cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Across the border: Mongolian ethnic and national identity

Jankowiak, William R. Sex, Death, and Hierarchy in a Chinese City: An Anthropological Account. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993. xvi + 345 pp. including notes, references, and index. $45.00 cloth, $17.50 paperback. Pasternak, Burton and Janet W. Salaff. Cowboys and Cultivators: The Chinese of Inner Mongolia. Boulder, Co: Westview Press, 1993. xiv + 280 pp. including chapter notes, references, and index. $48.50 cloth
Deformation across the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone near Kodiak

The Kodiak-Katmai geodetic array, nine monuments distributed along a profile trending north-northwestward across Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula, was surveyed in 1993, 1995 and 1997 to determine the deformation at the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone. Velocities on Kodiak island measured relative to the stable North American plate decrease with distance from the Alaska-Aleutian trench (distance range 106 to 250 km), whereas no appreciable deformation was measured on the Alaska Peninsula (distances 250 to 370 km from the trench). The measured deformation is reasonably well predicted by the conventional dislocation representation of subduction with the model parameters determined independently (i.e., not simply by fitting the observations). The deformation of Kodiak Island is in striking contrast to the very minor deformation measured in the similarly situated Shumagin Islands, 450 km southwest of Kodiak along the Alaska-Aleutian trench.
Implications of Shifting Technology in Education

This article examines the implications of shifting technology trends by looking at what we’ve lost or are losing, where we are, and where we need to go for making the needed transitions in knowledge and skills. Areas of growth within new media and the tech industry are good indicators of our growing interests in mobility, improved quality, and personalization, all happening within our increasingly global community. With the tremendous technological shifts, we need to consider the potential gaps or missing bits of knowledge slipping through the cracks. Then, determine where we need to go while forging ahead to provide the meaningful integration of new technologies through the selection of quality tools aligning to current best research based instructional practices to foster powerful, meaningful, engaged learning opportunities.
A finite difference solution for reverse osmosis in turbulent flow

Abstract A finite difference solution for reverse osmosis in turbulent flow is presented. The case of a flat duct made of two parallel semi-permeable membranes is considered. The pertinent diffusion equation with the eddy diffusivity based on Deissler's expression is solved using a two-step linearized finite difference scheme, taking into account the nonlinear effect due to the varying water flux across membrane along the axial direction. Numerical results relating concentration conditions are given for a variety of cases.
The effect of certain parenterally administered drugs on the Colon of the Dog

A series of experiments were performed on trained unanesthetized dogs having Thiry or Vella colonic fistulas in order to determine the effect of a number of drugs on the motility of the colon. The drugs were administered parenterally. Recordings were obtained by means of rubber balloons and also by means of a constant pressure apparatus. It was found that calcium salts, physostigmine, hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride and acetylcholine produced increased tone and increased motility. Pitocin, pituitrin, pitressin, ephedrine, histamine and epinephrine caused decreased tone and decreased motility. Pitocin produced the most striking depressive effect. Hypertonic solutions of glucose and parathyroid extract had little or no effect on colonic motility. Physostigmine, used in combination with ephedrine, produced very marked stimulation of colonic motility, as did the use of physostigmine and acetylcholine simultaneously.
Overestimation Bias in Self-reported SAT Scores

The authors analyzed self-reported SAT scores and actual SAT scores for five different samples of college students (N = 650). Students overestimated their actual SAT scores by an average of 25 points (SD = 81, d = 0.31), with 10% under-reporting, 51% reporting accurately, and 39% over-reporting, indicating a systematic bias towards over-reporting. The amount of over-reporting was greater for lower-scoring than higher-scoring students, was greater for upper division than lower division students, and was equivalent for men and women. There was a strong correlation between self-reported and actual SAT scores (r = 0.82), indicating high validity of students’ memories of their scores. Results replicate previous findings (Kuncel, Crede, & Thomas, 2005) and are consistent with a motivated distortion hypothesis. Caution is suggested in using self-reported SAT scores in psychological research.
Equation of state of ammonia-water liquid: Derivation and planetological applications

The present least-squares fit calculation of the equation of state for ammonia-water liquid has yielded results for the zero-100 wt pct NH3, 170-300 K temperature, and zero-10 kb pressure parameter ranges. In conjunction with solid density and thermodynamic measurements, the present calculated and measured liquid densities are used to yield estimates of density and thermal expansion at 1 bar for the solid phases of ammonia's monohydrate, dihydrate, and hemihydrate between absolute zero and their respective melting points. Attention is given to the implications for icy satellite morphologic and tectonic forms of peritectic ammonia-water liquid that is neutrally buoyant relative to the corresponding solid phases.
Aberration correction of segmented-aperture telescopes by using phase diversity

There is currently much interest in deploying large space- based telescopes for various applications including fine- resolution astronomical imaging and earth observing. Often a large primary mirror is synthesized by the precise alignment of several smaller mirror segments. Misalignment or misfigure of these segments results in phase error which degrade the resolution of collected imagery. Phase diversity (PD) is a technique used to infer unknown phase aberrations form image data. It requires the collection of two or more images of the same object, each incorporating a known phase perturbation in addition to the unknown aberrations. Statistical estimation techniques are employed to identify a combination of object and aberrations that is consistent with all of the collected images. The wavefront- sensing performance of PD is evaluated through simulation for a variety of signal and aberration strengths. The aberrations are parameterizes by piston and tilt misalignment of each segment. An unknown extended scene is imaged, complicating the estimation procedure. Since wavefront correction is often an iterative process, moderate estimation errors can be corrected by subsequent estimates. The interpretation of iterative wavefront adjustments as creating new phase-diversity channels suggests a more sophisticated processing approach, called Actuated Phase Diversity. This technique is shown to significantly improve PD wavefront-sensing performance.
Mutations in monoamine oxidase (MAO) genes in mice lead to hypersensitivity to serotonin-enhancing drugs: implications for drug side effects in humans

A possible side effect of serotonin-enhancing drugs is the serotonin syndrome, which can be lethal. Here we examined possible hypersensitivity to two such drugs, the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) and the atypical opioid tramadol, in mice lacking the genes for both monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and MAOB. MAOA/B-knockout (KO) mice displayed baseline serotonin syndrome behaviors, and these behavioral responses were highly exaggerated following 5-HTP or tramadol versus baseline and wild-type (WT) littermates. Compared with MAOA/B-WT mice, baseline tissue serotonin levels were increased ∼2.6-3.9-fold in MAOA/B-KO mice. Following 5-HTP, serotonin levels were further increased ∼4.5-6.2-fold in MAOA/B-KO mice. These exaggerated responses are in line with the exaggerated responses following serotonin-enhancing drugs that we previously observed in mice lacking the serotonin transporter (SERT). These findings provide a second genetic mouse model suggestive of possible human vulnerability to the serotonin syndrome in individuals with lesser-expressing MAO or SERT polymorphisms that confer serotonergic system changes.
NIR fluorescent silica nanoparticles as reporting labels in bioanalytical applications

The use of the NIR spectral region (650-900 nm) for bioanalytical and biomedical analyses is advantageous due to the inherently lower background interference in biological matrices and the high molar absorptivities of NIR chromophores. There are several different groups of NIR fluorescing dye are available for bioanalytical applications. One of these groups, NIR carbocyanines are increasingly used in analytical, bioanalytical and medical applications. These dyes can be used as reporter labels for sensitive bioanalytical use, such as immunochemistry. Due to the spectroscopic sensitivity of NIR carbocyanines for polarity changes in the microenvironment fluorescence quantum yield can vary significantly dependent on the microenvironment. NIR dyes can have relatively low fluorescent quantum yields as compared to visible fluorophores, especially in aqueous buffers but the lower quantum yield is compensated for by a much higher molar absorptivity. The fluorescence intensity of NIR reporting labels can significantly be increased by enclosing several dye molecules in silica nanoparticles. Incorporation of NIR dyes in silica nanoparticles creates a unique challenge as these dyes can be unstable under certain chemical conditions present during silica nanoparticles syntheses. In addition, self quenching may also become a problem for carbocyanines at higher a concentrations that typically found inside of NIR dye loaded silica nanoparticles. Dyes possessing high Stokes’ shift can significantly reduce this problem. NIR carbocyanines are uniquely positioned for achieving this goal using a synthetic route that substitutes meso position halogens in NIR fluorescent carbocyanines with a linker containing amino moiety, which can also serve as a linker for covalently attaching the dye molecule to the nanoparticle backbone. The resulting silica nanoparticles can contain a large number of NIR dyes dependent on their size. For example some NIR fluorescent silica nanoparticle labels prepared that has an average radius around 15 nm, contains 16-20 covalently attached dye molecules inside of the nanoparticle. The primary applications of these particles are for bright fluorescent labels that can be used in applications such as immunochemistry, flow cytometry, and many other applications.
Improved expression cloning using reporter genes and Epstein-Barr virus ori-containing vectors

Abstract Levels of expression of two reporter genes cloned into SV40 or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ori -containing plasmids were measured following transient transfection of cell lines constitutively expressing T-antigen or EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). The TSA201 and COS7 cell lines stably produce T-antigen and support replication of the SV40 ori -containing constructs while the 293EBNA cell line produces EBNA1 and supports replication of EBV ori -containing plasmids. We found that 293EBNA cells express > 25-fold more β-galactosidase (βGal) per mg protein than COS7 cells and 11-fold more βGal than TSA201 cells. We also demonstrate that 293EBNA cells are able to express 70-100-fold more angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1) per mg protein than COS7 or TSA201 cells. We examined the suitability of each cell line for use in expression cloning using a NaOH ‘scrape’ method as an improvement over emulsion autoradiography for detection. Measurable AT1 signals can be detected when reporter plasmids are diluted up to 1000-fold for COS7 and TSA201 cells, and up to 80000-fold for 293EBNA cells. These data demonstrate that 293EBNA cells offer a significant improvement in expression cloning technology as compared to the conventionally used T-antigen-based cell lines
Starting a pediatric cardiac intensive care program: essential elements for sustained success

Pediatric cardiac intensive care has now emerged as a specialized clinical area focusing on the unique needs of critically-ill neonatal, pediatric and adult patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. The start-up project of a pediatric cardiac intensive care program is both exciting and challenging, and this endeavor demands a balanced clinical and administrative approach to ensure its success. Although an increasing number of pediatric cardiac programs have either started or are considering starting a dedicated cardiac intensive care unit and program, there are no published primers regarding logistical aspects of such a daunting endeavor. There are 25 essential elements in five broad categories that serve as underpinnings of a balanced strategy in starting a pediatric cardiac intensive care program, using a compendium of clinical experiences as well as administrative principles. In addition, a ‘scorecard’ approach incorporating these elements is introduced and can be utilized as a useful objective tool to serially measure the progress and success of such a program. As in any business organization, long-term greatness of a cardiac intensive care program can be attained by a relentless effort to improve; this effort, however, needs to be focused and its effects measurable.
Post-Secondary Educators' Professional Development: Investigation of an Online Approach to Enhancing Teaching and Learning.

Faculty in post-secondary institutions must continually reassess, refine, and revise their teaching, yet it is a challenge for them to gain this professional development with heavy teaching responsibilities and high demands on their time. Creating Optimum Learning Environments (CREOLE) is a collaborative project between one community college and one university to develop an online training program for post-secondary education faculty on the basic principles of teaching and learning and the development of online courses. Four independent modules were developed and taught in a one semester format for educators throughout the U.S. The goal of this research was to identify the strenghts and challenges of this course; determine the changes in pedagogical practice of the participating faculty members; and to examine the resulting changes in participants' course materials to reflect learning and motivation theories, and appropriate online learning strategies. Methods included pre- and post-surveys of the participants, interviews, document analysis, and instructors' reflections. Results demonstrated high expectations from all participants, difficulty in forming a sustained learning community, continuing challenge in technological aspects, and requirement for intense instructor involvement to maintain morale.
A review of room temperature storage of biospecimen tissue and nucleic acids for anatomic pathology laboratories and biorepositories

Abstract Frozen biospecimens are crucial for translational research and contain well‐preserved nucleic acids and protein. However, the risks of freezer failure as well as space, cost, and environmental concerns of frozen biospecimens are substantial. Objective: The purpose of the study was to review the current status of room temperature biospecimen storage. Methods: We searched Pubmed and vendor websites to identify relevant information. Results: Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues have great value but their use is limited by cross-linking and fragmentation of nucleic acids, as well as loss of enzymatic activity. Stabilization solutions can now robustly preserve fresh tissue for up to 7 days at room temperature. For longer term storage, commercial vendors of chemical matrices claim real time stability of nucleic acids of over 2 years and their accelerated aging studies to date suggest stability for 12 years for RNA and 60 years for DNA. However, anatomic pathology biorepositories store mostly frozen tissue rather than nucleic acids. Small quantities of tissue can be directly placed on some chemical matrices to stabilize DNA, however RNA and proteins are not preserved. Current lyophilization approaches can preserve histomorphology, DNA, RNA, and proteins though RNA shows moderate degradation after 1-2 years. Formalin‐free fixatives show improved but varying abilities to preserve nucleic acids and face validation as well as cost barriers in replacing FFPE specimens. The paraffin embedding process can degrade RNA. Conclusion: Development of robust long-term room temperature biospecimen tissue storage technology can potentially reduce costs for the biomedical community in the face of growing targeted therapy needs and decreasing budgets.
Adiabatic law for self-focusing of optical beams.

An adiabatic approach is used to derive a new law for self-focusing in the nonlinear Schrodinger equation that is valid from the early stages of self-focusing until the blowup point. The adiabatic law leads to an analytical formula for the location of the blowup point and can be used to estimate the effects of various small perturbations on self-focusing. The results of the analysis are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Preventing β-amyloid fibrillization and deposition: β-sheet breakers and pathological chaperone inhibitors

Central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the conversion of normal, soluble β-amyloid (sAβ) to oligomeric, fibrillar Aβ. This process of conformational conversion can be influenced by interactions with other proteins that can stabilize the disease-associated state; these proteins have been termed 'pathological chaperones'. In a number of AD models, intervention that block soluble Aβ aggregation, including β-sheet breakers, and compounds that block interactions with pathological chaperones, have been shown to be highly effective. When combined with early pathology detection, these therapeutic strategies hold great promise as effective and relatively toxicity free methods of preventing AD related pathology.
Incidence of intestinal obstruction following intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian tubal and peritoneal malignancies

Abstract Objectives To report the incidence of intestinal obstruction after intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IP) in women with ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal malignancies, and determine the frequency of malignant versus adhesion-related obstruction. Methods Patients who were treated with at least one dose of IP chemotherapy between 1986 and 1997, and who had at least 3 month follow-up, were included. Data regarding admissions for gastrointestinal obstruction complaints, radiologic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and medical or surgical management of obstruction were recorded. Results We identified 334 patients; 307 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 104 (34%) patients developed symptomatic intestinal obstruction after IP therapy commenced. The overall incidence of adhesion-related or mechanical bowel obstruction was only 4%. In the group of patients with a mechanical bowel obstruction, the median time to diagnosis of obstruction was 21 months (range, 2–51) after initiation of IP treatment. Surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction was performed in 6 (50%) patients diagnosed with adhesion-related bowel obstruction. Similarly, in those diagnosed with a malignant bowel obstruction, 42 (48%) were taken to the operating room in an attempt to relieve the obstruction. Conclusion Intestinal obstructions developed in a third of patients who received IP therapy as part of their treatment for advanced ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer. However, the majority of the obstructions are related to progression of malignant intra-abdominal disease. Only 4% of the patients develop intestinal obstruction due to intestinal adhesions after IP treatment.
Enhanced mucosal imaging.

Purpose of review The continued application of innovative imaging systems to endoscopic procedures has vastly improved the detection of indiscriminant tissue anomalies. This article describes the fundamental principles of these technologies and reviews the advances of each over the past 18 months, considering their utility in the diagnosis and surveillance of various gastrointestinal diseases. Recent findings Through a combination of novel optics, processors and filters, real-time high-resolution contrast endoscopy provides increased visual data without greater procedure duration or difficulty. Optical contrast techniques incorporated into endoscopes, such as narrow band imaging (Olympus), i-Scan (Pentax), and Fujinon Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy, have become standard of care for many endoscopists. These technologies, as well as autofluorescence imaging, potentially improve detection of mucosal abnormalities, serving as 'red flag' tools for the evaluation of wide areas of mucosa. In addition, a number of promising devices allow virtual histology and in-vivo diagnosis, thereby directing biopsies and potentially guiding concurrent interventions. One such technology, confocal laser endomicroscopy, continues to establish its role in clinical practice. Because of inherent shortcomings affecting each modality's sensitivity and specificity, the coupling of various devices, as with endoscopic trimodal imaging, has shown great promise; however, most are not widely available and not definitively proven to be superior to more established techniques. Emerging technologies, including in-vivo molecular tagging, provide a powerful means of detecting disease without reliance on morphologic diagnostic criteria. Summary Endoscopy continues to evolve from a field that previously allowed only macroscopic imaging dependent on subsequent pathology to one that allows real-time in-vivo diagnosis. Although the promise of enhanced endoscopic technologies seems limitless, practical and technological considerations slow their adoption into the standard of care.
Raced, Gendered, Faithed, and Sexed

AbstractIn this paper I address constructions of race and white supremacy, diversities of religious faith, and constructions of genders and sexes together with the concomitant ongoing inequalities for females and limitations on discourse regarding LGBT+ realities. I use First Nations, liberation, and postcolonial methodologies and hermeneutics to interrogate constructions of whiteness and I theorize beyond whiteness by offering readings of the exodus, the subsequent conquest of Canaan by Joshua (Yeshua), and the Canaanite woman’s interaction with and transformation of Jesus (Yeshua). I provide data that shows the significant gender disparity among university and seminary faculties and I argue for intentionality in the uses of power to achieve parity. I encourage interfaith and interreligious dialogue and cooperation. Finally, I conclude by acknowledging the diversity of perspectives regarding LGBT+ and encourage more space for the presentation of research and argumentation regarding the many issues of sexualities, faithings, genderings, and racings.
Adherence to recommended intervals for surveillance colonoscopy in average-risk patients with 1 to 2 small (<1 cm) polyps on screening colonoscopy

Background Among average-risk patients, repeat colonoscopy in 5 years is recommended after 1 to 2 small ( Objective To quantify adherence to recommended intervals and to identify factors associated with lack of adherence. Design Retrospective endoscopic database analysis. Setting Tertiary-care institution and Veterans Affairs Health System. Patients Average-risk individuals undergoing screening colonoscopy found to have 1 to 2 small polyps on screening colonoscopy. Main Outcome Measurements Frequency of recommending repeat colonoscopy in 5 years if 1 to 2 small adenomas are found and in 10 years if hyperplastic polyps are found. Results Of 922 outpatient screening colonoscopies with 1 to 2 small polyps found, 90.2% received appropriate recommendations for timing of repeat colonoscopy. Eighty-four percent of patients with 1 to 2 small adenomas and 94% of patients with 1 to 2 hyperplastic polyps received recommendations that were consistent with guidelines. Based on logistic regression analysis, patients aged >70 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-5.7), fair bowel preparation (OR 12.7; 95% CI, 7.3-22.4), poor bowel preparation (OR 10.0; 95% CI, 4.3-23.6), and the presence of 2 small adenomas versus 1 small adenoma (OR 3.6; 95% CI, 2.2-6.0) were factors associated with "overuse" or recommendations inconsistent with guidelines. Limitations Retrospective study design. Conclusion More than 90% of endoscopists' recommendations for timing of surveillance colonoscopy in average-risk patients with 1 to 2 small polyps are consistent with guideline recommendations. Quality of preparation is strongly associated with deviation from guideline recommendations.
Economics and the public policy process: What can economists do?∗∗

The potential for economists to contribute to the public policy process is explored. There are opportunities for improvement in public policy, and for economists to contribute to this process, as long as the political process is not perfectly coordinated. Traditional welfare economics and public choice theory, which hold that there is slack in the political process, imply that there is ample scope for economists to contribute to economic reform. Chicago political economy, on the other hand, holding that the political process is efficient in the sense that existing programs are superior to available alternatives, implies that there are no opportunities for economists to contribute to economic reform. In sharp contrast, it is argued here that economic ideas have consequences and that opportunities for economic reform abound because of information and incentive problems that are endemic in the collective choice process.
Huntington's disease: progress and potential in the field.

While the first description of Huntington's disease was reported over a century ago, no therapy exists that can halt or ameliorate the inexorable disease progression. Tremendous progress, however, has been made in significantly broadening the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in this neurological disorder that may eventually lead to successful treatment strategies. Huntington's disease is caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene, which results in the expression of a mutant form of the protein that is toxic to neurons. Several mechanisms have been identified in mediating this toxicity, such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, transcriptional dysregulation, aberrant apoptosis, altered proteosomal function and excitotoxicity. With increasing understanding of each of these pathogenic mechanisms, therapeutic strategies have attempted to target specific aspects of each. There have been many encouraging reports of preclinical efficacy in transgenic Hunt...
16-BAC/SDS-PAGE: a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis system suitable for the separation of integral membrane proteins.

Integral membrane proteins, particularly those with more than one transmembrane domain, have traditionally been difficult to separate by two-dimensional electrophoretic methods. Here we report the adaptation of a previously published procedure [D. E. Macfarlane (1989)Anal. Biochem.176, 457–463] for the analytical and semipreparative separation of membrane proteins. The first dimension involves discontinuous gel electrophoresis in an acidic buffer system using the cationic detergent benzyldimethyl-n-hexadecylammonium chloride (16-BAC). The second dimension consists of discontinuous SDS–PAGE. Using carbonate-washed membranes of synaptic vesicles and clathrin-coated vesicles as examples, we demonstrate that complex membrane protein mixtures can be resolved with a resolution at least fivefold higher than that of one-dimensional SDS–PAGE. Protein patterns are highly reproducible and proteins with single or multiple transmembrane domains are resolved as clearly distinct spots. Smearing of bands or losses of protein are minimal. Several spots were identified by immunoblotting and internal sequencing. Thus, this method is suitable for the analytical and semipreparative characterization of membrane proteins derived from complex biological samples.
Contamination of riparian wetlands from past copper mining and smelting in the headwaters region of the Clark Fork River, Montana, U.S.A.

The headwaters region of the Chark Fork River in western Montana. U.S.A., has been the center of copper mining and smelting activities for approximately 120 years. Poor control of waste materials led to widespread contamination. High metal concentrations have been found in bed sediments of the river 381 km downstream and in reservoir sediments 500 km downstream. Fish and aquatic insects have been influenced by metal contamination, but little has been published about metal influences on riparian wetland areas, either sediments or plant species. In this study sediment and a dominant emergent macrophyte species (Typha latifolia) were sampled from eight small riparian wetlands along the upper 190 km of the Clark Fork and from one site on an uncontaminated tributary to the Clark Fork River. Elevated concentrations of copper, zinc. and frequently, lead were found in plant tissues and sediments of 8 Clark Fork sites compared to the local reference site. Total and HCI-extractable copper and zinc concentrations in unsieved and sieved (<60 micron) sediment were strong and highly significant predictors of the metal concentrations in Typha latifolia root tissues.
Advertising Contribution to a Firm's Profit: Theory and Evidence from the Airline Industry in the United States

The author examined how to make advertising efficiency more effective in achieving the profit objective of a firm. The current study allowed profitability to be influenced by both multiple controllable efficiency factors (e.g., advertising efficiency and operations efficiency) and one uncontrollable environmental factor (i.e., growth timing). The results showed that advertising efficiency was most effective in driving up a publically-traded U.S. airline's profitability when the airline happened to grow its business later than average, whereas advertising efficiency was least effective when the firm ended up growing its business earlier than average. Also shown in the results was that drivers of profitability also included operations efficiency and growth timing.
MAGIC Transaction Logs as Measures of Access, Use, and Community

Abstract Transaction logs, non-intrusive objective measures of use, track user navigation and, in the case of MAGIC, track active selections from the collection. This article analyzes MAGIC and shows who uses the digital collection and what they use most. Homer Babbidge Library, University of Connecticut, U-Box 5M, Storrs, Connecticut 06268.
Parthenogenetic stem cells in nonhuman primates

Parthenogenesis is the process by which an egg can develop into an embryo in the absence of sperm. This process has been characterized to some extent in nonhuman primates ([1][1], [2][2]); however, to date, no primate parthenogenetic embryonic stem (ES) cell lines have been derived. Although
Secrets of Success in Postmodern Society

From the Gilded Age on, the American fiction of the self-made man or success hero has been used to reformulate an older republican dream of individual freedom in the context of an increasingly organized, consumption-oriented, corporate capitalist society. My concern in this article is with one such reformulation. From an analysis of four unabashedly minor Hollywood films, I will abstract a certain ideological pattern that came into circulation during the Reagan era. The films were released between 1984 and 1987, at the height of that era. They are: All the Right Moves (1984), starring Tom Cruise; Ferris Buehler's Day Off (1986; subsequently referred to as Ferris Buehler), starring Matthew Broderick; Nothing in Common (1986), starring Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason; and The Secret of My Success (1987; subsequently referred to as Secret), starring Michael J. Fox. These films form a cycle, defined by overlapping similarities in story, theme, and locale. All four are concerned with individual mobility and success, as achieved in high school (All the Right Moves, Ferris Buehler) or in the corporate workplace (Nothing in Common, Secret). At a more abstract level, all have plot structures based on an opposition between youth and age, to which other oppositions are made to correspond as the plots unfold. With the exception of Nothing in Common, the films star teen idols and were intended for today's biggest ticket-buyers, the 12to 19-year-old movie audience. Hanks, whose main appeal is to young adults, resembles Cruise, Broderick, and Fox in an important respect. He and the younger stars specialize in conveying a cool, breezy, highly verbal, yet distinctly boyish style of rebellious independence. In All the Right Moves, however, Cruise is cast against this type. The film was a box office flop. By contrast, both Nothing in Common and Secret did moderately well in their respective seasons, and Ferris Buehler, with its ultra-ironist hero, was the smash hit of the summer of 1986. In this article I try to contextualize the relative box office popularity of cinematic images of success. My thesis, in brief, is that a fantasy embedded in the commercially successful success stories in my cycle appeals primarily to the young corporate employees of today and tomorrow. In short, I interpret the films as part of the making of the new middle classes.
Design parameters for fluoride multimode fibers

Numerical calculations of losses due to polymer coatings and macrobending have been made for step-index multimode fluoride fibers. To minimize such losses, fiber parameters must be chosen to give a large value for V, the normalized frequency. Due to the long propagation wavelength (2.5 mu m) for fluoride fiber, the parameters needed are very different from those of silica fiber. Using the criterion that >or=90% of the modes have losses >
Carcinoma of the Lung in Women

Abstract The 5-year survival of 293 men and of 78 women undergoing pulmonary resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection is compared. These patients were broken into two age groups: Group 1, 40 through 49 years of age, and Group 2,50 years of age and older. They were subdivided further according to clinical stage, cell type, and sex. Of the 25 men in Group 1, 15 (60%) survived 5 years, while 98 (37%) of the 268 men in Group 2 survived 5 years. Among the 31 women in Group 1, 5 (16%) survived for 5 years, while 15 (32%) of the 47 women in Group 2 survived for that length of time. The survival among women in the younger age group was significantly lower than for both groups of women in the older age group ( p = 0.0335) and men in the younger age group ( p = 0.0033). This is believed to be due to the higher incidence of both Stage III disease and adenocarcinoma in the younger women. Twenty-two of the younger women (71%) were classified Stage III compared with 14 (30%) of the older women. Fourteen younger men (56%) had reached Stage III, and 101 older men (38%) were classified as Stage III. These data suggest that sex is an important factor in determining survival because there appears to be a relationship between it and the stage of the disease, and cell type. Overall, women had a poorer 5-year survival than men. Younger women have a strikingly lower survival than any other group, which is explained by their higher incidence of both Stage III classification and adenocarcinoma.
In-plane optimization of truss arch footbridges using stability and serviceability objective functions

This paper investigates the use of stability and serviceability objective functions in the shape optimization of truss arch footbridges prone to in-plane snap-through buckling. The objective functions evaluated relate to global linear buckling, geometrically nonlinear response, fundamental frequency, linear compliance, and maximum deflection. These objective functions are applied to help define the global structural shape for the 2D configuration of a truss arch footbridge subjected to its governing code-defined load combination. The strength criterion of maximum axial force, the global stability responses of critical linear buckling load and nonlinear limit load, and the serviceability responses of fundamental frequency and unfactored live load deflection are used to evaluate the optimized topologies. These structural performance results are compared to those of a benchmark structure prone to in-plane snap-through buckling. The results highlight that improvement in stability and serviceability behavior can be obtained by altering the global structural form according to the presented objective functions. Stable optimized topologies, which are not prone to in-plane snap-though buckling, are achieved without the use of computationally expensive, geometrically nonlinear analysis functions.
Enhanced Endothelin-Mediated Coronary Vasoconstriction and Attenuated Basal Nitric Oxide Activity in Experimental Hypercholesterolemia

Background Experimental hypercholesterolemia is associated with coronary vasomotor dysfunction. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that experimental hypercholesterolemia is characterized by altered coronary vasomotor responses to endothelin and inhibition of the endogenous NO pathway. Methods and Results Endothelin-1 (ET-1) at 5 ng · kg−1 · min−1 or NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), at 50 μg · kg−1 · min−1 was infused into the left anterior descending coronary artery in pigs before and after 10 weeks of cholesterol diet. There was a significant increase in serum cholesterol. At 10 weeks, ET-1 resulted in an accentuated decrease in coronary blood flow (CBF) and coronary artery diameter (CAD) compared with baseline (−88±6% versus −45±9%, P<.05, and −77±14% versus −18±8%, P<.05, respectively) and an increase in coronary vascular resistance (CVR) (242±18% versus 110±17%, P<.05); ET receptor density and binding affinity in epicardial coronary...
Development and validation methodology of the Nuss procedure surgical planner

Surgical planners are used to achieve the optimal outcome for surgery. They are especially desired in procedures where a positive aesthetic outcome is the primary goal, such as the Nuss procedure which is a minimally invasive surgery for correcting pectus excavatum (PE) - a congenital chest wall deformity which is characterized by a deep depression of the sternum. The Nuss procedure consists of placement of a metal bar(s) underneath the sternum, thereby forcibly changing the geometry of the ribcage. Because of the prevalence of PE and the popularity of the Nuss procedure, the demand to perform this surgery is greater than ever. Therefore, a Nuss procedure surgical planner is an invaluable planning tool ensuring an optimal physiological and aesthetic outcome. We propose the development and validation of the Nuss procedure planner. First, a generic model of the ribcage is developed. Then, the computed tomography (CT) data collected from actual patients with PE is used to create a set of patient-specific finite element models (FEM). Based on finite element analyses (FEA) a force-displacement data set is created. This data is used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) to generalize the data set. In order to evaluate the planning process, a methodology which uses an average shape of the chest for comparison with results of the Nuss procedure planner is developed. Haptic feedback and inertial tracking is also implemented. The results show that it is possible to utilize this approximation of the force-displacement model for a Nuss procedure planner and trainer.
Improving the energy consumption in mobile phones by filtering noisy GPS fixes with modified Kalman filters

Real-time location-based tracking applications require of continuous GPS calculations and transmissions, which consume a considerable amount of the phone's battery. As a result, methods have been devised to reduce the amount of GPS calculations and transmissions without sacrificing the tracking capabilities of the applications. One of these methods is based on a state machine that dynamically changes the frequency of GPS updates according to the user direction, speed, received signal strength, and other factors. However, the state machine, although efficient in terms of energy savings, still presents one major problem: it does not take into account the presence of noise in GPS data. In order to distinguish between actual GPS data and noise, three versions of the Kalman filter have been implemented within the state machine. These modified Kalman filters remove noisy GPS fixes with little to no input from the user in a very efficient manner. The filters are discussed in detail and tested against one another to determine which one removes GPS noise better and which one reduces the energy consumption in the cellular phone more with no loss of valuable tracking data. Experiments conducted show the Adaptive Kalman Filter as the best performer. No loss of valuable tracking data is seen while it introduces a significant decrease in the number of “asleep” fixes. The Adaptive Robust Kalman Filter is the second best performer of the three filters. It shows no loss of tracking data, while a slightly less decrease in “sleep” fixes. Testing shows that the Robust Kalman Filter is the worst performer of the three. This is because the Robust Kalman Filter is the slowest version to “wake up” and make transitions to a “sleep” state.
The Aristotle score: a complexity-adjusted method to evaluate surgical results.

Objectives: Quality control is difficult to achieve in Congenital Heart Surgery (CHS) because of the diversity of the procedures. It is particularly needed, considering the potential adverse outcomes associated with complex cases. The aim of this project was to develop a new method based on the complexity of the procedures. Methods: The Aristotle project, involving a panel of expert surgeons, started in 1999 and included 50 pediatric surgeons from 23 countries, representing the EACTS, STS, ECHSA and CHSS. The complexity was based on the procedures as defined by the STS/EACTS International Nomenclature and was undertaken in two steps: the first step was establishing the Basic Score, which adjusts only the complexity of the procedures. It is based on three factors: the potential for mortality, the potential for morbidity and the anticipated technical difficulty. A questionnaire was completed by the 50 centers. The second step was the development of the Comprehensive Aristotle Score, which further adjusts the complexity according to the specific patient characteristics. It includes two categories of complexity factors, the procedure dependent and independent factors. After considering the relationship between complexity and performance, the Aristotle Committee is proposing that: Performance ¼ Complexity £ Outcome. Results: The Aristotle score, allows precise scoring of the complexity for 145 CHS procedures. One interesting notion coming out of this study is that complexity is a constant value for a given patient regardless of the center where he is operated. The Aristotle complexity score was further applied to 26 centers reporting to the EACTS congenital database. A new display of centers is presented based on the comparison of hospital survival to complexity and to our proposed definition of performance. Conclusion: A complexity-adjusted method named the Aristotle Score, based on the complexity of the surgical procedures has been developed by an international group of experts. The Aristotle score, electronically available, was introduced in the EACTS and STS databases. A validation process evaluating its predictive value is being developed. q 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Attention, memory, and wearable interfaces

The paper considers the limits of human attention and how wearable interfaces should be developed to complement, not interfere, with normal human capabilities. Most interfaces on desktop computers do not have this problem; desktop interface designers can assume that the user is solely concentrating on the digital task. However, a major advantage of a wearable is that users can take it anywhere and use it anytime.
Immune response in leukodystrophies

Although the genetics and biochemistry of leukodystrophies have been extensively explored, the immune response in these disorders has received relatively little attention. Both the disease course and its response to treatment may be highly dependent on the immune system. In this review, we compare three common leukodystrophies, each with a different immune response: (1) X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, which demonstrates a severe, lymphocytic inflammatory response; (2) metachromatic leukodystrophy, which yields a histiocytic response; and (3) vanishing white-matter disease, in which no inflammation is typically seen. We highlight the biochemical, pathologic, and clinical differences, while focusing on the immune response in each disease. We also review the response of leukodystrophies to immunomodulatory therapies and interventions such as hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Future studies may delineate specific inflammatory markers as possible candidates for therapeutic intervention.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Endangered Species Hotspots in the United States

Given limited resources, many researchers advocate focusing conservation efforts on hotspots, geo- graphical areas with high numbers of species (i.e., richness), endemic species, rare or threatened species, and/ or high levels of threat to species survival. The hotspot approach is an efficient and simple way to conserve species diversity, assuming that hotspots do not change over space or time. We tested whether hotspots change across space and time using a database of endangered and threatened species listed by the U.S. government from 1967 to 1999. We determined hotspots based on the cumulative set of species listed for three overlapping and successively longer time periods: 1967-1979, 1967-1989, and 1967-1999. We used minimum area com- plimentarity analysis, which selected the smallest set of areas (in our study, U.S. counties) needed to represent a chosen set of species. Over time, the number of endangered and threatened species in the United States in- creased from 76 in 1967 to 1123 in 1999. As the number of species increased over time, hotspots changed in two ways: the number of hotspots increased and the rank of hotspots shifted. Hotspots increased from 84 in 1979, to 166 in 1989, to 217 in 1999. Only 63 of these counties were designated as hotspots in all three peri- ods. The remaining changes resulted from addition and deletion of counties as hotspots over time. Some counties were removed from the list or changed in relative rank from one time period to the next regardless of their rank. Counties added as hotspots could rank anywhere on the list, and they were not merely low- ranking counties added to represent one or a few species. Therefore, hotspots serve as a useful tool for guiding conservation efforts but, given their spatiotemporal variability, do not represent a final solution.