cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mammary Gland and Its Origin During Synapsid Evolution

Lactation appears to be an ancient reproductive trait that predates the origin of mammals. The synapsid branch of the amniote tree that separated from other taxa in the Pennsylvanian (>310 million years ago) evolved a glandular rather than scaled integument. Repeated radiations of synapsids produced a gradual accrual of mammalian features. The mammary gland apparently derives from an ancestral apocrine-like gland that was associated with hair follicles. This association is retained by monotreme mammary glands and is evident as vestigial mammary hair during early ontogenetic development of marsupials. The dense cluster of mammo-pilo-sebaceous units that open onto a nipple-less mammary patch in monotremes may reflect a structure that evolved to provide moisture and other constituents to permeable eggs. Mammary patch secretions were coopted to provide nutrients to hatchlings, but some constituents including lactose may have been secreted by ancestral apocrine-like glands in early synapsids. Advanced Triassic therapsids, such as cynodonts, almost certainly secreted complex, nutrient-rich milk, allowing a progressive decline in egg size and an increasingly altricial state of the young at hatching. This is indicated by the very small body size, presence of epipubic bones, and limited tooth replacement in advanced cynodonts and early mammaliaforms. Nipples that arose from the mammary patch rendered mammary hairs obsolete, while placental structures have allowed lactation to be truncated in living eutherians.
Reverse engineering of data

Data reverse engineering (DRE) is a relatively new approach used to address a general category of data disintegration problems. DRE combines structured data analysis techniques with rigorous data management practices. The approach is growing in popularity as an integrative systems re-engineering method because of its ability to address multiple problem types concurrently. This paper describes a general DRE template both as an activity model and as a data model to be populated with reverse engineered data. Scenarios show how DRE has been used to (1) harness data assets to address organizational data integration problems, (2) develop organizational data migration strategies, (3) specify distributed systems architectures, and (4) implement and propagate organizational CASE-tool usage to address system maintenance problems. Selectively applied DRE can be an important first step toward eventual organization-wide data integration.
Stereotactic radiosurgery improves locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, because of the precision of stereotactic radiosurgery, radiation can now be delivered by techniques that shape the radiation beam to the tissue target for a variety of clinical applications. This avoids unnecessary and potentially damaging irradiation of surrounding tissues inherent in conventional irradiation, so that irradiation of the minimum volume of tissue necessary for optimal therapeutic benefit can be achieved. Although conventional x-irradiation has been shown to improve recovery from spinal cord injury in animals, the efficacy of targeted irradiation of the injured spinal cord has not been demonstrated previously. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether stereotactic x-irradiation of the injured spinal cord can enhance locomotor function and spare spinal cord tissue after contusion injury in a standard experimental model of spinal cord injury. METHODS: Contusion injury was produced in rats at the level of T10 with a weight-drop device, and doses of x-irradiation were delivered 2 hours after injury via a Novalis, 6-MeV linear accelerator shaped beam radiosurgery system (BrainLAB USA, Westchester, IL) in 4 sequential fractions, with beam angles 60 to 70 degrees apart, at a rate of 6.4 Gy/minute. The target volume was a 4 x 15-mm cylinder along the axis of the spinal cord, with the isocenter positioned at the contusion epicenter. Locomotor function was determined for 6 weeks after injury with the 21 -point Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale and tissue sparing in histological sections of the spinal cord. RESULTS: Locomotor function recovered progressively during the 6-week postinjury observation period. BBB scores were significantly greater in the 10-Gy x-irradiated group compared with controls (9.4 versus 7.3; P < 0.05), indicating hind limb weight support or dorsal stepping in contrast to hind limb joint mobility without weight bearing. Doses in the range of 2 to 10 Gy increased BBB scores progressively, whereas greater doses of 15 to 25 Gy were associated with lower BBB scores. The extent of locomotor recovery after treatment with x-irradiation correlated with measurements of spared spinal cord tissue at the contusion epicenter. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a beneficial role for stereotactic radiosurgery in a rat model of acute spinal cord contusion injury and raise hopes for human treatment strategies. Additional animal studies are needed to further define potential benefits.
A diagnostic stent for endosseous implants to improve conventional tomographic radiographs

Conventional tomographic radiographs can often provide sufficient information for presurgical evaluation for implant placement with significantly less radiation exposure than computer-assisted tomographic (CT) radiographs. A technique to fabricate a diagnostic stent with a removable indicator for the partially edentulous patient is described. This stent with an indicator guides the radiologist in making conventional tomographic images and can also be used as a template for locating the surgical sites.
Measurement and modeling of back stress at intermediate to high homologous temperatures

Abstract Unified creep-plasticity models often require a number of internal state variables to accurately capture the path dependence of rate- and temperature-dependent alloys especially at intermediate to high homologous temperatures. However, it is impossible to fully measure the internal state variables directly. Consequently, assumptions on the relative importance of the various state variables must be made when determining the material parameters and their evolution must be inferred. Any enhancements designed to better capture the evolution of the state variables are dependent on these assumptions and are generally limited. The strain transient dip test and the rapid load/unload test are two indirect experimental methods used to obtain an approximate measure of the evolutionary nature of the back stress in 60Sn–40Pb, a common rate- and temperature-dependent solder alloy. The rapid load/unload test gives a better measure of back stress because there is less time for the internal state to evolve during data acquisition. Modifications to the back stress evolution equations in the McDowell unified creep-plasticity model are proposed using these new measurements as guidance. The modified model can better capture the transients under cyclic loading and following strain-rate jumps.
The Structure and Evolution of a Continental Winter Cyclone. Part I: Frontal Structure and the Occlusion Process

The frontal structure and occlusion process in a cyclone of moderate intensity that affected the central United States in January 1995 is examined. The deep warm-frontal zone associated with this cyclone had a lateral extension to the southwest of the sea level pressure minimum that, although characterized by cold-air advection near the surface, had many of the characteristics of a warm front aloft. In fact, this feature had a structure similar to the so-called bent-back fronts previously documented only in association with explosively deepening maritime cyclones. The development of a warm-occluded structure was investigated with the aid of a numerical simulation of the event performed using the University of Wisconsin—Nonhydrostatic Modeling System. The development of the warm-occluded structure was asynchronous in the vertical; occurring first at midtropospheric levels and later near the surface, in contrast to the classical occlusion process. Near the surface, the warm-occluded front was formed as the warm front was overtaken by the frontogenetically inactive portion of the historical coldfrontal zone. At midtropospheric levels, the warm occluded structure formed as a result of the cold-frontal zone approaching, and subsequently ascending, the warm-frontal zone in accord with a component of the classical occlusion mechanism. The observed asynchronous evolution of the occluded structure is proposed to result from the vertical variation in vortex strength associated with the upper-level potential vorticity (PV) anomaly that controls the cyclogenesis. It is suggested that the occlusion process begins aloft, where the associated vortex strength is greatest, and gradually penetrates downward toward the surface during the cyclone life cycle. Additionally, a characteristic ‘‘treble clef’’ shape to the upper-level PV anomaly is shown to be a sufficient condition for asserting the presence of a warm-occluded structure in the underlying troposphere.
Floral biology of Nymphaea mexicana zucc. (Nymphaeaceae)

Abstract The floral biology of Nymphaea mexicana Zuccarini has been investigated. Anthesis is diurnal with flowers opening and closing for two consecutive days. Flowers on the first day of anthesis are functionally female with the stigmatic papillae secreting a small quantity of fluid. Total dissolved solids of the stigmatic fluid range from 3 to 4%; glucose and fructose are in equal concentrations and a large number of free amino acids are present. Flowers are primarily visited by Dialictus bees, flies and beetles. These insects typically land on the wet stigmatic surface where the secretion loosens pollen from the insects' body. On the second day of anthesis, the anthers dehisce and the stigmatic fluid disappears. This latter phenomenon is associated with a loss of stigmatic receptivity. Since protogyny is complete, flowers are obligatorily entomophilous. After anthesis, the flower closes and submerges. The perianth and androecium abscise and decompose as the fruit matures. The fruit yields large trichomic seeds. The phylogenetic position of N. mexicana within the genus is discussed.
Vasomotion frequency and amplitude related to intraluminal pressure and temperature in the wing of the intact, unanesthetized bat

Abstract Spontaneous arteriolar vasomotion and its relation to intraluminal pressure and temperature were studied in the wing of the intact, unanesthetized bat, using intravital microscopy. Vasomotion was observed in all arterioles, terminal arterioles, and precapillary sphincters. Vasomotion was of the on-off-type in precapillary sphincters. No correlation existed between vasomotion amplitude and frequency. Stepwise changes in arterial and venous pressures, ranging from zero to + 100 mm Hg and zero to − 75 mm Hg, resulted in progressive decrease in rhythmic vasomotion frequency and amplitude. There was no change in the amplitude of vasomotion due to temperature elevation but there was an increase in vasomotion frequency. The precapillary vessels studied have similar vasomotion frequency and amplitude in control conditions, which are consistent and can be restored after interventions such as changes in intraluminal pressure and temperature. In addition, both vasomotion frequency and amplitude decrease in a similar fashion during stepwise changes in intraluminal pressure. These findings support the hypothesis that vasomotion, in these vessels, is due to a vascular pacemaker, which acts as a local oscillator that can be affected by temperature and by intraluminal pressure in a graded fashion.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Still Evolving?

VER THE PAST TWO DECADES, the presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism in affected patients has changed to that of a largely asymptomatic disease as multichannel screening tests have predominated in the medical marketplace. Concurrently, our understanding of the demographics, the molecular and cellular physiology, and natural history of the disease has increased substantially. With this enhanced appreciation of the disorder, guidelines for management of the disease have become firmly entrenched. In the accompanying Clinical Review, Drs. Silverberg and Bilezikian detail the explosive information that has charted the course of the disorder in recent years and the resultant care guidelines. These observations clearly delineate current, exciting information about the disease and the various arguments supporting accepted therapeutic strategies. In addition, the review details the potential that the now well established presentation of the disease is about to change once again. In essence, Drs. Silverberg and Bilezikian raise several innovative notions about thecause(s)oftheapparentevolutionandofferacaveatforthoseofusinthemedicalprofessionwhocarefortheaffected population. The authors have alerted us to be aware! Our first step of course is to read the review and develop our own opinions. Enjoy the opportunity! Marc Drezner, M.D. Editor-in-Chief
Walking between raindrops: Hizballah in Lebanon

The Lebanese Party of God or Hizballah is an illuminating case study in the evolution of a radical Islamist movement. Hizballah has pragmatically confronted the shifting political landscape of regional politics, as well as the changing terrain of Lebanese politics. It has retained its commitment to ending Israel's occupation in southern Lebanon but it has also entered the game of confessional politics in Lebanon, despite its earlier contempt for the prospect. Although the evolution of the Iranian regime has affected Hizballah, as has the hegemonic position of Syria vis‐a‐vis Lebanon, there is little doubt that Hizballah has proved itself responsive to the attitudes and aspirations of its domestic constituency. With Hizballah's entry into the political system, latent regional and ideological tensions and divisions have been revealed but these only serve to demonstrate the degree of transformation that has occurred.
Shades of Black and Green: The Making of Racial and Environmental Liberalism in Nelson Rockefeller's New York

Over the course of the 1960s and early 1970s, the nature and public perception of racial and environmental crises in American metropolitan areas shifted dramatically. In response to emboldened and expanding numbers of activists, urban politicians both re-doubled old efforts and adopted new approaches. But how and to what extent did policymaking change? This article focuses on a New York powerfully shaped by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, a pragmatic and ambitious man who forthrightly embodied a liberal approach to governing that placed confidence in the state's ability to solve social problems. The complex storm of 1960s era activism and the Rockefeller administration's attempts to adapt to the times revealed important contours of postwar American liberalism—its internal tensions and evolutions and its potential and limitations.
Why do customers switch? The dynamics of satisfaction versus loyalty

One of the most unexamined assumptions marketing firms have made in recent years is that satisfaction alone will guarantee customer loyalty. Our research questions this assumption. We explored the correspondence between customer satisfaction and loyalty, and found as many as half of the “satisfied” customers to be predisposed to switching service suppliers. This satisfaction‐loyalty gap reflects the fact that different components of service quality drive satisfaction versus loyalty. Satisfaction is driven more by “technical quality” (the quality of the work performed) than by “functional quality” (how the service work was delivered); however, once satisfaction is achieved, loyalty is driven more by functional than by technical quality. This is the pattern of influence for a “low contact” (where customers’ direct contact with service providers is absent or marginal) service. For a “high contact” service, the pattern of influence is exactly the reverse. Of significant importance to service managers, the paper explains the dynamics of loyalty versus satisfaction and derives their managerial implications.
Judicial Predictability and Federal Stability Strategic Consequences of Institutional Imperfection

Institutions structure incentive environments for strategic actors. What is the effect of a flawed institution - one that is not perfectly predictable - on strategic behavior? This paper focuses on...
Initiation of coliphage lambda replication, lit, oop RNA synthesis, and effect of gene dosage on transcription from promoters PL, PR, and PR.

Abstract The requirements for initiation of lambda (λ) bidirectional replication were examined. About five initiation events occur from induced nonexcising λ prophage, compared with nearly fourfold this level for excision-competent prophage. Replication from excised prophage is higher from the int to N gene interval than from tof-P , suggesting some of the late or circle mode replication is initiated unidirectionally to the left of the origin ( ori ) site. The initiation of bidirectional (early) replication and λ prophage excision are necessary predecessors for initiation of the late mode of circle replication. The Escherichia coli dnaB , dnaE, dnaG gene products are required for initiation of bidirectional λ replication and the products of genes dnaC and PolA are necessary for normal λ DNA synthesis. The combination of dnaC and hsmts prevents initiation of λ replication at the nonpermissive temperature. The products of λ genes O and P and an active ori site are also required for early replication. Two ori − mutations and a nonsense mutation in O have severe and moderate polar effects on righward transcription. One of the ori − mutations is a deletion of 15 nucleotides within gene O (Denniston-Thompson et al. , 1977). The leftward P L- att transcription is independent of gene dosage effects, whereas the rightward transcription from P R and P R is slightly and very dependent on template concentration. Amplification of the synthesis of the short leftward lit and oop transcripts requires the same E. coli and λ gene products necessary for initiation of λ bidirectional replication, except for the product of dnaE . The coordinate stimulation of lit, oop transcription occurs in both the presence and absence of measurable initiation of λ DNA synthesis, or when the extent of λ DNA synthesis is reduced. This observation suggests the transcription of both oop and lit is positively regulated, rather than the alternative model in which the amplification of their transcription is a consequence of increasing DNA templates. It also suggests the on site is “activated” prior to the initiation of λ DNA synthesis. Models for action of the host and phage initiation factors in both replication and lit, oop transcription include either the recognition of common features of ori and P O , or participation in an activation event at ori which could change its secondary structure and in turn influence the stability and level of oop transcription from P O . Two models were proposed to explain the requirement of the initiation factors and active ori site for stimulation of lit synthesis which occurs 2000 nucleotides downstream from oop with no detectable transcription from the intervening DNA segment.
Postpartum Depression and Adolescent Mothers: A Review of Assessment and Treatment Approaches

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a significant proportion of adolescent mothers. Adolescence presents unique challenges that may make the young mother more vulnerable than her adult counterparts to PPD. PPD impacts a mother's ability to care for her infant and has been associated with adverse effects on child development. A review of the literature on adolescent PPD was undertaken. The prevalence and the effects of PPD are reviewed, common screening instruments for PPD are compared, and the results of treatment outcome studies are highlighted. There is a need for randomized controlled studies of interventions for adolescents with PPD. Findings from treatment outcome studies with adults with PPD and pregnant adolescents who are depressed suggest that psychosocial interventions may also be effective for adolescents with PPD. Issues in assessment and treatment of PPD among adolescents are considered.
Combined Effects of Ephedrine-Containing Dietary Supplements, Caffeine, and Nicotine on Morphology and Ultrastructure of Rat Hearts.

Cigarette smokers have an increased risk for coronary artery disease. Nicotine present in cigarettes can adversely affect the cardiovascular system via stimulation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. Caffeine, another cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is commonly found in Ephedra and Ephedra-free dietary supplements. These caffeine-containing supplements also have been linked to cardiovascular toxicities. Although no longer on the U.S market, Ephedra-containing supplements are another source of cardiovascular and CNS stimulants, namely the ephedrine alkaloids. Together caffeine, nicotine, and ephedrine can individually stress the cardiovascular system, and an overlap of these agents is predicted in smokers and dieters. To understand the collective effects of these stimulants on the heart morphology and ultrastructure, rats were exposed to synthetic combinations of nicotine (0.2 mg/kg/day), ephedrine (0-30 mg/kg/day), and/or caffeine (0-24 mg/kg/day) as well as an extract from a caffeine-containing Ephedra supplement (Metabolife 356). After exposure for 3 days, the hearts were removed and examined for hypersensitivity myocarditis and myocardial necrosis. None of the drugs tested alone affected heart tissue morphology, nor were atypical cardiac cells observed. However, in combination, significant interactions were found between caffeine and ephedrine; the interventricular septum was most susceptible, with a significant increase in atypical cardiac cells observed. Nicotine pretreatment caused greater susceptibility to cardiotoxicity associated with combinations of caffeine + ephedrine or Metabolife, particularly in the left ventricle wall. These results indicate that sympathomimetic combinations present in Ephedra supplements may have produced cardiotoxicity reported in consumers of these products. Moreover, the presence of nicotine exacerbates these toxic effects.
Soil pH and magnesium effects on manganese toxicity in peanuts

Abstract Manganese (Mn) toxicity can develop in peanuts grown on low pH soils. The objectives of this study were to quantify the impact of soil pH and magnesium (Mg) on the uptake of Mn and the development of Mn toxicity symptoms in peanut plants and to evaluate the use of the Mg:Mn ratio as a diagnostic tool for Mn toxicity in peanuts. Three greenhouse tests were utilized to meet these objectives: a study to determine dolomitic limestone effects, an experiment comparing rate effects of calcium (Ca), Mg, and potassium (K) on Mn toxicity, and a test to separate the effects of pH, Mn, and Mg on Mn toxicity. Soil, leaf, and stem samples were taken for analysis, and toxicity ratings were made. Increasing pH diminished the toxicity rating and leaf Mn concentration and increased the leaf Mg:Mn ratio. The toxicity rating was significantly correlated with both leaf Mn and Mg:Mn ratio, but leaf Mn generally had stronger correlations and was more useful in diagnosis. Magnesium application resulted in a marked reduc...
Effects of epinephrine on iodine and intermediary metabolism in isolated thyroid cells.

Epinephrine, in concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/ml, greatly stimulated the organifica-tion of iodine as well as the formation of iodo-thyronines in suspensions of isolated thyroid cells. These effects were prevented by supplementing the incubation medium with methi-mazole 10−3M, but not with perchlorate 10−2M. Adrenochrome, the oxidative product of epinephrine, was equipotent in producing these effects. The action of both agents was blocked by phento-lamine, but not by propranolol. Reducing agents (ascorbate, sodium bisulfite) diminished the effects of epinephrine, but did not alter the effects of adrenochrome. Both epinephrine and adreno-chrome stimulated the adenyl cyclase activity of the isolated thyroid cells. Epinephrine stimulated the conversion of glucose-l-14C to 14CO2 and the incorporation of 14C-labeled mixed amino acids into the TCA-precipitable fraction of the thyroid cells. These actions resemble those of TSH; however, unlike TSH, epinephrine induced a depression of the incorporation of 32P-ort...
Test of a semiselective screen for induced aneuploidy in germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster females with structurally normal chromosomes.

Abstract A new semiselective screen (only female progeny survive) for induced aneuploidy in germ cells of Drosophila melanogaster (referred to as 20/Q56 for the X-chromosome mutation markers in the parental females) has been validated by recovering cold, colchicine and N,N-dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) induced chromosome gain and loss events in females that contain structurally normal chromosomes. In addition, the spontaneous and induced results from the 20/Q56 assay, which identifies gain events at division I and loss events at divisions I and II of meiosis, were compared with a nonselective (all progeny survive) modified mating scheme that identifies gains and losses at both divisions of oogenesis. Females with the same genotypes are treated in the two mating schemes and are then mated with males that contain different marked Y chromosomes. The spontaneous rates of chromosome gains and losses were not significantly different in the two mating schemes (these rates ranged from 0.008 to 0.022%), supporting previous reports that spontaneous aneuploidy occurs at a higher frequency at division I of meiosis in females of D. melanogaster than at division II. Both the 20/Q56 and modified screens were able to identify significant increases in aneuploidy after adult treatments with cold shock (10°C and 5°C), colchicine (5 ppm and 10 ppm), and DMN (100 ppm). Blood analysis (five 2-day or five 3-day broods) showed that the largest increases in aneuploidy after cold treatment occurred in the first brood, which contains a high proportion of stage 14 oocytes, whereas colchicine induced the highest frequencies in the latter broods and DMN was effective in all but the last brood. Although the 20/Q56 mating scheme identifies gain events only in division I of meiosis whereas the modified mating scheme identifies gains in both divisions, the 20/Q56 scheme is just as effective in identifying induced aneuploidy as is the modified scheme. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of induced gains or losses in the two schemes. These results also suggest that the 3 treatments induced chromosome gain events mainly at division I of oogenesis. Taken together, the results from this study suggest that the 20/Q56 mating scheme in D. melanogaster, which is semiselective and therefore less expensive and time-consuming to perform, is an appropriate test system to screen for chemical induced aneuploidy in germ cells of a higher organism.
A NiNiO reference electrode of the third kind for molten fluorides

Abstract We have investigated an electrode of the third kind consisting of a nickel wire immersed in molten 2LiF BeF2 containing excess NiO and BeO. A low concentration of dissolved Ni2+ is produced by saturation of the melt with this oxide mixture, and this results in an electrode considerably less oxidizing than previously used Ni2+|Ni0 electrodes. The reliability of the NiO electrode, which may be represented as Be2+|NiO, BeO, Ni0, was established by potentiometric measurementsvs the Be2+|Be0 electrode in the cell B e 0 | L i P ( · 6 6 7 ) , B e F 2 ( · 3 3 3 ) | N i O ( c ) , B e O ( c ) | N i 0 the assumed cell reaction being B e 0 ( c ) + N i O ( c ) ⇌ B e O ( c ) + N i 0 ( c ) The measured potentials were fitted by least squares to the expression E0 = A + BT (with B assigned from available entropy and heat capacity data), giving E 0 = 1 · 9075 − 0 · 000056 T ( T = 780 − 980 ° K ) The average deviation from this expression was 2·1 mV. The magnitude of E0 was in the range expected from available thermochemical values for BeO and NiO.
A Differentiated Practice Model for School Nursing

School nursing is notable for autonomous practice and independent decision-making. School nurses practice within a complex school health services environment that is subject to constant change, the...
The Vocational Preference Inventory Scores and Environmental Preferences.

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between vocational interest as measured by the Vocational Preference Inventory and preferences of 175 undergraduates for structured or unstructured environments. Males having clear-cut preferences for structured situations had significantly higher Realistic-Conventional scores than those not having those preferences (p
Does climate change create distinctive patterns of landscape incision

[1] Incised fluvial systems are typically interpreted as recording geologically recent changes in either climate or tectonics. However, few diagnostic tools exist to evaluate whether particular incised landscapes primarily reflect climatic or tectonic perturbation. Here we summarize the results of a simple fluvial sediment transport model that allows us to contrast patterns of fluvial incision driven by changes in hydrology and sediment flux (“climate”) with those driven by changes in rock uplift patterns relative to sea level (“tectonics”). Our modeling suggests that there may be diagnostic differences between the spatial and temporal patterns of incision caused by these different processes. In particular, incision driven by climate change is most commonly accompanied by downstream migrating waves of incision and decreases in channel gradient, while under most circumstances incision driven by tectonics will be accompanied by upstream migrating incision and increases in channel gradient. We apply our modeling to a case study of the North American High Plains, where regionally elevated surfaces east of the Rockies have been incised up to 500 m by the fluvial systems draining the core of the range. Although this incision has been interpreted as reflecting a tectonic rejuvenation of the High Plains, our analysis suggests that climate change is at least as plausible an explanation to explain the incision of this landscape. Diagnostic differences between the climate and tectonic end-member scenarios might be obtained via detailed study of the spatial and temporal patterns of terrace abandonment, providing a potentially fruitful target for field investigation.
Quantitative study of bromophenol blue diffusion in the rabbit brain.

Abstract A quantitative analysis of bromophenol blue diffusion in the rabbit brain was conducted. Cannulas were stereotaxically implanted into the brains of rabbits. One month later, 0.5 μl of bromophenol blue was injected into the brain and allowed to diffuse for 2 hours. Then the rabbit was decapitated, and the brain was fixed, removed, and sectioned. The sections were scanned microspectrophotometrically across the area of dye. A theoretical curve was fitted to the data, and the diffusion coefficient for the bromophenol blue was calculated as 4.5 (±0.3) × 10 −8 cm 2 /sec in the thalamus and 5.4 (±0.7) × 10 −8 cm 2 /sec in the internal capsule. The diffusion of bromophenol blue in 1% agar gel was also measured, and the diffusion coefficient was calculated as 4.58 (±0.30) × 10 −6 cm 2 /sec in this medium.
On the interaction of SSC and LSGM in composite SOFC electrodes

Abstract Composites of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ (SSC), a good electronic conductor, and La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3−δ (LSGM), a good ionic conductor, have been evaluated as cathode systems for La-gallate electrolyte based SOFC systems via microstructural analysis and electrochemical testing. SSC and LSGM composite cathode half-cells were fabricated with varying phase fraction ratios. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies show that these electrode and electrolyte materials will inter-diffuse with long-term exposure in service environments. Within an electrode, inter-diffusion occurs between SSC and LSGM particles of varying initial particle sizes, resulting in heterogeneity in the local cation ratios. Of the SSC/LSGM weight ratios analyzed (pure SSC, 80:20, 70:30, and 50:50), the 80:20 ratio was identified to possess the lowest resistance, according to AC impedance results. The microstructural basis of this finding, and implications for optimal materials design, are discussed.
Management and Outcomes of Anorectal Infection in the Cancer Patient

The objective of this retrospective cohort study is to examine the presentation and outcomes for a contemporary series of cancer patients with anorectal infection. In addition, we seek to identify factors which are associated with surgical intervention. The study cohort was identified from International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 codes for diagnosis of infection of the anal and rectal region and patients who underwent a surgical oncology consultation at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1/2000 and 12/2006. Clinical presentation, treatment rendered, and outcomes were retrospectively recorded. Of the 100 patients evaluated by the surgical oncology service for anorectal infection, 42 were treated nonoperatively and 58 underwent surgical intervention. Factors associated with surgical intervention based on logistic multivariable analysis included diagnosis of an abscess [odds ratio (OR) 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9–38.5] and documentation of erythema on physical examination (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–8.4). Thrombocytopenia (platelets <50,000) was associated with nonoperative management (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7). Incision and drainage was the most common surgical procedure (79%) while a wide debridement for a necrotizing soft tissue infection was required in two patients. Infection-specific 90-day mortality was 1% (n = 1), attributable to a necrotizing infection. However, median overall survival for the entire cohort was only 14.4 months (95% CI 7.9–19.5 months). Identification of an abscess, erythema on physical exam, and thrombocytopenia were associated with management strategy. Although rare, necrotizing soft tissue infections are associated with significant mortality.
Clinical Implications of, indocorneal Angle Development

Abstract Prenatal development-of the iridocorneal angle was studied by scanning electron microscopy in 99 eyes from macaque monkeys, aged 60 days gestation and older. By the second gestational trimester, the angle is entirely lined by an intact endothelium. During the final trimester, concomitant with the development of aqueous outflow facility, this endothelium fenestrates and gradually "retracts" from iris to peripheral cornea, progressively exposing the underlying, welldeveloped trabecular meshwork. Only minor gestational delays, or reversal in adults of this endothelial "retraction" mechanism would mimic, respectively, the clinical pictures of congenital glaucoma and the iridocorneal endothelial syndromes.
Time stretched millimeter waves using novel 1.55 /spl mu/m broadband polymer modulators

Summary form only given. Time stretching of electrical signals as described in has been identified as a possible solution to the limited bandwidth of electronic analog to digital converters (ADCs). However, the use of LiNbO/sub 3/ modulators in these systems has limited the maximum frequency of the signal to be stretched to approximately 12 GHz. Polymer traveling-wave modulators have demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of bandwidth and have begun to be implemented in critical photonic functions. Using their superior speed, these modulators can significantly enhance the overall lime stretch system bandwidth. To demonstrate this we have fabricated traveling-wave polymer Mach-Zehnder modulators from a new material, PC/CLD, which has exhibited reduced optical losses at 1.55 /spl mu/m together with increased optical nonlinearity. Sinusoids ranging in frequency from 3 3 to 61.8 GHz were stretched into the band ranging from 8.5 to 13 GHz. These results represent a significant extension of the input bandwidth of time stretchers and offers major extensions of optical ADCs.
Perceived strength of evidence supporting practices to prevent health care-associated infection: results from a national survey of infection prevention personnel.

Background Limited data exist describing the perceived strength of evidence behind practices to prevent common health care-associated infections (HAIs). We conducted a national survey of infection prevention personnel to assess perception of the evidence for various preventive practices. We were also curious whether lead infection preventionist certification in infection prevention and control (CIC) correlated with perceptions of the evidence. Methods In 2009, we mailed surveys to 703 infection prevention personnel using a national random sample of US hospitals and all Veterans Affairs hospitals; the response rate was 68%. The survey asked the respondent to grade the strength of evidence behind prevention practices. We considered "strong" evidence as being 4 and 5 on a Likert scale. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between CIC status and the perceived strength of the evidence. Results The following practices were perceived by 90% or more of respondents as having strong evidence: alcohol-based hand rub, aseptic urinary catheter insertion, chlorhexidine for antisepsis prior to central venous catheter insertion, maximum sterile barriers during central venous catheter insertion, avoiding the femoral site for central venous catheter insertion, and semirecumbent positioning of the ventilated patient. CIC status was significantly associated with the perception of the evidence for several practices. Conclusion Successful implementation of evidence-based practices should consider how key individuals in the translational process assess the strength of that evidence.
Coulomb inelastic lifetime of a quasi-particle in a two-dimensional electron gas

We discuss a theory of the Coulomb inelastic lifetime τi of the electronic states of a two-dimensional electronic system. Our approach is based on a perturbative diagrammatic analysis of the electron-impurity system. We obtain a general expression for 1τi which, in contrast to previous work, reduces, in the appropriate limits, to the well known diffusion-dominated and the pure regimes. We show that our results provide a comprehensive picture which can be tested by magneto-conductance experiments in high mobility inversion layer devices. We find that at low temperatures both momentum conserving and diffusive processes contribute to the T2 term in 1τi.
A tangible interface for controlling robotic toys

We present a device for developing simple event-driven programs to control robotic toys. To construct a program, the user connects events to actions to be taken in response to those events. We represent these associations as pictures connected by pieces of physical string. This work is one of our initial explorations of the use of string in tangible user interfaces.
Effect of 1-Dimethylaminoethyl-4-benzylpiperidine (IN379) on aortic atherosclerosis of white carneau pigeons

Summary The effect of l-dimethylarainoethyl-4-benzylpiperidine (IN379) on the spon-taneous atherosclerosis of White Carneau pigeons was studied. With the doses used there was no regression of aortic lesions in adult birds given the drug for 10 months, nor was there prevention of lesions in young birds given the drug for up to 24 months.
A novel laser technique for oxidation-resistant coating of carbon-carbon composite

Abstract High-temperature protection of carbon–carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation by ambient air is a serious problem with no single, universal solution. In this paper, we present the results of a novel laser-induced chemical decomposition (LICD) process used to apply two types of oxidation protection system (OPS) coatings on C/C composites. Silicon carbide and iridium were selected as the candidate materials for OPS based on their chemical compatibility with carbon and oxidation protection capabilities, and deposited on the C/C substrates by LICD of Si 3 N 4 and IrCl 3 . High-temperature oxidation tests of the coatings in air environment at 650°C showed a mass loss improvement of about 10% for single layer SiC and 50% for single layer iridium.
Cranial Development Following Enucleation in Early Youth—Possible Effects in Adult Years

This is the report of a case in which the eyeball was enucleated at the age of three years. Great contraction of the conjunctival sac and other soft parts followed, with very marked alteration in the walls of the orbit, as shown by the radiograph.
Management of complications of androgen deprivation therapy in the older man

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in older men. With the aging of the population, the number of older men with prostate cancer will grow rapidly. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of treatment for men with systemic disease and is increasingly utilized as primary therapy or in combination with other therapies for localized disease. Side effects of therapy are multifold and include hot flashes, osteoporosis, and adverse psychological and metabolic effects. Recent research has illustrated that ADT can negatively impact the functional, cognitive, and physical performance of older men. Patients with prostate cancer, despite recurrence of the disease, have a long life expectancy and may be subjected to the side effects of ADT for many years. This review highlights the complications of ADT and approaches to management. We also provide recommendations for assessment and management of ADT complications among the most vulnerable and frail older male patients.
Visibility guided multimodal volume visualization

With the advances in dual medical imaging, the requirements for multimodal and multifield volume visualization begin to emerge. One of the challenges in multimodal visualization is how to simplify the process of generating informative pictures from complementary data. In this paper we present an automatic technique that makes use of dual modality information, such as CT and PET, to produce effective focus+context volume visualization. With volume ray casting, per-ray visibility histograms summarize the contribution of samples along each ray to the final image. By quantifying visibility for the region of interest, indicated by the PET data, occluding tissues can be made just transparent enough to give a clear view of the features in that region while preserving some context. Unlike most previous methods relying on costly-preprocessing and tedious manual tuning, our technique achieves comparable and better results based on on-the-fly processing that still enables interactive visualization. Our work thus offers a powerful visualization technique for examining multimodal volume data. We demonstrate the technique with scenarios for the detection and diagnosis of cancer and other pathologies.
Circulating endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells in patients with severe sepsis.

Abstract Elevated circulating endothelial cell (CEC) and circulating endothelial progenitor cell (CEPC) counts may indicate vascular damage and disease status, but data on these cell populations in patients with severe sepsis are limited. This study compared CEC and CEPC counts in patients with and without severe sepsis following intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Venous blood samples were collected within 24 h, 48–72 h, and 120–144 h. Baseline demographics, 28-day mortality, ICU and hospital days, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded. Patients with ( n = 18) and without ( n = 28) severe sepsis were balanced for mean age (63.7 and 61.3 years, respectively) and gender. There were no differences in 28-day mortality, ICU days, or hospital days. Baseline SOFA scores were higher in the sepsis group. At 48–72 h, patients with severe sepsis had significantly higher median CEC counts (51.5 vs. 28.0 cells/4 ml of blood, P = 0.02). CEC values for all ICU patients were significantly ( P 21 colonies/4 ml blood (mean = 1.13 ± 2.25; median = 0) without significant differences at any time point. This study demonstrates the ability to quantify CECs and CEPCs using consensus methodology. Understanding the relationship between CEC/CEPC counts and outcomes may provide insight into the mechanisms of endothelial cell changes in severe sepsis.
It Ain't Over Til it's Over: An Exercise for Concluding a Course

We are all aware of the importance of "starting off on the right foot." Probably many of us spend a fair amount of time at the beginning of a course telling our students what will happen and what they will learn. In addition, our syllabi often spell out our specific goals and hopes for the class. Yet after 15 weeks or so, we are likely to let our courses end without so much as a comment. The literature reflects this asymmetry. Much has been written on how to begin a course (establishing rapport, clearly delineating the course objectives, providing a comprehensive syllabus, getting to know one another; see Collins 1986; Dorn 1987; Goldsmid and Wilson 1980), but less attention has been paid to techniques for concluding courses. Furthermore, what has been written tends to be either abstract and advisory in tone (Billson 1986; Goldsmid and Wilson 1980) or peculiar to a specific substantive area (e.g., Phillips 1988; Sherman 1981). This article will provide an excersie for concluding a course.
Policy interactions in human-landscape systems.

Given the heightened pace and extent of human interactions with landscapes, there is increasing recognition of the interdependence of hydrogeomorphological, ecological, and human systems in understanding human–landscape interactions. There is also widespread agreement for greater integration across disciplinary boundaries to generate new knowledge urgently needed for theory building to understand, predict, and respond to rapidly changing human–landscape systems. The development of new conceptual frameworks, methods, tools, and collaborations linking across the natural and social sciences are key elements to such integration. In an effort to contribute to a broader conceptual framework for human–landscape systems, this paper describes how environmental policy research has contributed to four integrative themes—thresholds and tipping points; spatial scales and boundaries; feedback loops; and time scales and lags—developed by participants in an NSF-sponsored interdisciplinary workshop. As a broad and heterogeneous body of literature, environmental policy research reflects a diversity of methodological and theoretical approaches around institutions, actors, processes, and ideas. We integrate across multiple subfields and research programs to help identify complementarities in research that may support future interdisciplinary collaborative work. We conclude with a discussion of future research questions to help advance greater interdisciplinary research around human–landscape systems.