cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery: recent advances in urology

The aim of the present review is to summarize recent developments in the field of urologic robotic surgery. A nonsystematic literature review was performed to retrieve publications related to robotic surgery in urology and evidence-based critical analysis was conducted by focusing on the literature of the past 5 years. The use of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic surgical system, has been implemented for the entire spectrum of extirpative and reconstructive laparoscopic kidney procedures. The robotic approach can be applied for a range of adrenal indications as well as for ureteral diseases, including benign and malignant conditions affecting the proximal, mid, and distal ureter. Current evidence suggests that robotic prostatectomy is associated with less blood loss compared with the open surgery. Besides prostate cancer, robotics has been used for simple prostatectomy in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recent studies suggest that minimally invasive radical cystectomy provides encouraging oncologic outcomes mirroring those reported for open surgery. In recent years, the evolution of robotic surgery has enabled urologic surgeons to perform urinary diversions intracorporeally. Robotic vasectomy reversal and several other robotic andrological applications are being explored. In summary, robotic-assisted surgery is an emerging and safe technology for most urologic operations. The acceptance of robotic prostatectomy during the past decade has paved the way for urologists to explore the entire spectrum of extirpative and reconstructive urologic procedures. Cost remains a significant issue that could be solved by wider dissemination of the technology.
Phase I dose escalation trial of weekly docetaxel plus irinotecan in patients with advanced cancer.

Background. Docetaxel and irinotecan have additive or synergistic activity in vitro and in vivo as well as differing toxicities and unique mechanisms of action. We conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel and irinotecan given on a weekly schedule. Methods. Eligible patients had advanced, incurable, solid tumors. Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour infusion and escalated over four dose levels (25, 30, 35, and 40 mg/m(2)) followed by irinotecan administered over 30 minutes at a fixed dose of 50 mg/m(2). Treatment was administered weekly for four weeks followed by two weeks of rest. To improve tolerability, the schedule was modified to weekly administration for two weeks with one week of rest, and irinotecan was escalated over 3 dose levels (55, 60, and 65 mg/m(2)) with docetaxel fixed at 35 mg/m(2). Results. Forty-four patients were treated and the most common dose-limiting toxicity was diarrhea observed in 11% of patients. Severe neutropenia was rare (grade 4: 2%, grade 3: 23%). Other nonhematologic toxicities included nausea/vomiting, dehydration and fatigue. Partial responses occurred in two patients with pancreatic cancer, and one patient each with non-small cell lung and esophageal cancer. Conclusions. Weekly docetaxel and irinotecan is a promising non-cisplatin doublet with preliminary evidence of activity in advanced solid tumors. Diarrhea is the predominant dose-limiting toxicity but unlike the every 3 weeks schedule myelosuppression is modest. The recommended phase II doses are docetaxel 35 mg/m(2) and irinotecan 60 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day schedule. Phase II trials of this regimen are ongoing or planned in lung, head and neck, stomach, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
The exchange of RNA and protein during conjugation in Tetrahymena.

SYNOPSIS. Exchange of cytoplasm in Tetrahymena pyriformis, syngen 1, has been demonstrated by growing cells of 1 mating type in medium supplemented with H3-uridine or H3-histidine, washing, mixing with cells of an unlabeled, starved mating type, sampling conjugants at different times, and preparing autoradiographs. It was found that cytoplasmic interchange begins soon after the mates unite, and has become extensive before the end of the 1st prezygotic prophase (micronuclear crescent stage). When the RNA in one mating type had been labeled with H3-uridine, the activity was distributed almost evenly between the mates by late stages of conjugation. These results are consistent with electron micrographs of this syngen showing small pores in the attachment region of the mates, and many free ribosomes in the cytoplasm (8,11). By contrast, when protein in one mating type had been labeled with H3-histidine, these cells at late conjugation remained about twice as active as their originally unlabeled mates, presumably because of the physical characteristics of some structures which incorporated the amino acid (for example, cilia and membranes of the cell surface; cytoplasmic bodies, such as mitochondria, larger than the pores). That the radioactivity in the originally unlabeled cells came from their mates and not from the environment is indicated by the continued presence of inactive non-conjugants after 1 and 2 days in the mating type mixtures. Other cells which did acquire small amounts of active cytoplasm probably had engaged in abortive conjugation, separating from labeled mates before forming and exchanging pronuclei.
Ionic organoboranes. Part 9. Ab initio molecular orbital study of energy, structure, and frontier orbitals of the isomeric [7.7.10x,y]ousenes

Abstract We have used HF/3-21G(*) geometry optimization to determine the relative energies, structures, symmetries, and nature of frontier orbitals for the seven isomeric [7.7.10 x , y ]ousenes in which two cationic tropyliumyl (C 7 H 6 + –) rings are substituted on the cage of the B 10 H 10 2− anion. The x , y =(2,7) isomer is the most stable. Energetically the remaining fall into two groups: (1,10), (2,4), and (1,6) which differ from (2,7) by less than 2 kcal mol −1 , and (2,6),(2,3), and (1,2) which differ by about 10 kcal mol −1 . The lower stability of the latter group is attributed to repulsive interactions between substituent rings rather than electronic effects. Three ousenes (1,2), (1,10), and (2,3) have lower symmetry than expected for a simple disubstituted B 10 H 10 2− cage as a result of steric effects. Examination of frontier orbitals demonstrates that all seven species should show charge transfer excitations from cage to both rings similar to that previously experimentally observed for the [7.10 2 ] hemiousenide ion.
Electric dichroism of poly(riboadenylic acid)

Electric dichroism measurements on poly(A) in low-ionic-strength solution demonstrate that below a molecular weight of 130,000 the double-stranded polymer is hydrodynamically rigid and above that molecular weight becomes increasingly flexible. At 500,000 it is considerably more flexible than DNA of the same molecular weight, with a mean end-to-end distance of about 1150 A compared to approximately 1600 A for DNA. The fully extended length for both DNA and poly(A) of this molecular weight is about 2750 A. It is further shown that the orientation of these polyelectrolytes in an electric field is consistent with theoretical treatments of the counter-ion distribution and a preliminary model based on the additivity of classical valence charge anisotropy and counter-ion polarization is postulated for the orientation mechanism. Single-stranded pol (A) is shown not only to retain its base stacking in the presence of the electric field but to extend the persistent regions of stacked bases so that it attains a rodlike structure very similar to the one in the double-stranded polymer is found to be less than that expected from consideration of the x-ray structure. An explanation for this result is sought in the electric asymmetry of the helical polymer.
Telosomic Mapping of Four Genetic Markers in Durum Wheat

Few morphological or physiological genes that are useful as genetic markers have been mapped in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.). Our objective was to use aneuploid stocks to map four recessive genes in durum wheat. The genes included cn-A1d in the chlorina mutant CDd6, cn-B1a in the chlorina mutant CDd1, cc in a chocolate-brown chaff (CBC) stock and bh in a supernumerary spikelet stock. Previous studies had located cn-A1d to 7AL, cn-B1a to 7BL, bh to 2AS, and cc to an unknown arm of chromosome 7B. We observed independent segregation of cc and cn-B1a in the F2 and F3 of CBC/CDd1. Segregation for chaff color among disomic F2 plants of Langdon dimonotelosomic 7BS/CBC-CDd1 indicated that cc was in 7BS. Parental marker lines were crossed to appropriate Langdon dimonotelosomic or double ditelosomic plants. We crossed double-telotrisomic (13'' + t1t'') F1 plants to the parental marker line and classified the testcross plants for chromosome number and marker phenotypes. The map distance of each gene from the centromere was 46.6 +/- 3.8 cM for cn-A1d in 7AL 42.6 +/- 4.3 cM for cn-B1a in 7BL, 33.5 +/- 4.1 cM for cc in 7BS, and 8.5 +/- 2.1 cM for bh in 2AS.
A noncompact dirichlet norm.

has finite dimensional homology at C (M,B). In this note we show that the inclusion B -L2(M,B) may fail to be compact even for rather simple elliptic complexes. We shall use the following lemma. LEMMA. Assume that the inclusion B -, L2(M,B) is compact. Let {}uj be a sequence in C (M,A) such that uj I ker S and 11 )uj1 1. Then a subsequence of {ujj converges in the L2 norm. Proof: According to Theorem 3 of reference 1, there exists a sequence {vj} in N such that (5DD* + 8*8)vj = a)uj and llvjl[ < c, where c is a constant independent of j. Since l*vjl2 + 18vj12 + j+ V j2 = ({u,,vj) + Ilv, 2 ( + C2, the compactness assumption implies that a subsequence of vj} converges in the L2 norm. Now in the equation (5S)* + 8*8)vj = S)uj, the term 8*8v is orthogonal to the other two terms; hence OO)D*vj = Duj and 8*8vj = 0. Also, since both D*vj and uj are orthogonal to ker S, we must have uj = DO*vj. The inequality
The Crawfish and the Aztec treasure maze: adventures in data structures

Teaching data structures and other CS1/CS2 subjects can be challenging. Previous research has shown that using manipulatives and visualization tools may help students comprehend these abstract concepts. This paper illustrates how students can use a pez dispenser as a stack to gain first hand experience with many CS1/CS2 topics. In addition to giving students candy, we appeal to their sense of adventure by presenting a fictitious account of how the Aztecs might have used pez-like stacks. This tale is meant to supplement homework and class discussion concerning stack definition, algorithm design, recursion, tree traversal, and operation pre- and post-conditions.
Stark Effect in the Excited States of Rb, Cs, Cd, and Hg

Two new experimental techniques have been developed and used to measure the differential Stark shifts between the Zeeman sublevels in excited atomic states. For states whose differential Stark shifts, in uniform electric fields attainable in the laboratory, are comparable to the hfs separation, the method of pure electricfield level crossing may be used. This method has been applied to the $6p^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ state of rubidium and the $7p^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ state of cesium. The differential shifts are $E(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{3}{2})\ensuremath{-}E(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{1}{2})=0.521\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.021$ Mc/${(\mathrm{k}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{2}$ in Rb, and 1.077\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.043 Mc/${(\mathrm{k}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{2}$ in Cs. For isotopes with no hyperfine structure ($I=0$) or states whose Stark shifts are small compared to their hfs, we have used the level-crossing technique with parallel electric and magnetic fields. This technique has been employed to measure the differential shifts in the $5s5p^{3}P_{1}$ state of cadmium and the $6s6p^{3}P_{1}$ state of mercury. The results are $E(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1)\ensuremath{-}E(0)=\ensuremath{-}2.550\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.105$ kc/${(\mathrm{k}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{2}$ in Cd, and -2.355\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.090 kc/${(\mathrm{k}\mathrm{V}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{2}$ in Hg. The theory of quadratic Stark shifts in terms of scalar and tensor operators is presented, and the shifts in these four elements are calculated using the Coulomb approximation for the potential of the outer electron. The agreement between the experimental and the theoretical values is satisfactory.
Clinical pathway implementation improves outcomes for complex biliary surgery.

Background. Complex biliary surgery is associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and high cost. Clinical pathway implementation has the potential to standardize treatment and improve outcomes. Therefore the aim of this analysis was to determine whether clinical pathway implementation and/or feedback of outcome data would alter hospital stay, charges, and mortality rates for complex biliary surgery at an academic medical center. Methods. Pre- and postoperative length of stay, hospital charges, and mortality rates were monitored for 36 months before (period 1) and for 2 18-month periods (periods 2 and 3) after implementation of a clinical pathway for hepaticojejunostomy. Outcome data were provided to the surgeons 18 months after pathway implementation to determine whether further clinical practice improvement was possible. Results. From 1991 to 1997, 339 patients underwent hepaticojejunostomy at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for malignant and benign biliary obstruction. Total length of stay was 13.3 ± 0.9 days for period 1 compared with 12.5 ± 0.8 days for period 2 (not significant) and 10.1 ± 0.3 days for period 3 (P < .01 vs period 1; P <.03 vs period 2). Hospital charges averaged $24,446 during period 1 compared with $23,338 during period 2 and $20,240 during period 3 (P <.01 vs periods 1 and 2). Hospital mortality rate was 4.5% during period 1 compared with 0.7% during periods 2 and 3 (P <.05). Conclusions. These data suggest that implementation of a clinical pathway for hepaticojejunostomy reduces hospital mortality rates and that feedback of outcome data to surgeons results in further clinical practice improvement. Thus clinical pathway implementation and feedback are effective methods to control costs at an academic medical center.
In situ transport rate monitor during ZnSe crystal growth by PVT

Non-stoichiometry of the vapor phase in a growth tube for the crystal growth of ZnSe by physical vapor transport (PVT) was investigated using an in situ transport rate monitor. The unintentional non-stoichiometry by excess Zn was concluded by the dependence of the transport rate on the evaporation temperature.
Osteoblastic cells regulate the haematopoietic stem cell niche

Stem cell fate is influenced by specialized microenvironments that remain poorly defined in mammals. To explore the possibility that haematopoietic stem cells derive regulatory information from bone, accounting for the localization of haematopoiesis in bone marrow, we assessed mice that were genetically altered to produce osteoblast-specific, activated PTH/PTHrP receptors (PPRs). Here we show that PPR-stimulated osteoblastic cells that are increased in number produce high levels of the Notch ligand jagged 1 and support an increase in the number of haematopoietic stem cells with evidence of Notch1 activation in vivo. Furthermore, ligand-dependent activation of PPR with parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased the number of osteoblasts in stromal cultures, and augmented ex vivo primitive haematopoietic cell growth that was abrogated by gamma-secretase inhibition of Notch activation. An increase in the number of stem cells was observed in wild-type animals after PTH injection, and survival after bone marrow transplantation was markedly improved. Therefore, osteoblastic cells are a regulatory component of the haematopoietic stem cell niche in vivo that influences stem cell function through Notch activation. Niche constituent cells or signalling pathways provide pharmacological targets with therapeutic potential for stem-cell-based therapies.
Restricted turnover of the cell wall of Bacillus subtilis

Cultures ofBacillus subtilis in balanced growth exhibited a constant rate of turnover of peptidoglycan for 2.5–3.5 generations. Turnover was measured by determining the retention of a labeled precursor of peptidoglycan. When fluorescein-conjugated concanavalin A was used to monitor the fate of cell surface teichoic acid, label disappeared from the cylinders more rapidly than from caps and septa. The results suggest that cell wall poles are partially resistant to turnover.
A Perspective of Gender Differences in Chemistry and Physics Undergraduate Research Experiences

The loss of talented women from the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pipeline has been widely recognized within science education as a pressing issue, particularly in the physical sciences. To provide a gender-based perspective of a popular educational device, the present study evaluated undergraduate research experiences (UREs) from a longitudinal perspective in respect to participation, learning enhancements, and contribution to the pursuit of a postgraduate education. Data from practicing scientists and graduate students indicated that women were more likely to participate in these research programs than their male counterparts. Of those who had participated (n = 1829), similar patterns in conferred gains for men and women were reported; however, gender-based variations were observed within items associated with self-efficacy, science interest, and the practice of authentic research. Women were found to identify UREs as a primary reason for entering graduate school at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts. Results of this study suggest the long-term efficacy of UREs as a gateway for women interested in STEM careers and provide support in justifying research programs and initiatives for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
THYROID "DT DIAPHORASE".

Abstract The enzyme “DT diaphorase”, which mediates transfer of electrons from TPNH or DPNH to dichlorophenol-indophenol is abundant in the thyroid. In common with the enzyme described by Ernster and coworkers 1 in liver, the enzyme is largely present in the soluble portion of the cell, and is inhibited by bishydroxycoumarin, but not by antimycin A. Addition of FAD markedly augments activity. The enzyme appears to play little role in oxidative metabolism and could not be related to iodination of tyrosine by thyroid cell particles or a soluble iodinating enzyme derived from the particles.
The R-I-M-E method for evaluation of medical students on an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to implement and assess the R-I-M-E (Reporter, Interpreter, Manager, Educator) system as a method for evaluation for medical students during the obstetrics and gynecology core clerkship. Study design With the R-I-M-E method (which is an objective framework for evaluation), mid clerkship review sessions are held during which residents verbally assess each student on competencies that include problem identification and reasoning skills, communication skills, physical examination skills, written documentation, and professional attributes. The clerkship director provides timely feedback to the students. Residents and students were surveyed to assess their attitudes about the R-I-M-E method. Results Most of the attitudes of residents and students were positive about the R-I-M-E evaluation system. The directors feel that R-I-M-E method allows more meaningful, complete, and timely feedback to students, especially in areas that are traditionally difficult to assess, such as professionalism. Conclusions The R-I-M-E method is an effective evaluation tool for medical students during an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship and is well received by teachers and learners.
The Minerals Management Service: continental shelf sand activities 2003

Over a decade ago the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and coastal states recognized that the outer continental shelf (OCS) sand resources represent a viable and critical source for protection of the Nation's shores and wetlands. Because of this strategic view to the future, the MMS/State cooperatives have identified over 2 billion cubic yards of sand resources, and the MMS has conveyed over 20 million cubic yards of sand for 14 shore protection projects. MMS is able to convey these resources when they are needed because in addition to locating and characterizing the resources, it has also done the environmental studies and analysis necessary to ensure that the sand can be removed without significant impact to the environment.
Lead poisoning from use of bronze drinking vessels during the late Chinese Shang dynasty: an in vitro experiment

Introduction. Bronze drinking vessels famous for their intricate carvings and used by the aristocracy in the Chinese Shang dynasty (1555–1145 BCE) are known to have been fabricated with alloys containing soft metallic lead. The contribution of lead leaching from such vessels into the fermented grain wines drunk by the Chinese nobility in ancient times has not been previously estimated. Methods. Three bronze vessels containing 8% lead by weight were fabricated to resemble the late Shang bronze goblets. Shaoxing drinking rice wine was purchased locally and placed in the vessels, using a white grape wine and water as comparisons. Sampling was performed at baseline, 2 min, and then at days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Lead concentrations in the liquid matrix were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. Significant amounts of lead leached into the liquid within one day: 13,900 μg/L in water, 45,900 μg/L in rice wine, and 116,000 μg/L in white wine. Lead continued to leach into both the grape and rice wines ...
Problems in the Diagnosis of Cancer of the Stomach

In a recent editorial the statement was made that in 10 per cent of cases a diagnosis of cancer of the stomach is made when no cancer exists, or the diagnosis is missed when cancer is actually present, and that this faulty diagnosis is made by the roentgenologist, by the surgeon after the abdomen is opened, and even by the pathologist examining the specimen under the microscope. The purpose of this paper is to study the course of the disease in this group of cases and, if possible, to determine why mistakes are made, and how they can be avoided. The cases reported below should throw some light on this problem. Fifty per cent of all gastric cancers occur in the pyloric end of the stomach, 30 per cent occur in the pars media, and 20 per cent in the cardiac end. It is in this last group that the greatest number of mistakes are made so far as the roentgenologist is concerned. It is an interesting observation that whereas surgery in the cardiac end of the stomach is almost impossible, practically all examples of gastric cancer which are benefited by roentgen therapy occur here. Case I (Mrs. Y.): In this case the roentgenogram showed the filling defect typical of cancer of the cardiac end of the stomach (Fig. 1). A year earlier the patient had an x-ray examination which was negative (Fig. 2) in spite of the fact that symptoms had then been present for one year. Was there a cancer which could not be shown by x-ray at that time or did the cancer develop in the interval? While it is true that about 38 per cent of cases give a history of gastric symptoms for years, nevertheless, a careful study will reveal a change in the nature of these symptoms which marks the onset of malignancy. In Case I, even though the x-ray failed to show malignancy at the earlier examination, this must have existed, since the symptoms were always of the same type, with accompanying signs of anemia, loss of weight, and gross blood in the stomach contents. Probably a variation of x-ray technic to include a rugae examination would be helpful in cases of this kind. Even if this were negative, a laparotomy should be done in the presence of the symptoms observed. Case II (Mrs. P.): Fig. 3 shows another roentgenogram of the cardiac end of the stomach. For two years this patient had slight indigestion, gross blood in the stomach, loss of weight, and anemia. X-ray examinations by different roentgenologists were repeatedly negative, as this figure indicates. Laparotomy revealed cancer of the cardiac portion of the stomach. Case III (Mr. M.): This patient had had symptoms since December 1932. Fig. 4 shows the x-ray film taken several months after the onset of symptoms, which was reported negative. A filling defect is seen near the cardiac end.
Adolescent Girls and Their Mothers Talk About Experiences of Binge and Loss of Control Eating

Evidence suggests that adolescents’ experience of binge eating (BE) might differ in important ways from that of adults. Moreover, although BE appears more common in African American women than other disordered eating behaviors, little is known about the influence of cultural factors on this behavior in adolescents. The current investigation used qualitative methodology to examine the perceptions of White and African American adolescent girls and their mothers regarding experiences of binge and loss of control eating. Five focus groups were completed with 19 adolescent girls (aged 13–17, 58 % African American, 41 % White) who endorsed loss of control eating behaviors. Their mothers (N = 19) also completed separate, concurrent focus groups addressing food and eating behaviors. Responses to focus group questions were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. Adolescents’ awareness of their eating behaviors varied greatly. Girls reported some awareness of how emotions influence their eating behaviors, and described using food to achieve autonomy. Mothers evidenced awareness of their daughters’ problematic eating behaviors, the effects of emotions on eating for both their daughters and themselves, and sociocultural factors influencing diet. Data from these focus groups can inform the development of innovative interventions for adolescent girls engaging in loss of control eating.
An in vivo assay of neurotropic activity.

Previous studies in this laboratory indicate that diffusible factors from distal stumps of transected peripheral nerves exert a neurotropic effect on regenerating nerve fibers in vivo9. The present study was performed (a) to strengthen this hypothesis, and (b) to begin to determine the distribution and identity of putative neurotropic factors in peripheral nerves. Rat sciatic nerves were transected and inserted into the inlet end of a hollow 6 mm-long Y-shaped implant made of medical-grade Silastic tubing. To one of the outlet ends was attached an Elvax pellet impregnated with whole homogenate from a single sciatic nerve. The other outlet was attached to a pellet not containing homogenate. Homogenates assayed were obtained from distal stumps of transected nerves derived 14 days postoperatively or from unoperated sciatic nerves. After 3.5 weeks, nerve fiber bundles consisting of myelinated regenerating axons were only present in implant forks attached to pellets containing denervated nerve homogenate. This activity was heat- and trypsin-sensitive. These data (a) strengthen the hypothesis that diffusible factors from distal nerve stumps of transected nerves can support nerve fiber regeneration, (b) indicate that those factors are protein and/or protein dependent, and (c) suggest that unoperated peripheral nerve (at the levels assayed) either do not contain such factors or contain substances which inhibit such factors.
Opioid Therapy for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain: Clinicians’Perspective

During the past decade, debate has intensified about the role of long-term opioid therapy in the management of chronic nonmalignant pain. Specialists in pain management have discussed the issues extensively and now generally agree that a selected population of patients with chronic pain can attain sustained analgesia without significant adverse consequences. This perspective, however, is not uniformly accepted by pain specialists and has not been widely disseminated to other disciplines or the public. Rather, the more traditional perspective, which ascribes both transitory benefit and substantial cumulative risk to long-term opioid therapy, continues to predominate. According to this perspective, the inevitability of tolerance limits the possibility of sustained efficacy, and other pharmacological properties increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including persistent side-effects, impairment in physical and psychosocial functioning, and addiction. If accurate, these outcomes would indeed justify the withholding of opioid therapy for all but the most extreme cases of chronic nonmalignant pain.
Analytical model of displacement amplification and stiffness optimization for a class of flexure-based compliant mechanisms

Abstract The paper formulates an analytical method for displacement and stiffness calculations of planar compliant mechanisms with single-axis flexure hinges. The procedure is based on the strain energy and Castigliano’s displacement theorem and produces closed-form equations that incorporate the compliances characterizing any analytically-defined hinge, together with the other geometric and material properties of the compliant mechanism. Displacement amplification, input stiffness and output stiffness calculations can simply be performed for any serial compliant mechanism. The class of amplifying compliant mechanisms that contain symmetric corner-filleted or circular flexure hinges is specifically addressed here. A parametric study of the mechanism performance is performed, based on the mathematical model, and an optimization procedure is proposed, based on Lagrange’s multipliers and Kuhn–Tucker conditions, which identifies the design vector that maximizes the performance of these flexure-based compliant mechanisms. Independent finite element simulation confirms the analytical model predictions.
Water retention of light expanded clay amendment

Abstract Shallow‐drained horticultural soils utilized in containers, sporting areas, and landscape sites tend to retain excess water and thereby be poorly aerated as a consequence of capillary retention following irrigation or precipitation. This problem is usually corrected by soil physical amendment with coarse‐textured particulates to add large pores which drain and provide adequate aeration. A variety of materials are used for soil physical amendment. This study examined the water retention of one of the newer amendments used for this purpose, light expanded clay amendment (LECA), relative to its use in shallow‐drained soils. Although LECA is a porous material, its contribution to soil physical properties when used as an amendment were found to be similar to non‐porous amendments such as river sand or gravel because the internal water is not readily available for plant use.
Incorporation of multicellular spheroids into 3-D polymeric scaffolds provides an improved tumor model for screening anticancer drugs

Development of cancer therapeutics requires a thorough evaluation of drug efficacy in vitro before animal testing and subsequent clinical trials. Three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro models have therefore been investigated for drug screening. In this study, we have developed a novel in vitro model in which multicellular aggregates, or spheroids, were incorporated into 3-D porous scaffolds. Drug resistance assays showed that spheroid-seeded scaffolds have much higher drug resistance than monolayer cultures, spheroids on flat substrates, or scaffolds seeded with dispersed cells. Furthermore, spheroid-seeded scaffolds demonstrated higher lactate production leading to acidosis, and higher expression of angiogenic factors. These data suggest that the spheroid-seeded 3-D scaffolds might serve as a useful in vitro system for screening cancer therapeutics.
An Exact Relation Between Willingness To Pay and Willingness To Accept

I present a simple and precise relationship between the willingness-to-pay and the willingness-to-accept, or equivalently between the compensating and equivalent variations following an exogenous welfare change. One can be computed given the other as a function of income.
Tragedy Viewers Count Their Blessings Feeling Low on Fiction Leads to Feeling High on Life

Hypotheses were derived from downward comparison and attachment theory to address the tragedy paradox: more sadness produces greater tragedy enjoyment. Participants (n = 361) watched a tragedy and reported affect, enjoyment, life happiness, and spontaneous thoughts (categorized into self- vs. socio-focused). Greater sadness led to greater enjoyment, mediated by life reflection; specifically, both self- and socio-focused thoughts mediated this sadness impact on tragedy enjoyment. Furthermore, more sadness led to greater life happiness increase during exposure, mediated by socio-focused thoughts only. No parallel effects emerged for positive affect. The present findings suggest that tragedy-induced sadness instigates (a) life reflection that increases tragedy enjoyment as well as (b) specifically thoughts about close relationships that, in turn, raise life happiness, which (c) subsequently increases tragedy enjoyment further.
Cross-talk explained

The image sensor measurements are subject to degradation caused by the photon and electron leakage. The color image data acquired via a spatial subsampling procedure implemented as a color filter array is especially vulnerable to the ambiguation between neighboring pixels that measure different portions of the visible spectrum. This so-called "cross-talk" phenomenon is expected to become more severe as the electronics industry's trend to shrink the device footprint continues because the pixel sensors are more densely packed together. We show that an analysis of the mechanism underlying the cross-talk problem is surprisingly straightforward. Our comprehensive analysis admits a simple and effective color correction scheme for a given choice of color filter array in a digital camera.
A mechanistic description of radiation-induced damage to normal tissue and its healing kinetics.

We introduce a novel mechanistic model of the yield of tissue damage at the end of radiation treatment and of the subsequent healing kinetics. We find explicit expressions for the total number of functional proliferating cells as well as doomed (functional but non-proliferating) cells as a function of time post treatment. This leads to the possibility of estimating—for any given cohort of patients undergoing radiation therapy—the probability distribution of those kinetic parameters (e.g. proliferation rates) that determine times to injury onset and ensuing resolution. The model is suitable for tissues with simple duplication organization, meaning that functionally competent cells are also responsible for tissue renewal or regeneration following injury. An extension of the model to arbitrary temporal patterns of dose rate is presented. To illustrate the practical utility of the model, as well as its limitations, we apply it to data on the time course of urethral toxicity following fractionated radiation treatment and brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Enabling Technologies for Simulation Science VI

While there has been much attention paid to modeling and simulation as it relates to specific application areas, little has been done to address those broad technology areas that enhance, and in some cases, revolutionize the way we configure, execute and analyze the results of simulations. Recognizing that our simulation capabilities are expected to keep pace with ever-changing demands made of them, we differentiate between those technologies that are evolutionary in nature-that is, where existing tools and techniques can undergo incremental improvements in order to address consumer requirements-and those of a revolutionary nature; which address those requirements for which no current technology solutions exist.
Degradation of nucleic acid in aqueous solution by ionizing radiation. II. Analysis of the contribution of various water radicals to the loss of ultraviolet absorption by thymidylate solutions during x-irradiation.

SummaryExperiments are described in which increasing concentrations of ammonium thymidylate, plus a variety of additional radical-scavenging compounds, are irradiated in aqueous solution with 250-kV X-rays. In addition to hydroxyl radicals, both hydrogen atoms and hydrated electrons can contribute to chromophore destruction. Under some conditions, where an excess of tert-butyl alcohol is present to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, up to 80 per cent of the observed chromophore damage can be attributed to the action of hydrated electrons. On average, about 65 per cent of the dTMP-hydroxyl radical interactions, 75 per cent of the dTMP-hydrogen atom interactions, and 67 per cent of the dTMP-hydrated electron interactions taking place under each set of experimental conditions resulted in chromophore destruction. The mathematical treatment of the data, on which these conclusions are based, is described.
Navicular drop measurement in people with rheumatoid arthritis: interrater and intrarater reliability.

Background and Purpose. Navicular drop (ND) measurement may be a valuable examination technique for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, no data exist on reliability for this technique in patients with RA. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine interrater and intrarater reliability of ND measurements in people with RA, (2) to compare ND values of people with RA with published normative data, and (3) to investigate ND measurement error associated with the use of skin markings. Subjects. Ten women (20 feet) with RA consented to participate. Methods. Patients completed demographic and function questionnaires. Navicular height (NH) measurements were taken by 2 physical therapists and 1 physical therapist student, following four 1-hour training sessions, using standardized methods and a digital height gauge. Four different NH measurements were taken 3 times on each foot by each of the 3 examiners during a morning session and then repeated during an afternoon session on the same day. Navicular drop values were calculated, including ND1 (as reported in the literature), ND2 (compensating for skin error), and ND3 (single-limb stance). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard errors of measurement (SEMs) were used to establish reliability. Results. Means (±SD) for each ND measure for sessions 1 and 2, respectively, were as follows: ND1=8.36±5.29 mm and 8.29±5.24 mm, ND2=9.95±5.44 mm and 9.57±5.37 mm. The ICCs (2,1 and 2,k, respectively) for all interrater measurements ranged from .67 to .92 (SEM=2.0–3.3 mm) and from .85 to .97 (SEM=1.1–2.0 mm). The ICCs (2,1 and 2,k, respectively) for intrarater measurements ranged from .73 to .95 (SEM=1.3–2.8 mm) and from .90 to .98 (SEM=0.7–1.6 mm). Paired t tests showed the means of ND1 and ND2 for each examiner and for both sessions were significantly different. Discussion and Conclusion. The results suggest that ND measurements for people with RA can be taken reliably by clinicians with varied experience. The ND values for our subjects were slightly greater than reported normal values of 6 to 8 mm. Error associated with skin markings was statistically significant for all sessions and examiners.
Liquidus Temperature of Molten Cryolite-based Aluminum Electrolyte

Liquidus temperature is one of important parameters for aluminum electrolysis. In this study, a new method is introduced; the liquidus temperature is measured with one Agilent 34401A meter connected to a computer. The whole process is controlled by computer software. Firstly, liquidus temperature of NaF and NaCl are measured for comparison. The result is proved to be convenient and accurate. The range of error is {plus minus}1~1.5{degree sign}C at 801{degree sign}C to 995{degree sign}C. Furthermore low temperature aluminum electrolyte composition is related. The liquidus temperature measurement of the system is NaFAlF3(R=2.25)-Al2O3(3%)-CaF2(4%)-LiF(0~6%)-NaCl(0~6%). The result showed that the liquidus temperature is reduced greatly by adding NaCl and LiF. The mathematical model obtained is T({degree sign}C)=947.588-5.907×LiF(wt/%)-6.223×NaCl(wt/%). The authors expected these data are useful for industry production of aluminum electrolysis, since it can provide a scientific basis for choosing suitable low temperature aluminum electrolyte composition.
THE FUNCTIONAL EXPRESSION OF A PONTINE PNEUMOTAXIC CENTRE IN NEONATAL RATS

1. Our purpose was to determine whether a pneumotaxic centre could be localized to the rostral pons in newborn rats. We recorded efferent activity of the phrenic nerve in decerebrate, paralysed, vagotomized and ventilated rats, whose age varied from the day of birth to 22 days. 2. The rostral pontine tegmentum was ablated by aspiration and electrolytic lesions. Neuronal activities were blocked by microinjections of the glutamate antagonist MK-801 and were destroyed by the neurotoxins kainic acid and domoic acid. 3. Unilateral ablation or lesions of the pontine tegmentum caused a significant prolongation of the duration of the phrenic burst in animals of all ages. This duration increased further following contralateral destruction and apneusis was established. The period between phrenic bursts increased in most rats whereas peak phrenic height was not consistently altered. 4. Similar changes to those following physical ablations or lesions were recorded after microinjections of MK-801 or neurotoxins. 5. A common region of ablation, lesion and microinjection was the parabrachialis and Kollicker-Fuse nucleus. 6. Exposure to anoxia resulted in an alteration from apnoeusis to gasping. 7. We conclude that from the day of birth, rostral pontine pneumotaxic mechanisms play a significant role in the definition of eupnoea. Moreover, from the day of birth, rats can exhibit the classical ventilatory patterns of eupnoea, apneusis and gasping.
Parametric response mapping of CT images provides early detection of local bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis

Loss of bone mass due to disease, such as osteoporosis and metastatic cancer to the bone, is a leading cause of orthopedic complications and hospitalization. Onset of bone loss resulting from disease increases the risk of incurring fractures and subsequent pain, increasing medical expenses while reducing quality of life. Although current standard CT-based protocols provide adequate prognostic information for assessing bone loss, many of the techniques for evaluating CT scans rely on measures based on whole-bone summary statistics. This reduces the sensitivity at identifying local regions of bone resorption, as well as formation. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of a voxel-based image post-processing technique, called the Parametric Response Map (PRM), for identifying local changes in bone mass in weight-bearing bones on CT scans using an established animal model of osteoporosis. Serial CT scans were evaluated weekly using PRM subsequent to ovariectomy or sham surgeries over the period of one month. For comparison, bone volume fraction and mineral density measurements were acquired and found to significantly differ between groups starting 3 weeks post-surgery. High resolution ex vivo measurements acquired four weeks post-surgery validated the extent of bone loss in the surgical groups. In contrast to standard methodologies for assessing bone loss, PRM results were capable of identifying local decreases in bone mineral by week 2, which were found to be significant between groups. This study concludes that PRM is able to detect changes in bone mineral with higher sensitivity and spatial differentiation than conventional techniques for evaluating CT scans, which may aid in clinical decision making for patients suffering from bone loss.
THE TIDAL PROBLEM FOR SIMPLE CIRCULATIONS

Simple wave-circulation systems on the rotating spherical surface are considered in the framework of Laplace's tidal theory. For solid body rotation of the shallow 1-layer system the comparison of tidal theory and β-plane concepts shows that Matsuno's approach provides a consistent approximation for divergent low-frequency waves, while the midlatitude β-plane captures fewer aspects of the system. Tidal theory suggests an alternative formalism for extratropical low-frequency waves. The geography of wave activity depends on internal physics of the circulation: on a mean flow with constant layer thickness low-frequency waves populate an equatorial belt, while a hydrostatically driven eastward mean flow with varying layer thickness confines divergence-free Rossby waves to the extratropics. Effects of stratification and vertical shear are considered for solid body rotation of bishallow water with constant layer thickness. Rotation and mean flow stabilize against Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and the equatorial Kelvin wave is the most unstable mode of this flow. However, observed vertical shears in the tropical ocean remain well below the instability threshold. Baroclinic instability does not occur. Wave geography and stability characteristics of this system capture major features of the oceanic large-scale circulation.
Emerging functional similarities and divergences between Drosophila Spargel/dPGC-1 and mammalian PGC-1 protein

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma Co-activator-1 (PGC-1) is a well-conserved protein among all chordates. Entire Drosophila species subgroup carries a PGC-1 homolog in their genome called spargel/dPGC-1 showing very little divergence. Recent studies have reported that significant functional similarities are shared between vertebrate and invertebrate PGC-1's based on their role in mitochondrial functions and biogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and most likely in transcription and RNA processing. With the help of genetic epistasis analysis, we established that Drosophila Spargel/dPGC-1 affects cell growth process as a terminal effector in the Insulin-TOR signaling pathway. The association between Spargel/dPGC-1 and Insulin signaling could also explain its role in the aging process. Here we provided a further comparison between Spargel/dPGC-1 and PGC-1 focusing on nuclear localization, oxidative stress resistance, and a possible role of Spargel/dPGC-1 in oogenesis reminiscing the role of Spargel in reproductive aging like many Insulin signaling partners. This led us to hypothesize that the discovery of newer biological functions in Drosophila Spargel/dPGC-1 will pave the way to uncover novel functional equivalents in mammals.
Reduction of Postperfusion Cytomegalovirus-Infections following the Use of Leukocyte Depleted Blood

After extracorporeal perfusion some patients develop evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. It is proposed that antigenically stimulated donor and recipient leukocytes may divide and activate latent CMV associated with leukocytes. To test this hypothesis, alternate patients were perfused with leukocyte-depleted or whole blood (controls). Four of six controls who were CMV antibody negative preoperatively seroconverted after perfusion. Virus was recovered from the blood of three and from the urine of two of these patients. One of four controls who were seropositive preoperatively developed a significant titer rise. Only one of eight patients perfused with leukocyte poor blond who were seronegative prior to surgery developed a viremia and became antibody positive; another manifested a viruria but remained antibody negative. These findings are consistent with the proposed hypothesis and suggest a means for reducing transfusion-associated CMV infections.