cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel method for somatic transgenesis of the mouse prostate using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system.

BACKGROUND In vivo ectopic gene expression is a common approach for prostate research through the use of transgenes in germline transgenic mice. For some other organs, somatic transgenesis with the Sleeping Beauty transposon system has allowed in vivo ectopic gene expression with higher throughput and lower cost than germline transgenic approaches. METHODS Mouse e16 urogenital sinuses (UGSs) were co-injected with plasmids expressing the Sleeping Beauty transposase and plasmids with control or activated BRAF expressing transposons. Following electroporation, the transduced UGSs were grown as allografts in mouse hosts for 8 weeks, and the resulting allografts were evaluated for several endpoints. RESULTS Transposon-transduced UGS allografts developed into prostatic tissue with normal tissue structure and cellular differentiation. Integration of transposon vectors into the genomes of transduced allografts was confirmed using linker-mediated PCR, sequencing, and in situ PCR. Transduction of UGS allografts with transposons expressing activated BRAF resulted in ectopic BRAF expression that was detectable at both the mRNA and protein levels. Prostatic ducts over-expressing activated BRAF also had ectopic activation of the ERK1/2 mitogen activated kinases and increased epithelial cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS The Sleeping Beauty transposon system can be used to achieve somatic transgenesis of prostatic allografts. This new method for achieving ectopic gene expression in the prostate will complement other existing approaches such as ectopic gene expression in cell lines and in germline transgenic mice. Advantages of this new approach include preservation of stromal–epithelial interactions not possible with cell lines, and higher throughput and lower cost than traditional germline transgenic approaches. Prostate 74:781–791, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Doppler analog of the Elsasser band model—II: The integrated emissivity

The integrated emissivity of the Doppler analog of an Elsasser band has been investigated by both analytical and numerical methods. Values of the integrated emissivity have been calculated for values of SX/d between 0 and 1000 and γ/d = 0·10, (0·01), 0/sd69. Various cases have been investigated and, in particular, the expression ed=1-l0 SXαd exp− SXd where α=[12θ3(0,e-β2) − θ3(12π, e-β2)], β2 = (π2/1n2)(γ/d)2 can be used for any value of SX/d and γ/d > 0·27 with an error of less than 0·5 per cent. Conversely, for values of γ/d ≤0·18 and any value of SX/d, an isolated line expression, ed= SXd ∑n=0∞(-1)n(n+1)!(n+1)1/2 π1/2SXβd n can be used with comparable accuracy. Some of the properties of the integrals appearing as coefficients in the Taylor series expansion of the integrated emissivity have been studied and numerical values determined.
Misplaced Priorities: The Failure of Secure Communities in Los Angeles County

This white paper analyzes the contrast between the federal government’s representation of Secure Communities and the reality of the program’s implementation in Los Angeles County through interviews with individual immigrant detainees and available aggregate data. The interviews and data suggest that ICE’s failure to adhere to its own stated priorities is a feature rather than a reparable flaw of the program. The program has been constructed and implemented on the assumption that if an individual has any contact with law enforcement - even if that contact stems from a traffic offense - that individual represents a threat to the community. ICE uses its stated criminal priorities as part of a rhetorical strategy to assuage the concerns of states and localities. In operation, however, ICE casts a wide net and offers little relief to worthy candidates for prosecutorial discretion; the vast majority of those deported through Secure Communities have merely had contact with local law enforcement and have not committed serious crimes.
Calcium ion distribution in nascent pioneer axons and coupled preaxonogenesis neurons in situ

The "calcium hypothesis" of regulation of growth cone motility and neurite elongation has derived from analysis of a variety of neurons growing in vitro. It proposes that calcium ion concentration within growth cones is an important regulator of motility and growth. We now extend this analysis by investigating calcium concentrations within growth cones and nascent neurites of identified embryonic neurons growing on their normal substrate in situ. The pair of Ti1 pioneer neurons are the first to extend axons in limb buds of grasshopper embryos. Their growth cones migrate along a stereotyped pathway, where they encounter a series of guidance cues, including preaxonogenesis afferent neurons (guidepost cells). By injecting a pioneer neuron with fura-2 dye, we measured calcium concentration in the injected neuron, and in cells to which it became dye-coupled, at successive stages of pioneer outgrowth through the limb. Pioneer neurons undergoing axonogenesis had calcium concentrations in the above-100-nM range characteristic of a variety of neuron types studied in vitro. In pioneer neurons not yet in contact with guidepost cells, a shallow calcium concentration gradient, highest at the growth cone, was often observed. Guidepost cells that had not begun axonogenesis had lower calcium concentrations, in the 65 nM range. Therefore, an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration may be associated with the onset of axonogenesis. Nascent pioneer neurons were fura-2 dye-coupled to each other and established coupling with contacted guidepost cells. Calcium concentration measurements along pioneer neurites suggest that calcium ions also are transferred from pioneer neurons to these coupled guidepost cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interpretation and interview context: examining the General Social Survey name generator using cognitive methods

Abstract This paper reports on a small ( N =50) study of how survey respondents interpret the General Social Survey (GSS)'s “discuss important matters” name generator. The study involved concurrent think-aloud interviews, in which respondents were debriefed about their thought processes immediately after answering the name generator. Analyses of these responses indicate that some respondents had difficulty in specifying what was meant by the term “important matters”; sizable minorities understood the question in terms of frequency of contact or intimacy rather than in terms of specific social exchanges. Most of those interviewed said that their “important matters” had to do with personal/intimate relationships or other issues of personal life (e.g., finances, hobbies, or health), but appreciable numbers referred to work and political discussions. An interview context experiment revealed that a respondent's definition of “important matters” can be shaped by the substantive content of the preceding parts of an interview schedule. Notwithstanding these findings, the composition of the networks elicited in the study does not appear to vary substantially across interpretations of the name generator. We conclude that the name generator succeeds in measuring “core” discussion networks, though with somewhat nonspecific content. Implications for the measurement of personal networks in sample surveys are discussed.
Linking Social Systems Analysis To The Industrial Ecology Framework

In theory, industrial ecology is a powerful analytical tool that challenges us to think beyond a mechanistic, fragmented view of environmental problems (and solutions). Indeed, it provokes thinking...
Human-machine perceptual cooperation

The Human-Machine Perceptual Cooperation (HMPC) paradigm combines a human operator's high level reasoning with machine perception to solve spatio-perceptual intensive problems. HMPC defines two channels of interaction: the focus of attention (FOA) by which the user directs the attention of machine perception, and context. As the user moves the FOA across a display via a pointing device, a smart cursor operates proactively on the data, highlighting objects which satisfy the current contest. The FOA permits foveal emphasis, enabling the user to vary motor precision with image clutter. HMPC provides for contexts at four levels of abstraction. This permits the efficiency of the system to degrade gracefully as data quality worsens. We describe a document analysis application to which HMPC is applied. In this project, a human operator works with a machine to convert scanned raster maps into vector format.
Fredholm vector fields and a transversality theorem

Abstract We define the notion of a Fredholm vector field and prove a transversality result giving conditions under which a vertical family of such vector fields generically have nondegenerate zeros. Many geometric objects like minimal surfaces, geodesics, and harmonic maps arise as the zeros of a Fredholm vector field.
Estimation of steroids in rabbit aorta by high performance liquid chromatography

Les steroides provenant de l'aorte thoracique de lapin qui ont recu des doses croissantes de noradrenaline, sont separes par chromatographie HPLC en phase inverse
C-axis electrical resistivity of SbCl5-graphites

$c$-axis electrical resistivity was measured from 1.5 to 300 K on the acceptor-type Sb${\mathrm{Cl}}_{5}$-graphite intercalation compounds of stages 1-6 and 10. The resistivity of the compounds is up to an order of magnitude larger (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$-${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ \ensuremath{\Omega} m) than that of the parent highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite material, indicating that the mean free path is comparable to an atomic spacing. In spite of this large resistivity an entirely metallic temperature dependence of resistivity is observed for stages 1-3. Higher-stage compounds show metallic character only at high temperatures; as the temperature decreases one observes a crossover to an activated dependence of the resistivity. A model, based on defect-mediated short-circuiting channels, is proposed in order to reconcile the metallic dependence with the large $c$-axis resistivities observed in these compounds.
Parents' Conceptions of Kindergarten Readiness: Relationships With Race, Ethnicity, and Development

Data from the National Household Education Survey (1993) were used to examine parents' conceptions of kindergarten readiness and home-learning activities. Parents reported reading to their children an average of several days each week; a majority of children watched educational television programs such as Sesame Street. African American and Hispanic parents, and other parents of color, were significantly more likely than Caucasian parents to express concerns about their childis readiness for kindergarten. However, Caucasian parents were significantly more likely than other parents to comment that they would delay sending their child to kindergarten until he or she was older. Parent concerns about their child's kindergarten readiness were unrelated to learning activities and educational television viewing at home.
The effects of neonatal androgenization on the in vivo transport of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid into specific regions of the rat brain

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine if the administration of testosterone propionate (TP) to neonatal rats is followed in vivo by alterations in the transport of the non-metabolizable amino acid, α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), into specific regions of the brain. Forty-eight hours after birth, male and female rats were injected s.c. with either 1.25 mg TP or an equivalent volume of vehicle. Five, 10 and 17 days after birth, control and TP-treated rats were decapitated at intervals of 2, 5, 60 and 300 min after the i.p. injection of 0.25 μCi [1-14C]α-aminoisobutyric acid/g body weight. Twelve brain regions, i.e., amygdala, cerebellum, corpora quadrigemina, frontal cortex, hypothalamus, medulla, occipital cortex, olfactory bulbs, olfactory tubercles, parietal cortex, pons, pyriform cortex and samples of serum were analyzed in terms of disint./min/mg tissue and as tissue/serum (T/S) ratios. At the end of 300 min there was a significant increase in the active transport of AIB in all brain regions of the 5-day-old TP-treated rats. Similarly, by 300 min, the active transport of AIB was significantly increased in all brain regions except cerebellum and pons of the 10-day-old TP-treated rats. The administration of TP to neonatal rats did not alter the accumulation and/or active transport of AIB in brain regions of the 17-day-old rat at any of the tested intervals. These data indicate that (1) neonatally administered TP enhanced (either directly or indirectly) the transport and/or accumulation of AIB in specific brain regions of 5- and 10-day-old rats and (2) the effectiveness of the steroid decreased with the age of the rat.
Imbalance of Apoptosis and Cell Proliferation Contributes to the Development and Persistence of Emphysema

Background We postulate that in adults there is an established lung structure maintenance program and that lung alveolar septal cells are undergoing both continuous apoptosis and proliferation. Whereas lung cell apoptosis has been recognized in human emphysema, little is known about cell proliferation.
Surface Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with Red Blood Cell Membranes

Gold nanoparticles are enclosed in cellular membranes derived from natural red blood cells (RBCs) by a top-down approach. The gold nanoparticles exhibit a complete membrane surface layer and biological characteristics of the source cells. The combination of inorganic gold nanoparticles with biological membranes is a compelling way to develop biomimetic gold nanostructures for future applications, such as those requiring evasion of the immune system.
Improving motor control in walking: a randomized clinical trial in older adults with subclinical walking difficulty.

Abstract Objective To test the proposed mechanism of action of a task-specific motor learning intervention by examining its effect on measures of the motor control of gait. Design Single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Setting University research laboratory. Participants Adults (N=40) aged ≥65 years with gait speed >1.0m/s and impaired motor skill (figure-of-8 walk time >8s). Interventions The 2 interventions included a task-oriented motor learning and a standard exercise program; both interventions included strength training. Both lasted 12 weeks, with twice-weekly, 1-hour, physical therapist–supervised sessions. Main Outcome Measures Two measures of the motor control of gait, gait variability and smoothness of walking, were assessed pre- and postintervention by assessors masked to the treatment arm. Results Of 40 randomized subjects, 38 completed the trial (mean age ± SD, 77.1±6.0y). The motor learning group improved more than the standard group in double-support time variability (.13m/s vs .05m/s; adjusted difference [AD]=.006, P =.03). Smoothness of walking in the anteroposterior direction improved more in the motor learning than standard group for all conditions (usual: AD=.53, P =.05; narrow: AD=.56, P =.01; dual task: AD=.57, P =.04). Smoothness of walking in the vertical direction also improved more in the motor learning than standard group for the narrow-path (AD=.71, P =.01) and dual-task (AD=.89, P =.01) conditions. Conclusions Among older adults with subclinical walking difficulty, there is initial evidence that task-oriented motor learning exercise results in gains in the motor control of walking, while standard exercise does not. Task-oriented motor learning exercise is a promising intervention for improving timing and coordination deficits related to mobility difficulties in older adults, and needs to be evaluated in a definitive larger trial.
Exchange transfusion with citrated whole blood for disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in 4 full-term infants and one 4-year-old child was successfully treated with exchange transfusions of stored, 12- to 72 hour old, citrated whole blood. Heparin was not used. The causative, or related, disorders included the respiratory distress syndrome, ABO incompatibility, and streptococcal sepsis. In all patients, except one, an infant with galactosemia and streptococcemia, the clotting factors promptly returned to normal. In the galactosemic infant with streptococcal sepsis, a rebound delay occurred with return to normal of the secondary clotting disorder following correction of the metabolic defect. The mechanism of action is, in part, related to a “clearing” process by the exchange transfusion, which, because of ready availability, should receive priority as the treatment of choice for disseminated intravascular coagulation in the newborn infant and probably in older patients as well.
Very high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral stem cell support in advanced ovarian cancer.

Abstract 20 patients with stage III–IV ovarian cancer were submitted to induction chemotherapy (ICT) (40 mg/m 2 cisplatin, days 1–4; 1.5 g/m 2 cyclophosphamide, day 4; every 4 weeks for 2 cycles) followed by intensified CT (100 mg/m 2 cisplatin, day 1; 650 mg/m 2 etoposide, day 2; 1.8 g/m 2 carboplatin by 24 h infusion, day 3). Haematological support consisted of autologous peripheral stem cells (APSC) and bone marrow (ABM) transplant (T) in 16 and 4 patients, respectively. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 19 for pathological response (PR), one patient dying of systemic mycosis after ABMT. Severe (grade 3–4) non-haematological toxic effects were gastrointestinal (100%), neurological (10%) and hepatic (10%). PR was observed in 84% of patients (complete response 37%, partial response with microscopic residual disease 26%, partial response with macroscopic residual disease 21%). Five year overall survival was 60% and progression-free survival was 51% with 9 patients still disease-free (DFS). APSCT significantly reduced the duration of aplasia compared with ABMT, and toxicity was acceptable in those patients undergoing APSCT. The prolonged DFS in patients showing PCR suggests that this new approach may have a therapeutic impact.
Using stable isotopes to understand hydrochemical processes in and around a Prairie Pothole wetland in the Northern Great Plains, USA

Abstract Millions of internally drained wetland systems in the Prairie Potholes region of the northern Great Plains (USA and Canada) provide indispensable habitat for waterfowl and a host of other ecosystem services. The hydrochemistry of these systems is complex and a crucial control on wetland function, flora and fauna. Wetland waters can have high concentrations of SO 4 2 - due to the oxidation of large amounts of pyrite in glacial till that is in part derived from the Pierre shale. Water chemistry including δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O, and δ34SSO4 values, was determined for groundwater, soil pore water, and wetland surface water in and around a discharge wetland in North Dakota. The isotopic data for the first time trace the interaction of processes that affect wetland chemistry, including open water evaporation, plant transpiration, and microbial SO4 reduction.
Early mitochondrial abnormalities in hippocampal neurons cultured from Fmr1 pre-mutation mouse model

Pre-mutation CGG repeat expansions (55-200 CGG repeats; pre-CGG) within the fragile-X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene cause fragile-X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome in humans. Defects in neuronal morphology, early migration, and electrophysiological activity have been described despite appreciable expression of fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in a pre-CGG knock-in (KI) mouse model. The triggers that initiate and promote pre-CGG neuronal dysfunction are not understood. The absence of FMRP in a Drosophila model of fragile-X syndrome was shown to increase axonal transport of mitochondria. In this study, we show that dissociated hippocampal neuronal culture from pre-CGG KI mice (average 170 CGG repeats) express 42.6% of the FMRP levels and 3.8-fold higher Fmr1 mRNA than that measured in wild-type neurons at 4 days in vitro. Pre-CGG hippocampal neurons show abnormalities in the number, mobility, and metabolic function of mitochondria at this early stage of differentiation. Pre-CGG hippocampal neurites contained significantly fewer mitochondria and greatly reduced mitochondria mobility. In addition, pre-CGG neurons had higher rates of basal oxygen consumption and proton leak. We conclude that deficits in mitochondrial trafficking and metabolic function occur despite the presence of appreciable FMRP expression and may contribute to the early pathophysiology in pre-CGG carriers and to the risk of developing clinical fragile-X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome.
Static and dynamic buckling behaviors of clamped shallow conical shells

Abstract The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the axisymmetrical, asymmetrical and initial post-buckling behaviors of clamped shallow conical shells under various axisymmetrical static loads are studied. Secondly, the axisymmetrical dynamic buckling behaviors of the same structural configuration under various axisymmetrical loads that are applied instantaneously and are maintained for an infinite duration are studied. Axisymmetrical static loads considered include: (1) the concentrated load at the apex, (2) ring loads, (3) uniform pressures and (4) centrally distributed pressures. Only the spatial distributions (3) and (4) are considered in the dynamic studies. The results of the static and dynamic stability studies for the clamped shallow conical shell are compared with analogous studies for the clamped shallow sphercial shell. These studies reveal that the clamped shallow conical shell does not buckle asymmetrically under apex loading, and that, for the range of λ considered, the conical shell offers a higher resistance to either static or axisymmetrical dynamic buckling than the analogous spherical shell when the load is restricted to an area surrounding the apex of radius approximately equal to one-half of the base plane radius of the shell.
The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature

This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes, specifically the health effects of music engagement, visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing. Although there is evidence that art-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse physiological and psychological outcomes, the extent to which these interventions enhance health status is largely unknown. Our hope is to establish a foundation for continued investigation into this subject and to generate further interest in researching the complexities of engagement with the arts and health.
Enhanced Collocation Method for Dynamical Systems Subject to Finite Set Control

An enhanced optimizationmethod, rooted in direct collocation, is formulated to treat a specific class of continuoustime hybrid control systems; specifically, dynamical systems that depend on continuous state variables and spatially discrete control variables. In this study, a spatially discrete control variable refers to one that is defined over the continuous-time domain yet is constrained to a range of discrete finite values. This subset of hybrid control systems is termed here as finite set control. Traditionally, optimal control for hybrid systems of this class is formulated in the context of mixed-integer nonlinear programming. The numerical efficiency of these methods, however, is adversely affected by the number of independent control variables and the range of the combined set. The methodology presented in this study focuses on this class of problems: multiple independent control variables, each with a unique range and a switching schedule independent from the others. The resulting formulation leads to a more computationally efficient nonlinear program suitable for the identification of optimal control solutions for this class of hybrid systems.
Do Sex Workers Respond to Disease? Evidence from the Male Market for Sex

Sex markets play a key role in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS in developing countries. While individuals should substitute away from risky sex as STI prevalence rises, female sex workers draw a premium for engaging in unprotected sex, mitigating their propensity to use condoms. We provide the first evidence of a positive premium for non-condom sex in developing country male sex markets. Testing whether this is a compensating differential for disease risk, we find that a one percentage point increase in the STI rate increases the premium 28 percent. Market forces may curb the self-limiting effect of STI epidemics.
Estrogen receptor mutations in breast cancer

It is fairly well accepted that the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) identifies those breast cancer patients with a lower risk of relapse and better overall survival [Clark and McGuire, 1988], and the measurement of ER has become a standard assay in the clinical management of breast cancer. Receptor status also provides a guideline for those tumors which may be responsive to hormonal intervention [McGuire 1978; Osborne et al., 1980; Rose et al., 1985]. But only about half of ER-positive patients will respond to the various hormonal therapies available, and of those who do initially respond, most will eventually develop hormonally unresponsive disease following a period of treatment even though ER is often still present. Loss of ER from initially ER-positive tumors biopsied again at a later date has been estimated at only 19% [Gross et al., 1984]. Obviously the simple measurement of ER presence by ligand-binding assays does not provide us with an adequate estimate of the functional state of the receptor. In 1985 Sluyser and Mester hypothesized that the loss of hormone dependence of certain breast tumors may be due to the presence of mutated or truncated steroid receptors that activate transcription even in the absence of hormone [Sluyser and Mester, 1985]. Based on the recent identification of several ER sequence variants in human breast cancer cell lines and tumor specimens, we would now like to propose that some of these identified mutations play a role in receptor dysfunction in vivo, and will review those ER mutations which may prove to be important in breast cancer progression.
Experimental verification of the optimum conditions for heterodyne detection of optical fields

Abstract Experiments were conducted for the optical mixing of a plane wave local oscillator with a plane wave signal and spherical wave signal for differing fields of view and aperture sizes. The results indicate that there is an optimum detector size which depends on the orientation of the detector in agreement with the theoretical analysis performed by Mandel and Wolf.
An optimized UUV communications framework for multi-vehicle arbitration

The reliance of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) on low-bandwidth acoustic communications has been a significant limiting factor on the development of autonomy for multi-vehicle systems. Latency inherent to hardware limitations and low throughput together have inhibited many of the traditional approaches to robotic cooperation, which simply require too much data to be passed for these methods to be feasible in the underwater regime. By implementing a novel approach to information sharing and intelligent updating schemes, researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City have been able to significantly alleviate these problems and enable collaborative operations with exchange of complete high-level mission data.
Peripheral position of sex chromatin.

IN examining buccal smears for sex chromatin, one finds a surprisingly high incidence of sex chromatin bodies not merely at the nuclear membrane but also more precisely at the periphery of what appears to be a disk-shaped nucleus. The following discussion will provide evidence that, as in tissue cultures1, the sex chromatin is characteristically at the edge of the nuclear disk in squamous cells in vivo. In establishing this let us first consider that squamous nuclei in vivo are flattened. This may be seen in mucosal smears when a mucosal fragment is folded over (Fig. 1). It is evident, too, that the cells in fragments in the smear maintain the same relative position to one another that they had in vivo, and that one is seeing the cells as one would have seen them in looking directly down on to the mucosal surface. Further, in most nuclei which can be reliably scored, one can visualize all, or almost all, the nucleoplasm by focusing up and down. Thus one can visualize the sex chromatin regardless of its position in the nucleus.
Comparison of Partial Nephrectomy and Percutaneous Ablation for cT1 Renal Masses

Abstract Background Partial nephrectomy (PN) is a preferred treatment for cT1 renal masses, whereas thermal ablation represents an alternative nephron-sparing option, albeit with higher reported rates of recurrence. Objective To review our experience with PN, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and percutaneous cryoablation for cT1 renal masses. Design, setting, and participants A total of 1803 patients with primary cT1N0M0 renal masses treated between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic Renal Tumor Registry. Intervention PN compared with percutaneous ablation. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Local recurrence-free, metastases-free, and overall survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank tests. Results and limitations Of the 1424 cT1a patients, 1057 underwent PN, 180 underwent RFA, and 187 underwent cryoablation. In this cohort, local recurrence-free survival was similar among the three treatments ( p =0.49), whereas metastases-free survival was significantly better after PN ( p =0.005) and cryoablation ( p =0.021) when compared with RFA. Of the 379 cT1b patients, 326 patients underwent PN, and 53 patients were managed with cryoablation (8 RFA patients were excluded). In this cohort, local recurrence-free survival ( p =0.81) and metastases-free survival ( p =0.45) were similar between PN and cryoablation. In both the cT1a and cT1b groups, PN patients were significantly younger, with lower Charlson scores and had superior overall survival ( p Conclusions In a large cohort of sporadic cT1 renal masses, we observed that recurrence-free survival was similar for PN and percutaneous ablation patients. Metastases-free survival was superior for PN and cryoablation patients when compared with RFA for cT1a patients. Overall survival was superior after PN, likely because of selection bias. If these results were validated, an update to clinical guidelines would be warranted. Patient summary Partial nephrectomy and percutaneous ablation for small (
Two Aspects of the Teaching-Learning Process

Byword of the student population today regarding undergraduate education is the word releva t. What you are giving me to learn, says the student, is not relevant for me and I can make no use of this material. Those of us in the educational profession (also an over worked phrase) have come to view this reference to re levance as trite and meaningless. Some of us consider this line of thinking as being rather naive on the stu dent's part. After all, how can someone who has expe rienced so little be expected to determine what will be useful to him in the future? The thought of the neophyte telling what the discipline ought to be is absurd. We are the ones who are shaping the discipline, not the student.
Treatment of peritonitis

In summary, peritonitis in the horse is a potentially life-threatening disease that must be treated promptly and aggressively. Therapy should be aimed at reducing systemic shock and hypovolemia, correction of the primary cause, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, and abdominal drainage and lavage. The prognosis depends on the ability to diagnose and treat the underlying cause and prevent the development of complications. Mortality rates can be as high as 59.7%, with horses developing postoperative peritonitis having a 56% mortality rate. Long-term complications like adhesion formation or internal abscesses may further reduce the survival rate. The prognosis is best determined by an early and quick response to aggressive treatment.
Specificity, verifiability, and message credibility

(1971). Specificity, verifiability, and message credibility. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 393-401.
Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on pubertal development

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and pubertal development. Children (n=192; 41% with PCE) completed the Pubertal Development Scale (Petersen et al. 1988) and provided salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) samples at 6month intervals from 11 to 13years. PCE was examined as a predictor of pubertal status, pubertal tempo, and DHEA levels in mixed models analyses controlling for age, sex, environmental risk, neonatal medical problems, other prenatal exposures, and BMI. PCE interacted with age such that PCE predicted slower pubertal tempo during early adolescence. PCE also interacted with age to predict slower increases in DHEA levels during early adolescence. These findings suggest that PCE may affect pubertal development and, if slower pubertal tempo continues, could lead to delayed pubertal status in mid-adolescence.
Experimental and Self-Reported Indices of Childhood Abuse Using the Binghamton Childhood Abuse Screen

This study describes the validation of the Binghamton Childhood Abuse Screen (BCAS) using response latencies on an emotional Stroop task as a criterion measure. Sixty-four male undergraduate participants were selected based on their responses to the BCAS and a brief screen of their abuse history. Participants completed an emotional Stroop task in which they named the colors of neutral, positive, and abuse words. Participants scoring high on the BCAS exhibited greater response latencies to abuse words than participants scoring low on the BCAS. No group differences were found for positive words. The results provide support for the validity of the BCAS.
Quinine: common remedy, serious reactions, new insights

Comment on Bougie et al, page [922][1] Quinine is a universal remedy for the common symptom of nocturnal leg cramps and may be the most common cause of drug-induced thrombocytopenia and multisystem disorders. Thrombocytopenia is the most common drug-induced hematologic disorder, and therefore
Primary creep of Ni3(Al, Ta) in the anomalous flow regime

Abstract The primary creep behavior of single-slip oriented Ni 3 (Al, Ta) has been characterized at low temperatures in the anomalous flow regime. For temperatures ranging from 20 to 200 °C, transient creep leading to eventual exhaustion has been measured at all stresses. The decline in the creep rate has been quantitatively shown to occur more quickly than in common metals, as the decline in the creep rate is faster than predicted by the logarithmic creep law. In addition, the temperature dependence of the primary creep behavior is consistent with the flow stress anomaly, as the measured amount of creep strain at a fixed stress decreases with increasing temperature.
A network of spiking neurons develops sensorimotor mechanisms while guiding behavior

Abstract Practical, artificial nervous systems can be realized with spiking neurons fabricated by VLSI. To explore ways of developing networks of such units through sensorimotor experience, a simulated vehicle, equipped with whiskers and compound eye was trained, using biologically realistic Hebbian mechanisms to navigate an obstacle course. Starting with a simple tactile reflex, networks developed visual guidance mechanisms based on the detection of luminance and motion.
The antirefluxing gastric tube

A method of creating an antirefluxing gastric tube is reported. The technique consists of making an acute angle in the tubogastric junction in order to prevent reflux. Since 1975, 22 patients have been successfully operated upon using this procedure. Twelve patients have undergone follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy since 1987, when attention was first paid to the pseudocardia in these patients. All except 1 showed a good His' angle. Isotope studies were performed on 7 patients; only 1 had reflux and only in the prone, head-down position.
Localization of the ATP binding site on α-tubulin☆

Abstract The binding site for ATP to tubulin was established by use of the photoaffinity label [γ-32P]N3ATP. Photolysis of the analog in the presence of tubulin resulted in covalent modification of the protein as revealed by autoradiography of electropherograms. Scanning the autoradiograms showed that the ATP analog was bound mainly to the α subunit of the tubulin dimer; the α subunit was two to three times more radioactive than was the β subunit. The location of a particular site on the α subunit was further defined by peptide maps. The α and β subunits from affinity-labeled tubulin were separated and digested with Staphylococcus protease. Radioactivity was found predominantly in one peptide band from the α subunit. The location of the [γ-32P]N3ATP binding site on the α subunit distinguishes it from the previously known exchangeable GTP binding site which is on the β subunit. Moreover, excess GTP did not compete with [γ-32P]N3ATP binding. The ATP binding site is distinct from the nonexchangeable GTP binding site. The GTP content of tubulin was the same after dialysis in 0.5 m m ATP as it was following dialysis against ATP-free buffer. Proof that the binding site for [γ-32P]N3ATP is the same as that for ATP was obtained by competition experiments. In the presence of ATP, photolysis of the affinity analog did not label the α subunit preferentially.
Acquisition of the curves of the human crystalline lens from slit lamp images: an application of the Hough transform

To accurately model lens-based functions such as accommodation and image formation on the retina, it is essential to know anterior chamber depth, anterior segment length, lens thickness, and, most importantly, lens curvature both on the surfaces and internally. With the exception of lens curvatures, all these data can be obtained with a high degree of precision by one or more techniques (i.e., A-scan ultrasonography and pachymetry). Lens curvatures can be collected by Scheimpflug slit lamp photography, but the curvature data must be extracted from these images, a problem complicated by both linear and nonlinear image distortion. Previous approaches have involved significant magnification of the image combined with major subjective input and judgment. We present here a computer-based application of the Hough technique for measurement of curvature of lens surfaces observed in Scheimpflug slit lamp photography and related evaluation of (and solutions for) the associated image distortion. Minimal user input is required for successful application of this method, but the time required to obtain a fit for each surface is >1 min. Results obtained by this technique on test images compare favorably with those obtained by independent methods.
Phosphorylation of small molecular weight polypeptides in the iris-ciliary complex, aqueous humor and vitreous humor.

Abstract The polypeptides of vitreous, aqueous humor and iris-ciliary complex cells of eyes were phosphorylated with [γ- 32 P]ATP without exogenous protein kinase. Phosphorylated polypeptides were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The phosphorylated polypeptides of rabbit vitreous humor showed many high molecular weight prominent bands, but no detectable phosphoproteins were found in the 12 kDa or lower range. Bovine vitreous humor has predominantly acidic polypeptides and some of them are below 20 kDa. Rabbit and bovine iris-ciliary complex and rabbit aqueous humor showed a prominent common 4 kDa phosphopolypeptide which could also be synthesized by cloned populations of cells from the bovine iris and the rabbit iris-ciliary body. It is possible that the 4 kDa phosphopolypeptide of the aqueous humor is synthesized by the iris-ciliary complex cells.
Toward development ethics

Abstract This essay treats the need for and nature of an ethic of Third World and global “development.” After describing recent philosophical, scientific, and practical interests in development ethics, it is argued that five considerations explain and justify these interests: (1) ethical dilemmas in development practice, (2) changes in development theory, (3) the concept of “development theory-practice,” (4) the end of ethical neutrality in science and technology, and (5) the needs of philosophy. Finally, the article outlines a brief agenda for development ethics and concludes with the view that development ethics should be practiced as a multidisciplinary, crosscultural “moral dialogue.”
Complex Chemosensory Control of Female Reproductive Behaviors

Olfaction exerts a profound influence on reproductive physiology and behavior in many animals, including rodents. Odors are recognized by sensory neurons residing in the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in mice and many other vertebrates. The relative contributions of the MOE and VNO in the display of female behaviors are not well understood. Mice null for Cnga2 or Trpc2 essentially lack odor-evoked activity in the MOE and VNO, respectively. Using females mutant for one or both of Cnga2 and Trpc2, we find that maternal care is differentially regulated by the MOE and VNO: retrieval of wandering pups requires the MOE and is regulated redundantly by the VNO whereas maternal aggression requires both sensory epithelia to be functional. Female sexual receptivity appears to be regulated by both the MOE and VNO. Trpc2 null females have previously been shown to display male-type mounting towards other males. Remarkably, we find that females double mutant for Cnga2 and Trpc2 continue to mount other males, indicating that the disinhibition of male-type sexual displays observed in Trpc2 null females does not require chemosensory input from a functional MOE. Taken together, our findings reveal a previously unappreciated complexity in the chemosensory control of reproductive behaviors in the female mouse.
Pediatric splenic injury: Pathway to play?

Abstract Background: Nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury (BSI) remains a "gold standard" in pediatric trauma care. Controversy exists regarding the minimal hospital stay necessary for the care of these patients and the appropriate duration of reduced activity required after discharge. Methods: A clinical pathway was developed in an attempt to standardize the hospital and outpatient management of children with BSI cared for at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. From July 1, 1996 to September 30, 1997, all children with BSI were treated using this pathway (pathway group). To better evaluate outcome, data were compared with an historical control of consecutive children treated at our institution during the previous 2 years (control group). Results: Twenty-eight children in the control group and 21 children in the pathway group comprise the study population. Average age, injury mechanism, grade of splenic injury, injury severity score, length of intensive care unit stay, and number of transfusions were not significantly different between the two groups ( P v 2.9 ± 0.9 days, control v pathway, P v 3.9 ± 1.2 days, P Conclusion: Hemodynamically stable children with isolated blunt splenic injuries may be treated safely with a 4-day hospital stay followed by 3 weeks of quiet activities at home and 3 months of light activity before return to full, unrestricted activity.
Taste and olfactory intensity perception changes following left insular stroke

The authors tested suprathreshold intensity perception of gustatory and olfactory stimuli in a 70-year-old right-handed man following a left posterior insular stroke and compared his results with those of age-matched controls. Both modalities revealed significant differences between left (ipsilateral to lesion) and right (contralateral) ratings of intensity. In both gustation and olfaction, these differences were driven primarily by trends toward increased contralateral sensitivity relative to controls. Intensity changes were most pronounced for unpleasant odors and for tastes perceived strongly as either pleasant (sweet) or unpleasant (salty, bitter). These results show that a left posterior insula lesion may affect taste and olfactory perception similarly by increasing sensitivity contralateral to the lesion. One possible mechanism is release from inhibition at the cortical level.
The interaction of nucleated cells with anionic polyelectrolytes and inhibition of the interaction by pancreatic deoxyribonuclease

Abstract The interaction of nucleated cells with polyanionic electrolytes leads to the formation of gel-like material entrapping the cells. The interaction is time dependent and as it occurs polymer is absorbed to the cell. Addition of the combination of pancreatic deoxyribonuclease and Mg ion, both being necessary, results in the complete breakdown of the viscous gel. Trypsin or ribonuclease in the presence or absence of Mg ion has no effect on the gel. The simultaneous presence of deoxyribonuclease and Mg ion with cells and polymer results in the complete inhibition of the interaction between cells and polymer. Again, other enzymes are not effective in this regard. The cells that are protected from the effect of the polymer leak very little cytoplasmic protein and ribonucleic acid, and retain their viability in contrast to the cells in the gel treated with deoxyribonuclease.
SCreening for Occult REnal Disease (SCORED): a simple prediction model for chronic kidney disease.

Background Despite the wide availability and low cost of serum creatinine measurement, at-risk populations are not routinely tested for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We used a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative, population-based survey to develop a system, SCORED (SCreening for Occult REnal Disease), that uses routinely available demographic and medical information to identify individuals with an increased likelihood of CKD. The analysis included 8530 adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 1999 to 2000 and 2001 to 2002 in the United States. Chronic kidney disease was defined as a glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 . Univariate and multivariate associations between a comprehensive set of risk factors and CKD were examined to develop a prediction model. The optimal characteristics of the model were examined with internal measures. External validation was performed using the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. A model-based numeric scoring system was developed. Results Age ( P P = .02), and various health conditions (hypertension [ P = .03], diabetes [ P = .03], and peripheral vascular disease [ P = .008]; history of cardiovascular disease [ P = .001] and congestive heart failure [ P = .04]; and proteinuria [ P P = .003]) were associated with CKD. The multivariate model was well validated in the internal and external data sets (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 and 0.71, respectively). A score of 4 or greater was chosen by internal validation as a cutoff point for screening based on the diagnostic characteristics (sensitivity, 92%; specificity, 68%; positive predictive value, 18%; and negative predictive value, 99%). Conclusion This scoring system, weighted toward common variables associated with CKD, may be a useful tool to identify individuals with a high likelihood of occult kidney disease.