cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary documentation of the comparable efficacy of vitoss versus NanOss bioactive as bone graft expanders for posterior cervical fusion.

BACKGROUND Laminectomies with posterior cervical instrumented fusions often utilize bone graft expanders to supplement cervical lamina/iliac crest autograft/bone marrow aspirate (BMA). Here we compared posterior fusion rates utilizing two graft expanders; Vitoss (Orthovita, Malvern, PA, USA) vs. NanOss Bioactive (Regeneration Technologies Corporation [RTI: Alachua, FL, USA]). METHODS Two successive prospective cohorts of patients underwent 1-3 level laminectomies with 5-9 level posterior cervical fusions to address cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and/or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The first cohort of 72 patients received Vitoss, while the second cohort or 20 patients received NanOss. Fusions were performed utilizing the Vertex/Rod/Eyelet System (Medtronic, Memphis, TN, USA) with braided titanium cables through the base of intact spinous processes (not lateral mass screws) cephalad and caudad to laminectomy defects. Fusion was documented by an independent neuroradiologist blinded to the study design, utilizing dynamic X-rays and two dimensional computed tomography (2D-CT) studies up to 6 months postoperatively, or until fusion or pseudarthrosis was confirmed at 1 year. RESULTS Vitoss and NanOss resulted in comparable times to fusion: 5.65 vs. 5.35 months. Dynamic X-ray and CT-documented pseudarthrosis developed in 2 of 72 Vitoss patients at one postoperative year (e.g. bone graft resorbed secondary to early deep wound infections), while none occurred in the 20 patients receiving NanOss. CONCLUSION In this preliminary study combining cervical laminectomy/fusions, the time to fusion (5.65 vs. 5.35 months), pseudarthrosis (2.7% vs. 0%), and infection rates (2.7% vs. 0%) were nearly comparable sequentially utilizing Vitoss (72 patients) vs. NanOss (20 patients) as bone graft expanders.
Aprotinin for coronary bypass operations: Efficacy, safety, and influence on early saphenous vein graft patency: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aprotinin in a U.S. population of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Early vein graft patency rates were assessed by ultrafast computed tomography. A total of 216 patients at five centers were randomized to receive either high-dose aprotinin or placebo during the operation; 151 patients underwent primary operation, and 65 underwent repeat procedures. Total blood product exposures in the primary group were 2.2 per patient receiving aprotinin as compared with 5.7 per patient receiving placebo ( p = 0.010). The repeat group had 0.3 exposures per patient receiving aprotinin as compared with 10.7 per patient receiving placebo ( p = p = 0.517). In the primary group, clinical diagnoses of myocardial infarction were made in 8.9% of patients receiving aprotinin as compared with 5.6% of the patients receiving placebo ( p = 0.435). In the repeat group, infarctions occurred in 10.3% of patients receiving aprotinin and 8.3% of patients receiving placebo ( p = 1.000). Secondary analysis of electrocardiograms and available enzyme data showed no significant difference in infarction rates between the treatment groups. There was no difference in clinically significant renal dysfunction. The early vein graft patency rates were 92.0% in the aprotinin group and 95.1% in the placebo group ( p = 0.248). In this study, aprotinin was effective in reducing bleeding and blood product transfusion rates, and its use was not associated with an increase in complications. An adverse effect on early vein graft patency rates was not demonstrated, but the number of grafts assessed was insufficient for absolute conclusions in this regard.
Considering Climate Change in Road and Building Design

What is the role of climate in infrastructure design? How can engineers design for a changing climate? How can climate scientists better inform the design process? These were the questions posed at the first Infrastructure and Climate Network (ICNet) Steering Committee Workshop, which was sponsored by a U.S. National Science Foundation research grant (CBET-1231326) from the Research Coordination Networks-Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability (RCN-SEES) program.
Development of real-time MR cell tracking for human neural stem/progenitor cell-mediated brain tumor therapy

A46 Gliomablastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain tumor, remains a challenge to treat, with a dismal prognosis of less than one year following diagnosis. The highly invasive nature of these tumor cells contributes to disease recurrence and lethality, and is the major factor contributing to treatment failure. We and others have demonstrated the tumor tropism of neural stem cell (NSCs), and their use as a cellular delivery vehicles to effectively target therapeutics to these invasive tumor cells throughout the brain. 70-90% therapeutic efficacy has been reported with NSC-mediated treatment paradigms in several primary and metastatic tumor models inclulding glioma, medulloblastoma, melanoma brain metastases, and neuroblastoma. The ability to non-invasively monitor dynamic spatiotemporal patterns of NSC tumor targeting in real-time will allow optimization of treatment strategies with clinical promise. Here, we demonstrated that FE-Pro labeled human NSCs, HB1.F3 clonal line, in development for glioma patient trials, can be visualized by cellular MRI in orthotopic glioma (human U-251) xenograft mouse models. We report no significant changes in HB1.F3 cellular viability, proliferation, migratory properties or transgene expression, by the MRI contrast agent used in the study - individually FDA-approved Ferumoxide (FE) and Protamine Sulfate (Pro) complex. FE-Pro labeled NSCs were detected by MRI as hypointense signals at tumor site within 4 days after intracranial administration directly caudal-lateral to or in the opposite hemisphere from tumor site. Sensitivity of MRI was established at as few as 600 FE-Pro NSCs in each MRI brain slice (76 µm/pixel). These results support use of this nano-particle cellular tracking method in initial trials of NSC-mediated glioma therapy, which would greatly enhance the data that would be obtained, including NSC-tumor distribution over time - in order to optimize timing of therapeutic delivery.
The association of sleep duration and depressive symptoms in rural communities of Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

Purpose To determine the association between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in a rural setting.
Purification and partial characterization of the aminoacyl transfer ribonucleic acid binding enzyme from rabbit reticulocytes.

Abstract The aminoacyl transfer RNA binding enzyme has been purified to apparent homogeneity from rabbit reticulocytes. The active protein is a single molecular species. It catalyzes the guanosine triphosphate-dependent binding of phenylalanyl transfer RNA to ribosomes in the presence of polyuridylic acid, has activity as a ribosome and aminoacyl transfer RNA-dependent guanosine triphosphatase, and is required for the synthesis of peptides from aminoacyl transfer RNA. The protein has a molecular weight of 186,000 and an s20,w of 6.7 S. In the presence of dissociating agents (8 m urea or 5 m guanidine-HCl) the protein undergoes dissociation into subunits of molecular weight 62,000. The results indicate that the native protein consists of three, possibly identical, subunits.
Characteristics of Color Discrimination Charges Filed with the EEOC

Using detailed employment discrimination charge data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this chapter provides unique information on the number of charges of color discrimination, the bases of the charges, the characteristics of individuals filing charges, and characteristics of the workplace. Claims of employment discrimination on the basis of color have been rising, from 1,424 in fiscal year (FY) 2000 to 3,063 in FY 2009. Although many color discrimination claims are combined with race discrimination charges, 16% of color charges do not also include race as a basis. Color discrimination charges are filed by individuals of all races. Among color charges that do not include race as a basis, 15% are reported by Whites and 17% are reported by Asians. Color claims disproportionately include national origin and religion as additional bases.
MR and optical imaging of early micrometastases in lymph nodes: triple labeling with nano-sized agents yielding distinct signals.

Few imaging methods are available for depicting in vivo cancer cell migration within the lymphatic system. Detection of such early micrometastases requires extremely high target to background. In this study, we dual-labeled human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB468) with a small particle of iron oxide (SPIO) and a quantum dot (QD), and tracked these cells in the lymphatic system in mice using in vivo MRI and optical imaging. A generation-6 gadolinium-dendrimer-based MRI contrast agent (Gd-G6) was employed for visualizing regional lymphatic channels and nodes. Since Gd-G6 shortened T1 leading to high signal, whereas SPIO-labeled cancer cells greatly lowered signal, a small number of cells were simultaneously visualized within the draining lymphatic basins. One million dual-labeled cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the paws of mice 24 h prior to imaging. Then whole body images were acquired pre- and post-intracutaneous injection of Gd-G6 with 3D-T1w-FFE and balanced-FFE sequences for cancer cell tracking and MR lymphangiography. In vivo MRI clearly visualized labeled cancer cells migrating from the paw to the axillary lymph nodes using draining lymphatics. In vivo optical imaging using a fluorescence surgical microscope demonstrated tiny cancer cell clusters in the axillary lymph node with high spatial resolution. Thus, using a combination of MRI and optical imaging, it is possible to depict macro- and early micrometastases within the lymphatic system. This platform offers a versatile research tool for investigating and treating lymphatic metastases in animal models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single-Sink Network Design with Vertex Connectivity Requirements

We study single-sink network design problems in undirected graphs with vertex connectivity requirements. The input to these problems is an edge-weighted undirected graph $G=(V,E)$, a sink/root vertex $r$, a set of terminals $T \subseteq V$, and integer $k$. The goal is to connect each terminal $t \in T$ to $r$ via $k$ \emph{vertex-disjoint} paths. In the {\em connectivity} problem, the objective is to find a min-cost subgraph of $G$ that contains the desired paths. There is a $2$-approximation for this problem when $k \le 2$ \cite{FleischerJW} but for $k \ge 3$, the first non-trivial approximation was obtained in the recent work of Chakraborty, Chuzhoy and Khanna \cite{ChakCK08}; they describe and analyze an algorithm with an approximation ratio of $O(k^{O(k^2)}\log^4 n)$ where $n=|V|$. In this paper, inspired by the results and ideas in \cite{ChakCK08}, we show an $O(k^{O(k)}\log |T|)$-approximation bound for a simple greedy algorithm. Our analysis is based on the dual of a natural linear program and is of independent technical interest. We use the insights from this analysis to obtain an $O(k^{O(k)}\log |T|)$-approximation for the more general single-sink {\em rent-or-buy} network design problem with vertex connectivity requirements. We further extend the ideas to obtain a poly-logarithmic approximation for the single-sink {\em buy-at-bulk} problem when $k=2$ and the number of cable-types is a fixed constant; we believe that this should extend to any fixed $k$. We also show that for the non-uniform buy-at-bulk problem, for each fixed $k$, a small variant of a simple algorithm suggested by Charikar and Kargiazova \cite{CharikarK05} for the case of $k=1$ gives an $2^{O(\sqrt{\log |T|})}$ approximation for larger $k$. These results show that for each of these problems, simple and natural algorithms that have been developed for $k=1$ have good performance for small $k > 1$.
Giving Inhibitory Receptors a Boost

Intravenous injection of immunoglobulin (IVIG), a mainstay treatment for patients with antibody deficiency, has also proved to have anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune patients. In their Perspective, Lin and Kinet explain new work ( Samuelsson et al.) that provides a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of IVIG.
Instrumental and Procedural Sources of Error in Determination of Bile Pigments in Amniotic Fluid

Although the Liley spectrophotometric estimation of bile pigments in amniotic fluid [ Amer. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 82, 1359 ( 1961)] is widely used, the levels of accuracy and precision necessary for clinically meaningful results have not been clarified. This paper delineates some of the important instrumental and procedural sources of error, and how each affects the final value of Δ A 455: ( a ) A limit of error propagation is presented to show that the uncertainty in Δ A 455 due to instrumental factors is considerably larger than is commonly appreciated. ( b ) It is desirable to use a logarithmic baseline estimation, as did Liley, instead of a linear estimation, which can introduce a serious bias. ( c ) Failure to establish a true zero-absorbance baseline before scanning the specimen can also result in a significant bias in the calculated Δ A 455.
In the adult mesenchymal stem cell population, source gender is a biologically relevant aspect of protective power.

Background Acute treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) reduces myocardial infarct size by multiple mechanisms, including the paracrine release of protective growth factors. Female MSCs produce more growth factor when stressed; therefore, we hypothesized that myocardial protection provoked by female MSCs would be greater than that elicited by male MSCs. Methods Hearts were subjected to 25 min of warm global ischemia, 40 min of reperfusion, and randomly assigned into one of three groups: (1) vehicle treated; (2) male MSC treated; and (3) female MSC treated. Myocardial function was continuously recorded and in separate experiments, male and female MSC growth factor production was assessed by ELISA. Results All indices of functional recovery were significantly higher in the stem cell infused rat heart compared with control hearts. Interestingly, female MSC treated rat hearts demonstrated significantly greater recovery of left ventricular developed pressure, +dP/dT, and −dP/dT than male MSC treated hearts at end reperfusion. In addition, male MSCs produced significantly greater tumor necrosis factor alpha, and significantly less vascular endothelial growth factor than female MSCs. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate that, in the adult mesenchymal population, source gender is a biologically relevant aspect of ultimate stem cell function in the heart.
Cryopreservation of mouse oocytes using a medium with low sodium content: effect of plunge temperature.

The effect of various combinations of plunge temperature and thawing protocol on the survival and viability of mouse oocytes was examined. The oocytes were frozen either in a standard freezing medium (ETFM, embryo transfer freezing medium) or in a low-sodium, choline-based freezing medium (CJ2), with 1.5 M 1,2-propanediol and 0.1 M sucrose, and using a conventional slow cooling method. The criteria used to assess survival were morphological state after thawing (intact or lysed), ability to become fertilized, and ability to develop to the two-cell, morula, and blastocyst stage in vitro. Oocytes frozen in CJ2 and plunged into liquid nitrogen (LN(2)) from -10, -20, or -33 degrees C remained intact and developed to the blastocyst stage at significantly higher rates than oocytes frozen in ETFM. For oocytes plunged into LN(2) from -33 degrees C, very rapid thawing (10 s in 30 degrees C water) was more detrimental than rapid or slow thawing (holding in air at room temperature for 10 or 30 s, respectively, prior to submersion in water at 30 degrees C for 10 s). By contrast, oocytes plunged into LN(2) from -10 or -20 degrees C survived better when thawing was very rapid or rapid than when thawing was slow. With the current protocol CJ2 was very effective over a wide range of plunge temperatures (-20 to -33 degrees C), although the optimal thawing protocol depended on the particular plunge temperature. Over 90% of oocytes surviving after slow cooling in CJ2 to -33 degrees C could be plunged to -196 degrees C with little or no further damage.
Minimizing right ventricular pacing.

e v w t c p M t w large body of evidence has emerged recently in several important trials (Dual Chamber and VVI mplantable Defibrillator, Multicenter Automatic Defirillator Implantation Trial-II [MADIT-II], Mode Selecion Trial, Danish AAIR vs DDDR, and Post AV Nodal blation Evaluation [PAVE]), thus underscoring the armful effects of long-term right ventricular (RV) pacng (mostly apical).1–8 Left ventricular (LV) desynchroization imposed by RV apical stimulation during conentional DDD/R pacing has adverse long-term effects hat mitigate the benefit of atrioventricular (AV) synhrony. Endocardial catheter mapping studies have unquivocally demonstrated that RV pacing mimics the ndocardial activation patterns of left bundle branch lock.9 Further, the effect of RV pacing on LV activation atterns and times is similar to that observed during left undle branch block.9 It is therefore not surprising that ong-term RV pacing imposes long-term adverse LV ffects in terms of cellular structure, ventricular geomery, systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, mitral regurgitaion, and increased left atrial diameters that contribute to mpaired hemodynamic performance. These abnormaliies correlate with abnormalities documented in experiental animals that were subjected to long-term RV acing, such as adverse cellular changes with myofibrilar disarray, asymmetric myocardial hypertrophy, and V dilatation, in addition to biochemical abnormaliies.10–14 The reversibility of these changes has not been tudied. Recognition of the long-term adverse effects of RV pical pacing has stimulated interest in strategies to liminate or attenuate these effects. The application of pecific alternative strategies to maintain maximum entricular pumping function and provide antibradyardia pacing support, especially in patients who have elatively normal AV conduction, is 1 of the most xciting contemporary areas of research in cardiac acing.
Nazis and Slavs: from racial theory to racist practice.

Increasingly, historians have been turning their attention to the effects of Nazi racism. In recent years major studies have appeared on forced sterilization, euthanasia, theft of “racially valuable” children, and “antinatalism,” as well as the destruction of “racially undesirable” groups: the handicapped, certain foreign laborers, and homosexuals.
Major conceptualproblems in the systems management of human factors/ergonomics research

The results or human factors/ergonomics research are not always applicable to the solution of realworld problems. Six reasons for this situation, important from a systems management perspective, are identified. Difficulties stem from future uncertainty, the use of static models, the relationship between models and data, the criteria for ‘good’ research, the hierarchical level selected for representing human performance, and the need to construct integrated models. A number of means are suggested for rectifying present deficiencies. The formal recognition of a systems management role in the guidance of human factors/ergonomics research is stressed.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE SPECIES-NONSPECIFICITY OF THE HUMAN RENAL AND PLACENTAL BASEMENT MEMBRANE ANTIGENS.

Kaninchenantisera, mit Antikorpern gegen Basalmembranantigene menschlicher Niere und Plazenta, wurden, bei Anwendung der Coonsschen fluoreszierenden Antikorpermethode zur Bestimmung von heterogenen Antigenen in vier anderen Spezies, angewandt. Es wurde nachgewiesen, dass die glomerularen und tubularen Basalmembrane der Meerschweinchen- und Mausniere ein oder mehrere Antigene enthalten, welche mit Antihumannierenserum und Antihumanplazentaserum eine Kreuzreaktion zeigen.
Exotic states in QED.

We suggest that electron and positron peaks seen in large-Z-italic heavy-ion collisions originate in the decay of nontopological solitons consisting of a quasielectron and quasipositron which are formed in a new vacuum phase.
Effects of interface style on user perceptions and behavioral intention to use computer systems

This study examines the influence of two interface styles (menu- and command-based) on the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and behavioral intention of the user to use the system. We have treated the system interface style as an external factor in the technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine its direct and indirect effects on behavioral intention to accept and use a system. The results showed that the interface style had direct effects on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness which, in turn, demonstrated significant effects on behavioral intention to use the system. Further, the results showed that perceptions of the menu-based interface were more favorable than perceptions of the command-based interface. These results provide several theoretical and practical implications for designing an effective system.
Devices for measuring electrostatic generation and dissipation on the surfaces of polymeric materials

Dynamic electrostatic generation and dissipation on polymer surfaces are of great importance for materials such as yarns and films. To support fundamental research in this area, innovative devices and experimental techniques that can lead to a better understanding of these phenomena are of obvious academic and industrial interest. This paper reports the development of devices for testing the electrostatic generation/dissipation properties of polymer surfaces. These devices include a tester for assessing moving yarns, a high-resistance system to measure the yarn's linear resistance, a tester for evaluating stationary fabrics or films while rubbing against a moving surface and a contact charge tester for investigating charge generated by contacting of two surfaces. These devices enable the study of the influences of relative moving speed, yarn tension, electrostatic charge properties of yarns, as well as contact pressure, rubbing speed, number of rubbings or contacts on the static charge properties of films.
Considering the Definition of Addiction

The definition of addiction is explored. Elements of addiction derived from a literature search that uncovered 52 studies include: (a) engagement in the behavior to achieve appetitive effects, (b) preoccupation with the behavior, (c) temporary satiation, (d) loss of control, and (e) suffering negative consequences. Differences from compulsions are suggested. While there is some debate on what is intended by the elements of addictive behavior, we conclude that these five constituents provide a reasonable understanding of what is intended by the concept. Conceptual challenges for future research are mentioned.
Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition (E-ALD) of Palladium Nanofilms by Surface Limited Redox Replacement (SLRR), with EDTA Complexation

Atomic-scale control in the formation of Pd thin films is being developed using electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E-ALD) via surface limited redox replacement (SLRR). Pd has unique hydrogen storage properties. To study hydrogen storage capacity, hydrogen charging and discharging kinetics and its catalytic properties at the nanoscale will require films with well-defined thickness and structure. SLRR is the use of underpotential deposition (UPD) to form a sacrificial atomic layer of a less noble metal, such as Cu or Pb, and to exchange it at open circuit potential (OCP) for a more noble metal (Pd) via galvanic displacement. The deposits were grown using an automated electrochemical flow cell system which allowed sequential variation of solutions and potentials. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) revealed excess growth at the flow cell ingress, suggesting that the SLRR mechanism involved electron transfer from substrate to Pd2+ ions, rather than direct electron exchange from sacrificial metal atom(s) to Pd2+ ions. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to slow the galvanic displacement by complexing the Pd2+, in an attempt to form more uniform Pd deposits. The resulting films were more homogeneous and displayed the expected Pd voltammetry in H2SO4. The charge for UPD remained constant from cycle to cycle, indicating no roughening of the surface. Ways of optimizing complexing agent properties, as well as the flow cell design and deposition parameters are discussed.
Holoprosencephaly in a newborn girl with 46,XX,i(18q).

We report on a newborn girl with holoprosencephaly, microcephaly, absent right radius, and other anomalies with an 46, XX,i(18q) chromosome constitution. This is the first report of an i(18q) in syndromal alobar holoprosencephaly.
Vertically Aligned Dense Carbon Nanotube Growth with Diameter Control by Block Copolymer Micelle Catalyst Templates

We have grown a dense array of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a controlled distribution of diameters by using block copolymer micelles to form and pattern catalyst particles. The block copolymer poly(styrene-block-acrylic acid) (PS16500-PAA4500) was dissolved in toluene to form micelles and then loaded with FeCl3. The metal-loaded micelles were spin-coated on Si and then thermally treated to remove the polymer. Using this process, we produced surfaces patterned with iron oxide catalyst particles with particle densities ranging from 1400 microm(-2) to 3800 microm(-2) and a size distribution of (6.9 +/- 0.8) nm. CNT growth by thermal chemical vapor deposition was then performed on these samples. The low-density catalyst sample produced unaligned, low-density CNTs, whereas the high-density catalyst sample produced vertically aligned, dense CNTs about 10 microm in length. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the CNTs typically had double and triple graphitic layers with normally distributed diameters of (4.5 +/- 1.1) nm. For comparison, CNTs grown from the standard approach of blanket Fe films had a wide distribution of diameters between 6 and 21 nm. This catalyst preparation approach dramatically sharpens the size distribution of CNTs, compared to standard approaches, and provides a simple means of controlling the areal density of CNTs.
Food habits of five species of young Southeastern United States estuarine sciaenidae

The food habits of five species of the family Sciaenidae,Bairdiella chrysura, Cynoscion regalis, Leiostomus xanthurus, Micropogon undulatus andStellifer lanceolatus, were examined in specimens of less than 200 mm standard length collected in estuaries between Georgetown, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.B. chrysura, M. undulatus andS. lanceolatus did not appear to be highly selective in their food habits;C. regalis fed heavily on the mysid shrimp,Neomysis americana, and on fish; andL. xanthurus was selective toward harpacticoid and calanoid copepods. The food habits of the five species of fish examined were relatively constant with season and location within the estuary; however, in general, larger food organisms were consumed as the sciaenids increased in size. The exception wasL. xanthurus which maintained the same food habits at all sizes examined.
The Effect of Soybeans in the Rations of Dairy Cows upon the Vitamin A Value of Butter

Summary 1.Dairy cows with a constant level of vitamin A intake, produced butter of lower vitamin A value when soybeans were fed in the grain ration than when linseed oil meal was used. 2.Soybeans apparently suppress the transference of vitamin A from the ration to the butter. 3.The attempt to correct this suppressing action by roasting the soybeans used in the grain ration was unsuccessful. 4.Cows fed soybean hay which was harvested after the beans were well formed in the pods, produced butters of somewhat lower vitamin A value than when alfalfa hay was fed. 5.Although soybeans have a suppressing action on the formation of vitamin A in the butterfat, yet it is possible to produce butters of fairly high vitamin A value even when soybeans are used in the rations of the cows provided roughage of high vitamin A potency is fed.
Judges' Views of Lawyers in Their Courts

In a prior issue of this Journal,' I reported tabulations and statistical analyses of the results of a survey of judges concerning the competence of trial advocates appearing in their courts. The survey was designed to focus on the courtroom performance of attorneys as observed by trial judges. The survey questionnaire, which was sent to all judges of general jurisdiction (both state and federal), was intended to elicit judicial evaluations of advocacy competence from both long-term and more immediate perspectives, from the trend in advocacy competence since the judge had come to the bench to ratings of attorneys who had appeared in the judge's five most recent contested trials. The factors that judges consider in evaluating the competence of trial advocates, as well as judges' opinions about various measures that might be used to ensure or enhance the quality of trial advocacy, also were explored. The previously reported survey results were based on responses to specific questions about these issues. I included a general open-ended question as the final item on the survey questionnaire to permit respondents to emphasize or expand on their prior responses to specific questions, as well as to raise any additional issues. I did not analyze the responses to this question in the previous article but will examine them in this article. The general question read as follows: "Your comments on the general state of the trial bar, your views on the causes of and cures for trial advocacy incompetence, and any other general observations are solicited."
Uptake of calcium by excised barley roots.

The uptake of calcium by 6-day-old excised barley roots appears to be largely non-metabolic. The calcium uptake at pH 5 was found to be insensitive to low temperature and dinitrophenol. The uptake of Cals was a reflection of isotopic exchange for initially present inert calcium in the root. This equilibration process was not affected by dinitrophenol. There was a large uptake of calcium by this material at pH 11. This uptake was also largely non-metabolic. Only a small fraction of the calcium uptake at high pH could be accounted for by an increase in organic acids or by precipitation as CaCO3. It is postulated that much of the calcium in young barley roots is associated with the cell surface region. Finally, it is proposed that the calcium which is active in influencing the absorption of other ions is localized on this surface.
Toxicological evaluation of the staircase test for assessing fine motor movements.

Abstract A variety of tests have been developed to study neurotoxicant-related changes in motor function. However, despite recent advances, there remains a need for simple and specific tests of fine motor movements. Accordingly, we chose to evaluate whether a method developed for measuring changes in skilled movements following motor pathway lesions in rodents would provide a sensitive, specific, and economical approach to assessing fine motor control in the toxicology laboratory. We measured skilled paw reaching using the “staircase test” developed by Montoya et al. [Prog. Brain Res. 82 (1990) 459], in which a rat retrieves food pellets by reaching down from a central platform to a series of descending steps on either side, grasping the pellets in its forepaw, and lifting them to its mouth. Staircase boxes were scaled for the body weights of young adult male (350 g) and female (250 g) Long–Evans rats. Studies were conducted using harmaline, a tremorigen; scopolamine; methyl scopolamine; and 2,4-dithiobiuret (DTB), a compound that causes muscle weakness by interfering with cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Harmaline (0, 1.0, 3.0, and 10.0 mg/kg) reduced pellet retrieval only at a dose that also caused visible tremor. Both scopolamine (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg) and methyl scopolamine (0, 0.104, 0.312, and 1.04 mg/kg) impaired pellet retrieval; scopolamine was more effective than methyl scopolamine. DTB (5 daily doses of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/kg) had no effect on retrieval, even when causing visible signs of weakness. These data cast doubt on the utility of this method for detecting and quantifying subtle chemical-induced changes in motor function in rats.
Training student in responsibility for their own learning: True student centered learning

I often hear faculty speak of students not taking responsibility. Students who do not read the assignments, miss or turn in incomplete homework, or do not actively participating in lab assignments and still expect a good grade! Simply put, more and more students are not taking responsibility for their own learning. But I don't believe that the reason is because students don't want to do so. My question is "So, what are we (faculty) going to do about it?" Usually the answer I get is "It's their responsibility, they are in college!" This common faculty response reminds me of Einstein's definition of insanity: "Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Albert Einstein.
What makes a coronary CT angiogram nondiagnostic

Despite the high diagnostic accuracy of multidetector coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for the detection and exclusion of obstructive coronary artery stenosis, several technologic limitations of current generation CT scanners may cause artifacts that prevent interpretation of images or cause misclassification of lesions. This review discusses the identification and resolution of the most commonly encountered artifacts that may cause a CCTA to be nondiagnostic, including aspects related to (1) spatial resolution, (2) temporal resolution, (3) contrast enhancement, and (4) other patient-specific factors.
Socioeconomic status and executive function: developmental trajectories and mediation.

Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) predicts executive function (EF), but fundamental aspects of this relation remain unknown: the developmental course of the SES disparity, its continued sensitivity to SES changes during that course, and the features of childhood experience responsible for the SES–EF relation. Regarding course, early disparities would be expected to grow during development if caused by accumulating stressors at a given constant level of SES. Alternatively, they would narrow if schooling partly compensates for the effects of earlier deprivation, allowing lower-SES children to ‘catch up’. The potential for later childhood SES change to affect EF is also unknown. Regarding mediating factors, previous analyses produced mixed answers, possibly due to correlation amongst candidate mediators. We address these issues with measures of SES, working memory and planning, along with multiple candidate mediators, from the NICHD Study of Early Childcare (n = 1009). Early family income-to-needs and maternal education predicted planning by first grade, and income-to-needs predicted working memory performance at 54 months. Effects of early SES remained consistent through middle childhood, indicating that the relation between early indicators of SES and EF emerges in childhood and persists without narrowing or widening across early and middle childhood. Changes in family income-to-needs were associated with significant changes in planning and trend-level changes in working memory. Mediation analyses supported the role of early childhood home characteristics in explaining the association between SES and EF, while early childhood maternal sensitivity was specifically implicated in the association between maternal education and planning. Early emerging and persistent SES-related differences in EF, partially explained by characteristics of the home and family environment, are thus a potential source of socioeconomic disparities in achievement and health across development.
Bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy resolving rapidly with treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

Background Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) is a common disorder that affects many individuals, often for unknown reasons; we present a case of bilateral CSR that rapidly resolved with treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Distance Education in High Schools: Benefits, Challenges, and Suggestions

(2005). Distance Education in High Schools: Benefits, Challenges, and Suggestions. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 78, No. 3, pp. 105-109.
Glucose-regulated protein 94 triage of mutant myocilin through endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation subverts a more efficient autophagic clearance mechanism.

Clearance of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is traditionally handled by ER-associated degradation (ERAD), a process that requires retro-translocation and ubiquitination mediated by a luminal chaperone network. Here we investigated whether the secreted, glaucoma-associated protein myocilin was processed by this pathway. Myocilin is typically transported through the ER/Golgi network, but inherited mutations in myocilin lead to its misfolding and aggregation within trabecular meshwork cells, and ultimately, ER stress-induced cell death. Using targeted knockdown strategies, we determined that glucose-regulated protein 94 (Grp94), the ER equivalent of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), specifically recognizes mutant myocilin, triaging it through ERAD. The addition of mutant myocilin to the short list of Grp94 clients strengthens the hypothesis that β-strand secondary structure drives client association with Grp94. Interestingly, the ERAD pathway is incapable of efficiently handling the removal of mutant myocilin, but when Grp94 is depleted, degradation of mutant myocilin is shunted away from ERAD toward a more robust clearance pathway for aggregation-prone proteins, the autophagy system. Thus ERAD inefficiency for distinct aggregation-prone proteins can be subverted by manipulating ER chaperones, leading to more effective clearance by the autophagic/lysosomal pathway. General Hsp90 inhibitors and a selective Grp94 inhibitor also facilitate clearance of mutant myocilin, suggesting that therapeutic approaches aimed at inhibiting Grp94 could be beneficial for patients suffering from some cases of myocilin glaucoma.
ON SOCIAL SYSTEMS THEORY AS A PREDICTOR OF EDUCATIONAL CHANGE: THE ADOPTION OF CLASSROOM INNOVATIONS

All too often in education the “band wagon” has played an important role in the adoption of innovations. An innovation is often dropped into the schools' environment by enthusiastic leaders who have the expectation that anyone can recognize its obvious merits and will adapt his behavior accordingly. Subordinates, however, make their own judgements on how to respond to the innovation and, in varying degrees, elect to accept or subvert its conditions. Within a framework of organizational theory, this study attempts to explain the differing positive/negative responses of distinct groupings of educators toward the adoption of various classifications of innovations. The findings in this study suggest that the educational subsystem or subsystems which, in order to adopt the innovation, are required to make the greatest modifications in their normal procedures of operation will raise the highest level of resistance.
Integer linear programming heuristics that exploit a relationship between computational complexity and bandwidth

We consider problems of choosing an n-vector x, whose entries must be integers, to optimize a linear objective subject to m linear constraints. For example, the "selection problem" is to choose some subset from among n discrete alternatives so that requirements are satisfied at least cost. Such problems are known to be NP-hard. In this paper, we exploit the concept of bandwidth to explain in a novel way why integer linear programming is difficult. The main contribution is a heuristic based on these ideas. It requires computational effort exponential in m but nearly linear in n, and may be run to any desired prespecified accuracy.
Chilonycteris psilotis in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Recent bat rabies investigations in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, necessitated trapping bats as they departed from a cave on Rancho Nacimiento del Rio Coy, 16 mi. S Valles. At 5:30 pm, January 23, 1957, a bat trap was installed in the cave …
Meaning in Life: Category Self-Ratings

Summary An earlier study reported development of a reliable scale for categorizing the content of meaning in one's life. The present study concentrated upon validation of this scale by investigating whether 112 undergraduates would tend to place their own meanings in the same content categories as would an outside rater. A high percentage (75%) of the subjects' ratings did agree with those of the outside rater. Subjects were also asked whether they thought that others knew of their meaning (56% answered affirmatively). A .42 correlation was found between the subjects' rating of their meaning depth and ratings done by an outside rater. Percentage of subjects having no meaning (5%) and the frequency distribution of the meaning categories were similar to the earlier study although the 21% of meanings placed in the Miscellaneous category was much higher.
Research opportunities in superconductivity

Abstract Opportunities for research in the field of superconductivity are identifield in this report of a ‘Workshop on problems in superconductivity’ held at Copper Mountain, Colorado, August 22–23, 1983. Key problems in superconductivity, high payoff areas of research, barriers to progress, and the need for new facilities are outlined in the three areas of basic physics, materials, and devices.
Fire and climate dynamics in the boreal forest of northern Alberta, Canada, from AD 1850 to 1989

The reconstruction of climatically induced changes in the occurrence of forest fires has typically been limited to the period of historical records or to areas where long fire-scar records are available. In this study historical fire records and dendrochronological forest stand-age data are analyzed using life-table methods to reconstruct annual (AD 1950-1989) and semi-decadal (AD 1850-1989) variations in area burned in the 44 870 km2 area of boreal forest in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP). Annual area burned between 1950 and 1989 was negatively correlated with mean fire-season precipitation and five annual tree-ring width indices from WBNP, and positively correlated with the fire-season means of temperature and the Seasonal Severity Rating, a Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index. Life-table estimates of semidecadal variations in mean annual per cent area burned were significantly positively correlated with historical records of annual area burned in WBNP between 1950 and 1989 and significantly negativel...
Effect of foot-progression angle on hip joint moments during gait

Loosening has emerged as the most serious long-term complication of total hip replacement and torsional loading of the femoral implant has been implicated as a possible cause. In an effort to explore a strategy for minimizing this risk, the following hypothesis was tested: the foot-progression angle has a significant effect on the resultant hip moments, and particularly the internal-external rotation moment, during level walking. Twelve normal subjects performed a total of nine trials: three in which they walked normally with the right foot pointing approximately straight ahead; three in which they were told to walk with the foot internally rotated approximately 30 degrees; and three in which the foot was externally rotated about 30 degrees. The inverse dynamics approach was used to integrate the body segment parameter, kinematic and force plate data, and to solve for the resultant moment at the right hip joint. In all three conditions--foot straight, foot in, and foot out-the subjects walked at the same average speed of 1.5 (+/- 0.3) ms-1. For the flexion-extension moment (where the maximum flexion moment of 95 Nm was in good agreement with other published data), there was no significant difference between the three foot orientation conditions. For the abduction-adduction moment, the foot straight condition exhibited the classic double peak pattern with a maximum abductor moment of 57 Nm, and there was no statistically significant difference between the three curves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The classical shallow water equations: Symplectic geometry

The classical shallow water equations express the change with time of the height h and the velocity ν of a 1-dimensional fluid: νξνt+νξνx+νhνx=0.νhνx+νhννx=0 . They possess an infinite number of integrals of motion due to Benney [1973] and can be written in Hamiltonian form relative to a symplectic structure introduced by Manin [1978]. The present paper deals with their complete integrability up to the advent of shocks. This is proved in the small under an extra assumption satisfied by most height-velocity pairs: that hh′ = ± ν′ only at isolated points.
Corticosterone reversibly alters brain α-bungarotoxin binding and nicotine sensitivity

Previous studies have shown that chronic corticosterone (CCS) treatment via subcutaneous pellets elicits reduced sensitivity to many actions of nicotine in mice as well as decreased brain alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) binding. We report here the time courses of altered sensitivity to nicotine, as measured by acoustic startle, Y-maze crossing and rearing activities, heart rate, and body temperature, and alpha-BTX binding during and after CCS treatment. CCS treatment resulted in rapid decreases in sensitivity to nicotine for four of the five responses that were measured, as well as rapid changes in alpha-BTX binding. Sensitivity to nicotine returned to control levels within 3 days following pellet removal, but alpha-BTX binding returned to control levels in most brain regions 9-11 days after pellet removal. Because the restoration of control sensitivity to nicotine occurred long before alpha-BTX binding returned to control levels, it seems likely that factors other than changes in alpha-BTX binding cause chronic CCS-induced changes in sensitivity to nicotine.
Does long-term disequilibrium in stock price predict future returns?

We propose a trading strategy based on error correction term (ECT), the residuals from the cointegration relation between the levels of security and the market portfolio. We find that buying stocks in the top 10 % ECT and selling stocks in the bottom 10 % ECT generates 1.09 % a month for 6-month holding period over 1965–2005. The monthly return increases to 1.57 % when the above trading strategy is applied to stocks with insignificant cointegration with the market portfolio. This profit is robust to three and four factor models. Moreover, this profit is neither driven by small and illiquid stocks nor is the result of any inherent positive serial correlation.
Advancing the Theory of Cross-National Conflict Shifting: A Case Discussion and Quantitative Content Analysis of a Transnational Crisis' Newswire Coverage

This research documents Mattel's 2007 product recalls of made-in-China toys with the chronological description of the case and quantitative content analysis of international news agencies' coverage. The study's purpose is to discuss a transnational crisis against the 13 Cross-National Conflict Shifting (CNCS) propositions and, additionally, to offer evidence to advance the theory. This research is important to provide necessary documentation and theoretical analysis to challenging global public relations research and practice, as transnational corporations increase operations with greater impact and public engagement worldwide.