cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of fatty acid desaturase activity in rat lung microsomes

Preparations of rat lung microsomes containing 0.030-0.050 nmole of cytochromes P-450 and b5 per mg microsomal protein have been observed to contain significant levels of fatty acid desaturase activity. Both stearoyl CoA and palmitoyl CoA are desaturated to their monounsaturated analogues, oleic acid and palmitoleic acid, respectively. Activity (per mg microsomal protein) of the lung preparations varied according to the diet of the animals prior to killing in the order: fat free diet greater than normal rat chow greater than starvation. All preparations exhibited approximately 50% inhibition when incubated in the presence of 0.10 mM CN-. Maximal activity was obtained with the 0.50 mM NADH less activity with equal amounts of NADPH, and there was no synergistic interaction of NADH and NADPH together. The rate of desaturation was linear with protein concentrations between 0.15-1.5 mg microsomal protein/incubation at incubation times up to 8 min. A pH optimum range of 7.0-7.4 was observed. For all variables of fatty acid desaturase activity which were examined, the rate of desaturation of stearoyl CoA was approximately twice that for palmitoyl CoA. These results indicate that the same fatty acid desaturation system which is functional in the liver is also present in significant amounts in mammalian lungs.
Why Do Yoga Research: Who Cares and What Good Is It?

Although IAYT’s publications include both original research and summaries of research published in other peer-reviewed journals, the question of why we should be involved in research on Yoga in the first place is a valid one. Full-time research on Yoga or Yoga therapy involves substantial resources both in labor and in costs. For example, a small Yoga therapy clinical trial grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires substantial involvement of trained scientists and Yoga instructors and can cost the taxpayer over a half-million dollars. Yet all of this cost and effort will yield but one small publishable preliminary study. These resources might easily be devoted elsewhere for the public good, perhaps through providing more Yoga classes to underserved populations. One rationale for Yoga research is that it can be used to boost the prestige, profile, and ultimately the popularity of Yoga through resulting media coverage. This strategy is actively employed by a number of Yoga organizations and individuals. However, Yoga appears to be prospering just fine without this particularly expensive marketing strategy. The current popularity of Yoga is unprecedented, with a recent survey revealing that 7.5% of the population is practicing Yoga. 1 Yoga is widely revered as a practice associated with health and well-being, and is even being widely used by the advertising industry to sell consumer products.
Reduction of Arterial Hypertension by Subcutaneous Implantation of Kidney Tissue.

SummaryOur results suggest that transplanted kidney tissue undergoing degeneration exerts an antagonistic action upon the renal hypertension mechanism.
Nitrogen Balance Studies in Humans: Long-Term Effect of High Nitrogen Intake on Nitrogen Accretion

Six healthy young adult male participants were confined to a metabolic ward for 105 days. Two nutritionally adequate purified diets providing 12 and 36 g of nitrogen per day were randomized in two metabolic periods of approximately 50 days each. The objective of this study was to verify whether or not positive nitrogen balance is a concomitant of increased nitrogen intake under the most rigorously controlled conditions, and if so, whether adaptation could occur if the experiment was conducted for sufficiently long periods of time. The mean nitrogen balance was slightly negative for most participants when fed the 12 g N diet. However, individual variability was so large that statistically all the participants can be considered in balance. In view of this, we agree with other investigators who have suggested that balance should be considered as an area which takes into account variabilities such as intake, output and biological factors. On the 36 g N diet, all the participants exhibited strong positive balances, about 1.6 g/day, which were not as high as reported by other investigators but which persisted for as long as they were fed this diet. This positive balance could not seem to be explained on the basis of methodological errors or to any unmeasured nitrogen losses. There was no significant trend towards adaptation as claimed.
Staff pharmacists' opinions about performance appraisals

Staff pharmacists' knowledge of the performance appraisal (PA) process at their hospitals and their satisfaction with the process were studied. A two-page questionnaire was mailed to staff pharmacists at 11 hospitals located around the country, and a pharmacy administrator at each hospital was interviewed. A total of 142 staff pharmacist surveys were returned. Staff pharmacists' responses about the PA process were then compared with the responses given by their pharmacy administrator. Comparison of responses showed a low percentage of agreement for many items. When process measures were compared with satisfaction scores, the results indicated that staff pharmacists are more satisfied with the PA process when a written performance plan is used and when they receive feedback about their performance throughout the year. Managers should orient staff pharmacists to the PA process that will be used to evaluate them. Written plans for improving performance and frequent feedback about performance may increase staff pharmacists' satisfaction with the PA process.
Non-Mechanism Modeling of Photovoltaic Array Under Partial Shade

Most existing mechanism models of photovoltaic(PV) array under the shade are expressed by piecewise function and such a form is a bit of complexity, so it is proposed that to utilize the Fourier function and curve fitting for non-mechanism modeling of PV array under partial shade, thus the mechanism model of PV array under partial shade is improved to obtain the output data of PV array and perform linear interpolation. Fourier functions with different orders are chosen to fit the output curves of PV array under single shade and multi-shades. The proposed non-mechanism model possesses unified mathematical expression, therefore the piecewise description is no more needed, the proposed method can be used for the modeling of PV arrays, which belong to different power levels and different accuracy requirements, and using it the modeling of PV array under partial shade can be simplified.
Adenomatous polyp in ileal conduit.

AbstractA 26-year-old man had had an ileal conduit urinary diversion when he was 4 years old for exstrophy of the bladder. Exploration for a filling defect in the conduit revealed an adenomatous polyp. The histologic changes of long-term ileal intestinal urinary diversion are discussed.
The potential for anemia treatment to improve survival in cancer patients.

One of the most fundamental challenges to multicellular life is the delivery of sufficient oxygen and metabolic substrate to all cells and the rapid elimination of acid formed during cellular respiration. Thus it is logical to wonder whether anemia, by compromising these pathways, might contribute to the progression of cancer.
Stakeholders' preferred policy solution: comparing strategies to address degraded levees

The levees along the Portneuf River around Pocatello, ID, have degraded to the point where action is necessary. Stakeholders have identified three potential policy actions that would address the levee issue – remove the existing levees, reinforce the existing levees, or remove and reconstruct new levees that incorporated green areas. While it appears that the strongest support was given to the reconstruction option, it is not clear which of these policy proposals are actually preferred by stakeholders. In short, if stakeholders had their way, which of these policies would be implemented? Using a survey of stakeholders in the Pocatello area, I compare the determinants of stakeholder policy preferences to determine how these preferences differ from one another. The analysis reveals these policy preferences are primarily driven by attitudinal indicators and risk perceptions.
Adsorption of organic contaminants by graphene nanosheets: A review

Graphene nanosheets (GNS) such as graphenes and graphene oxides (GOs) have been widely investigated as next-generation adsorbents in both water and wastewater treatment processes due to their unique physicochemical properties and their affinity towards different classes of organic contaminants (OCs). In the last five years, more than 40 articles investigating adsorption of different classes of OCs by graphene and GO were published in peer-reviewed journals. Adsorption mechanisms were controlled by molecular properties of OCs (e.g., aromatic vs aliphatic, molecular size and hydrophobicity), characteristics of adsorbents (e.g., surface area, pore size distribution, and surface functional groups), and background solution properties (e.g., pH, ionic strength, surfactants, NOM, and temperature). This literature survey includes: (i) a summary of adsorption of OCs by GNS, (ii) a comprehensive discussion of the mechanisms and factors controlling the adsorption of OCs by GNS and a comparison of their adsorption behaviors with those of CNT. This literature survey also identifies future research needs and challenges on the adsorption of OCs by GNS.
Solar cell and photonics outreach for middle school students and teachers

This paper will describe the curriculum development process employed to develop a solar cell and photonics curriculum unit for students underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Information will explain how the curriculum unit was piloted with middle and high school teachers from public schools in North Carolina, high school students from underrepresented groups in an informal science program, and workshop settings. Measures used to develop the curriculum materials for middle school students will be presented along with program findings documenting students’ urban versus rural interest in STEM, career aspirations, and 21st century learning skills in informal learning settings.
Planning the Political Intervention: Electoral Campaigns

In this chapter, we build from the five-stage process for developing political strategy introduced in Chap. 5, and adapt it to take you through the process of planning an electoral campaign. Electoral campaigns are those that focus on convincing voters to cast their ballot for or against a particular candidate or issue. They “represent the core of representative democracy” (Rackaway, 21st century political science: A reference handbook. Sage, 2011). In fact, “the quality of a democratic society can be easily linked to the quality of its election campaigns” (para 1).
Testing Equality of Curves after Covariate Adjustment

This paper is concerned with providing simple methodological approaches for global and local tests of difference between the mean of treatment and control groups when the measured outcome is a function. The added complexity is that for every subject we have repeated samples for the same curve and additional covariates of interest. We propose a permutation based approach to test for a global difference between the averages of two functional processes after covariate adjustment. The within group averages are estimated by modeling the relationship of the functional outcome on the covariate using functional regression methods and then averaging with respect to the covariate distribution in each group. The test statistic is the L2 area under the squared difference curve. We also test for the localized differences between the two average curves using a nonparametric bootstrap of subjects to obtain the 95% pointwise and joint confidence intervals for the estimated covariate-adjusted difference curve. Extensive simulation studies illustrate that the proposed tests preserve the type one error and are highly sensitive to detecting departures from the null assumption. We illustrate our method by studying the differences in time varying oxygen consumption between the frail Interleukin 10tm1Cgn (IL10tm) mice and the wildtype mice after adjusting for body composition measures.
The Evolution, Function, and Meaning of Marmot Alarm Communication

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the evolution, function, and meaning of marmot alarm communication. Alarm calls are a system in which one can study the dynamics of altruism. Calls can contain potentially referential information about the specific type of predator and information about the degree of risk that the caller faces while calling. Moreover, alarm‐calling systems may offer some unique insights into the adaptive significance of individuality. The chapter focuses on alarm communication; marmots obtain other information about risk acoustically. Many species respond to the sounds that their predators make. A phylogenetic reconstruction of the ability to respond to the sound of predators predicts that yellow‐bellied marmots should respond to predators. Recent experiment suggests that marmots have an innate ability to respond to the sounds of locally extinct predators. Future work can focus on the specific acoustic cues that marmots use, which enable them to respond to novel predators.
Reaching Legislative Consensus, 1960–1965

During the decades of the Fifties and Sixties, a tremendous expansion of interest in the arts in America occurred. This phenomenon, often termed in the popular press as a cultural “boom” or “explosion,” was characterized as a seeking for cultural sustenance by an affluent population in a variety of settings and through a variety of experiences.
Computer Planning of Research in Organic Chemistry

Information processing is a very fundamental activity in research, probably more important than most of us realize. Research is begun based on previously established information and the product of research is also information. This output information results from experimental observations or combinations of and extrapolations from previous information. The majority of information processed, for example, by a chemist in research is non-numerical — symbols, words, relations, logical inference, etc.1 Numeric symbols and the common arithemetic operations are simply a small subset of what we need for information processing in research. It is only in the last decade that programming languages (eg. LISP) have been developed which enable one to easily manipulate symbolic representations within a computer, enabling one to begin applying computers to some of the more interesting non-numerical problems in science. The elegant work Buchanan presented at this meeting in structure elucidation is an example of what has been done in this area. In this paper I wish to focus on computer-assisted planning of research in organic chemistry in general. As illustrations, I will refer to recent applications in synthesis, mechanistic studies, and biogenesis.
Hypocalcemia: Diagnosis and Treatment

Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte derangement commonly encountered on surgical and medical services. This derangement can result from a vast spectrum of disorders. The condition may be transient, reversing with addressing the underlying cause expeditiously, or chronic and even lifelong, when due to a genetic disorder or the result of irreversible damage to the parathyroid glands after surgery or secondary to autoimmune destruction. Adult and pediatric endocrinologists must carefully assess patients with hypocalcemia, factoring into that assessment clinical presentation and symptomatology, concomitant laboratory abnormalities, past medical and family histories, recent medications, and even genetic sequencing analysis on the patient or affected family members. Critical initial laboratory testing involves measuring serum phosphate, magnesium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. Further evaluation is directed by the clinical and laboratory profiles that emerge. Significant fundamental insights into the molecular pathogenesis of several disorders that cause hypocalcemia have been made. These insights involve the molecular etiologies for PTH resistance (i.e., the different subtypes of pseudohypoparathyroidism); the role of the AIRE (autoimmune regulator) protein in autoimmune hypoparathyroidism and in mediating central tolerance to self-antigens; and the molecular bases for different genetic forms of magnesium wasting (that in turn causes hypocalcemia) and hypoparathyroidism. Genetic etiologies for hypoparathyroidism involve mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor, the G protein subunit alpha 11 that couples the receptor to downstream signaling molecules in parathyroid cells, transcription factors essential for parathyroid gland development, and the PTH molecule itself. Treatment of hypocalcemia depends on severity and chronicity. A calcium infusion is indicated for severe acute and or symptomatic hypocalcemia, while the standard mainstays of oral therapy are calcium supplements and activated vitamin D metabolites. Finally, and importantly, despite the rarity of chronic hypoparathyroidism, there have been several clinical trials supporting the use of recombinant human PTH (1-84) in the management of patients not well controlled on standard treatment. These trials have led to the approval of PTH (1-84) by the US Food and Drug Administration for adults with this disorder not well regulated on the usual therapy. Future research is being directed toward designing ideal treatment regimens with PTH (1-84) as well as developing a better understanding of the risks for post-surgical hypoparathyroidism, the most common etiology of hypoparathyroidism in adult patients. For complete coverage of this and all related ares of Endocrinology, please see our FREE web-book www.endotext.org.
Convex Prophet Inequalities

We introduce a new class of prophet inequalities-convex prophet inequalities-where a gambler observes a sequence of convex cost functions ci (xi ) and is required to assign some fraction 0 ≤ xi ≤ 1 to each, such that the sum of assigned values is exactly 1. The goal of the gambler is to minimize the sum of the costs. We provide an optimal algorithm for this problem, a dynamic program, and show that it can be implemented in polynomial time when the cost functions are polynomial. We also precisely characterize the competitive ratio of the optimal algorithm in the case where the gambler has an outside option and there are polynomial costs, showing that it grows as !(np-1/ζ), where n is the number of stages, p is the degree of the polynomial costs and the coefficients of the cost functions are bounded by [`,u].
UNIT 18.3 DNA Immunization

DNA immunization was discovered in early 1990s, and its use has been expanded from vaccine studies to a broader range of biomedical research areas, such as the generation of high-quality polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as research reagents. In this unit, three common DNA immunization methods are described: needle injection, electroporation, and gene gun. In addition, several common considerations related to DNA immunization are discussed. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 31:18.3.1-18.3.24. ©2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: DNA vaccine; immunization; electroporation; gene gun
Triaxial Permeability and Strength Testing of Contaminated Soils

As a consequence of hazardous and toxic waste disposal in the subsurface environment, triaxial permeability and strength tests on contaminated soils or with hazardous pore fluids must be conducted for extended time periods. The determination of hydraulic conductivity and shear strength of contaminated soils (or of uncontaminated soils using contaminated permeants) requires equipment and procedures different from those required for conventional triaxial permeability and strength testing. The application of a back pressure works well to maintain saturation for short-term testing but may be insufficient for long-term testing. Procedure and equipment modifications are required to maintain saturation. Reservoir modifications may be made to dissolve contaminants at the solubility limit. Frequent replacement of influent permeant may maintain saturation and influent equilibrium. Equipment modifications may be required due to the chemical nature of the permeant and its incompatibility with the equipment. Long-term testing variables also include gradient, effective stress, particle migration, differential consolidation, diffusion through the membrane, and changes in water chemistry. Due to the need to permeate the specimen with at least one pore volume of permeant, gradients higher than those typically encountered in the field are used. This results in high effective stresses and differential consolidation. The volatile nature of certain permeants may cause diffusion through the membrane and changes in influent chemistry throughout the test.
A University Learning Center.

(1971). A University Learning Center. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Western College Reading Association: Vol. 4, Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Conference of the WCRA. Interdisciplinary Aspects of Reading Instruction, pp. 89-95.
Blunt and Non-Blunt Cannabis Use and Risk of Subsequent Combustible Tobacco Product Use Among Adolescents.

Introduction Cannabis-including blunts (cannabis rolled in tobacco-containing cigar casing) -is commonly the first substance used among adolescents and may increase the likelihood of subsequent initiation of combustible tobacco products. Aims and methods Data were pooled from two prospective studies of adolescents in California and Connecticut (total N = 4594). Logistic regression models assessed the association of baseline ever blunt use and ever non-blunt cannabis use (vs. never cannabis use) with subsequent initiation of any combustible tobacco-only product (ie, cigarettes, cigars, or cigarillos) by 1-year follow-up after adjustment for demographic characteristics and other tobacco product use at baseline. We also assessed whether estimates differed by prior e-cigarette or hookah use at baseline. Results Among never combustible tobacco-only product users (N = 2973), 221 (7.4%) had ever used a blunt and 114 (3.8%) had ever used only non-blunt cannabis at baseline. Blunt use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 to 3.01) and non-blunt cannabis use (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.41 to 4.00) were independently associated with greater odds of combustible tobacco-only product initiation by follow-up. Among those who had not tried e-cigarettes or who had not tried hookah, blunt use and non-blunt cannabis use were associated with significantly increased odds of combustible tobacco product initiation; among those who had tried e-cigarettes or hookah, the association was not significant. Conclusions We found blunt and non-blunt cannabis use to be associated with subsequent combustible tobacco-only product initiation, particularly among adolescents who had not also tried other products containing nicotine. Implications Adolescent-focused tobacco prevention efforts should consider incorporating cannabis products, including blunts. More research is needed to understand how blunt use and cannabis use more broadly are associated with initiation of tobacco products.
A review on the integration of probabilistic solar forecasting in power systems

Abstract As one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources, the integration of solar power poses great challenges to power systems due to its variable and uncertain nature. As an effective approach to promote the integration of solar power in power systems, the value of probabilistic forecasts is being increasingly recognized in the recent decade. While the current use of probabilistic forecasts in power systems is limited, enormous amount of research has been conducted to promote the adoption of probabilistic forecasts and many methods have been proposed. This paper gives a comprehensive review on how probabilistic solar forecasts are utilized in power systems to address the challenges. Potential methods to deal with uncertainties in power systems are summarized, such as probabilistic load flow models, stochastic optimization, robust optimization, and chance constraints. In addition, specific areas where these methods can be applied are discussed and state-of-the-art studies are summarized.
A Multicenter Prospective Non-Randomized Study Comparing Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy and Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization for Prolapsed, Nonincarcerated, Reducible Hemorrhoids: A Study Protocol.

Introduction Current evidence suggests that transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery than Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the durability of the therapeutic effect in terms of recurrent disease. Objective and significance: The aim of this study will be to evaluate the outcome of THD compared to Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy in terms of recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up. Methods This is a multicenter, parallel-arm, non-randomized prospective study comparing Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy and THD in terms of recurrence rate at one year. The primary endpoint is recurrence rate at one year defined as prolapsing internal hemorrhoids at physical examination. Secondary endpoints include the following postoperative complications: urinary retention, constipation (requiring laxative or emergency room visit), dysuria, pruritis ani, anal pain, anal stenosis, unhealed wound, fissure, fecal urgency, and flatus or stool incontinence. Adults older than 18 years with prolapsed, non-incarcerated, reducible hemorrhoids in at least 3 columns at physical examination will be included in one of the study arms: Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy and THD. Surgeons with proven expertise in hemorrhoids surgery will enroll patients undergoing Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy and THD (not both). Each participating surgeon will enroll a maximum of 10 patients. Ethics and Dissemination: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Stony Brook University (previously) and New York Medical College (currently), and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03245086). The findings of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Conversion of a Diesel engine into a natural gas engine: An environment friendly alternative for commercial vehicles?

The reduction of CO2-emissions is one of the biggest challenges in future and a requirement for future propulsion systems for passenger cars and for commercial vehicles. There are a lot of concepts available, which can help to reduce the CO2-emissions. One possibility is to use alternative fuels like compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas. CNG or LNG has the big advantage of a reduced CO2 emission. There is also the possibility to generate the natural gas by usage of renewable energies. This could be done with e.g. crops, powerto-gas, landfill-gas. Isuzu Motors Germany converted in the last years an existing Diesel engine to a CNG engine, which is able to cover the power and torque requirements of an already in-use Diesel-engine. The following article shows the steps of the conversion of a Diesel driven engine into a CNG driven engine. The article contains first results of the investigation of the CNG engine and also a comparison between the Diesel engine and the CNG engine.
Understanding wear behavior of 3D-Printed calcium phosphate-reinforced CoCrMo in biologically relevant media.

Abstract Recent advances in the processing of wear-resistant calcium-phosphate reinforced CoCrMo composites for articulating surface applications has necessitated further investigation of performance in biological conditions relevant to patient applications. To this end, CoCrMo composites containing calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite (HA) were manufactured to study the influence of the reinforcing phase on the tribofilm formation in biologically-relevant conditions. The CoCrMo-HA composites were processed using a laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) additive manufacturing (AM) system with three distinctive compositions: CoCrMo-0%HA, CoCrMo-1%HA, and CoCrMo-3%HA. Extensive wear testing of the CoCrMo-HA composites was carried out in DMEM (cell media) and DMEM + Hyaluronic acid (found naturally in synovial fluid). Wear tests were performed at loads ranging from 5N to 20N, and wear media was measured post-test using ICP-MS techniques to release Co and Cr ions. During testing, all coefficients of friction remained in the 0.15–0.25 range, which was lower than the previously reported 0.50–0.75 range in DI water, indicating that the DMEM + hyaluronic acid media plays a significant role in reducing frictional contact. At loads higher than 15N, the HA-tribofilm exhibited a breakdown resulting in higher wear rates but still lower overall ion release than the CoCrMo control composition. Our results indicate that CoCrMo alloys with HA addition can significantly reduce wear rates and ion release even in the presence of naturally-occurring synovial-fluid friction-reducing media.
Resource Misallocation Leading to Productivity Gaps in Malaysia's Manufacturing Sector?

The reallocation of resources from low- to high-productivity firms can generate large aggregate productivity gains. The paper uses data from the Malaysian manufacturing censuses of 2005 and 2010 to measure the country’s hypothetical productivity gains if all misallocation within industries are removed. Comparing the results across the two census waves, we conclude that efficiency gaps (that is, the degree of misallocation) in Malaysia have narrowed by one-fifth. The efficiency gaps, however, appear to be over 40 percent, indicating a substantial room for improvement. This is important, particularly if total factor productivity growth is expected to support future economic growth. The analysis in this paper accounts only for resource misallocation within sectors. There may be other, possibly large, resource misallocation across sectors. Closing those gaps could boost total factor productivity and gross domestic product growth even further.
Robotics-guided placement of second set of screws in one pedicle: A case report

Abstract Background Implementing technology is of paramount importance in today’s world. It becomes increasingly critical in the medical field, where patients are benefited from the developments of science. The advent of robotics in spinal surgery will propel the field forward, while heightening its accuracy. Observation (s) We report the implementation of a 3-D pre-planning software and use of a robotic arm (ExcelsiusGPS®; Globus Medical Inc., Audubon, Pennsylvania) to put in place a second set of screws at a previously instrumented level without the need for removal of the old screws with no complications and decreased operative time. As far as we know, the use of robotics in spine surgery for this purpose has not been described and this work might fuel further investigation as to the benefits of the technique as well as gaining a more profound understanding of the implications. Lessons Taking advantage of robotics, revision spine surgery can become faster and more efficient.
Thermal and Phase-Transformation Microactuators

In this chapter we explore devices that utilize direct thermal schemes to achieve actuation. Heat can be generated by different means that include passing current through a resistor, using light, and employing junctions between dissimilar regions. The resistive heating is by far the most popular method that is used in actuators. Thermal actuators are usually simpler and easier to construct than their other counterparts such as electrostatic actuators. The main disadvantage of thermal actuators is their slow speed. Therefore, these types of actuators stand to gain substantially from miniaturization and they have received renewed interest in the microdevice community. Thermal actuators employing gas, liquid, and solid expansions are reported in the literature as discussed in the following sections.
SU-B-213-04: Evaluation of Residency Programs

The North American medical physics community validates the education received by medical physicists and the clinical qualifications for medical physicists through accreditation of educational programs and certification of medical physicists. Medical physics educational programs (graduate education and residency education) are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP), whereas medical physicists are certified by several organizations, the most familiar of which is the American Board of Radiology (ABR). In order for an educational program to become accredited or a medical physicist to become certified, the applicant must meet certain specified standards set by the appropriate organization. In this Symposium, representatives from both CAMPEP and the ABR will describe the process by which standards are established as well as the process by which qualifications of candidates for accreditation or certification are shown to be compliant with these standards. The Symposium will conclude with a panel discussion. Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the difference between accreditation of an educational program and certification of an individual 2. Identify the two organizations primarily responsible for these tasks 3. Describe the development of educational standards 4. Describe the process by which examination questions are developed GS is Executive Secretary of CAMPEP.
Comparative pharmacokinetics in mice of the novel camptothecin analog DB-67 administered in diluted cremophor/ethanol or a supersaturated solution stabilized by a chemically-modified cyclodextrin.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5538 DB-67 (7- t -butyldimethylsilyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) is a third generation camptothecin analog engineered to be blood stable and highly potent. After evaluation through the Rapid Access to Intervention Development (RAID) program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it will be tested in patients with solid tumors. Presently, the drug is formulated in 50% cremophor EL/ethanol for dilution prior to injection, but this vehicle is known to cause hypersensitivity in patients. Here we compared the DB-67 pharmacokinetics (PK) in mice after oral (PO) or intravenous (IV) administration of a cremophor/ethanol solution and a supersaturated solution containing a chemically-modified cyclodextrin (SBE-CD (Captisol®)) as a potential alternative. DB-67 (1mg/kg) was administered PO or IV as a bolus tail vein injection to mice. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture at 5 and 30 min and at 1, 3, and 6 hours after PO administration. Similarly, samples were collected at 5 and 15 min and at 1, 3, 6, and 8 hours after IV administration. Samples were centrifuged and plasma was extracted with 4 volumes of cold methanol. Extracts were vortexed, centrifuged, and supernatants were analyzed by HPLC. The assay employed a reversed-phase column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.15 M ammonium acetate/10 mM tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 6.5): acetonitrile (65:35, v/v) with fluorescence detection to monitor the carboxylate and lactone forms of DB-67. The HPLC method allowed the simultaneous determination of both DB-67 carboxylate and lactone. Validation demonstrated selectivity and specificity for the carboxylate and lactone, with linearity between 5–300 ng/mL for both analytes (accuracy ± 9 % of theory and coefficient of variation ≤5.7 %). Carboxylate to lactone conversion was <4% using this method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using compartmental modeling. As expected for this blood stable camptothecin, the lactone was the predominant species in blood during the 6 or 8 hour periods of sampling. Drug disposition was identical with either formulation after either PO or IV administration. The oral bioavailability estimated from the ratios of AUCs for the PO and IV doses was ∼33%. We have established an accurate and precise HPLC assay for the quantitation of DB-67 and have demonstrated its utility in pharmacokinetic studies. DB-67 disposition is similar in cremophor/ethanol and SBE-CD formulations. Thus, a supersaturated solution stabilized by a chemically-modified cyclodextrin may be a useful alternative formulation to avoid the adverse reactions to cremophor/ethanol observed in the clinic. Interestingly, the oral bioavailability of DB-67 in mice is similar to reported oral bioavailabilities for other commercially available analogs.
Examining Preservice Teacher Belief Changes in the Context of Coordinated Mathematics Methods Coursework and Classroom Experiences

The purpose of this study was to compare changes in beliefs of two groups of preservice teachers involved in two types of opportunities to immediately apply methods for teaching accompanying an elementary mathematics methods course. Students in one group applied the methods learned in class through weekly 30-minute peer-teaching sessions, while students in the other group worked for 45 minutes weekly with elementary students in public school classrooms where traditional pedagogy was normally practiced. The intensity of the beliefs about the nature of mathematics and of mathematical work held by these methods students was measured using the Integrating Mathematics and Pedagogy Web-Based Beliefs Survey (created on December 4, 2012 1:57PM) as a pre- and postassessment. While both groups saw significant change in belief intensity across measurement occasions favoring a reform perspective, a significantly greater change was experienced by the group who applied methods in classrooms, despite the traditional practice that usually occurred in them. The authors hypothesize this greater change resulted from the benefits associated with working with children and from the instructor support that may have tended to nullify the effects of teaching in a classroom where traditional pedagogy was the norm.
Liquid Limit Values by Soil Moisture Tension

The feasibility of using soil mositure tension as a practical method of determining consistency limit values is investigated. Samples with known limits determined by standard methods were obtained from the Iowa State Highway Commission. The samples were mostly clays, silty clays, and silty clay loams. A total of 687 liquid limits and 273 plastic limits are determined using varying moisture tensions on pressure plate and pressure membrane apparatus respectively. The effect of textural groups on liquid limit determination is not especially critical; moisture tensions vary between 40 in. and 70 in. of water pressure. A definite relationship between the consistency limits and moisture tension curves is proved using generally accepted theoretical relationships. The moisture tension method is capable of producing a liquid limit value essentially the same as would be obtained by the standard ASTM method, but with better reproducibility. In general, the plastic limit results are not acceptable; however, the method could be used for determining the plastic limits of clays. There is essentially no operator variability with the moisture tension method.
Estrogen Biphasically Modifies Hypothalamic GABAergic Function Concomitantly with Negative and Positive Control of Luteinizing Hormone Release

The principal role of estrogen is its control of the female ovulatory cycle via negative and positive feedback on gonadotropin secretion. However, a detailed, cohesive picture of how the steroid specifically regulates the excitability of hypothalamic neurons involved in the central control of gonadotropin secretion is still emerging. Here, we used an ovariectomized female guinea pig model to test the hypothesis that estrogen acts on GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area (POA) to elicit a biphasic profile of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings revealed that estradiol benzoate (EB; 25 microgram, s.c.) decreased the hyperpolarizing response of GABAergic neurons to the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen 24 hr after treatment. This effect of GABA(B) receptor stimulation in unidentified POA neurons was still depressed 42 hr after EB administration. By the use of a ribonuclease protection assay, however, EB reduced glutamic acid decarboxylase mRNA expression 42 hr but not 24 hr after its administration. Thus, estrogen attenuated the autoinhibition of GABAergic POA neurons during the initial LH suppressive (i.e., negative feedback) phase and subsequently reduced GABAergic function during the LH surge (i.e., positive feedback). These studies demonstrate that the effects of estrogen on hypothalamic GABAergic neurons coincide with the inhibitory and stimulatory actions, respectively, of the steroid on LH secretion. Furthermore, the data provide novel insights into the mechanism by which estrogen regulates hypothalamic GABAergic neurons, which are critical for the biphasic modulation of LH release observed over the course of the female ovulatory cycle.
Detection of ovarian cancer by 198au‐labeled human monoclonal antibody

Background. There is no reliable method for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies have potential to assist in early diagnosis, but they are limited by problems that include antibody specificity, stability, and immunoreactivity, as well as patient reactions to the antibodies used. Methods. Methods were developed to 198 Au-label a human monoclonal antibody (TC5 antibody), developed against an ovarian cancer cell surface antigen. Antigen binding sites on the TC5 antibody were protected with sepharose 4B affinity chromatography before 198 Au-labeling
Executives’ professional ties along the supply chain: The impact on partnership sustainability and firm risk

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of management-level professional ties between suppliers and customers on the sustainability of business partnerships. We find that the presence of cross-firm professional ties between directors and senior executives along the supply chain significantly reduces the probability of relationship termination around customers’ industry negative shocks and during financial crises. The results are robust using professional-tie strength as an alternative measure. Exploring contingency effects, we find that, for suppliers who lack R&D, face high competition, are smaller in size, or are less important to customers in terms of sales, such professional ties are more helpful in sustaining such relationships. Furthermore, we find that professional ties also significantly reduce firm risk during periods of market turbulence. Taken together, our results suggest that professional ties along the supply chain can facilitate information flow and build mutual trust, which can lead to healthy long-term relationships and can help firms survive economic and industry downturns.
Measurement of Gastroesophageal Reflux

A test for the detection of gastroesophageal reflux incorporating the use of esophageal manometry, intraluminal pH recording, an acid microparticle suspension of barium, and fluoroscopy has been evaluated. The test has been used in 29 patients and control subjects, and has proved valid in distinguishing between normal and abnormal reflux on a semiquantitative scale. The relative value of of each portion of the test has been considered. Clinical applications of the method have been described.
The Meaning and Interpretation of College Student Self‐Reported Gains

This chapter examines the relationship between student self-reported gains and college satisfaction, and it considers whether self-reported gains constitute a form of college satisfaction.
Will 2D meshes replace hypercubes

The authors analytically investigate and derive the speedup provided by 2-D meshes over hypercubes for several common communication patterns. They take into consideration the difference in channel widths, the communication rates, and the effect of worm-hole routing. The 2-D meshes are shown to provide significant speedups if effects of contentions can be ignored. For large networks having hundreds of nodes, contentions become significant, reducing the speedups. Appropriate mapping and routing may be used to reduce the contentions while retaining the speedups. >
Characterization of dopamine receptors on neurons grown in primary dissociated cell culture from ventral mesencephalon of mouse

Abstract Mammalian neurons from ventral mesencephalon were grown in primary dissociated cell culture. These cultures were examined for dopamine sensitive adenylate cyclase activity and specific ligand binding of [ 3 Hspiroperidol and [ 3 Hflupenthixol. No stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by 10 μM dopamine was demonstrable in cell culture homogenates. [ 3 HSpiroperidol bound to cell culture homogenates with high affinity and was displaced by (+)-butaclamol but not by 5-hydroxytryptamine, suggesting that the [ 3 Hspiroperidol was bound to dopamine receptors. While [ 3 Hflupenthixol binding was also present, it could be displaced by spiroperidol indicating that the dopamine receptor was probably of the D 2 subtype. Binding of spiroperidol was proportional to the amount of cell culture homogenate, and was saturable. Are these receptors autoreceptors? The toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP + ) was used to destroy dopaminergic neurons; spiroperidol binding in these cultures was found to be increased, demonstrating that most of these D 2 receptors are not autoreceptors.
Strategy for Adapting Wine Yeasts for Bioethanol Production

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeast strains 71B-1122 and K1-V1116 were used to derive strains that could tolerate and produce higher ethanol yields. Respiratory-deficient mutants resistant to 500 μg/mL lycorine were isolated. Two mutants, 71B-1122 YEBr L3 and K1-V1116 YEBr L4, were shown to achieve about 10% and 18% improvement in their glucose-to-ethanol conversion efficiency compared to their respective parent strains. The K1-V1116 YEBr L4 in particular can tolerate an ethanol yield of 18.8 ± 0.8% at 3.5 weeks of fermentation and continued to consume most of the sugar until less than 1% glucose was left.
Can a Self-Regulation Skills and Cultural Arts Program Promote Positive Outcomes in Mental Health Symptoms and Academic Achievement for At-Risk Youth?

ABSTRACT Self-regulation skills programs focusing on emotional regulation and executive functioning and arts programs have separately demonstrated reductions in internalizing and externalizing disorders and academic difficulties and have shown improvement in self-regulation skills. This study sought to evaluate participants in Prodigy (a program synthesizing arts and self-regulation skills) regarding changes in mental health symptoms and academic performance. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest was conducted with 108 at-risk adolescents and their parents. Significant reductions in internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms and increases in academic self-efficacy with positive trends in improved academic achievement were noted. Future research regarding the potential of these two modalities is discussed.