cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Modeling of Vanadium−Oxo Complexes. A Comparison of Quantum and Classical Methods

A force field for vanadium−oxos was developed and tested with a variety of complexes with coordination numbers of 5 or 6 and formal oxidations states of +4 or +5 on the metal. Similarly, a semiempirical quantum mechanical method for transition metals was extended to vanadium. In this research soft and hard ligands were studied, as were ligands coordinated through single, multiple, and dative bonds. Despite the diversity of vanadium coordination chemistry, generally good modeling is achieved in a fraction of the time with less computational resources using molecular mechanics and semiempirical quantum mechanics. The L4V4+O and L5V5+O groups were emphasized given their prevalence and importance. In general, the predictive ability was superior for the former structural motif. The combination of molecular mechanics and semiempirical quantum calculations provide an effective and efficient tool for analysis of the steric and electronic energy differences between isomers.
Further evidence that leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) is not endotoxin

Despite several similarities, the effects of leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM), a small protein, were further differentiated from bacterial endotoxin, a complex lipopolysaccharide, on the basis of non-identical biological activities. When either substance was administered to normal rats, each produced significant depression in serum zinc and iron concentrations, as well as a flux of amino acids to the liver. However, only LEM produced these effects on host metabolism in rats made tolerant to endotoxin. The effects of LEM and endotoxin on the synthesis and/or release of acute phase serum glubulins were also compared. Endotoxin produced a significant increase in only the α2-macrofeto-protein of normal rats. By contrast, LEM produced significant increases in all the acute phase serum protein fractions measured in either normal or endotoxin-tolerant rats. The differences and relationships between LEM and endotoxin on host responses are discussed.
Assessment of comorbid psychiatric illness and substance disorders.

Assessment of complex dual diagnosis patients requires a careful, systematic approach to evaluating diagnosis, severity, and motivation.
Solute Release from Weathering of Spent Mushroom Substrate under Controlled Conditions

Weathering of piled material in the field is a popular method to treat spent mushroom substrate (SMS) before reuse. During the weathering process, rainfall and snowmelt pass through SMS piles and a large amount of solutes is released in the leachate. To investigate solute release patterns, the field weathering process was simulated under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Fresh SMS was packed in an acrylic column (20 cm i.d.) to 150 cm height and leached intermittently with a cumulative total of 230 cm of deionized water over 180 days. Leachate was collected and analyzed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), electrical conductivity (EC), and inorganic salts. Solute release patterns were described using first order models, and total released solutes were calculated. The SMS leachate had DOC, DON and EC values ranging from 450 to 15,500 mg L−1, 50 to 1,700 mg L−1, and 3 to 50 dS m−1, respectively. The major inorganic cations were K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+, and anions...
Thallium imaging in cardiac lymphoma

A clinicopathologic correlation was made of thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging in two patients with massive myocardial invasion by malignant lymphoma. Despite extensive tumor involvement, the thallium scintigram was normal in one patient, while the other had only a modest-sized region of reduced tracer uptake. The discrepancy between the results of thallium scans and postmortem observations in these patients is probably related to uptake of thallium by tumor cells. The ability of any cellular and well-perfused tissue to absorb potassium, and potassium analogs such as thallium, suggest that thallium-201 scintigraphy may not be a useful method to screen for cardiac involvement in patients with known malignant neoplasms.
Commercial applications of overlay coating techniques

Abstract As part of a panel discussion this paper was presented to review the wide variety of coating technologies available and the need for consideration of the number of materials, process and product variables in determining the applicability of a technology. Of particular concern is the lack of utilization of a “coating technologist” in the early stages of decision making. This often leads to expensive mistakes and misapplications.
Techniques for Automatic Detection of Metamorphic Relations

Much software lacks test oracles, which limits automated testing. Metamorphic testing is one proposed method for automating the testing process for programs without test oracles. Unfortunately, finding appropriate metamorphic relations for use in metamorphic testing remains a labor intensive task, which is generally performed by a domain expert or a programmer. We are investigating novel approaches for automatically predicting metamorphic relations using machine learning techniques. Preliminary results show that the proposed techniques are highly effective in predicting metamorphic relations.
Errors associated with using colored leg bands to identify wild birds

Abstract Avian field studies commonly employ colored leg bands to follow individual birds without recapturing them. However, this technique is subject to several types of reporting errors. In a laboratory setting under ideal conditions, we marked model birds with colored band combinations to examine resighting rates and errors made by trained and untrained observers. We varied both the time of exposure and the number of birds presented to observers in a series of replicate trials. We found large variation in the number of incorrectly recorded combinations among both trained and untrained observers. The mean error rate for trained observers was 5%, and for untrained observers was 16%. In both groups, error rates significantly increased when observers were exposed to more birds or observation intervals were short. The most common type of error involved switching band combinations on left and right legs. In some cases incorrectly recorded combinations matched actual combinations used on other birds. We also ...
Ultrafast excited-state isomerization in phytochrome revealed by femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

Photochemical interconversion between the red-absorbing (Pr) and the far-red-absorbing (Pfr) forms of the photosensory protein phytochrome initiates signal transduction in bacteria and higher plants. The Pr-to-Pfr transition commences with a rapid Z-to-E photoisomerization at the C15C16 methine bridge of the bilin prosthetic group. Here, we use femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy to probe the structural changes of the phycocyanobilin chromophore within phytochrome Cph1 on the ultrafast time scale. The enhanced intensity of the C15–H hydrogen out-of-plane (HOOP) mode, together with the appearance of red-shifted CC stretch and NH in-plane rocking modes within 500 fs, reveal that initial distortion of the C15C16 bond occurs in the electronically excited I* intermediate. From I*, 85% of the excited population relaxes back to Pr in 3 ps, whereas the rest goes on to the Lumi-R photoproduct consistent with the 15% photochemical quantum yield. The C15–H HOOP and skeletal modes evolve to a Lumi-R-like pattern after 3 ps, thereby indicating that the C15C16 Z-to-E isomerization occurs on the excited-state surface.
Diagnosis and management of pediatric appendicitis, intussusception, and Meckel diverticulum

Three of the most common causes of surgical abdominal pain in pediatric patients include appendicitis, Meckel diverticulum, and intussusception. All 3 can present with right lower quadrant pain, and can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Although ultrasound is the preferred method of diagnosis with appendicitis and intussusception, considerable variety exists in the modalities needed in the diagnosis of Meckel diverticulum. This article discusses the pathways to diagnosis, the modes of treatment, and the continued areas of controversy.
Detection of Parasites in Fish by Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Magnetometry

Candling, the traditional means of detecting parasites during fish fillet processing, is time consuming and labor intensive. This method is a major factor in reducing the quality and increasing the cost of fish brought to market. The difference in electrical conductivity between fish and an embedded parasite was hypothesized to be a practical basis for an instrument which would have potential for automated parasite detection. A small electrical current was passed through a parasite-containing fillet and the magnetic field above the fillet was recorded by a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device magnetometer. Results indicate potentially successful detection of parasites by the device.
West North Pacific typhoon track patterns and their potential connection to Tibetan Plateau snow cover

The spatial characteristics and temporal variability of the West North Pacific (WNP) typhoon tracks are studied by analyzing the spatial pattern and temporal variability of the empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the WNP typhoon track density function (TTDF) from 1945 to 2004. The results show that WNP typhoon tracks exhibit three principal EOF Modes. The first EOF Mode represents the contrasting “active” versus “inactive” typhoons defined by the overall frequency and life span of the typhoons that develop in the WNP basin. The second EOF shows a north–south dipole Mode in the TTDF depicting a seesaw pattern in typhoon frequency between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. The third EOF describes an east–west dipole Mode in TTDF depicting a zonal seesaw pattern between typhoons that tend to make landfalls in East Asia and typhoons that tend to stay away from the East Asia landmasses. Further analysis of the EOF time series of the WNP TTDF indicates that an important climatic factor associated with the WNP typhoon activity is the snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which is also correlated with the East Asia summer monsoon (EASM). Thus, a mechanism linking the TP snow cover and the WNP typhoon activity is the response of the EASM in the WNP region to the TP snow cover, and the subsequent effect of EASM on the development and steering of the WNP typhoons.
Biosynthesis of steviol from (−)-kaurene

Abstract (−)-Kaurene-17-14C was administered to the leaves of a Stevia rebaudiana plant, and radioactive steviol was isolated by extraction, hydrolysis, and chromatography. Its radiochemical purity was demonstrated by dilution with carrier material, recrystallization to constant specificactivity, conversion to the methyl ester, and recrystallization. The steviol methyl ester was degraded to establish that essentially all of the radioactivity was located at the 17-carbon atom.
The Depolarizing Action of GABA in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons Is Not Due to the Absence of Ketone Bodies

Two recent reports propose that the depolarizing action of GABA in the immature brain is an artifact of in vitro preparations in which glucose is the only energy source. The authors argue that this does not mimic the physiological environment because the suckling rats use ketone bodies and pyruvate as major sources of metabolic energy. Here, we show that availability of physiologically relevant levels of ketone bodies has no impact on the excitatory action of GABA in immature cultured hippocampal neurons. Addition of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the primary ketone body in the neonate rat, affected neither intracellular calcium elevation nor membrane depolarizations induced by the GABA-A receptor agonist muscimol, when assessed with calcium imaging or perforated patch-clamp recording, respectively. These results confirm that the addition of ketone bodies to the extracellular environment to mimic conditions in the neonatal brain does not reverse the chloride gradient and therefore render GABA hyperpolarizing. Our data are consistent with the existence of a genuine “developmental switch” mechanism in which GABA goes from having a predominantly excitatory role in immature cells to a predominantly inhibitory one in adults.
SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF HEPTAVALENT PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE(Wyeth-Lederle) IN INFANCY. 986

SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF HEPTAVALENT PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE(Wyeth-Lederle) IN INFANCY. 986
Expression of HLA class I molecules and the transporter associated with antigen processing in hepatocellular carcinoma

The expression of the HLA class I molecules on the cell surface was investigated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines using complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) and flow cytometric analysis. Although HLA-A antigens were detected by CMC in all cell lines tested, HLA-B and -C antigens were not detectable in six of seven HCC cell lines. These results were also confirmed by flow cytometric analysis focusing on HLA-Bw4 and Bw6 public antigens. Furthermore, complementary DNA (cDNA) from each cell line was tested for the expression of HLA-A, -B, -C and the transporter associated with antigen processing genes (TAP1 and TAP2). Two cell lines showed a reduced level of one or both of the TAP messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and one of these showed a reduction of HLA-B and -C gene expression as well, but the others had detectable mRNA levels. These results demonstrate that hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines tested in the current study lose or decrease the expression of HLA-B and -C alleles on the cell surface, even though mRNA encoding these alleles is present, suggesting that the loss of the HLA molecules might be caused by posttranscriptional events or failure to transport and load peptides necessary for HLA expression. The selective loss of HLA-B and -C, but not -A, molecules (which also excludes a beta 2-microglobulin defect) is intriguing, and may be attributable to the ability of some of the HLA-A molecules to load signal peptides not requiring TAP transport, or to natural selection of HLA-B or -C locus-specific immune surveillance.
Radiological Safety for Particle Accelerators: What Part Will the States Play?

Since the early 1940s, both federal agencies and state governments have taken an active role in the control of radiation. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 did not apply to radiation that originated from radiation producing machines and supervision over the public health problems associated with this source of radiation remained within the jurisdiction of individual states. To aid states in the development of radiation regulations the Suggested State Regulations for the Control of Radiation was published by the Council of State Governments in 1962. It is this document which states are turning to for assistance in the promulgation of accelerator-directed regulations.
Application of the density matrix method to vibrational relaxation in isolated molecules

Abstract We report the treatment of vibrational relaxation in an isolated molecule (VR) by the density matrix method. It is shown that stochastic or non-stochastic behavior can be described by calculating the evolution of the memory function of VR.
The Cold War and After: History, Theory, and the Logic of International Politics. By Marc Trachtenberg. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2012. Pp. xi, 317. $27.95.)

Scholars have long viewed Marc Trachtenberg as one of the English‐speaking world's leading authorities on the Cold War. In books such as A Constructed Peace [1999], he evinced a remarkable grasp of...
Effects of metal contamination from mine tailings on allozyme distributions of populations of Great Plains fishes

This study was conducted to assess the effects of zinc and lead on genetic variability of minnow populations (Gambusia affinis, Pimephales notatus, and Fundulus notatus) sampled from two creeks, one receiving mine drainage (Willow Creek) and one reference (Brush Creek), in the Tri-State Mining district in Kansas. Zinc and lead concentrations were greater in water samples taken from sites in Willow Creek compared to sites sampled in Brush Creek. While total numbers of fish captured from Willow Creek were smaller than numbers taken from Brush Creek, there were no differences in these fish communities for estimates of species diversity, richness and evenness. Genetic differentiation within creeks was rare. However, there was significant differentiation between creeks for allozymes of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) in F. notatus and P. notatus, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in G. affinis, and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGDH) in F. notatus. Proportions of heterozygous genotypes of P. notatus and G. affinis were higher in Willow Creek compared to Brush Creek. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of zinc and lead on sensitivity of enzyme staining during electrophoresis. Results indicated allozyme sensitivity to zinc for GPI and PGDH loci. Other studies suggest that zinc competitively competesmore » with magnesium as a cofactor for these enzymes. Allozymes did not exhibit differential sensitivity to lead. The significant differentiation between creek populations and the results of the in vitro tests indicate a selective effect of zinc on allozymic distributions of these fishes. These results demonstrate the potential use of genetic variability as a bioindicator of heavy metal contamination.« less
Myocardial dysfunction after resuscitation from cardiac arrest: An example of global myocardial stunning

Abstract Objectives. This study investigated the effect of prolonged cardiac arrest and subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Background. Cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation results in cessation of forward blood flow, including myocardial blood flow. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, myocardial blood flow remains suboptimal. Once the heart is defibrillated and successful resuscitation achieved, reversible myocardial dysfunction, or “stunning,” may occur. The magnitude and time course of myocardial stunning from cardiac arrest is unknown. Methods. Twenty-eight domestic swine (26 ± 1 kg) were studied with both invasive and noninvasive measurements of ventricular function before and after 10 or 15 min of untreated cardiac arrest. Contrast left ventriculograms, ventricular pressures, cardiac output, isovolumetric relaxation time (tau) and transthoracic Doppler-echocardiographic studies were obtained. Results. Twenty-three of 28 animals were successfully resuscitated and postresuscitation data obtained. Left ventricular ejection fraction showed a significant reduction 30 min after resuscitation (p Conclusions. Myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction is severe after 10 to 15 min of untreated cardiac arrest and successful resuscitation. Full recovery of this postresuscitation myocardial stunning is seen by 48 h in this experimental model of ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest.
Identification of Compounds Formed During Low Temperature Thermal Dispersion of Encapsulated o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (CS Riot Control Agent)

U.S. Army chemical mask confidence training is conducted in an enclosed chamber where airborne o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (also known as CS or “tear gas”) is generated using a low temperature (150–300°C) dispersal method. CS capsules are placed onto a flame-heated aerosol generator that melts the capsules and disperses CS into the chamber. To instill confidence in chemical protective equipment, trainees are required to break the seal of their chemical protective mask, resulting in the immediate irritation of their eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) sample collection techniques were used inside the chamber, followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify unintended thermal degradation products created during the CS dispersal process. The temperature of the aerosol generator averaged 257°C, and 17 thermal degradation products were identified. To characterize the relationship between temperature and the types of CS thermal degradation products f...
Magnetoacoustic Plasmons in a Bilayer Quasi-Two-Dimensional Spin-Polarized System

We investigate the charge and spin response functions of a bilayer quasi-two-dimensional system, spin polarized by a constant magnetic field {rvec B}. Terms beyond the random-phase approximation, the exchange and correlation interactions, are introduced by using generalized spin-dependent local field factors, G{sub {sigma}}{sup x,c}({rvec q},{omega}). The self-consistent magnetic interaction among the electron spins determines the coupling of the charge and the longitudinal spin-density excitations, leading to coupled in-phase and out-of-phase electric and magnetic modes. We find that the lowest frequency belongs to an acoustic mode, that represents the out-of-phase oscillation of the longitudinal magnetizations in the two layers. This collective excitation is shown to become important in the case of materials with large gyromagnetic factors, such as dilute magnetic semiconductors.
Role of Phosphatases, Iron Reducing, and Solubilizing Activity on the Nutrient Acquisition in Mixed Cropped Peanut and Barley

ABSTRACT The effect of interspecific complementary and competitive root interactions and rhizosphere effects on primarily phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) but also nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) nutrition between mixed cropped peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In order to provide more physiological evidence on the mechanisms of interspecific facilitation, phosphatase activities in plant and rhizosphere, root ferric reducing capacity (FR), Fe-solubilizing activity (Fe-SA), and rhizosphere pH were determined. The results of the experiment revealed that biomass yield of peanut and barley was decreased by associated plant species as compared to their monoculture. Rhizosphere chemistry was strongly and differentially modified by the roots of peanut and barley and their mixed culture. In the mixed cropping of peanut/barley, intracellular alkaline and acid phosphatases (AlPase and APase), root secreted acid phosphatases (S-APase), acid phosphatase...
Isolation of lysine codon suppressors inEscherichia coli

Starting with anEscherichia coli strain containingglyT56, a glycine transfer RNA suppressor of the arginine codons AGA and AGG, and atrpA mutant containing lysine at position 211 of the tryptophan synthetase alpha chain, we have isolated AAG-suppressors that fall into two classes. In class 1 are dominant suppressors that arose with the simultaneous loss ofglyT56 activity. They are approximately 50% cotransducible withargE, as isglyT, and appear to be derived fromglyT56. Class 2 suppressors, located betweenpurE andtrp on theE. coli map, are not near any glycine tRNA genes, and may represent novel missense suppressors.
On optimal arrangements of keys with double hashing

Given a set of n keys, the keys are arranged in a hash table of size n such that the worst-case retrieval time is minimized. It is shown that, when double hashing is used, one can, with probability 1 − o(1), arrange the keys to achieve a worst-case retrieval time O(log n). This gives a solution to an open problem in Rivest (J. Assoc. Comput. Mach. 25 (1978), 200–209).
N4-Aryl-6-substitutedphenylmethyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamines as receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Six novel N(4)-substitutedphenyl-6-substitutedphenylmethyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamines were synthesized as multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors and antitumor agents. An improvement in the inhibitory potency against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) assays and in the A431 cellular proliferation assay was observed for compounds 8-13 over the previously reported 5-7. Three compounds (8, 9 and 13) demonstrated potent, multiple RTK inhibition and were more potent or equipotent compared to the lead compounds 5 and 7 and the standard compounds. Compounds 10 and 12 showed potent inhibition of VEGFR-2 over EGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) and VEGFR-1. The results indicate that the RTK inhibitory profile could be modulated with slight variations to the N(4)-aryl-6-substitutedphenylmethyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamino scaffold.
Analogy in Scientific Argumentation

Analogical reasoning has long been an important tool in the production of scientific knowledge, yet many scientists remain hesitant to fully endorse (or even admit) its use. As the teachers of scientific and technical writers, we have an opportunity and responsibility to teach them to use analogy without their writing becoming “overly inductive,” as Aristotle warned. To that end, I here offer an analysis of an example of the effective use of analogy in Rodney Brooks's “Intelligence Without Representation.” In this article, Brooks provides a model for incorporating these tools into an argument by building four of them into an enthymeme that clearly organizes his argument. This combination of inductive and deductive reasoning helped the article become a very influential piece of scholarship in artificial intelligence research, and it can help our students learn to use analogy in their own writing. Every one who effects persuasion through proof does in fact use either enthymemes or examples: there is no othe...
Cosolvent control of substrate inhibition in cosolvent stimulation of β-glucuronidase activity

Abstract Bacterial β-glucuronidase exhibits a considerable increase in specific activity, upon addition of suitable organic cosolvents to aqueous systems. The effect is especially marked with three to five carbon alcohols; a nine fold increase was observed in this study using t-butanol in the range of 10% by volume of t-butanol in water. Most such increases were previously ascribed to cosolvent effects on V max , i.e. to the catalytic steps. However, it is shown here that this enzyme is susceptible to marked substrate inhibition, and that half of the cosolvent induced activity increase is due to decreasing this inhibition. The other 50% of the activity increase probably does reside in cosolvent stimulation of V max .
Intramolecular Cooperativity in the Reaction of Diacyl Phosphates with Serine ß-Lactamases

Asymmetric diaroyl phosphates (ArCOOPO2−OCOAr′, where Ar = Ph, Ar′ = 4-biphenyl, 2-benzothiophenyl and 2-benzofuranyl) have been prepared, evaluated as serine (classes A, C, and D) β-lactamase inhibitors, and compared with respect to the latter with their symmetric parents, where Ar = Ar′. The asymmetric compounds, in general, were found to react with the β-lactamases in two modes, corresponding to different orientations with respect to the active site, whereby either of the two aroyl groups may acylate the enzyme to form two different inert acyl-enzymes, E-COAr and E-COAr′ . In all cases, the asymmetric compounds, in one orientation, react more rapidly with the enzymes tested than one symmetrical parent but not both. From comparisons of activation free energy differences, it was found that the changes in free energy on changing from one aryl group to another, in either the acyl group or the leaving group, were not additive, i.e., that the effect of changing one aroyl group to another depended on the leav...
Surgical Endoscopy: An Update

Having assumed the coeditorship of Surgical Endoscopy, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Surgical Endoscopy, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), and the surgical community in this position. Surgical Endoscopy was born in 1987 by Springer, and shortly thereafter became the official publication first of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons (EAES) and then SAGES. At that time, the societies’ areas of interest could be described as applying to only a small segment of surgeons. Through the growth of both societies in significance and impact and with the excellent tenures of the previous editors, the impact of Surgical Endoscopy also has increased. As founding editor, B. C. Manegold put Surgical Endoscopy on solid footing. Alfred Cuschieri, Ken Forde, and Bruce MacFadyen oversaw the journal through a time of expansive growth of both the societies and Surgical Endoscopy. Surgical Endoscopy currently stands as an important surgical journal growing in influence. Over the past 3 years, the impact factor has grown from 1.969 to a most recently reported 3.231. It currently has the 18th highest impact factor among 147 surgery journals ranked by Journal Citation Reports (Thomson Reuters). At the same time, we are working to improve the overall flow of the journal, which has indeed been a challenge given its increasing popularity and thus the number of submitted manuscripts. The medical publishing world also is changing dramatically. The societies that Surgical Endoscopy represents are committed to being on the cutting edge of surgery. In parallel, Surgical Endoscopy also aims to adapt to the rapidly changing world of publishing. Online First publication, initiated during the coeditorships of Bruce MacFadyen and Alfred Cuschieri, continues to shorten the time from manuscript submission to dissemination. Currently, the average time from final acceptance of a manuscript to its publication online is 33 days. Dynamic manuscripts, those in which the online manuscript has links to dynamic content, will continue to increase in number. And a number of other new developments are coming. I am confident that these changes will continue to strengthen Surgical Endoscopy and that it will continue to progress in importance and impact. But no journal improves without the support of its society members and its readers. I hope you will continue to send your manuscripts, which document the ongoing advancement of surgery, to us.
Element distributions in igneous rocks—VI. Negative skewness of SiO2 and K

Abstract The statistical nature of five distributions has been examined: 1. (i) SiO 2 in granitic rocks of Japan. 2. (ii) K in K-feldspar from pre-Cambrian basement granites and gneisses of Southern Norway. 3. (iii) K in K-feldspar from pre-Cambrian pegmatites from Southern Norway. 4. (iv) K in pre-Cambrian granites of South Africa. 5. (v) K in Younger Granites from Northern Nigeria. With the exceptions of (iii) where normality is closely approached, all other distributions are negatively skewed. Closer examination reveals that the negative skewnes of (i), (ii), (iv) and perhaps (v) also, is due to the presence of two (sometimes three) juxtaposed truncated normal distributions, the distribution corresponding to the higher concentration range having the smaller dispersion in each case. The ways of nature are sometimes simpler than we dare to think. But she guards her secrets closely and will reveal them only if our tools are sharp and we know where and how to look.
Neighborhood and Housing Disorder, Parenting, and Youth Adjustment in Low-Income Urban Families

Using two waves of data, this study examined relations among neighborhood and housing disorder, parents’ psychological distress, parenting behaviors, and subsequent youth adjustment in a low-income, multiethnic sample of families with children aged 6–16. Results supported the hypothesized indirect relation between disorder and youth outcomes via parenting processes. Higher levels of neighborhood and housing disorder were associated with higher levels of parents’ psychological distress, which was in turn related to more frequent use of harsh and inconsistent discipline strategies and lower parental warmth. More frequent use of harsh and inconsistent discipline was associated with higher levels of youth internalizing and externalizing behaviors 3 years later. Housing disorder contributed more strongly to parents’ psychological distress than neighborhood disorder, whereas neighborhood disorder contributed more strongly to youth externalizing behaviors compared to housing disorder. Multiple-group analyses showed that the patterns of relations were similar for younger and older children, and for girls and boys.
Benchtop fluorometry of phycocyanin as a rapid approach for estimating cyanobacterial biovolume

Cyanobacteria are the primary taxa responsible for freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs), with several genera capable of producing potent intracellular toxins and off-flavor compounds. There is considerable growing interest in methods to rapidly quantify cyanobacteria in water samples. Past studies have demonstrated poor correlations between phycocyanin in vivo fluorescence and cyanobacterial cell densities. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments aimed at refining a protocol that uses benchtop fluorometry to measure the cyanobacterial pigment, phycocyanin, to accurately estimate cyanobacterial biovolume. In our study, we found strong correlations between phycocyanin concentration and cyanobacterial biovolume (but not for cell densities) both within and across ponds, which varied widely in productivity and algal diversity. Thus, benchtop fluorometry of phycocyanin is a viable method for water resource managers to quickly estimate cyanobacterial biovolume.
Spinal CK2 regulates nociceptive signaling in models of inflammatory pain

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a widely expressed protein kinase. Over the last several years a long list of protein substrates has evolved, many of which have proven or hypothesized roles in nociceptive signal transmission. However, CK2 has not itself been demonstrated to participate in nociception prior to this time. We set out to test the hypothesis that spinal CK2 regulates nociception using several pain models. Our first studies focused on the ability of the selective CK2 inhibitors 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBBT) and 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) to reduce formalin-stimulated pain behaviors in mice. Both phases of the response to subcutaneous formalin were strongly inhibited by intrathecal administration of TBBT or DRB in dose-dependent fashion. Likewise, using the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of chronic inflammatory pain, TBBT was observed to strongly reduce mechanical allodynia. The inhibition of spinal CK2 with either inhibitor did not, however, alter withdrawal latencies in the hotplate thermal pain model while intrathecal morphine was very effective. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated all three known CK2 subunits, alpha, alpha' and beta to be expressed in spinal cord tissue as did real-time PCR experiments. While mRNA levels for each of the subunits was transiently enhanced after formalin or CFA hindpaw injection, overall spinal cord protein levels were not elevated in a sustained fashion. Our results indicate that CK2 participates in inflammatory nociception both in the acute and chronic phases. Simple changes in the abundance of spinal CK2 subunits do not likely underlie these phenomena, however.
A murine model of pseudorabies virus latency

The mouse is a useful laboratory animal for studying various aspects of pseudorabies virus (PRV) virulence. Mice are highly susceptible hosts for PRV infection and are unable to survive acute viral infection. Because of this, mouse models have not been useful for studying PRV latent infections. Here, we report an efficient strategy for establishing latent PRV infections in laboratory mice. Passive transfer of high titered neutralizing antibodies to mice prior to inoculation with highly lethal doses of PRV (Bartha) resulted in survival rates of at least 60% with establishment of latent infections in survivors. Latent PRV infection in mice was demonstrated by: (1) recovery of infectious PRV-Bartha from explants of trigeminal ganglion (TG), and (2) detection of PRV nucleic acids in latently infected TGs by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), between 2-8 months post-infection. This PRV latency model indicates that attenuated PRV strains, those currently used extensively in vaccination programs worldwide, can establish a reactivatable latent infection in an experimental host. The mouse model may be particularly useful for examining the molecular bases of PRV latency and reactivation.
Tn7 elements: Engendering diversity from chromosomes to episomes

The bacterial transposon Tn7 maintains two distinct lifestyles, one in horizontally transferred DNA and the other in bacterial chromosomes. Access to these two DNA pools is mediated by two separate target selection pathways. The proteins involved in these pathways have evolved to specifically activate transposition into their cognate target-sites using entirely different recognition mechanisms, but the same core transposition machinery. In this review we discuss how the molecular mechanisms of Tn7-like elements contribute to their diversification and how they affect the evolution of their host genomes. The analysis of over 50 Tn7-like elements provides insight into the evolution of Tn7 and Tn7 relatives. In addition to the genes required for transposition, Tn7-like elements transport a wide variety of genes that contribute to the success of diverse organisms. We propose that by decisively moving between mobile and stationary DNA pools, Tn7-like elements accumulate a broad range of genetic material, providing a selective advantage for diverse host bacteria.
Creating a Space where Gender Matters: Elinor Ostrom (1933-2012) talks with Ann Mari May and Gale Summerfield

Abstract In 2009, Elinor Ostrom received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for her work, especially on governance of the commons. Trained as a political scientist, Ostrom embraced interdisciplinary research and transdisciplinary collaboration. Ann Mari May and Gale Summerfield's interview with Ostrom, conducted in fall 2011, illustrates the relevance of her work to feminist economics as well as her impressive accomplishments as the first woman recipient of the Nobel prize in economics and as a pioneering woman in academia. Ostrom died on June 12, 2012.
A finite volume method for trace element diffusion and partitioning during crystal growth

A finite volume method on a uniform grid is presented to compute the polythermal diffusion and partitioning of a trace element during the growth of a porphyroblast crystal in a uniform matrix and in linear, cylindrical and spherical geometry. The motion of the crystal-matrix interface and the thermal evolution are prescribed functions of time. The motion of the interface is discretized and it advances from one cell boundary to next as the prescribed interface position passes the cell center. The appropriate conditions for the flux across the crystal-matrix interface are derived from discrete mass conservation. Numerical results are benchmarked against steady and transient analytic solutions for isothermal diffusion with partitioning and growth. Two applications illustrate the ability of the model to reproduce observed rare-earth element patterns in garnets (Skora et al., 2006) and water concentration profiles around spherulites in obsidian (Watkins et al., 2009). Simulations with diffusion inside the growing crystal show complex concentration evolutions for trace elements with high diffusion coefficients, such as argon or hydrogen, but demonstrate that rare-earth element concentrations in typical metamorphic garnets are not affected by intracrystalline diffusion.
e-Science Project and Experiment Management with Microsoft Project

The design, execution, and monitoring of challenging scientific applications is often a complex affair. To cope with the issue, several tools and frameworks have been designed and put into use. However, the entry barrier to using these tools productively is high, and may hinder the progress of many scientists or non-experts that develop workflows infrequently. As part of the Cyberaide framework, a workflow tool called grid manager had been developed and integrated using the Microsoft Project software package as an elementary component. The advantages of using such a tool are discussed in this paper. Microsoft project is a user friendly project management tool that is being used in a new context. It is being used to design and monitor the execution of grid based projects. The motivation for this choice is that many scientists are already familiar with Microsoft project. Grid Manager enables seamless access to and execution over computational Grids, such as the NSF sponsored TeraGrid. Our framework also allows integration with other resources, including Microsoft Windows HPC Server 2008 (HPC) clusters. We test our hypothesis of usability while evaluating the tool as part of several graduate level courses taught in the field of grid and cloud computing.
Popular Education and New Media: the Cigarette Card in Germany

Competition between manufacturers led to the insertion of collectible cards in cigarette packs, which often provided pictorial lessons in geography or natural history for young people. By the early 1930s albums with text for the sets of cards began to appear. The Nazis’ own cigarette company, Sturm, issued series on “German Uniforms” in 1932. By the early 1930s the prominent Reemtsma cigarette company was distributing 250,000 albums per month. The potential of these cards as a medium of political propaganda was quickly realized. Within a year of the Nazi seizure of power, pointedly partisan albums appeared, celebrating the achievements of the Nazi movement, of Adolf Hitler personally, and of the German nation. The National Socialists were more modern than other countries in using new media for political persuasion. In Britain the most engaged that cigarette cards became was a 1938 set dealing with air raid precautions. In Germany on the other hand, the 1941 series “Robber State England” presented a hard‐h...
Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci for the tope shark, Galeorhinus galeus, discovered with next-generation sequencing and their utility for eastern Pacific smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus)

The tope shark, Galeorhinus galeus, is a commercially important member of the Triakidae that has been exploited globally for the past 80 years. Here we describe 13 microsatellite loci for G. galeus discovered by next-generation sequencing (Roche 454 pyrosequencing) and their utility for eastern Pacific smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus). These loci were polymorphic (3–12 alleles) with observed heterozygosity between 0.11 and 0.86 and expected heterozygosity between 0.24 and 0.87. Several loci (7 of 13) amplified consistently for Mustelus californicus and M. henlei. These loci are the first to be characterized explicitly for G. galeus and should be useful in the investigation of population structure of this vulnerable elasmobranch.
From revolutionary monolingualism to reactionary multilingualism: Top-down discourses of linguistic diversity in Europe, 1794-present

Abstract Key documents in EU-level multilingualism policy since the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 reveal a number of paradoxes: the multiplicity of languages is seen as a problem or challenge to be overcome, while the diversity of languages is seen as a form of inherited cultural wealth. Comparing a policy document from 2007 with one from 1794, I show that such paradoxes are deeply entrenched in top-down European discourses about linguistic diversity dating back to the French Revolution. The dissolution of internal boundaries in today's neoliberal EU has necessitated the fortification of the external boundary—that between Europe and elsewhere.
Electrochemical reduction of 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane at carbon and silver cathodes in dimethylformamide

Abstract Electrochemical reduction of the flame retardant, 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), at carbon and silver cathodes has been investigated with the aid of cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential (bulk) electrolysis in dimethylformamide (DMF) containing 0.10 M tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMABF 4 ). Cyclic voltammograms for reduction of HBCD at a glassy carbon electrode exhibit one prominent cathodic peak and a smaller shoulder at a more negative potential. Cyclic voltammograms obtained with a silver cathode show only one peak that occurs at significantly more positive potentials than the reduction processes recorded at glassy carbon. Bulk electrolyses of HBCD at a reticulated vitreous carbon electrode held at a potential corresponding to the first cathodic peak cause complete conversion of HBCD to 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene (CDT) in a six-electron process, whereas electrolysis at the more negative peak potential affords predominantly cyclododeca-1,5-dien-9-yne (CDY, 66%), along with CDT (21%). Addition of a proton donor (diethyl malonate) alters the product distribution to favor CDT (79%) over CDY (11%). Bulk electrolysis of HBCD at a silver gauze cathode yields 97% CDT with a coulometric n value of approximately six; however, unlike the results for carbon cathodes, the efficiency of debromination decreases with increased concentrations of HBCD. Pentabromocyclododecene, tetrabromocyclododecene, tribromocyclododecadiene, dibromocyclododecadiene, and bromocyclododecatriene have been identified as intermediates in the reduction of HBCD.
The effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on infarct volume after reversible focal cerebral ischemia in conscious rats.

Previous in vitro and in vivo studies of the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the central nervous system have yielded conflicting results concerning the role of nitric oxide in the events that lead to ischemic injury. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that preischemic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase increases infarct volume after reversible focal cerebral ischemia in rats.NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride 15 mg/kg IV or an equivalent volume of saline was administered to adult Wistar rats 15 minutes before middle cerebral artery occlusion by the intraluminal suture method. After 2 hours of ischemia, the suture was withdrawn, and rats were allowed to survive for 3 days. Areas of infarction in 10 hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections were measured and used to determine infarct volume.Administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride increased hemispheric infarct volume by 137% over control (60.9 +/- 30.5 to 144.3 +/- 19.6 mm3, P < .05; mean +/- SEM). Cortical ...
Undetectable Thyroglobulin Levels in Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Free of Macroscopic Disease After Initial Treatment: Are They Useful?

Background Predictive role of undetectable thyroglobulin (Tg) in patients with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is unclear. Our goal was to report on Tg levels following total thyroidectomy and adjuvant RAI in PDTC patients and to correlate Tg levels with recurrence.
Mast-cell-deficient W/Wv mice exhibit a decreased rate of tumor angiogenesis.

The role of host mast cells in tumor-associated angiogenesis was investigated by comparing the angiogenic response of genetically mast-cell-deficient W/Wv mice and mast-cell-sufficient +/+ littermate mice to s.c. growing B16-BL6 tumors. The angiogenic response was found to be slower and initially less intense in W/Wv mice than in +/+ mice. Fewer W/Wv mice than +/+ mice developed spontaneous lung metastases and W/Wv mice exhibited fewer lung metastases per mouse. Bone-marrow repair of the mast-cell deficiency restored the angiogenic response of W/Wv mice and also restored the incidence of hematogenous metastases to approach that of +/+ mice. Differences in lymphatic metastasis were not detected between W/Wv and +/+ mice. These results demonstrate a role for mast cells in vivo during tumor angiogenesis, and suggest a role also for host mast cells in hematogenous metastasis.