cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anastomotic leak following low anterior resection in stage IV rectal cancer is associated with poor survival

Anastomotic leak is a serious complication of low anterior resection (LAR). The risk of leak in stage IV rectal cancer patients treated with synchronous or staged resection of the primary tumour and metastatic sites has not been reported. We measured the incidence of anastomotic leak and its association with clinical outcome. With institutional review board approval, patients undergoing LAR and resection of metastatic disease were analyzed from a prospectively collected colorectal database between 1992 and 2010. Data for use of ileostomy, clinical anastomotic leak, and clinical risk score (for liver metastases, n = 86) were collected. Categorical variables were compared with the χ2 test. Estimated overall survival was compared using log-rank method and Cox regression analysis. A total of 184 patients with LAR and stage IV disease were identified. Of those, 123 had curative resection for disease at distant sites. 72 % underwent simultaneous resection, 28 % staged resection. Median follow-up was 2.9 years for survivors. Anastomotic leak occurred in 6.5 %. There was one perioperative death (not attributable to leak). Overall 3-year survival following a leak was significantly worse compared with patients without a leak (35 vs. 73 %, P = 0.01). Clinical leak was associated with worse survival when controlled for use of diverting stoma, operative year, clinical risk score, and timing of resection of metastatic disease. In this series of patients with stage IV rectal cancer, anastomotic leak was uncommon. However, patients who developed a clinical leak following surgery had worse survival. This finding was independent of use of diverting stoma or staged resection.
Alterations in lipoprotein pattern in liver plasma membranes from rats of different ages

Abstract Increasing age in the male rat results in changes in the plasma membranes of the parenchymal cells of liver. The extrinsic protein, soluble in 0.15 M NaCl, increases, and the specific activities of the membrane-localized enzymes are decreased: that for 5′-nucleotidase not until at least 88 weeks of age, when it decreases to about one-half; and that for ATPase after 19 weeks of age, with a decrease of over one-half. The remainder of the membrane protein, the intrinsic, or protein quite insoluble in more physiologic aqueous media, is composed of at least three lipoproteins “solubilized” by mild sonication and separated by density gradients. The least dense, A, (d
Read, write, and present for ACM SIGUCCS conferences

The Association of Computing Machinery Special Interest Group in University and College Computing Services (ACM SIGUCCS) is made up of professionals who support and manage of information technology services at higher education institutions. SIGUCCS sponsors an annual conference that is drawn together by volunteers. The conference program takes the form of paper authors presenting their findings in 30 minute talks, as part of a panel, or in a poster session. Papers are presented on a variety of tracks such as management, technology, customer support, documentation and training, or instructional technology. The track titles can change over time. Attending and contributing to the SIGUCCS conference program is an opportunity for professional development. This paper seeks to demystify the process of contributing to the SIGUCCS conference program as a reader, author, and presenter and thus make the opportunity to obtain professional development through contributing to the SIGUCCS conference program easier.
Adrenal collision tumors and their mimics: multimodality imaging findings

Adrenal collision tumors (ACTs) refer to coexistence of two adjacent, but histologically distinct neoplasms involving the adrenal gland without histologic admixture at interface. ACTs include adenoma with myelolipoma, adenoma with metastases, hemangioma with adenoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma with myelolipoma. In addition, hemorrhage into a pre-existing adrenal mass can mimic an ACT, and it is important to differentiate these two pathologies. Accurate characterization of ACTs is difficult, but critical, for correct staging of patients with malignancies and to guide percutaneous biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multidetector computed tomography imaging techniques may depict different tumor components separately; however, biopsy may be required in selected patients for confirmation. [(18)F]Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) shows increased uptake in the malignant component of ACTs, and guides percutaneous biopsy. Even in patients requiring percutaneous biopsy for a definite diagnosis, imaging findings can help in guiding the appropriate component to be biopsied. Knowledge of imaging findings of different ACTs and their mimics on MRI, computed tomography, and PET help in optimal patient management.
Relations Between Heterogeneity of Dopamine Transporter Binding and Function and the Behavioral Pharmacology of Cocaine

Both in vitro binding studies and studies of dopamine uptake have indicated that there is a heterogeneity of action of cocaine and cocaine analogs. Both high- and low-affinity binding sites have been identified. Some drugs that bind to the dopamine transporter show both high- and low-affinity components whereas others do not. Behavioral studies have indicated that the high-affinity component appears to be the one most directly involved in the actions of cocaine related to abuse. These conclusions are based on correlations of affinities and psychomotor stimulant effects. In addition, tolerance to the psychomotor stimulant effects of cocaine occurs with a concomitant change in only the high-affinity component for dopamine uptake. Certain dopamine uptake inhibitors may have only actions mediated by the low-affinity component. These drugs bind to the dopamine transporter and inhibit dopamine uptake; however, they do not have behavioral effects like those of cocaine. This finding is a critical point of inquiry for the dopamine hypothesis because, based on the neurochemical data, these drugs should have behavioral actions like those of cocaine. In contrast, some of these drugs antagonize the behavioral effects of cocaine, suggesting that the low-affinity site somehow modulates the actions mediated by the high-affinity site. Recently, some benztropine analogs have been discovered that bind to the dopamine transporter and inhibit dopamine uptake monophasically but have behavioral effects that are dissimilar to those of cocaine. These compounds may prove useful in determining the behavioral significance of heterogeneity of actions at the dopamine transporter. Further, these studies may provide leads to novel therapeutics for the treatment of cocaine abuse.
The Production Function for Australian Manufacturing

I. The production function, 108. — II. What the variables represent, 112. — III. The years and industries selected for study, 113. — IV. Statistical argument, 116. — V. Results for the four years, 117. — VI. Discussion of the model, 118. — VII. Comparison with the results of earlier work, 120. — VIII. (1) Comparison of observed and computed product, 121. — (2) Comparison of k and W/P, 125. — (3) Elasticity of demand for labor, 127. — IX. Conclusion, 128.
Immunologic studies in lymphoma and leukemia, and exploration of antitumor immunotherapy.

Prospective studies, conducted over a period of years, have demonstrated that survival with malignant lymphoma or chronic leukemia correlates with the status of patients' cellular immune reactivity. BCG vaccination can stimulate cellular immune responses of patients with well-controlled neoplastic disease, and repeated vaccination with BCG-cell mixtures induces both delayed hypersensitivity to antigens of the vaccine mixtures and general stimulation of this class of immune responses. An exploratory trial of immunologic stimulation in chronic myeloctyic leukemia has yielded unequivocally favorable results, and it appears that immunotherapy may contribute significantly to the control of several types of human neoplastic disease.
Evaluating the efficiency of california providers in caring for patients with chronic illnesses.

ABSTRACT: In this paper we compare the relative efficiency of health care providers in managing patients with severe chronic illnesses over fixed periods of time. To minimize the contribution of di...
Two-Dimensional High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The quest for a substantial increase in the peak capacity and, therefore, in the number of compounds that can be separated in a single chromatographic run, led to the development of multidimensional techniques in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The “classical” method of collecting fractions from the initial separation and separating them further in the secondary steps is very powerful but its fully automated “online” version requires quite complex instrumentation. In contrast, development of new chromatographic media with segregated biomodal chemistries allows the 2-D separations to be achieved in a single column with standard HPLC equipment.
RETROGRADE RENAL COOLING DURING RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION TO PROTECT FROM RENAL COLLECTING SYSTEM INJURY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: We evaluated the protective effect of continuous retrograde irrigation of ice-cold saline on the renal collecting system during central parenchymal temperature based radio frequency ablation (RFA).Materials and Methods:: In 10 domestic pigs bilateral, centrally located renal parenchymal RFA lesions (intended 2 cm in diameter) were created that intentionally involved the collecting system. RFA probe placement was guided by fluoroscopy with retrograde collecting system opacification and simultaneous direct laparoscopic visualization. In 1 renal unit RFA was performed while infusing ice-cold saline through a previously placed ureteral access sheath and pigtail stent. RFA without renal cooling was performed in the contralateral renal unit. Kidneys were harvested at 7 days. The renal collecting system was inspected for injury by performing retrograde pyelograms and by histological examination of the collecting system adjacent to the ablation zone. The size of RFA lesions was measured.Results:...
Highly similar structural frames link the template tunnel and NTP entry tunnel to the exterior surface in RNA-dependent RNA polymerases

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is essential to viral replication and is therefore one of the primary targets of countermeasures against these dangerous infectious agents. Development of broad-spectrum therapeutics targeting polymerases has been hampered by the extreme sequence variability of these sequences. RdRps range in length from 400-800 residues, yet contain only ∼20 residues that are conserved in most species. In this study, we made structure-based comparisons that are independent of sequence composition using a recently developed algorithm. We identified residue-to-residue correspondences of multiple protein structures and created (two-dimensional) structure-based alignment maps of 37 polymerase structures that provide both sequence and structure details. Using these maps, we determined that ∼75% of each polymerase species consists of seven protein segments, each of which has high structural similarity to segments in other species, though they are widely divergent in sequence composition and order. We define each of these segments as a 'homomorph', and each includes (though most are much larger than) the well-known conserved polymerase motifs. All homomorphs contact the template tunnel or nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) entry tunnel and the exterior of the protein, suggesting they constitute a structural and functional skeleton common among the polymerases.
Performance on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Test Battery-Children's Revision: a comparison of children with and without significant WISC-R VIQ-PIQ discrepancies.

Fifty-six children, aged 8 to 13, were divided into three groups based on the degree and direction of their WISC-R VIQ-PIQ discrepancies. Group 1 was composed of 13 males and 6 females whose PIQ exceeded their VIQ by at least 12 points (V less than P); Group 2 was made up of 12 males and 6 females with VIQs that exceeded their PIQs by 12 or more points (P less than V); Group 3 was comprised of 9 males and 10 females whose V-P differences failed to exceed 8 points in either direction (P = V). The performance of these children on the 11 subscales of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery-Children's Revision was compared. Univariate F-tests revealed significant differences among the groups on the Receptive Speech, p less than .01, and Expressive Language subscales, p less than .001. Further analyses that utilized two-tailed t-tests found the V less than P group to perform significantly less well than the P = V group on the Receptive Speech and Expressive Language scales. The V less than P group was also significantly worse than the P less than V group on the Expressive Language scale. These results suggest a possible differential sensitivity of the children's Luria-Nebraska to verbal and nonverbal cognitive deficits.
Gas transport across an air/water interface populated with capillary waves

An experimental study of gas transport across an air/water interface, populated by a field of standing capillary waves is presented. The experiments were conducted in a small tank containing distilled water, enriched with carbon dioxide. The capillary waves were of the Faraday type, generated by providing a small vertical vibration to the water tank. The frequency of excitation was varied from 200 to 400 Hz, giving wavelengths from 3.62 to 2.26 mm (linear estimate). The gas transport rate across the interface increased by almost two orders of magnitude as the wave slope was increased from zero to slightly above 0.2 m/m. A unique aspect of these experiments is that capillary waves were isolated from the obfuscating effects of turbulence,aerosol generation, and other phenomena typically present in wind/wave tunnel experiments. Consequently the large enhancement in gas transfer was due to the effects of capillary waves alone, demonstrating their importance in gas exchange processes. The maximum mass transfer coefficients obtained in these experiments are not achieved in typical wind/wave tunnel experiments below wind speeds of 10 m/s.
Model-based communicative acts: human-computer collaboration in supervisory control

Abstract Supervisory control environments can be characterized as dynamic, complex, uncertain, and risky. The cognitive demands placed on human supervisory controllers are driven by the continual need for situation assessment (including active information seeking), active goal-setting and planning, and anticipatory as well as reactive control actions and compensating for abnormal system conditions. One way to improve the human-machine system is with intelligent support systems that provide context-sensitive displays, dialogue, and resources for activity management. The Georgia Tech Mission Operations Cooperative Assistant (GT-MOCA) is an example of such a system for NASA satellite ground control. The design of GT-MOCA is based on (1) principles of human-computer cooperative problem solving, partly derived from an analysis of human communication literature, (2) empirical study of the use of an existing real-time expert system for satellite ground control, and (3) the OFMspert architecture which provides dynamic intent inferencing organized around the operator function model. GT-MOCA provides three major resources for cooperative support: interactive graphics of system components, an inspectable and interactive visualization of current activity requirements, and message lists organized around major communicative functions such as advice and various types of alerts. This paper focuses on the representation of the communicative acts that are the underpinning of these message lists and details how such acts are integrated into the operator function model of activity. An analysis of GT-MOCA with respect to human communication literature and an empirical evaluation of GT-MOCA show that it does support relevant and timely interaction with human problem solvers and does provide some performance benefits.
Biosorption of humic and fulvic acids to live activated sludge biomass

Biosorption of high molecular weight humic substances (HS) to activated sludge (AS) biomass may be considered as a preliminary step previous to enzymatic hydrolysis breakdown and biological uptake. Two standard HS, Suwannee River humic and fulvic acids, were biosorbed onto live AS biomass collected from full-scale wastewater treatment plants. Biosorption isotherms were corrected for interference from organic matter desorbed from AS biomass. The effect of pH, calcium and ionic strength on biosorption was tested. HS biosorption to live AS biomass obeyed the Freundlich isotherm equation. Biosorption increased with decreasing pH, increasing calcium and ionic strength concentration. Higher biosorption at low pH may be attributed to hydrophobic interactions between HS and AS biomass extracellular polymers (EPS). Hydrophobic and cationic bridging effects between HS and AS EPS were the mechanisms responsible for biosorption under the presence of divalent cations; however, the former was most significant at low pH, whereas the latter was predominant near neutral pH. The effect of ionic strength on HS biosorption followed the colloidal chemistry theory as the electric double layer became compressed when the ionic strength increased, resulting in closer approach of HS and AS biomass. The humic acid fraction of Suwannee River was removed more efficiently than its fulvic acid fraction because the humic acid was more hydrophobic. These results showed that pH, divalent cation concentration and ionic strength play an important role in the fate and removal of influent wastewater HS in full-scale treatment plants.
REPRESSION AND RESORPTION OF THE CORPORA LUTEA OF EARLY PREGNANCY FOLLOWING INJECTIONS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE

IN RECENT experiments concerning the influence of testosterone propionate on transport of tubal ova in mice (i), it was observed that the corpora lutea were definitely repressed and eventually resorbed. The rate of deteriora' tion depended upon the amount of androgen injected daily and the total number of such injections. Mated animals were used and the first subcutaneous injections were given 10 to 14 hours after finding the vaginal plug (a.v.p.) since it was thought that early injections might interfere with the fertilization of ova. The use of mated animals is a decided advantage since this physiological phase of the ovarian cycle gives the experiment a definite starting point. This is particularly true if ova are found in the oviduct or uterus in those mice having indistinct corpora lutea. Two groups of animals are reported here, one of which received 5 mg. testosterone propionate daily, while
Representing the Homeland Lebanese Diasporic Notions of Home and Return in a Global Context

This article examines the representation of home among members of the Lebanese diaspora in New York, Montreal and Paris. Lebanese immigrants view home as both a concrete reality that is achieved physically or in relation with others and a symbolic reference point that moves beyond territorial boundaries. These overlapping strategies allow them to imagine and recreate their sense of home and belonging (to both a past and present) that provide sources of stability used in dealing with life in the diaspora. However, these strategies also highlight a lack of desire to return to Lebanon as they illustrate how Lebanese immigrants bring home to their new settings in ways that question national forms of belonging and ethnic identification. As a result, the myth of return which was once considered a defining feature of diasporic communities is no longer a unifying point among members of the diaspora.
Holographic confinement/deconfinement transitions in asymptotically Lifshitz spacetimes

Under a Scherk-Schwarz compactification, the anti-de Sitter soliton and black brane provide a dual description to a confinement/deconfinement phase transition. We extend this construction to asymptotically Lifshitz spacetimes. In particular, we show that there must be a phase transition between the soliton and black hole if the solutions exist. We also construct these solutions numerically and compute the phase diagram.
Unilateral auditory language comprehension on the token test following cerebral commissurotomy and hemispherectomy

Abstract Two versions of the Token Test for auditory language comprehension were administered unilaterally to selected commissurotomy and post-infantile hemispherectomy patients. No deficit was found for the left hemisphere while the right showed a severe deficit comparable to that of left brain-damaged asphasics. Error analysis, however, revealed that the right hemisphere was more sensitive to perceptual and (short term auditory verbal) memory constraints in the task, whereas aphasics were more sensitive to linguistic variables. Mean overall scores of the right hemispheres on the Token Test were comparable to 4 yr old children as contrasted with a high mental age estimate—mean 11 yr— on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. It is suggested that in the normally developing brain, distinct language functions exhibit disparate ontogeneses of lateralization in the left hemisphere.
Predicting the pathology results of radical prostatectomy from preoperative information: a validation study.

BACKGROUND There are now over 13 published models for predicting the outcomes of radical prostatectomy using preoperative information. Because their ability to predict the pathology of the prostatectomy is key in deciding who benefits the most from this surgery, it is important to know how well these models work for new data. METHODS The patients in this study were 100 men diagnosed with prostate carcinoma in the prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based screening program at Washington University Medical Center. To test the models, the authors used preoperative information and the published algorithms to predict postoperative pathology outcomes. Statistical methods included plots of predicted probability against observed probability, boxplots of predicted probability against observed outcomes, logistic regression, and linear regression. RESULTS Although none of the published models predicted the outcomes of radical prostatectomy perfectly, those that predicted tumor volume performed best, and in general those that were multivariate also performed best. Nevertheless, the ability of any of these models to discriminate binary outcomes was not very great. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that preoperative variables based on serum PSA and the results of needle biopsies can be used in multivariate models to predict tumor volume, but these models need to be improved. Predicting locally advanced tumor stage is likely to be more difficult and may require information beyond what needle biopsies can provide. Cancer 1998;83:1567-1580. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Late conversion of aortic stent grafts

Objectives The frequency of late removal of endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) parallels the rise of endovascular aortic repair. Evaluation of outcomes for EVAR explants may identify risks for complications and alter clinical management. Methods A patient database was used to identify EVAR patients requiring explant >1 month after implant. A retrospective analysis was conducted of the type of graft, duration of implant, reason for removal, operative technique, death, and length of stay. Results During 1999 through 2007, 1606 EVARs were performed, and 25 patients required explantation, with an additional 16 referred from other institutions (N = 41). The average age was 73 years (range, 50-87 years); 90% were men. Grafts were excised after a median of 33.3 months (range, 3-93 months). Explanted grafts included 16 AneuRx (40%), 7 Ancure (17%), 6 Excluder (15%), 4 Zenith (10%), 4 Talent (10%), 1 Cook Aortomonoiliac rupture graft, 1 Endologix, 1 Quantum LP, and 1 homemade tube graft. Overall hospital mortality was 19% and occurred after conversion for rupture in 4, and in infected graft, aortoenteric fistula, repair of new aneurysm of the visceral segment, and claudication due to graft stenosis in one patient each. Elective EVAR-related mortality was 3.3%. Mortality was higher in patients with rupture compared with nonrupture (4 of 6 vs 3 of 35, P ≤ .01). Thirty patients (73%) had one or more endoleaks (type I, 16; II, 9; III, 9; endotension, 5). Migration (n = 10), rupture (n = 6), aortoenteric fistula (n = 3), infection (n = 1), limb thrombosis (n = 3), and claudication (n =1) were also factors. Proximal aortic control was above the endograft (supravisceral, 23; suprarenal, 12; infrarenal, 6). Reconstruction was an aortoiliac repair in 63% and tube graft in 25%. Grafts with suprarenal fixation required longer proximal aortic clamp time of 43 minutes vs 28 minutes for infrarenal fixation. Complete graft removal was achieved in 85%. Proximal or distal portions of the endograft were incorporated into the repair in the remaining six. Conclusion Elective EVAR conversion, although technically challenging may be done with mortality similar to primary open repair. Mortality for conversion for infected grafts and ruptured aneurysms remains high. EVAR is associated with continued risk of conversion, and surveillance may identify late complications that require removal, justifying lifelong monitoring. Aggressive management of late complications and elective conversion may minimize the mortality associated with this procedure.
Immunological properties of thymus cell subpopulations: rat thymic dendritic cells are potent accessory cells and stimulators in a mixed leukocyte culture

Abstract Rat thymus cells were fractionated by centrifugation on a discontinuous bovine serum albumin gradient into two subpopulations: one of high density that accounted for>90% of the recovered cells, and a minor low-density subpopulation containing 4 to 10% of the total cells. The high-density subpopulation consisted mainly of uniform small-sized thymocyteS, whereas the low-density subpopulation contained mostly larger-sized cells. High-density thymus cells did not function either as stimulators in a mixed leukocyte reaction or as accessory cells required for T-cell response to mitogens, Con A and sodium periodate, as determined by 3 H-thymidine incorporation. Dense thymus cells also responded poorly to allogeneic and to mitogenic stimulation, even when accessory cells were added. In contrast, the low-density thymus cells responded well to allogeneic stimulation and to both mitogens. In addition, low-density thymus cells possessed stimulatory activity in mixed leukocyte cultures, as well as accessory activity for mitogenic responses. Both activities were found to reside in dendritic cells that were purified extensively (70-90% of the preparation) with good yield. When tested as accessory cells for T-cell responses to periodate, thymic dendritic cells were as potent as lymph node dendritic cells on a per cell basis. A small number of thymic dendritic cells was able to cause marked enhancement in T-lymphocyte proliferation in response to stimulation. By immunofluorescence thymic dendritic cells were shown to be Ia-positive, but Thy 1.1-negative.
The computable dimension of trees of infinite height

We study computable trees with distinguished initial subtree (briefly, I-trees). It is proved that all I-trees of infinite height are computably categorical, and moreover, they all have effectively infinite computable dimension.
Duodenal complications in bladder-drained pancreas transplantation

Abstract Background. The most common type of pancreas transplantation is whole pancreaticoduodenal (with bladder drainage) from a cadaver donor. Complications can arise not only from the pancreas itself but also from the simultaneously transplanted duodenum. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of duodenal complications and their impact on patient and pancreas graft survival rates. Methods. Our retrospective study is based on 425 pancreaticoduodenal transplantations performed between July 1, 1986, and June 30, 1994. Complications pertaining to the duodenal segment were labeled early if they occurred within the first postoperative month and late otherwise. Mean follow-up was 55 months (range, 13 to 108 months). Results. We noted 85 (20%) duodenal complications: duodenal leaks (n = 42), hematuria (n = 26), recurrent urinary tract infections (n = 9), duodenal ulceration or necrosis (n = 6), and bladder stones (n = 2). Of these complications, 40 (48%) required surgical intervention. In all, duodenal complications resulted in 14 (16%) enteric conversions and eight (9%) pancreas graft losses (six because of duodenal leak and 2 because of hematuria). The mortality rate from duodenal complications was 0%. Conclusions. Duodenal complications were common, but they were not associated with a high rate of pancreas graft loss (only 9%). With early diagnosis and treatment, morbidity can be reduced and death avoided in pancreas transplant recipients.
Multiple Myeloma: How Did It Begin?

Objective To present a historical overview of multiple myeloma. Design The pertinent literature, from the early cases of this disorder to subsequent diagnostic advances, was reviewed. Results The first well-known case of multiple myeloma (described in the 1840s) was that of Mr. McBean, a highly respectable tradesman from London. Although the features of Bence Jones proteinuria were recognized by his physician, Dr. William Macintyre, urine specimens from Mr. McBean were studied in detail by Henry Bence Jones, a well-known chemical pathologist, who confirmed the findings of Macintyre. The disease was rarely recognized until 1889, when the famous case report by Kahler was published. Interestingly, the subject of this case report (Dr. Loos) survived for 8 years despite inadequate chemotherapy. The role of plasma cells was recognized at the turn of the century. In 1922, Bayne-Jones and Wilson identified two distinct groups of Bence Jones protein, but a relationship between Bence Jones protein and the serum proteins of multiple myeloma was not demonstrated until 1956, in a study performed by Korngold and Lipari. (The designation of the two main classes of Bence Jones protein as κ and λ is a tribute to these two investigators.) The major breakthrough was the discovery that light chains from a serum IgG myeloma protein and the Bence Jones protein from the same patient's urine were identical. Conclusion Multiple myeloma is a devastating disorder of plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow that can result in skeletal destruction. Immunoelectrophoresis is useful as the initial diagnostic procedure.
Does feeding regime affect physiologic and thermal responses during exposure to 8, 20, and 27° C?

When the loss of body heat is accelerated by exposure to low environmental temperatures, additional substrates must be oxidized to provide energy to sustain temperature homeostasis. Therefore, the present investigation examined the relation between feeding regime [pre-experimental carbohydrate feeding (FED) vs a fast (FAST)], during 120 min of exposure to 8, 20, and 27° C in well-nourished men. The following were examined: tissue insulation (I; °C · m2 · W−1), rectal temperature (Tre; °C), and oxygen consumption (\(\dot V\)O2; ml · kg−1 · min−1). \(\dot V\)O2, Tre, and I revealed no significant differences between treatments (FED vs FAST) at any temperature. At 27° C, I was less (P < 0.05) than at 20 and 8° C, and decreased (P < 0.05) as exposure time increased. At 8° C, \(\dot V\)O2was higher (P < 0.5) than at 20 or 27°C, and \(\dot V\)O2increased as time increased (P < 0.05). Tre decreased (P < 0.05) as time increased for all conditions. Respiratory exchange ratio (R) differed (P < 0.05) between treatments (FED vs FAST), temperature (8 vs 20° C), and across time. Values for R suggests that carbohydrate accounted for 56% and 33% of caloric utilization during the FED vs FAST conditions, respectively. At 8 vs 20° C, R represented 54% vs 30% of cabohydrate utilization. Across time, R demonstrated that in both conditions (FED vs FAST) there was a decreased reliance on carbohydrate utilization for energy provision. From these data it appears that while substrate utilization differed between dietary treatment and across time this did not differentially affect \(\dot V\)O2or Tre during protracted exposure to 8, 20, and 27° C. The higher R in the 8° C condition for both dietary treatments demonstrates that carbohydrate utilization is increased in shivering cold-exposed humans. However, the reduction in R across time suggests that fat oxidation is also involved in metabolic heat production and core temperature maintenance during shivering in the cold.
Dynamics and extent of larval lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens drift in the Upper Black River, Michigan

Summary Lake sturgeon larval drift is not uniform in time or space and subsequent efforts to determine the relative abundance have suffered because of the lack of information during this early life history period. The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the early life history of lake sturgeon, determine the extent and duration of lake sturgeon larval drift, and examine this relationship to water flow and temperature in the Upper Black River, Michigan. This study also compares the results of other studies to further evaluate the dispersion of larvae. Larval production was quantified using drift nets anchored to the stream bottom from May to June in 2000– 2002. Larval drift nets captured 780 larvae in 2000; 2975 larvae in 2001; and 2041 larvae in 2002. For the 2000, 2001, and 2002 spawning season, we estimated that 7107 (95% CL: ± 1470), 17 409 (95% CL: ± 5163), and 15 820 (95% CL: ± 3168) larval lake sturgeon were produced in the Upper Black River (UBR), respectively. Catch per unit effort values of drifting larvae were greatest after peak water flows, with most larvae captured in the middle of the river channel. A mean daily water temperature above 16� C was an important environmental stimulus that influenced peak larval dispersion away from spawning sites. The results of this study suggested that natural reproduction was still occurring in the Black Lake system.
Reduction of Langerhans cells in smokeless tobacco-associated oral mucosal lesions

Localized absence of epithelial Langerhans cells (LC) has been shown to affect systemic immune responses, allow microbial colonization and play a possible role in carcinogenesis. Because use of smokeless tobacco is associated with abnormal oral mucosal changes and development of carcinoma, we examined lesion and control specimens from 17 current users of smokeless tobacco to determine whether lesions showed changes in LC number or antigen expression. We identified LC by immunohistochemistry with antibodies to the antigens T6, HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP. Lesion specimens contained fewer LC (means of 6 LC/mm and 10 LC/mm2) than did the corresponding control specimens (means of 14 LC/mm and 30 LC/mm2), and in each pair of lesion and autologous control specimens the reduction in LC was on average 58% (range, 3% to 95%). There were no apparent differences between lesion and control specimens in the number of LC expressing each of the four marker antigens. Reductions in LC occurred in all types of smokeless tobacco-associated lesions, regardless of increased epithelial thickness or changes in keratinization. Our data indicate that smokeless tobacco reduces the number of Langerhans cells at its site of contact with the oral mucosa.
The biosynthetic potential of plant roots

The contribution of roots to the biology of the whole plant is being reevaluated in the light of classical and recent findings. In addition to their role in water and nutrient uptake and in symbiotic associations, plant roots also synthesize a remarkable variety of secondary metabolites. These chemicals, many of which are used as pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals, flavors, dyes, or fragrances, may help the plant cope with biotic and abiotic stress. Root cultures are being used as experimental systems to explore both root-specific secondary metabolites and their biological significance. They may also provide future systems for commercial production of plant specialty chemicals.
Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor I reduces the severity of chronic pancreatitis in mice overexpressing interleukin-1β in the pancreas

IL-1β is believed to play a pathogenic role in the development of pancreatitis. Expression of human IL-1β in pancreatic acinar cells produces chronic pancreatitis, characterized by extensive intrapancreatic inflammation, atrophy, and fibrosis. To determine if activation of trypsinogen is important in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis in this model, we crossed IL-1β transgenic [Tg(IL1β)] mice with mice expressing a trypsin inhibitor that is normally produced in rat pancreatic acinar cells [pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PTSI) I]. We previously demonstrated that transgenic expression of PSTI-I [Tg(Psti1)] increased pancreatic trypsin inhibitor activity by 190%. Tg(IL1β) mice were found to have marked pancreatic inflammation, characterized by histological changes, including acinar cell loss, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis, as well as elevated myeloperoxidase activity and elevated pancreatic trypsin activity, as early as 6 wk of age. In contrast to Tg(IL1β) mice, pancreatitis was significantly less severe in dual-transgenic [Tg(IL1β)-Tg(Psti1)] mice expressing IL-1β and PSTI-I in pancreatic acinar cells. These findings indicate that overexpression of PSTI-I reduces the severity of pancreatitis and that pancreatic trypsin activity contributes to the pathogenesis of an inflammatory model of chronic pancreatitis.
Charge Trapping and Wearout Characteristics of Self-Aligned Enhancement-Mode GaAs n-MOSFET with Si Interface Passivation Layer and HfO2 Gate Oxide

Charge trapping and wearout characteristics of self-aligned enhancement-mode GaAs nMOSFETs with silicon interface passivation layer and HfO2 gate oxide are systematically investigated at various time scales (from micro-seconds to seconds). Unlike high-kappa on silicon devices, both bulk trapping and interface trapping affect the PBTI (positive bias temperature instability) characteristics of nMOSFETs. The comparison between pulsed Id-Vg and conventional DC measurements reveals that the intrinsic characteristics of GaAs transistors absent of transient charging effects can be much better than what have been observed in DC based test. The electron trapping process is found to be faster than de-trapping process. The results suggest that suppressing charge trapping in gate dielectrics is critical to implement high performance and reliable III-V MOSFETs for digital logic applications in post- silicon era.
Considering the role of traditional and specialist schools: do school experiences impact the emotional well‐being and self‐esteem of adults with dyslexia?

While increasing attention is being paid to the influence of specialist and traditional school settings on the emotional well-being and self-esteem of children with dyslexia, there appears to be a need for more attention to how different educational settings may impact adulthood. To respond to this gap, this study by assistant professors Blace A. Nalavany and Lena W. Carawan, and graduate student Lashaunda J. Brown, all at East Carolina University, explores how the role of traditional and specialist school settings may have long-term effects in adulthood. The findings reveal that educational experiences have a compelling impact on the emotional health and self-esteem of adults with dyslexia. Implications reveal that there are important lessons to learn from specialist schools that can benefit traditional school settings.
What drives bacteria to produce a biofilm

Nearly 40 years ago, Dr. R.J. Gibbons made the first reports of the clinical relevance of what we now know as bacterial biofilms when he published his observations of the role of polysaccharide glycocalyx formation on teeth by Streptococcus mutans [Sci. Am. 238 (1978) 86]. As the clinical relevance of bacterial biofilm formation became increasingly apparent, interest in the phenomenon exploded. Studies are rapidly shedding light on the biomolecular pathways leading to this sessile mode of growth but many fundamental questions remain. The intent of this review is to consider the reasons why bacteria switch from a free-floating to a biofilm mode of growth. The currently available wealth of data pertaining to the molecular genetics of biofilm formation in commonly studied, clinically relevant, single-species biofilms will be discussed in an effort to decipher the motivation behind the transition from planktonic to sessile growth in the human body. Four potential incentives behind the formation of biofilms by bacteria during infection are considered: (1) protection from harmful conditions in the host (defense), (2) sequestration to a nutrient-rich area (colonization), (3) utilization of cooperative benefits (community), (4) biofilms normally grow as biofilms and planktonic cultures are an in vitro artifact (biofilms as the default mode of growth).
Techniques of reinforcing the ascending thoracic aorta.

Two techniques of reinforcing the ascending thoracic aorta with Dacron vascular prosthetic material are described. Circular reinforcement has been used in patients with fusiform dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta in whom it was considered that graft replacement was unsuitable, and also in patients with a thin-walled aorta, where reinforcement was thought to be beneficial in preventing dehiscence of an aortic suture line. The techniques are described in two patients who underwent aortic valve replacement and who had aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta.
2013 Thomas Willis Award Lecture Causation and Collaboration for Stroke Research

The pathophysiology of stroke is complex. Adaptive and maladaptive signalling occurs between multiple cell types in the brain. There is crosstalk between central and systemic responses. And there are overlapping pathways during initial injury and subsequent repair. These numerous feed-forward and feed-back interactions have made it difficult to translate experimental discoveries into clinical applications. An emerging hypothesis in biomedical research now suggests that contrary to a traditional model, translation may not be efficiently obtained without a rigorous understanding of mechanisms. Hence, to optimize diagnostics and therapeutics for stroke patients, it is necessary to identify and define causal mechanisms. Mirroring the multi-compartment interactions in stroke pathophysiology, bench-to-bedside, and bedside-back-to-bench advances in stroke may be best achieved with inter-disciplinary collaborations between basic research, neuroimaging, and broadly based clinical science. Causation can then be two-fold, ie, dissecting mechanisms and targets, as well as developing future scientists who can blur the boundaries between basic, translational, and clinical research. In systems theory, a critical goal is to distinguish causation from correlation. In stroke research, causation may perhaps be found through a collaborative search for mechanisms.
Feminism and Constructivism

In this article, I explore the tensions between constructivism and feminism in teaching a course on social work practice with women. Drawing on modernist feminist theory, I examine the conflict between validating the stories that women construct for themselves, while raising women's awareness of the difficulties in constructing liberated stories in an oppressive society. I discuss strategies I have used in the classroom to address, albeit not resolve, these tensions.
The Single-Stage Taipei Rectifier—Design Consideration and Performance Evaluation

A new three-phase, single-stage, isolated zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) rectifier that achieves less than 5% input-current total harmonic distortion (THD) and provides tightly regulated output voltage is introduced. The proposed circuit is obtained by integrating the three-phase, two-switch, ZVS, discontinuous-current-mode, boost power-factor-correction rectifier, for short named the TAIPEI rectifier, with the ZVS full-bridge phase-shift dc/dc converter. The performance was evaluated on a three-phase 2.7-kW prototype designed for high voltage direct current (HVDC) distribution applications with the line-to-line voltage range from 180 to 264 VRMS and with a tightly regulated variable dc output voltage from 200 to 300 V. The prototype operates with ZVS over the entire input-voltage and load-current range and achieves less than 5% input-current THD with the efficiency in the 95% range.
Home Visiting and the Biology of Toxic Stress: Opportunities to Address Early Childhood Adversity

Home visiting is an important mechanism for minimizing the lifelong effects of early childhood adversity. To do so, it must be informed by the biology of early brain and child development. Advances in neuroscience, epigenetics, and the physiology of stress are revealing the biological mechanisms underlying well-established associations between early childhood adversity and suboptimal life-course trajectories. Left unchecked, mediators of physiologic stress become toxic, alter both genome and brain, and lead to a vicious cycle of chronic stress. This so-called "toxic stress" results a wide array of behavioral attempts to blunt the stress response, a process known as "behavioral allostasis." Although behaviors like smoking, overeating, promiscuity, and substance abuse decrease stress transiently, over time they become maladaptive and result in the unhealthy lifestyles and noncommunicable diseases that are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The biology of toxic stress and the concept of behavioral allostasis shed new light on the developmental origins of lifelong disease and highlight opportunities for early intervention and prevention. Future efforts to minimize the effects of childhood adversity should focus on expanding the capacity of caregivers and communities to promote (1) the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships that buffer toxic stress, and (2) the rudimentary but foundational social-emotional, language, and cognitive skills needed to develop healthy, adaptive coping skills. Building these critical caregiver and community capacities will require a public health approach with unprecedented levels of collaboration and coordination between the healthcare, childcare, early education, early intervention, and home visiting sectors.