorders. In this review, we discuss ion channel pharmacogenetics in the context of both causation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, focusing on the long QT syndromes.
Inhibition of 5S RNA transcription in vitro by nucleosome cores with low or high levels of histone acetylation

Nucleosomes exert strong inhibitory effects on gene transcription in vitro and in vivo. Since most DNA is packaged in nucleosomes, there must exist mechanisms to alleviate this inhibition during gene activation. Nucleosomes could be destabilized by histone acetylation which is strongly correlated with gene expression. We have compared the effects of nucleosomes cores with low or high levels of histone acetylation on 5S RNA transcription with Xenopus nuclear extracts in vitro. Little or no difference was observed over a range of 1 to 15 nucleosome cores per plasmid template. This result suggests that nucleosomal DNA is not more accessible to transcription factors and to the transcription machinery in acetylated nucleosomes.
Partial Scapholunate Ligament Injuries Treated With Arthroscopic Debridement and Thermal Shrinkage

Purpose To present the early results of arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage using radiofrequency probes for partial (Geissler grades I and II) scapholunate (SL) interosseous ligament injuries of the wrist. Methods Sixteen patients with a mean age of 34 years (range, 18–54 y) presenting with chronic dorsoradial wrist pain unresponsive to initial conservative treatment for a mean period of 12 weeks were included in this study. No patient showed radiologic signs of static dissociation (SL interval, Results The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 9–34 mo). Fourteen patients experienced substantial pain relief whereas in 2 the pain remained unchanged. Eight patients were completely pain free. The mean flexion-extension arc was 142° and the mean grip strength was 78% that of the unaffected side. No patient showed radiologic signs of arthritis or static or dynamic instability after surgery (SL interval remained Conclusions Partial SL ligament tears can be a source of radial-sided wrist pain. Scapholunate ligament debridement and thermal shrinkage effectively provided pain relief for most of the patients treated. Stability was maintained radiographically. No complications were noted from the use of radiofrequency probes. These reasonably favorable short-term results should be viewed cautiously. A longer follow-up study is necessary to determine the ultimate efficacy of this procedure.
The effect and correction of reference heterogeneity in diffuse optical tomography

Near infrared (NIR) diffuse optical tomography has demonstrated great potential in the initial diagnosis of tumor and in the assessment of tumor vasculature response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To reconstruct the absorption map of a breast lesion, perturbation is needed which is the normalized difference between the measurements of lesion-side breast and contralateral reference breast. However, the heterogeneity in the reference breast can produce unwanted perturbation which will result in distortion of the reconstructed target absorption map. This report introduces a filtering method to overcome the reference heterogeneity. This method corrects affected source-detector measurements obtained from the reference side by using averages of unaffected measurements. As a result, the filtered perturbation has decreased the effect of heterogeneity on the reconstructed absorption maps. To evaluate the performance of this filtering method, we have compared the reconstructed results with and without the filtering algorithm using simulated heterogeneous reference with heterogeneous absorbers ranging from 0.05 to 0.20 cm -1 and heterogeneous scatters ranging from 10 to 20cm -1 . The results show that the algorithm can improve the maximum reconstructed target value up to 99% of the value with homogeneous reference. In the worst case of high absorption heterogeneity in reference breast, the maximum reconstructed value was around 30.85% of the true absorption without filtering correction and was improved to 60.4% of the true absorption value, which is 95% of the reconstructed value when using the homogeneous reference.
Ermakov systems, Noether's theorem and the Sarlet-Bahar method

We derive invariants for a nonlinear equation of motion containing arbitrary functions. The method employed is the recently discussed direct method of Sarlet and Bahar. The resulting invariants are a special case of Ermakov invariants. We compare these results to the results obtained by applying Noether's theorem to the same equation of motion.
Sonographic prognostic factors in fetuses with sacrococcygeal teratoma.

Abstract Background: A subset of fetuses with sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) develops hydrops caused by high-output heart failure. Identification of fetuses at risk for hydrops is important because fetal intervention may reverse the pathophysiology of the disease. To date, no reliable sonographic prognostic factors have been identified. Methods: An experienced sonologist reviewed the sonographic records of 17 fetuses with SCT referred to the authors' institution. Size of the tumor was measured and corrected for fetal size. The appearance of the tumor (solid versus cystic) and its vascularity were graded on a subjective scale of 1 to 5. Results: Only 4 of 12 fetuses that had hydrops survived; of the survivors, 3 had undergone fetal intervention. All nonhydropic fetuses survived. Fetuses with hydrops had tumors that were mainly solid and highly vascular, whereas nonhydropic fetuses had predominantly cystic tumors with comparatively less vascularity. There was no significant difference in tumor size between these 2 groups. Conclusions: Fetuses with SCT that are mainly solid in appearance and are highly vascularized have a higher risk of getting hydrops in utero. Tumor size is not an independent prognostic factor. J Pediatr Surg 35:322-326. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
The Role of Exploration in the Classroom (STEM)

Science has often been defined as the exploration of the Natural World and offering explanations of objects and events encountered. Technology is related to science in that it seeks answers to problems in the Man-Made World (Engineering). Too often typical science is categorized as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth/space science. These disciplines are offered for learning from textbooks, teacher lesson plans, lectures and assignments for all students to remember. Science textbooks are typically used to determine the information used for teaching in the K-16 science classes. Science has also been used and associated with the student Bexplorations^ of science. Such explorations start with questions and ideas by students.
Gaps in social support resources in later life: An adaptational challenge in need of further research

Gaps in social support resources in later life may arise when older adults lose social network members due to illness, death, or residential relocation. Gaps also may arise when social networks remain intact but are not well suited to meet older adults' intensifying support needs, such as needs for extended or highly personal instrumental support. Significant gaps in support resources are likely to require adaptive responses by older adults. This discussion highlights theoretical perspectives and illustrates empirical findings regarding the nature and effectiveness of older adults' responses to gaps in their social support resources. The literature examining these issues is relatively small and, as a result, is ripe for further development. Promising directions for future research are suggested.
Inclusion of erectile domain to UPOINT phenotype does not improve correlation with symptom severity in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Objective To evaluate the addition of an erectile dysfunction (ED) domain to the UPOINT (Urinary, Psychosocial, Organ-specific, Infection, Neurologic/systemic, and Tenderness) system in our patients. The UPOINT system classifies men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome into 6 domains. The domain number correlates with the symptom severity, and UPOINT-guided therapy has been shown to significantly improve symptoms. This was recently confirmed in a large Italian cohort, but was only true in a German cohort if an ED domain was added (“S,” resulting in “UPOINTS”). Methods A total of 100 recent patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome were classified using the UPOINT system. An additional “S” domain was retrospectively added for men with bothersome ED. Symptom severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. Results The “S” domain was positive in 28% of the patients. A stepwise positive correlation was found between the number of positive UPOINT domains and symptom severity (Pearson r = .27, P = .006). The “S” domain reduced this correlation (Pearson r = .25, P = .01). ED had no effect on the total Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (24.8 vs 24.7) or on the subscores for pain (11.5 vs 11.6) or quality of life (8.8 vs 8.9). On multivariate analysis, the number of UPOINT domains was the strongest predictor of the total Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (relative increase 4.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5-6.7, P = .002), a relationship lost with UPOINTS (relative increase 1.0, 95% confidence interval −2.1-4.2, P = .53). Conclusion In our patients, ED did not independently affect the chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptom severity or quality of life. Although ED should be elicited and appropriately treated in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, our data do not support the utility of using ED as an independent UPOINT domain.
Confrontation or Conciliation? The Plight of Small Media Brands in a Zero Sum Marketplace

AbstractSmall media brands, operating in a highly competitive zero sum marketplace, reach inevitably a strategic crossroads in which they must decide on confrontation or conciliation with larger incumbent brands. Frontal assaults may foster the promise of market share growth but also provoke serious retaliation. Conversely, appeasement maneuvers may foster short-term market survival but also stifle economic growth. This study offers an alternative strategic framework that synthesizes pertinent aspects of niche theory, brand equity theory and judo business strategy. Using the rise of the Fox News Channel as a case in point, a theoretical triad of context, concept and concentration is proposed for deciding how and when a small media brand should disrupt the status quo.
Public Outreach, Executive Orders, and the Unilateral Presidency

Scholars have traditionally and loosely defined executive orders as presidential directives that instruct bureaucrats about how to implement policy. In contrast, proclamations are thought to be used by presidents to address policy matters regarding the general public. This has been an assumption that scholars have accepted without empirical evidence. We have long known that presidents strategically pursue policy to build support among numerous groups, such as African Americans, religious organizations, women, educators, and labor unions. Presidency scholars also know that executive orders are an expedient tool that an administration utilizes to pursue its policy agenda. As a result, why should we assume that the exclusive target population of executive orders is members of the federal bureaucracy? This is the first study to explore whether and how presidents from 1936 through 2008 use executive orders to target specific populations with policy.
Through-thickness residual stress evaluations for several industrial thermal spray coatings using a modified layer-removal method

Residual stresses are inherent in thermal spray coatings because the application process involves large temperature gradients in materials with different mechanical properties. In many cases, failure analysis of thermal spray coatings has indicated that residual stresses contribute to reduced service life. An estab-lished method for experimentally evaluating residual stresses involves monitoring deformations in a part as layers of material are removed. Although the method offers several advantages, applications are lim-ited to a single isotropic material and do not include coated materials. This paper describes a modified layer-removal method for evaluating through-thickness residual stress distributions in coated materials. The modification is validated by comparisons with three-dimensional finite-element analysis results. The modified layer-removal method was applied to determine through-thickness residual stress distributions for six industrial thermal spray coatings: stainless steel, aluminum, Ni-5A1, two tungsten carbides, and a ceramic thermal barrier coating. The modified method requires only ordinary resistance strain-gage measuring equipment and can be relatively insensitive to uncertainties in the mechanical properties of the coating material.
Vibrational spectra and conformational analysis of 2,3-dichloropropene

Infrared spectra in the region 65 to 3500 cm/sup -1/ are presented for 2,3-dichloropropene. The bands have been assigned to a more polar and a less polar conformation from their behavior toward solvents of different polarity. The more polar form is shown to be the more stable form in the liquid state from the temperature dependence of the intensities of the liquid-state bands. The torsional band was observed at 89 cm/sup -1/ for the vapor state, accompanied by hot bands at 77 and 84 cm/sup -1/.
Thermal degradation of an aromatic polypyromellitimide in air and vacuum III—Pyrolytic conversion into a semiconductor☆

Abstract The pyrolytic conversion of poly[N,N′-(p,p′-oxydiphenylene) pyromellitimide] to semiconducting products is discussed as supported by data on electron paramagnetic resonance (e.p.r.) absorption, specific resistivity, weight loss, density, and composition. Specific resistivities as low as 10 to 0.05 ohm cm were obtained by vacuum pyrolysis between 620° and 850°C with a simultaneous increase in density to 1.65 g/cm3. The region between 575° and 620°C was characterized by no further appreciable weight loss, increase in density, and a sharp drop in the specific resistivity. These changes could be related to an internal reorganization of the polymer to semiconducting products, for which an activation energy of 25±3 kcal was calculated. The development of semiconduction in the pyrolysates occurs well below the graphitization temperature and with the retention of considerable quantities of nitrogen and oxygen. The results are explained in terms of increased mobility of current carriers facilitated by enhanced π-orbital overlap, which in turn arises from a molecular reorganization and fusion process at sufficiently high temperatures.
A simple p -adaptive refinement procedure for structural shape optimization

Abstract A methodology is developed in this paper to perform adaptive finite element analysis using the p-method. The method is based on the use of local error indicators which measure the error in traction across the elements and residual inside the elements. A refinement procedure is coupled with the error estimator for local polynomial escalation. The method is used to solve problems in two-dimensional elasticity and its performance is examined. The adaptive procedure of this type is very useful in many practical applications where it is necessary to evaluate the response as accurately as possible. The application of the above p-adaptive analysis to the problem of shape optimization of structures is discussed. The benefits of using adaptive analysis for shape optimization are demonstrated in the examples.
Neural stem cell-derived exosomes mediate viral entry

Background Viruses enter host cells through interactions of viral ligands with cellular receptors. Viruses can also enter cells in a receptor-independent fashion. Mechanisms regarding the receptor-independent viral entry into cells have not been fully elucidated. Exosomal trafficking between cells may offer a mechanism by which viruses can enter cells.
Education and Training: Issues for the Field of Interior Design

Interior design as a discipline shares much with architecture, art history, and environmental psychology, but the core and issues of a discipline can be found in its graduate education research. It is in graduate research that important topics are rigorously explored by faculty and students. The purpose of this study was to examine the educational and training topics being explored at the doctoral level in interior design. The study utilizes a bounded qualitative meta-study framework to examine 38 dissertation abstracts from 1999 through 2009 found by searching the terms interior design and education or teaching in the ProQuest Dissertation and Theses TM digital database. The overarching research question for this study was: What can we learn from examining doctoral dissertations abstracts found during this 10 year time period that focus on the teaching of interior design? The study provides an overview of qualitative meta-syntheses within a bounded qualitative framework. The content of the study’s findings addresses the attributes of the researcher and the research of interior design education. We conclude by calling for a discussion of doctoral research and interior design instruction focusing on the relationship of professional practice and academic research and the utilization of qualitative meta-analysis as a tool for establishing evidence based design.
Use of Li6I(Eu) as a scintillation detector and spectrometer for fast neutrons

Abstract The scintillation response of europium activated crystals of Li 6 I to neutrons in the energy range 1–14MeV has been investigated with the crystals maintained at various temperatures. The pulse-height spectrum from mono-energetic neutrons incident on a crystal at room temperature demonstrates a poorly defined and broad fast-neutron peak. Upon cooling the crystal, the fast-neutron peak becomes sharper and assumes a nearly Gaussian shape at temperatures below about — 140° C. This behaviour is attributed to an increased scintillation efficiency of LiI(Eu) to alpha particles at low temperatures. Pulse-height spectra from crystals at the liquid nitrogen point are presented for neutrons from the D(d,n)He 3 , T(d,n)He 4 , and Be 9 (d,n)B 10 reactions, a Po-Be source, and U 235 fission. The principal features of Li 6 I(Eu) as a fast-neutron spectrometer are a relatively high detection efficiency (≈0.1%) and moderate resolution.
Interference and locality-aware task scheduling for MapReduce applications in virtual clusters

MapReduce emerges as an important distributed programming paradigm for large-scale applications. Running MapReduce applications in clouds presents an attractive usage model for enterprises. In a virtual MapReduce cluster, the interference between virtual machines (VMs) causes performance degradation of map and reduce tasks and renders existing data locality-aware task scheduling policy, like delay scheduling, no longer effective. On the other hand, virtualization offers an extra opportunity of data locality for co-hosted VMs. In this paper, we present a task scheduling strategy to mitigate interference and meanwhile preserving task data locality for MapReduce applications. The strategy includes an interference-aware scheduling policy, based on a task performance prediction model, and an adaptive delay scheduling algorithm for data locality improvement. We implement the interference and locality-aware (ILA) scheduling strategy in a virtual MapReduce framework. We evaluated its effectiveness and efficiency on a 72-node Xen-based virtual cluster. Experimental results with 10 representative CPU and IO-intensive applications show that ILA is able to achieve a speedup of 1.5 to 6.5 times for individual jobs and yield an improvement of up to 1.9 times in system throughput in comparison with four other MapReduce schedulers.
Effect of sodium butyrate on metallothionein induction and cadmium cytotoxicity in ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Abstract ROS 17/2.8 cells, a cloned rat osteosarcoma cell line, are exceptionally sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of cadmium. This sensitivity is associated with the inability of this metal to induce the synthesis of metallothionein, a transition metal-binding protein, which detoxifies this metal by its sequestration. Sodium butyrate induces the synthesis of metallothionein in these cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with this agent also significantly increases the resistance of these cells to the cytotoxic effects of cadmium and the protective effect of butyrate is reversed upon its removal from culture medium. Butyrate treatment did not significantly alter the accumulation of cadmium by these cells. Hence, the increased synthesis of metallothionein in butyrate-treated cells is not due to increased cellular uptake of cadmium. Inhibition of DNA synthesis due to butyrate was not a sufficient condition to alter metallothionein synthesis or to protect against Cd-induced cytoxicity. Equivalent inhibition of DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea failed to increase metallothionein synthesis in cadmium-treated cells. These results indicate that modulation of metallothionein gene expression in this cell line is the critical factor in determining cellular sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of cadmium.
Mandibular rotation revisited: What makes it so important?

Orthodontists have long been aware that mandibular rotation takes place during growth, but most have underestimated its importance. This is so because the distinction between the true rotation and the rotation of the mandibular plane is typically not made. Traditionally, orthodontists have focused on the mandibular plane, which changes little because modeling on the lower mandibular border largely hides the true rotation that occurs. Furthermore, orthodontists must understand that changes in tooth position—over which they have great control—play an important role in determining the true rotational changes that occur. Such an appreciation is of particular importance when evaluating Class II cases, for which true rotation is critically important, in terms of both the development and solution of the problem. Clinically, they must be aware of and able to use the various centers of rotation to prevent deleterious changes from occurring and to orthopedically correct the problems that have developed. Orthodontists must understand that true rotation is the primary determinant of chin position and a major determinant of condylar growth direction, mandibular modeling, and dentoalveolar compensations. They must learn how to take advantage of the mandible's capacity to adapt to rotational changes.
The effect of harmine on the action potential of the guinea-pig atrial muscle depends on the external calcium concentration.

Abstract 1 The influence of the external calcium concentration on the effect of harmine 2 x 10(-5) M upon the guinea-pig atrial muscle was analysed. Transmembrane potentials of contractile fibres were measured during exposure to the drug at 30 degrees C. 2 In preparations superfused with 1.35 mM Ca2+-Tyrode solution and driven at 60/min (1 Hz) harmine depressed the amplitude of the action potential (AP) and the maximum velocity of the upstroke (dV/dt). The resting potential was not affected. Harmine depressed similarly the dV/dt of fibres superfused with 2.7 mM Ca2+-Tyrode solution but the AP was slightly enhanced. 3 Harmine diminished both the AP and the dV/dt of fibres superfused with 2.7 mM Ca2+-Tyrode solution and driven at a fast rate (180/min, 3 Hz). Increased external calcium concentration (5.4 mM) annulled the depressant effect on Ap while the action on dV/dt persisted. 4 It is concluded that the effect of harmine on the Ap depends on the external calcium concentration. Increase [Ca2+]o reverses the depressant effect of harmine because it annuls the effect of the drug on the slow component of the upstroke. The action on the initial fast component of the rising phase of the action potential persists.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Properties and Paper-Strength Improvement of Cationic Wheat Starch†

Cationic derivatives of normal corn and wheat starch were produced and investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that substitution lowered the starch gelatinization temperature, the gelatinization endotherm, and the temperature of amylose-lipid V-complex dissociation. Substitution lowered the starch-iodine color and inhibited precipitation of the amylose-alcohol complex by standard fractionation techniques. Cationic derivatives of normal corn and wheat starch gave similar improvements in dry strength of paper when added at the wet-end. Differential-raster-calorimetrische Eigenschaften und die Erhohung der Papierfestigkeit durch kationische Weizenstarke. Kationische Derivate von normaler Mais- und Weizenstarke wurden hergestellt und untersucht. Die Differential-Raster-Calorimetrie zeigte, das die Substitution die Starkeverkleisterungstemperatur, die Verkleisterungs-Endotherme und die Temperatur der Dissoziation des Amylose-Lipid-V-Komplexes herabsetzt. Die Substitution verminderte die Starke-Jodfarbe und verhinderte die Ausfallung des Amylose-Alkoholkomplexes durch die ublichen Faktionierungsmethoden. Die kationischen Derivate von normaler Mais- und Weizenstarke fuhrten zu vergleichbaren Verbesserungen der Trockenfestigkeit von Papier, wenn sie wahrend der Naspartie zugesetzt wurden.