cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Kinematic and Contact Force Modeling of a Human Finger Tendon System Using Bond Graphs and Robotic Validation.

This paper aims to use bond graph modeling to create the most comprehensive finger tendon model and simulation to date. Current models are limited to either free motion without external contact or fixed finger force transmission between tendons and fingertip. The forward dynamics model, presented in this work, simultaneously simulates the kinematics of tendon-finger motion and contact forces of a central finger given finger tendon inputs. The model equations derived from bond graphs are accompanied by nonlinear relationships modeling the anatomical complexities of moment arms, tendon slacking, and joint range of motion (ROM). The structure of the model is validated using a robotic testbed, Utah's Anatomically correct Robotic Testbed (UART) finger. Experimental motion of the UART finger during free motion (no external contact) and surface contact are simulated using the bond graph model. The contact forces during the surface contact experiments are also simulated. On average, the model was able to predict the steady-state pose of the finger with joint angle errors less than 6 deg across both free motion and surface contact experiments. The static contact forces were accurately predicted with an average of 11.5% force magnitude error and average direction error of 12 deg.
Didymosphenia geminata blooms are not exclusively driven by low phosphorus under experimental conditions

Despite two decades of research, the cause of blooms of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata remains uncertain. Blooms have been associated with low nutrient, oligotrophic streams. In this study, we used available data from across the globe and conducted experiments to determine how D. geminata responds to soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations. Globally, D. geminata blooms have been found in streams with SRP below 11 μg P l−1. In North America, blooms only occurred at high equivalent latitudes when SRP was very low, whereas at lower latitudes blooms were observed under higher SRP concentrations. Using an in situ experiment, we found that following physical removal of D. geminata from stones, regrowth did not occur despite low SRP concentrations. In a second experiment, we found that there were no differences in D. geminata growth between a treatment which depleted SRP and a treatment which maintained elevated springtime SRP levels. These findings indicate that D. geminata blooms do not always form when SRP is low, even when cells are present. Bloom formation that is not exclusively related to low SRP suggests additional chemical or biotic factors, specific physical conditions, a seasonal timing requirement, or some combination of these with low P that are necessary to produce blooms.
Lurasidone Improves Psychopathology and Cognition in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.

Purpose/background In addition to clozapine, other atypical antipsychotic drugs pharmacologically similar to clozapine, for example, olanzapine, risperidone, and melperone, are also effective in a similar proportion of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients, ~40%. The major goal of this study was to compare 2 doses of lurasidone, another atypical antipsychotic drug, and time to improvement in psychopathology and cognition during a 6-month trial in TRS patients. Methods/procedures The diagnosis of TRS was based on clinical history and lack of improvement in psychopathology during a 6-week open trial of lurasidone 80 mg/d (phase 1). This was followed by a randomized, double-blind, 24-week trial of lurasidone, comparing 80- and 240-mg/d doses (phase 2). Findings/results Significant non-dose-related improvement in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Total and subscales and in 2 of 7 cognitive domains, speed of processing and executive function, were noted. Twenty-eight (41.8%) of 67 patients in the combined sample improved ≥20% in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Total. Of the 28 responders, 19 (67.9%) first reached ≥20% improvement between weeks 6 and 24 during phase 2, including some who had previously failed to respond to clozapine. Implications/conclusions Improvement with lurasidone is comparable with those previously reported for clozapine, melperone, olanzapine, and risperidone in TRS patients. In addition, this study demonstrated that 80 mg/d lurasidone, an effective and tolerable dose for non-TRS patients, was also effective in TRS patients but required longer duration of treatment. Direct comparison of lurasidone with clozapine in TRS patients is indicated.
Multifaceted strategies to improve blood pressure control in a primary care clinic: A quality improvement project.

Background Approximately 80% of patients with hypertension in the Internal Medicine Clinic were uncontrolled (BP > 130/80 mmHg), according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) was to improve BP control <130/80 from the baseline rates of 20%-30% and <140/90 from the baseline rates of 40%-60% between ages of 18-75 years, within 12 months. Methods We used the Plan-Do-Study-Act method. A multidisciplinary QI team identified barriers by fish bone diagram. Barriers included: 1) Physicians' knowledge gap and clinical inertia in optimization of medications, and 2) Patients' nonadherence to medication and appointments. The outcome measures were the percentage of patients with BP < 140/90 and < 130/80. Process measures included: 1) attendance rates of physician and nurses at educational sessions, 2) medication reconciliation completion rates and 3) care guide order rates. Key interventions were: 1) physicians and nurses' education regarding ACC/AHA guidelines, 2) patient education and engagement and 3) enhancement of health information technology. Data analysis was performed using monthly statistical process control charts. Results We achieved 62.6% (n = 885/1426) for BP < 140/90 and 24.47% (n = 349/1426) for BP < 130/80 within 12 months project period. We sustained and exceeded at 72.64% (n = 945/1301) for BP < 140/90 and 44.58% (n = 580/1301) for BP < 130/80 during the 10 months post-project period. Conclusions Overcoming physician clinical inertia, enhancing patient adherence to appointments and medications, and a high functioning multidisciplinary team were the key drivers for the success.
Unequal Early Adulthoods: Racial and Ethnic Wealth Disparities during the Great Recession

This study identifies socioeconomic factors that contribute to wealth advantages or disadvantages across ethnoracial groups in early adulthoods during the Great Recession. Using data from the Natio...
Two-sided Kirszbraun Theorem

In this paper, we prove a two-sided variant of the Kirszbraun theorem. Consider an arbitrary subset X of Euclidean space and its superset Y. Let f be a 1-Lipschitz map from X to ℝ^m. The Kirszbraun theorem states that the map f can be extended to a 1-Lipschitz map f from Y to ℝ^m. While the extension f does not increase distances between points, there is no guarantee that it does not decrease distances significantly. In fact, f may even map distinct points to the same point (that is, it can infinitely decrease some distances). However, we prove that there exists a (1 + e)-Lipschitz outer extension f:Y → ℝ^{m'} that does not decrease distances more than "necessary". Namely, ‖f(x) - f(y)‖ ≥ c √{e} min(‖x-y‖, inf_{a,b ∈ X} (‖x - a‖ + ‖f(a) - f(b)‖ + ‖b-y‖)) for some absolutely constant c > 0. This bound is asymptotically optimal, since no L-Lipschitz extension g can have ‖g(x) - g(y)‖ > L min(‖x-y‖, inf_{a,b ∈ X} (‖x - a‖ + ‖f(a) - f(b)‖ + ‖b-y‖)) even for a single pair of points x and y. In some applications, one is interested in the distances ‖f(x) - f(y)‖ between images of points x,y ∈ Y rather than in the map f itself. The standard Kirszbraun theorem does not provide any method of computing these distances without computing the entire map f first. In contrast, our theorem provides a simple approximate formula for distances ‖f(x) - f(y)‖.
Forskolin eye drops improve retinal damage from ischemia/reperfusion.

Purpose To determine whether forskolin, a protein kinase A (PKA) agonist, eye drops could reduce neuronal and vascular damage after exposure to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods C57BL/6J mice were exposed to the I/R protocol. A group of mice were given forskolin eye drops (10 μM) daily. Two days after I/R, neuronal measurements were performed, while vascular measurements were performed at 10 days post-I/R. Western blotting was conducted to investigate whether forskolin could increase PKA levels and reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators. Results Forskolin statistically significantly increased PKA levels, but not exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1). The forskolin eye drops also reduced neuronal and vascular damage compared to I/R alone. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1-β (IL-1β) levels were statistically significantly reduced after administration of forskolin eye drops compared to I/R alone. Conclusions Forskolin eye drops were protective against I/R. The findings offer a new therapeutic for local delivery.
Developing an emergency robotic undocking protocol using simulation

Abstract Background Emergent undocking of the surgical robot is a high-acuity low-frequency event that requires knowledge and proficiency to optimize patient safety. Simulation was used to codify sequential processes, roles, and responsibilities. Purpose This quality improvement project aimed to develop a protocol for use during emergent undocking of the surgical robot. Methods A pre-post interventional design was used. One pre- and two post-intervention simulation performances of interprofessional teams were observed during intraoperative crisis events. Educational sessions provided instruction on roles and responsibilities and emergent undocking procedures. Interprofessional simulation training sessions allowed staff to refine and practice emergent robotic undocking. Discussion Timed endpoints notably improved. Participant confidence in the emergent undocking of the surgical robotic improved. Adherence initially improved then declined to pre-intervention levels. Conclusions Project outcomes showcase the utility of emergent robotic undocking procedures, and demonstrate the effectiveness of conducting simulations to codify and refine the process of emergency robotic undocking.
Optimal ECG-lead selection increases generalizability of deep learning on ECG abnormality classification

Deep learning (DL) has achieved promising performance in detecting common abnormalities from the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, diagnostic redundancy exists in the 12-lead ECG, which cou...
Bringing precision oncology to cellular resolution with single-cell genomics.

Single-cell sequencing technologies have undergone rapid development and adoption by the scientific community in the past 5 years, fueling discoveries about the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment responsiveness of individual tumor cells within cancer ecosystems. Most of the advancements in our understanding of cancer with these new technologies have focused on basic tumor biology. However, the knowledge produced by these and other studies are beginning to provide biomarkers and drug targets for clinically-relevant subpopulations within a tumor, creating opportunities for the development of biologically-informed, clone-specific combination treatment strategies. Here we provide an overview of the development of the field of single-cell cancer sequencing and provide a roadmap for shepherding these technologies from research tools to diagnostic instruments that provide high-resolution, treatment-directing details of tumors to clinical oncologists.
Targeting the plasma membrane of neoplastic cells through alkylation: a novel approach to cancer chemotherapy

Background Although DNA-directed alkylating agents and related compounds have been a mainstay in chemotherapeutic protocols due to their ability to readily interfere with the rapid mitotic progression of malignant cells, their clinical utility is limited by DNA repair mechanisms and immunosuppression. However, the same destructive nature of alkylation can be reciprocated at the cell surface using novel plasma membrane alkylating agents. Results Plasma membrane alkylating agents have elicited long term survival in mammalian models challenged with carcinomas, sarcomas, and leukemias. Further, a specialized group of plasma membrane alkylating agents known as tetra-O-acetate haloacetamido carbohydrate analogs (Tet-OAHCs) potentiates a substantial leukocyte influx at the administration and primary tumor site, indicative of a potent immune response. The effects of plasma membrane alkylating agents may be further potentiated through the use of another novel class of chemotherapeutic agents, known as dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) inhibitors, since many cancer types are known to rely on the DHAP pathway for lipid synthesis. Conclusion Despite these compelling data, preliminary clinical trials for plasma membrane-directed agents have yet to be considered. Therefore, this review is intended for academics and clinicians to postulate a novel approach of chemotherapy; altering critical malignant cell signaling at the plasma membrane surface through alkylation, thereby inducing irreversible changes to functions needed for cell survival.
Identification and Quantification of Volatile Organic Compounds Using Systematic Single-Ion Chromatograms

In order to determine the background level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Canadian indoor air, a method of identification and quantification at a level of 0.3 {micro}g/m{sup 3} using systematic single-ion chromatograms (SICs) has been developed. The compounds selected for measurement included several halogenated compounds, oxygen compounds, terpenes, and C8 to C16 n-alkanes. Air samples were taken in 3-layered sorbent tubes and trapped compounds were thermally desorbed into the helium stream of a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) analytical system. Total quantities of volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) were measured using a flame ionization detector (FID). Individual compounds were analyzed by a GC/MS. For the identification of compounds in the main stream GC effluent, both the specific GC retention and mass spectra were used. About 50 selected SICs were routinely extracted from a total ion chromatogram (TIC) to detect and quantify compounds. For each compound, a single representative ion was selected. The specific retention was calculated from the elution time on the SIC. For quantification, ion counts under a peak in the SIC were measured. The single-ion MS response factor for some of the compounds was experimentally determined using a dynamic reference procedure.
Use of 3D printers to create a patient-specific 3D bolus for external beam therapy

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that an inexpensive 3D printer can be used to manufacture patient-specific bolus for external beam therapy, and to show we can accurately model this printed bolus in our treatment planning system for accurate treatment delivery. Percent depth-dose measurements and tissue maximum ratios were used to determine the characteristics of the printing materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid, as bolus material with physical density of 1.04 and 1.2 g/cm3, and electron density of 3.38 × 10²³ electrons/cm3 and 3.80 × 10²³ electrons/ cm3, respectively. Dose plane comparisons using Gafchromic EBT2 film and the RANDO phantom were used to verify accurate treatment planning. We accurately modeled a printing material in Eclipse treatment planning system, assigning it a Hounsfield unit of 260. We were also able to verify accurate treatment planning using gamma analysis for dose plane comparisons. With gamma criteria of 5% dose difference and 2 mm DTA, we were able to have 86.5% points passing, and with gamma criteria of 5% dose difference and 3 mm DTA, we were able to have 95% points passing. We were able to create a patient-specific bolus using an inexpensive 3D printer and model it in our treatment planning system for accurate treatment delivery.
Self-representation in literary fandom: Women's leisure reader selfies as postfeminist performance

In social media communities dedicated to women's leisure reading and literary fandom, images of women engaged in the act of reading circulate prominently. These images—created and uploaded to fan sites by the fans themselves—have recurring characteristics: the woman often holds a leather-bound book, wears romanticized, neo-Victorian dress, and has exaggeratedly feminine, sexualized features. These representations are not of actual members of the community but rather fictive, collected, circulated, and commented upon in a communal act of identity construction. This gendered visual representation of the literate self provides a performance of a double movement in postfeminist culture: a broadcasting of discourses that is empowering (participatory digital cultural production around literature) and yet promotes a cultural context for reinforcement of conventional gender norms. To demonstrate this double movement, I utilize a case study of these self-representational fan images, collected over a year on a Facebook group page for fans of 19th-century British literature and filmic adaptations. These images and their circulation are then analyzed via a two-pronged double movement theoretical framework. First, feminist media scholarship helps explain the empowering aspects of the new media creation of the reader selfie. Second, gender performance uncovers how these repeated sexualized images of women readers reentrench conventional, hyperfeminine, and sexualized gender roles. Double movement takes place in contemporary women leisure readers' lives, and the media-led postfeminist cultural movement offers a depoliticized, self-indulgent path toward youth and beauty at the expense of institutional or social change.
Neuronal Activity Promotes Oligodendrogliogenesis and Myelination in the Mammalian Brain (S42.004)

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigate the role of neuronal activity in directing the proliferation, differentiation, and myelination of oligodendroglial lineage cells in the mammalian motor cortex. BACKGROUND: Myelination of the central nervous system requires the generation of functionally mature oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC). While previous work supports the concept that electrically active neurons may influence OPC function and selectively instruct myelination of an active neural circuit, direct in vivo evidence has been lacking to date. DESIGN/METHODS: We use optogenetic stimulation of motor cortex in awake, behaving mice at frequencies identical to the physiological firing rates of cortical layer V Betz cells to evoke a behavioral response. Using immunohistochemistry, quantitative confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we analyze the dynamics of neural and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, their daughter oligodendrocytes, and the resulting changes in deep cortical myelination. RESULTS: We demonstrate that neuronal electrical activity elicits a brisk mitogenic response of neural progenitor and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, promotes oligodendrogliogenesis and increases myelination within the deep layers of the motor cortex and local subcortical white matter. We further show that this neuronal activity-regulated oligodendrogliogenesis and myelination produces lasting behavioral consequences, with improved motor function of the corresponding limb. New mature oligodendrocyte production is necessary for the observed motor function improvement, as epigenetic blockade of oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation prevents the activity-regulated behavioral improvement without affecting baseline behavior. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first in vivo evidence of neuronal activity-regulated myelin development and remodeling, supporting experience-based myelin adaptation as a form of neural plasticity in the mammalian brain and highlighting potential strategies for regeneration. Disclosure: Dr. Purger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gibson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mount has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Inema has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bieri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zuchero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barres has nothing to disclose. Dr. Woo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vogel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Monje has nothing to disclose.
Inverse Kinematic Analysis of Moving Base Robot with Redundant Degrees of Freedom

The inverse kinematic analysis of redundant moving base robots is complicated because of the base mobility and the non-square nature of the Jacobian. This paper presents an efficient approach to the inverse kinematic analysis of redundant moving base robot and the results of computer simulation. An iterative procedure has been used to solve the inverse kinematic equation. The method converges fast and the results are obtained within a few iterations.
Isolation and sequencing of a cDNA clone encoding lysosomal membrane glycoprotein mouse LAMP-1. Sequence similarity to proteins bearing onco-differentiation antigens.

We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone encoding the mouse LAMP-1 (mLAMP-1) major lysosomal membrane glycoprotein. The deduced protein sequence, which included the NH2-terminal portion of the mLAMP-1 molecule, consisted of 382 amino acids (Mr 41,509). The predicted structure of this protein included an NH2-terminal intralumenal domain consisting of two homology units of approximately 160 residues each separated by a proline-rich hinge region. Each homology unit contained four cysteine residues with two intercysteine intervals of 36-38 residues and one of 68 or 76 residues. The molecule also contained 20 asparagine-linked glycosylation sites within residues 1-287, a membrane-spanning region from residues 347 to 370, and a carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of 12 residues. The biochemical properties and amino acid sequence of mLAMP-1 were highly similar to those of two other molecules that have been studied as cell surface onco-differentiation antigens: a highly sialylated polylactosaminoglycan-containing glycoprotein isolated from human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (Viitala, J., Carlsson, S. R., Siebert, P. D., and Fukuda, M. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, in press) and the mouse gp130 (P2B) glycoprotein, in which an increase in beta 1-6 branching of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides has been correlated with metastatic potential in certain tumor cells (Dennis, J.W., Laferte, S., Waghorne, C., Breitman, M.L., and Kerbel, R.S. (1987) Science 236, 582-585).
Hamilton at Wits End: The Lost Discipline of the Spending Clause vs. the False Discipline of Campaign Finance Reform

In 1796, Congressman James Madison proposed that the federal government undertake a survey for a national post road from Maine to Georgia, which he suggested would be, “the commencement of an extensive work.” Madison’s proposal drew the attention of his long-time friend and confidant, Thomas Jefferson, then in temporary retirement at Monticello. In private correspondence, Jefferson inquired of Madison, “[h]ave you considered all the consequences of your proposition respecting post roads? I view it as a source of boundless patronage to the executive, jobbing to members of Congress and their friends, and a bottomless abyss of public money.” Although Madison’s proposal appeared to fall under a power specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution, “[t]o establish [p]ost [o]ffices and post [r]oads,” Jefferson nonetheless opposed the measure as being beyond Congress’s enumerated powers. “Does the power to establish post roads,” asked Jefferson, “mean that you shall make the roads, or only select from those already made those on which there shall be a post? If the term be equivocal, (and I really do not think it so) which is the safest construction?” Jefferson argued that the more liberal construction would open the door to wholesale spending by Congress, in ways that harbored ill for representative government. “[I]t will be a
Validated Leverett Approach for Multiphase Flow in PEFC Diffusion Media III. Temperature Effect and Unified Approach

The final paper in this series is devoted to delineating the effects of temperature on the multiphase transport characteristics of thin-film polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) diffusion media (DM). Direct measurements of capillary pressure-saturation of various commercial DM coated with a wide range of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) loadings (from 5 to 20 wt % PTFE) were performed at different operating temperatures (20, 50, and 80°C). The benchmark data gathered from these experiments (available upon request) were compiled into the existing database generated from the first and second phase of this study, which examined the hydrophobicity and compression effects. The expanded database was then utilized to deduce a unified form of an empirical correlation appropriate for the tested DM. This semiempirical approach can predict capillary pressure of the tested DM as a function of liquid saturation, hydrophobic additive content, uncompressed porosity, compression pressure, and operating temperature within an uncertainty of ±14% of the measured capillary pressure over the entire saturation domain, showing considerable improvement over the traditional Leverett approach.
T wave alternans in idiopathic long QT syndrome

Abstract Objectives . The study evaluates the association between T wave alternans and the risk of cardiac events (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest or cardiac death) in a large population of patients with idiopathic long QT syndrome. Background . T wave alternans is an infrequently recorded electrocardiographic (ECG) finding in patients with delayed repolarization, and its clinical significance is not clear. Methods . A total of 4,656 ECG recordings in 2,442 patients enrolled in the International Long QT Syndrome Registry were reviewed for episodes of T wave alternans. To determine the risk associated with T wave alternans, independent of corrected QT interval (QTc) duration, patients with T wave alternans were matched for QTc value (every 0.025 s 1/2 ) to patients with long QT syndrome without T wave alternans. Results . T wave alternans was identified in 39 patients (25 of whom had a QTc interval >0.50 s 1/2 ). A strong association between QTc prolongation and T wave alternans was observed (odds ratio 1.23 per 0.01-s 1/2 unit increase in QTc, p Conclusions . T wave alternans, a marker of electrical instability and regional heterogeneity of repolarization, identifies a high risk subset of patients with prolonged repolarization. Patients with T wave alternans have an increased risk of cardiac events, but this risk is primarily related to the magnitude of repolarization delay (QTc prolongation). T wave alternans does not make an independent contribution to the risk of cardiac events after adjustment for QTc length.
High Precision Characterization of Gas-Filled Shells Using Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometry

The validity of inertial-fusion experiments relies on precise and accurate knowledge of the characteristics of small (<1-mm diam) gas-filled shells, such as the wall thickness and outer diameter of the spherical microballoon and the density of the gas inside it. In the past, dual-beam interferometry has been utilized to determine these quantities. These techniques produce interference patterns which have a spatial intensity distribution that is sinusoidal. In contrast, multiple-beam interferometry produces interferometric patterns which are described by the Airy function, and they can have interference maxima that are sharp and narrow, depending on the number of interfering wave fronts. This work describes a technique that uses a scanning, plane Fabry-Perot interferometer to determine inertial-fusion target parameters to high accuracy using the increased precision of multiple-beam interferometry. The microballoon is inserted between the highly-reflective surfaces of an air-spaced Fabry-Perot etalon that is illuminated with monochromatic plane waves. As the separation between the end mirrors is varied continuously, the intensities of the light transmitted through the center of the microballoon and passing external to it are recorded simultaneously as a function of mirror spacing. From this data, the phase difference between these two wave fronts is determined and the appropriate inertial-fusion target parameters are calculated. Using a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer in conjunction with computerized data acquisition and analysis techniques, phase measurements with precisions of the order of X/100 can be made. With proper refractive index calibration, this precision results in a wall-thickness measurement accuracy of about 0.1%; and the density of the gas inside the microballoon is found with an accuracy of about 1% of its measured value.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Factors affecting the infection of the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus in the B cells of C57BL/6J mice.

The D variant of encephalomyocarditis viras is capable of infecting most inbred strains of mice. However, only certain strains are susceptible to the diabetogenic effect of this viras. In order to understand why some inbred strains do not become diabetic, the pathogenesis of infection was studied in diabetes-resistant C57BL/6J mice. It was the purpose of the investigation to ascertain whether specific host defense factors might play a crucial role in the mechanism of resistance. To determine whether perturbations of the immune response would alter the resistance of these animals, mice were treated with a high dose (1.15 mmol/kg body weight) of the T- and B-cell toxin cyclophosphamide prior to infection with the D variant. This treatment did not induce overt diabetes or glucose intolerance in the mice tested 7 days after infection. Based on this finding, it appeared likely that resistance to the D variant is conveyed by some factor other than cell-mediated immunity. A likely candidate to control this viral infection is the interferon system. To investigate this possibility, C57BL/6J mice were infected with the D variant and the concentrations of serum interferon titred at various intervals thereafter. In contrast to previous reports with diabetes susceptible mice, C57BL/6J mice were found to generate a substantial interferon response against this variant, with peak levels found in the serum at 24 h following infection. Additional studies were performed in which mice were treated with antibody to mouse interferon alpha/beta at the time of infection and again 3 days after infection with the D variant. Sixty percent of the animals treated in this manner became glucose intolerant. The results of these studies indicate that the interferon system is a critical determinant of resistance to the diabetogenic effect of the D variant in C57BL/6J mice.
Urban unemployment and the backward incidence of pollution control

This paper employs a mobile capital version of the Harris-Todaro model to analyze the backward incidence of pollution abatement policies on some key variables of interest. Among other things, we show that national incomemay fall as a result of stronger pollution controls. However, more restrictive pollution controls cause the urban rate of unemployment to fall unambiguously.
Residents can successfully teach basic surgical skills in the simulation center.

Objectives Basic surgical skills are frequently taught to surgical interns in simulation centers. Faculty recruitment for teaching of these sessions can be difficult. The goal of this study was to determine whether senior surgical residents can effectively teach basic surgical skills to provide an alternative to faculty-led instruction. Design, Setting, and Participants Academic medical center. Twenty-eight surgical interns. In this randomized controlled trial, interns were randomized to receive teaching by either faculty or senior residents. Two-hour teaching sessions for each group consisted of modeling and guided practice. All interns underwent baseline knot-tying and suturing skill assessment using a previously validated standardized task scoring scheme and completed a confidence survey. After teaching sessions, both groups underwent repeated skill testing and were again surveyed. Results Twenty-eight interns started in the surgery program at our institution during the year of this study. Seventeen of 27 (62.9%) interns participated in both teaching sessions and completed all skill assessments and surveys; 7 (41.2%) interns were taught by faculty, 10 (58.8%) by residents. Overall, skills training improved in both groups for knot-tying, running suture, and subcuticular suture performance. Confidence performing knot-tying tasks also improved. Interns taught by faculty members and residents demonstrated similar levels of improvement in speed and accuracy, although faculty instruction improved speed of performing the simple suturing task (−144 vs −27 s, p = 0.04). Conclusions In the simulation center, teaching by senior surgical residents and faculty members resulted in comparable improvement in interns' basic surgical skills. These findings could increase the skill instructor pool for teaching in the simulation center, potentially easing recruitment and providing senior residents with teaching opportunities.
Beam Manipulation Equipment at the Zero Gradient Synchrotron

The evolution of working accelerators invariably requires increasingly flexible beam manipulation to fulfill the demands of high energy physics experiments. The following reports on a hybrid digital-analog system that provides intricate beam manipulation programs for use with the Argonne Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS). It describes the system requirements, the design philosophy, the equipment developed to fulfill these requirements, and finally, the present performance of this equipment. Figure 4 shows one view of the completed system.
Weber, Jean–Jacques, & KRISTINE HORNER. Introducing Multilingualism: A Social Approach. New York/London: Routledge, 2012. Pp. x, 214. $33.95, paper. ISBN 978–0–41560–997–5.

A review of the book "Introducing Multilingualism: A Social Approach," by Jean-Jacques Weber and Kristine Horner, is presented.
Copper-catalyzed oxidation of azolines to azoles

We report herein convenient, aerobic conditions for the oxidation of thiazolines to thiazoles and data regarding the oxidation mechanism. These reactions feature operationally simple and environmentally benign conditions and proceed in good yield to afford the corresponding azoles, thus enabling the inexpensive preparation of valuable molecular building blocks. Incorporation of a novel diimine-ligated copper catalyst, [(MesDABMe)CuII(OH2)3]2+ [−OTf]2, provides increased reaction efficiency in many cases. In other cases copper-free conditions involving a stoichiometric quantity of base affords superior results.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation in solutions of poly(fluoromethylene) and poly(vinyl fluoride); segmental mobility of fluorinated ethylene polymers

1H and 19F spin-lattice relaxation times and nuclear Overhauser enhancement factors are reported for solutions of poly(fluoromethylene) in DMSO, and for poly(vinyl fluoride) in DMF. These results, together with literature values for other fluorinated ethylene polymers, show that substitutions of F for H on the chain backbone produce only mild changes in segmental mobility.
Effects of repeated GBR 12909 administration on brain stimulation reward.

Male rats were trained at three separate currents to bar press for intracranial self-stimulation. On days 1 and 15, all subjects were given 1-(2-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy)-ethyl-4-(3-phenylpropyl) piperazine, also known as GBR 12909 (10 mg/kg, i.p.), prior to test session. Between these days, the paired Chronic-before group was injected (every other day) with GBR 12909 prior to intracranial self-stimulation, while unpaired, Chronic-after group was given the drug just after the end of the session. A third group (Control) received saline injections (i.p.) 20 min following the session. Although GBR 12909 was found to be reward enhancing, neither sensitization nor tolerance developed to the rewarding and performance/motor effects regardless of the injection regimen. In addition, the rewarding effects of intracranial self-stimulation were found to be independent of both current and environment-specific pairing. The present data obtained for GBR 12909 agree with previous observations of the effects of repeated administration of drugs of abuse on intracranial self-stimulation.
Rad3 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: overexpression and preliminary characterization using specific antibodies

The cloned RAD3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tailored into expression vectors for overexpression of Rad3 protein in Escherichia coli and in yeast. In both organisms the overexpressed protein is detected as a species of molecular weight ca. 90 kDa, the size expected from the sequence of the cloned gene. The protein overexpressed in E. coli is largely insoluble; however the insoluble fraction was used to generate affinity-purified polyclonal antisera which proved to be powerful reagents for the initial characterization of Rad3 protein expressed in yeast. These studies showed that: (1) when overexpressed in yeast most of the Rad3 protein is detected in the soluble fraction of cell extracts; (2) endogenous Rad3 protein is untransformed cells is also ca. 90 kDa in size and is located in the cell nucleus; (3) Rad3/beta-galactosidase fusion protein partially purified on an affinity matrix is associated with DNA-dependent ATPase activity that is inhibited in the presence of anti-Rad3 antibodies, suggesting that Rad3 protein is an ATPase; and (4) Rad3 antibodies cross-react with two electrophoretically distinguishable polypeptides present in the nuclear fraction of human cells, and with a single polypeptide in extracts of Drosophila cells.
Preservation of the latissimus dorsi muscle during cardiomyoplasty surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyoplasty surgery has been shown to be associated with damage and degeneration of the assisting skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to use ischemic (short-term) and thermal (long-term) preconditioning to protect the muscle during surgery and the subsequent ischemia. METHODS: Three 10-minute cycles of ischemia-reperfusion were accomplished noninvasively on goat latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) immediately prior to surgery. In another experiment, LDM was noninvasively heat shocked for 20 minutes at 42 degrees C 24 hours prior to surgery. LDM damage was evaluated 5 days postsurgery using enzyme activities (beta-glucuronidase, beta-GLN; citrate synthase), hydroxyproline, morphology, and blood flow. RESULTS: The lysosomal enzyme, beta-GLN, was significantly increased (43%, p < 0.05) by surgical dissection and remained high in the ischemic preconditioned LDM (58%, p < 0.05) and in the heat shocked LDM (57%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings show that these two protective protocols do not reduce the muscle damage that occurs during surgical preparation of the LDM for cardiomyoplasty.
Animal model of radiogenic bone damage to study mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to create an animal model to study mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) using high–dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Methods Ten Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in this study. Six rats received a single dose of 30 Gy using an HDR remote afterloading machine via a brachytherapy catheter placed along the left hemimandible. The remaining 4 rats served as controls with catheter placement without radiation (sham). On the day following irradiation or sham, all 3 left mandibular molars were atraumatically extracted. Twenty-eight days after irradiation, mandibles were examined using nondecalcified histology with sequential fluorochrome labeling, decalcified histology, and micro–computed tomography scanning. Results Irradiated rats demonstrated exposed bone at the extraction sockets, whereas the control animals had complete mucosalization. Alopecia was also seen in the irradiated group. Both histologic and radiologic analyses of the mandible specimens demonstrated a reduction in bone formation in the radiated mandibles as compared with controls. Conclusions Our HDR brachytherapy model incorporating postradiation dental extractions has successfully demonstrated reproducible radiogenic mandibular bone damage analogous to the clinical ORN. Although clinical criteria continue to be used today in describing ORN, this model can serve as a platform for future studies to define ORN and delineate its pathogenesis.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), but Not ICAM-2 and -3, Is Important for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in cell-to-cell-mediated transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Interactions between intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) and their ligands facilitate DC-T-cell contact. The interaction between ICAM-1 on DCs and leukocyte function-associated molecule 1 (LFA-1) on CD4 + T cells has been proposed to be important for DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission. Given that DCs and T cells express multiple ICAMs and binding ligands, the relative importance of ICAMs in DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission remains to be defined. Here, we examine the role of ICAM-1, -2, and -3 in DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission to various types of target cells including primary CD4 + T cells. The expression levels of ICAMs and their ligands on immature and mature DCs and various types of HIV-1 target cells were measured by flow cytometry. Blocking ICAM-1 in DCs with specific monoclonal antibodies and small interfering RNA impaired DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission. DC-mediated viral transmission was significantly inhibited when both ICAM-1 on DCs and LFA-1 on CD4 + T cells were blocked. However, blockade of ICAM-1 on target cells did not significantly inhibit DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission. Ectopic expression and antibody blocking suggest that DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission to primary CD4 + T cells is independent of ICAM-2 and ICAM-3. Taken together, our data clarified the role of ICAMs in DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission to CD4 + T cells.
Gentamicin-induced glomerulotoxicity in the pregnant rat.

Ten daily injections of gentamicin, 40 mg/kg/d intraperitoneal (IP), produced a marked reduction in the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (K f ) of virgin female Munich-Wistar rats without eliciting significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or single nephron (SN)GFR. A similar gentamicin-induced decrease in K f was seen in midterm pregnant (day 12) rats and the normal gestational increase in GFR and SNGFR was blunted by gentamicin. Concomitant converting enzyme inhibition (CEI) (MK 421, 50 mg/L drinking water) completely prevented the gentamicin-induced decrease in K f in virgin females, thus confirming that the gentamicin-induced decline in K f is mediated by angiotensin II (ANG II). These studies indicate that pregnancy neither exacerbates nor ameliorates gentamicin-induced glomerulotoxcity and also that glomerular ANG II responsivity is not diminished in midterm pregnant rats.
Introduction to Tang Tsou’s “Interpreting the Revolution in China”

EDITORS' NOTE: To honor Professor Tang Tsou's memory, we publish here the last of his scholarly works-an essay containing his preliminary thoughts for a multivolume project to interpret the Chinese Revolution. Zhiyuan Cui, the youngest and most recent of Tsou 's students in the profession, provides an introduction to set the essay in the context of the larger corpus of Tsou's work And Marc Blecher, one of Tsou's more senior students, completes the tribute by highlighting the resonances of themes in this essay to Tsou's lifelong work. Professor Tsou was of course above all a political scientist, but colleagues in other disciplines, especially history, should find much that is instructive and relevant in these three essays.
What prevents ESL/EFL writers from avoiding plagiarism?: Analyses of 10 North-American college websites

Abstract While previous discussions on plagiarism in ESL/EFL contexts have served to inform researchers and educators how differences in cultural and ideological backgrounds can influence people's understanding of textual appropriation and literacy, little has been discussed as to how inexperienced ESL/EFL writers can be helped to avoid plagiarism. The present study analyzes 10 North-American college websites on plagiarism, which provide a window to understanding how this issue has been problematized and explained in Anglophone academic contexts. First this paper argues that beliefs expressed in these websites are not unique, but resemble those expressed in previously published research, writing manuals, and textbooks on how to help students cope with plagiarism. Particular attention is paid to two ideas that have often been neglected when discussing anti-plagiarism measures: the difficulty of using paraphrases and heavy involvement of using inference in writing unplagiarized work. The present study argues that though documentation and use of paraphrases are two important countermeasures to plagiarism, there needs to be more emphasis on the role of inferential thinking in instructing inexperienced writers to use multiple sources. It concludes that ESL/EFL instructors as well as researchers and materials writers need to highlight this aspect of writing.
Introduction: Robotic surgery today and tomorrow

a D e a o h w he development and use of tools remains a defining charcteristic of Homo sapiens. The first hunter-gatherers modfied their devices according to need. In a similar fashion, he development and use of surgical tools has defined our raft since the first bone needles were used in prehistoric imes. From simple surgical tool modification (eg, the Kocher lamp to facilitate thyroid grasping) to revolutionizing tools nd technology (eg, cardiopulmonary bypass or videolapaoscopy), progress in surgical capability has depended on onstant evolution of surgical instruments and technology. simple look around the operating room is cause to reflect n the myriad of clamps, retractors, and catheters that have een developed in the endless bedside-to-bench-to-bedside
Selenite activates the alternative oxidase pathway and alters primary metabolism in Brassica napus roots: evidence of a mitochondrial stress response

Human requirements for dietary selenium are met mainly by crops. However, excessive uptake of selenium in plants can restrict growth, and its toxicity has been postulated to target roots. Selenite toxicity can be attributed to its assimilation into selenocysteine, which can replace cysteine to yield malformed selenoproteins. Additionally, selenite has pro-oxidant properties. In this study, the effects of selenite on root tissue in Brassica napus (canola) were investigated to better understand its mode of toxicity and the metabolic adjustments needed to mediate a selenite-response. Selenite induced the rapid formation of mitochondrial superoxide, which led to decreased aconitase activity and involvement of the alternative oxidase pathway. Although selenite altered primary metabolism, as observed by the increased amino acids and decreased TCA cycle metabolites, increased glucose presumably supported higher respiratory rates and ATP levels reported in this study. Additionally, evidence is presented indicating that selenite suppressed the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and induced the pentose phosphate pathway needed to maintain antioxidant metabolism. Selenite treatment also elevated glutathione concentration and coincided with increased levels of γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase, which may possibly degrade selenium metabolites conjugated to glutathione. Collectively, the data indicate that selenite necessitates the reconfiguration of metabolic pathways to overcome the consequences of mitochondrial oxidative stress in root tissue. Efforts to mitigate the detrimental effects of selenite-induced oxidative stress may ultimately improve selenium tolerance and accumulation in crops.