cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term monitoring informs data-poor marine species in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Fisheries monitoring programs around the world are often designed to provide information on a wide range of species that come into contact with the program gear(s). Such programs may provide untapped abundance and distribution data for species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and other rare or data-deficient species. We examined >30 years of fish sampling data from coastal Louisiana and found that 13 of 18 SGCN marine fishes were represented in existing routine monitoring data. Although some species were rarely reported, >100 records were available for seven species, with some species being reported several thousand times. Using these records, we were able to provide species-specific information about gear, season, location and timing for several marine fishes that were considered largely unknown. Given the paucity of information available for these species and the rapidly changing Louisiana coast, these biogeographic data may be important in the development of future conservation and management programs.
Postbuckling response of unitized stiffened textile composite panels: Experiments

Abstract An experimental investigation of the compressive response of unitized stiffened textile composite panels that are manufactured using two-dimensional triaxially braided composites loaded in axial compression well into the postbuckling regime is presented. The stiffened panels are unitized because the constituent material was a textile laminate with an alternative method to form the stiffener geometry to a near net shape one-piece stiffened panel structure, thus removing the mechanism of stiffener debonding (separation) that is seen in traditional stiffened panels. Textile laminae that form the skin section of each panel were used, without discontinuity of material, to form the stiffener. Eight stiffened panels were manufactured using two different triaxially braided composite textiles. All eight manufactured stiffened panels withstood significant loading in the postbuckling regime prior to collapse, and nonlinear geometric and material effects were observed. Stiffener separation was not observed. Textile architecture-dependent matrix cracking was observed with local matrix cracks strongly aligned to the constituent triaxially braided composite textile. Tow buckling was observed as the primary failure mechanism for all panels. A macro crack traversed the width of each test specimen during structural failure within the gage section. Excellent repeatability and consistency were observed for all stiffened panels. The experimental results were the motivation for developing a computational multiscale framework where a mesoscale triaxially braided composite architecture-based model is used for the material. Details of the computational multiscaling framework and results compared to the experimental study are given in Kosztowny and Waas (2021), which is part two of this two-part paper.
Preclinical and Clinical Development of Angiotensin Peptides (Mas/Ang(1-7)/ACE-2): Future Clinical Application

Evidence points to a role for the renin–angiotensin system in the regulation of hematopoiesis. We showed that angiotensin 1-7 (A(1-7)) accelerated recovery and engraftment of bone marrow progenitors. Multilineage bone marrow recovery results in platelet and white blood cell recovery. The effects of A(1-7) are synergistic with Neupogen® and Epogen, both in the bone marrow and in the periphery. Treatment with A(1-7) reduces the dose of Neupogen required to stimulate recovery following myelosuppression. Clinical studies show that TXA127 (clinical formulation of A(1-7)) treatment restores the hematopoietic parameters after chemotherapy, allows the maintenance of chemotherapy dose intensity, and increases progenitor mobilization in combination with Neupogen. In conclusion, A(1-7) is an effective, multilineage stimulant of bone marrow recovery.
SU-E-J-37: Feasibility of Utilizing Carbon Fiducials to Increase Localization Accuracy of Lumpectomy Cavity for Partial Breast Irradiation

Purpose To investigate the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy of lumpectomy cavity for partial breast irradiation (PBI). Methods Carbon fiducials were placed intraoperatively in the lumpectomy cavity following resection of breast cancer in 11 patients. The patients were scheduled to receive whole breast irradiation (WBI) with a boost or 3D-conformal PBI. WBI patients were initially setup to skin tattoos using lasers, followed by orthogonal kV on-board-imaging (OBI) matching to bone per clinical practice. Cone beam CT (CBCT) was acquired weekly for offline review. For the boost component of WBI and PBI, patients were setup with lasers, followed by OBI matching to fiducials, with final alignment by CBCT matching to fiducials. Using carbon fiducials as a surrogate for the lumpectomy cavity and CBCT matching to fiducials as the gold standard, setup uncertainties to lasers, OBI bone, OBI fiducials, and CBCT breast were compared. Results Minimal imaging artifacts were introduced by fiducials on the planning CT and CBCT. The fiducials were sufficiently visible on OBI for online localization. The mean magnitude and standard deviation of setup errors were 8.4mm ± 5.3 mm (n=84), 7.3mm ± 3.7mm (n=87), 2.2mm ± 1.6mm (n=40) and 4.8mm ± 2.6mm (n=87), for lasers,more » OBI bone, OBI fiducials and CBCT breast tissue, respectively. Significant migration occurred in one of 39 implanted fiducials in a patient with a large postoperative seroma. Conclusion OBI carbon fiducial-based setup can improve localization accuracy with minimal imaging artifacts. With increased localization accuracy, setup uncertainties can be reduced from 8mm using OBI bone matching to 3mm using OBI fiducial matching for PBI treatment. This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiducials to increase localization accuracy to the lumpectomy cavity for PBI. This may be particularly attractive for localization in the setting of proton therapy and other scenarios in which metal clips are contraindicated.« less
Androgen resistance in man.

Androgens act at their target tissues to promote development of the male phenotype during sexual differentiation, to induce sexual maturation at puberty, to initiate and maintain spermatogenesis, and to maintain secondary sexual characteristics during adult life. By feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary system androgens also function in the regulation of their own secretion by effects on gonadotropin secretion.
A Model for Predicting Grain Boundary Cracking in Polycrystalline Viscoplastic Materials Including Scale Effects

A model is developed herein for predicting the mechanical response of inelastic crystalline solids. Particular emphasis is given to the development of microstructural damage along grain boundaries, and the interaction of this damage with intragranular inelasticity caused by dislocation dissipation mechanisms. The model is developed within the concepts of continuum mechanics, with special emphasis on the development of internal boundaries in the continuum by utilizing a cohesive zone model based on fracture mechanics. In addition, the crystalline grains are assumed to be characterized by nonlinear viscoplastic mechanical material behavior in order to account for dislocation generation and migration. Due to the nonlinearities introduced by the crack growth and viscoplastic constitution, a numerical algorithm is utilized to solve representative problems. Implementation of the model to a finite element computational algorithm is therefore briefly described. Finally, sample calculations are presented for a polycrystalline titanium alloy with particular focus on effects of scale on the predicted response.
Properties of Machine Learning Applications for Use in Metamorphic Testing

It is challenging to test machine learning (ML) applications, which are intended to learn properties of data sets where the correct answers are not already known. In the absence of a test oracle, one approach to testing these applications is to use metamorphic testing, in which properties of the application are exploited to define transformation functions on the input, such that the new output will be unchanged or can easily be predicted based on the original output; if the output is not as expected, then a defect must exist in the application. Here, we seek to enumerate and classify the metamorphic properties of some machine learning algorithms, and demonstrate how these can be applied to reveal defects in the applications of interest. In addition to the results of our testing, we present a set of properties that can be used to define these metamorphic relationships so that metamorphic testing can be used as a general approach to testing machine learning applications.
Optical spin readout method in a quantum dot using the ac Stark effect

We propose a method to read out the spin state of an electron in a quantum dot in a Voigt geometry magnetic field using cycling transitions induced by the ac Stark effect. We show that cycling transitions can be made possible by a red-detuned, circularly polarized cw laser, which modifies the spin eigenstates and polarization selection rules via the ac Stark effect. A Floquet-Liouville supermatrix approach is used to calculate the time evolution of the density matrix under the experimental conditions of a spin readout operation. With an overall detection efficiency of 2.5%, the readout is a single-shot measurement with a fidelity of 76.2%.
The impact of practice environment on laparoscopic colectomy utilization following colorectal residency: a survey of the ASCRS Young Surgeons.

Aim It is often thought that practice patterns are different in private (PP) vs university hospital (UH) settings. We aimed to describe the impact of practice environment on the type of laparoscopic colectomy procedures performed by graduating colorectal surgeons. Method A review was carried out of prospectively gathered self-reported questionnaire data. Graduates of American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ (ASCRS)-approved colorectal residencies from 2004 to 2008 underwent an on-line survey, developed by the ASCRS Young Surgeons’ Committee. Results About 177 (52%) of 342 graduates surveyed responded. Practice setting data were available for 157 (89%) surgeons. Gender, geographical location and age were similar in both cohorts. PP surgeons utilized a laparoscopic approach more often for rectal cancer (37%vs 19%; P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the rate of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Clostridium difficile or emergency surgery. PP surgeons operated more often with a partner (43%vs 8%) or surgical assistant (13%vs 4%; both P < 0.001), while UH surgeons had a colorectal resident (10%vs 21%) or general surgery resident (15%vs 55%; both P < 0.001). Impediments to performing laparoscopic surgery for PP surgeons included a perceived lack of hospital equipment (33%vs 20%) and support (29%vs 17%; both P < 0.05). Perception of personal experience, access to trained assistants, financial reimbursement, length of surgery and patient availability were equivalent in both groups. Conclusion While differences such as type of assistant and impediments to laparoscopic utilization exist between PP- and UH-based practices, early laparoscopic practice patterns remain similar. PP surgeons more frequently perform laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer and with hand-assistance. Despite differences, newly trained colorectal surgeons in both settings utilize and require laparoscopic skills.
Land rights and economic development - evidence from Viet Nam

The authors examine the impact of land reform in Vietnam which gives households the power to exchange, transfer, lease, inherit, and mortgage their land-use rights. The authors expect this change to increase the incentives as well as the ability to undertake long-term investments on the part of households. Their difference-in-differences estimation strategy takes advantage of the variation across provinces in the issuance of land-use certificates needed to enforce these rights. The results indicate that the additional land rights led to significant increases in the share of total area devoted to multi-year crops, as well as some increase in irrigation investment. These effects are stronger in areas that felt the impact of the land reform earlier.
Test-Enhanced Learning: The Potential for Testing to Promote Greater Learning in Undergraduate Science Courses

Testing within the science classroom is commonly used for both formative and summative assessment purposes to let the student and the instructor gauge progress toward learning goals. Research within cognitive science suggests, however, that testing can also be a learning event. We present summaries of studies that suggest that repeated retrieval can enhance long-term learning in a laboratory setting; various testing formats can promote learning; feedback enhances the benefits of testing; testing can potentiate further study; and benefits of testing are not limited to rote memory. Most of these studies were performed in a laboratory environment, so we also present summaries of experiments suggesting that the benefits of testing can extend to the classroom. Finally, we suggest opportunities that these observations raise for the classroom and for further research.
Use of Heterophilic Antibody Blocking Agent (HBT) in Reducing False-Positive hCG Results

The USA hCG Reference Service aids physicians in the interpretation of discordant or irregular human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) results that do not concur with physical findings. The Service has now observed 24 cases of false-positive hCG results (14–571 IU/L). All have been cases erroneously diagnosed with choriocarcinoma or gestational trophoblast disease without demonstrable pregnancy or tumor (1)(2)(3)(4). Because of false-positive hCG results, patients have needlessly received chemotherapy, hysterectomy, and/or other surgery. The suspected cause for serum false-positive hCG is the presence of heterophilic antibodies that bind both capture and detection antibodies, effectively bridging them in the same way as the target antigen should in a standard ELISA format. Until recently, …
Development of anemia, phlebotomy practices, and blood transfusion requirements in 45 critically ill cats (2009–2011)

Objective To describe the incidence of the development of anemia, the number of phlebotomies performed daily, the approximate volume of blood withdrawn, the transfusion requirements and their association with duration of hospitalization and survival to discharge in critically ill cats. Design Retrospective study from January 2009 to January 2011. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Cats hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) for >48 hours. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Medical records of cats hospitalized for >48 hours in the ICU were examined. Of the 45 cats included, 60% (27/45) were not anemic upon admission to the ICU. Of these, 74.1% (20/27) developed anemia during their ICU stay. Development of anemia was associated with a longer duration of hospitalization (P = 0.002) but not with survival (P = 0.46). Fourteen cats (31.1%; 14/45) received one or more packed red blood cell transfusions and had significantly longer ICU stays (P < 0.001). Transfusion requirements were not associated with survival (P = 0.66). The median number of phlebotomies per day for all cats in the ICU was 3 (range 1–6). This was significantly associated with the development of anemia (P = 0.0011) and higher transfusion requirements (P = 0.16) in the 14 cats that received a transfusion. The estimated volume phlebotomized was significantly (P < 0.001) greater in cats that required a transfusion (median volume 3.32 mL/kg/ICU stay) compared to cats that did not require a transfusion (median volume 1.11 mL/kg/ICU stay) but was not associated with survival to discharge (P = 0.84). Conclusions Development of anemia necessitating blood transfusions is common in critically ill cats and leads to significantly longer duration of ICU hospitalization. Iatrogenic anemia from frequent phlebotomies is an important cause for increased transfusion requirement. Fewer phlebotomies and other blood conserving strategies in these patients may help reduce the incidence of anemia and decrease transfusion requirements, as well as result in shorter hospital stays.
Interactions between visually and electrically elicited saccades before and after superior colliculus and frontal eye field ablations in the rhesus monkey

Recent work has shown that humans and monkeys utilize both retinal error and eye position signals to compute the direction and amplitude of saccadic eye movements (Hallett and Lightstone 1976a, b; Mays and Sparks 1980b). The aim of this study was to examine the role the frontal eye fields (FEF) and the superior colliculi (SC) play in this computation. Rhesus monkeys were trained to acquire small, briefly flashed spots of light with saccadic eye movements. During the latency period between target extinction and saccade initiation, their eyes were displaced, in total darkness, by electrical stimulation of either the FEF, the SC or the abducens nucleus area. Under such conditions animals compensated for the electrically induced ocular displacement and correctly reached the visual target area, suggesting that both a retinal error and eye position error signal were computed. The amplitude and direction of the electrically induced saccades depended not only on the site stimulated but also on the amplitude and direction of the eye movement initiated by the animal to acquire the target. When the eye movements initiated by the animal coincided with the saccades initiated by electrical stimulation, the resultant saccade was the weighted average of the two, where one weighting factor was the intensity of the electrical stimulus. Animals did not acquire targets correctly when their eyes were displaced, prior to their intended eye movements, by stimulating in the abducens nucleus area. After bilateral ablation of either the FEF or the SC monkeys were still able to acquire visual targets when their eyes were displaced, prior to saccade initiation, by electrical stimulation of the remaining intact structure. These results suggest that neither the FEF nor the SC is uniquely responsible for the combined computation of the retinal error and the eye position error signals.
An empirical assessment of the factor-supplier pressure group hypothesis

The main purpose of this paper has been to empirically assess Tullock's factor-supplier pressure group hypothesis. Theory predicted that public employees would be most able to use their political power to expand public spending levels at the local level of government. Therefore, in contrast to the two previous attempts to test this hypothesis, the empirical tests focused on the growth oflocal public spending. The test results lead to the conclusion that the political power of public employee groups is an important determinant of the growth of local public spending, although the extent of their influence is as yet unknown. General control personnel and sanitation workers were found to be exceptionally successful at influencing budgetary growth. In terms of the former group these results lead me to suspect that the results of Bennett and Johnson's (1980) research on federal government growth apply to the local public sector as well. That is, while there may be debate over how much local public spending has increased as a percentage of net national product, its composition has changed in that proportionally more resources are being used for the purposes of administrative rule-making. As is the case with federal governmental regulation, increased regulation of the local public economy is sure to have substantial allocative and distributive effects which form an agenda for future research.
Historical Perspectives on Homosexuality

Abstract Traditional views on the causes and nature of homosexuality are colored by Western cultural hegemony. However, even within Western traditions, views on homosexuality have ranged from acceptance to rejection, from a non-issue to a moral issue, from a disease to a behavior. This article reviews some of the historical roots which slant current thoughts about homosexuality.
Mechanisms of sliding friction studied with an array of industrial conical piezoelectric sensors

We use a new design of high-fidelity nanoseismic sensors to detect the stress waves produced at the initiation of sliding during stick-slip friction. The piezoelectric sensors can detect radiated waves just a few pm in amplitude in the frequency range of 10 kHz to over 2 MHz. The reported experiments are designed to provide insights that may be applicable to both fault scales and micro contact junctions. The sensors used are packaged in a hardened steel case to facilitate their use in the field. The transducer's small size (14 mm threaded body, 30 mm long) permits a dense population of sensors to be installed on laboratory-sized samples, or surrounding localized centers of damage on structural applications. The closely spaced sensor array facilitates the localization of individual load releases from tiny asperities on a cm-scale frictional interface. At the same time, the broadband response of the conical piezoelectric sensors makes possible the study of source dynamics using theory developed for the study of earthquake source mechanisms via radiated seismic waves.
Chirality Detection with FLCs—a Comment

An interesting result, with some bearing upon recently discovered unichiral LCs obtained from putatively achiral or racemic molecules, is described. Specifically, the high P ferroelectric liquid crystal W314, when prepared from racemic 2-butanol purchased from Aldrich, gave unichiral FLC samples with negative P. This was shown to be due to a slight enantiomeric excess in the Aldrich racemate; authentically racemic W314 was obtained from freshly-prepared racemic 2-butanol. These results suggest that ferroelectric electro-optic behavior is an extremely sensitive detector of net chirality in near-racemates.
Multiple reaction monitoring: Modeling and systematic analysis

Mass Spectrometry in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode is becoming increasingly used in the validation of protein biomarkers. In a systematic approach toward studying MRM, in this paper, the biomarker validation pipeline using this method is modeled. Numerical experiments based on this model are used to study the effect of different parameters on the final performance of biomarker validation.
The Logopenic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia: Effects on Linguistic Communication

Recently, researchers have detailed the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (LV-PPA) as the third subtype of primary progressive aphasia. In this article, I will present a case study o...
Radiation-Induced Nanostructures in an Iron Phosphate Glass

Electron and ion irradiation-induced nanostructures in an iron phosphate glass with a composition of 45 mol%Fe2O3-55 mol%P2Os have been characterized by advanced electron microbeam techniques. Analysis by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy indicated that Fe-rich and P-rich nanophases were formed when the glass was irradiated under a broad (with a diameter of 1.2μm) electron beam [give the dose range]. Phase separation developed with the increase in electron dose (from 1.0×1026 e/m2 to 4.8×1026 e/m2) as a result of the formation of an Fe-rich phase and pure P-phase. The formation of the Fe-rich and the P-phases are thought to be due to mainly ionization process. Under a low energy ion beam irradiation, Fe/FeO nanoparticles were formed, as confirmed by selected-area electron diffraction analysis. However, no nanoparticles were observed under a high-energy high-dose ion irradiation. The ion beam-irradiation results suggest that the formation of the Fe/FeO nanoparticles was due to preferential sputtering during ion irradiation and that the nanoparticles lie within the surface layers of the glass.
Acupuncture and acupressure: Applications to women’s reproductive health care

An introduction to the therapeutic applications, history, and theory of acupuncture and acupressure is presented. The traditional concepts that underlie treatment of imbalances of ch'i, or vital energy, are presented, along with the theories of yin and yang, meridians, vital substances, pathogenic factors, five phases, and the eight principle patterns. Contemporary Western research findings on the biochemical mediaries and effects of acupuncture are reviewed. Clinical applications to women's reproductive care that are presented include treatment for dysmenorrhea, infertility, and childbearing. Data on clinical trials are reviewed, and licensure and educational preparation for practice of these modalities are discussed.
Decision analysis for elevating bridge decks with steel pedestals

Steel pedestals have been proposed to elevate bridge decks to reduce the likelihood of collisions of overheight vehicles. However, the use of steel pedestals might also increase the bridge vulnerability to seismic events. This paper develops a formulation for decision analysis for elevating bridges with steel pedestals. The formulation accounts for the expected life-cycle costs (LCCs) associated with vehicular impacts to bridge decks and seismic events. The optimum height of the steel pedestals is then obtained by minimising the total expected costs. The expected LCC associated with a bridge retrofitted with the optimum pedestal height is compared with that of the same bridge before the installation of the steel pedestals to determine whether elevating the bridge with steel pedestals is justifiable. The proposed framework is applied on a typical two-span slab-on-girder bridge at different locations in the USA.
A Study of the Effect of Fluid Inertia and End Leakage in the Finite Squeeze Film Damper

Etude des effets de l'inertie du fluide et des fuites aux extremites dans un amortisseur a film comprime de longueur finie
Reading retardation and the information content of stimuli in paired associate learning.

Summary A paired associate learning task requiring the making of visual-auditory associations was administered to twenty-one reading retardates (mean Stanford Achievement reading score 1.79) and twenty-one normal readers (reading score 3.72) from the third grades of the Lexington, Massachusetts, Public Schools. Subjects were matched for age and I.Q., all were boys except for one girl in the reading retardate group. The materials and procedure used are described, but essentially, the subjects had two tasks: associative naming and recognition. The specific purpose of this study was to explore the differential effect in the two groups of enriching the visual and phonological make-up of the stimuli to be learned. In addition, parents completed a questionnaire about family history, past medical history, developmental milestones, while teachers filled another questionnaire which elicited their observations on learning behavior, motor skills, sensory handicaps, social-emotional adaptation. The hypothesis that reading retardation might be caused by impairment in forming associations between stimuli of low informational content, whether visual or auditory, was supported strongly, primarily for the visual dimension, in the results of the recognition task, was in the predicted direction in the associative naming task. The significance of this finding for understanding dyslexic performances of young subjects, age 8 or less, is discussed, some practical applications for teaching reading retardates are suggested.
Delamination modeling of composites for improved crash analysis

Finite element crash modeling of composite structures is limited by the inability of current commercial crash codes to accurately model delamination growth. Efforts are made to implement and assess delamination modeling techniques using a current finite element crash code, MSC/DYTRAN. Three methods are evaluated, including a straightforward method based on monitoring forces in elements or constraints representing an interface; a cohesive fracture model proposed in the literature; and the virtual crack closure technique commonly used in fracture mechanics. Results are compared with dynamic double cantilever beam test data from the literature. Examples show that it is possible to accurately model delamination propagation in this case. However, the computational demands required for accurate solution are great and reliable property data may not be available to support general crash modeling efforts. Additional examples are modeled including an impact-loaded beam, damage initiation in laminated crushing specimens, and a scaled aircraft subfloor structures in which composite sandwich structures are used as energy-absorbing elements. These examples illustrate some of the difficulties in modeling delamination as part of a finite element crash analysis.
Improving Engineering Education: A Research‐Based Framework For Teaching

Instructional methods suggested to improve engineering education often follow primarily from personal experience and disparate research findings. While acknowledging the value of anecdotal evidence and individual studies, we advocate treating teaching as an ongoing scholarly practice where existing and new research is organized into a robust framework that produces a total effect greater than the sum of the independent parts. This paper describes the major components in a research-based framework for teaching and applies it to engineering education. While initially time intensive, this approach promotes an interplay of pedagogical decisions resulting in a synergism that best advances effective engineering education.
Fluoro-less Ureteral Stent Placement Following Uncomplicated Ureteroscopic Stone Removal: A Feasibility Study

Objective To test the feasibility of ureteral stent placement without image guidance after uncomplicated ureteral stone removal and to compare the outcomes of fluoro-less and conventional ureteral stent placement. Methods A technique was devised to allow placement of a ureteral stent without image guidance by substituting fluoroscopy with visual and tactile cues. A retrospective review of 25 patients using fluoro-less stent placement was compared with 25 consecutive patients who underwent conventional stent placement with fluoroscopy. Stent placement was graded on a 6-point scale to assess coil symmetry and location. Comparisons between the fluoro-less stent placements and controls were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. All hypotheses were 2-sided and conducted at an alpha level of 0.05. Results All 25 ureteral stent placements were performed successfully without the use of fluoroscopy for image guidance. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, stone size, or complication rates when fluoro-less and conventional stent placements were compared. In addition, grade 1 placement was achieved in 76% of the fluoro-less group and in 64% of the conventional group. Although placement accuracy was higher in the fluoro-less group this was not statistically significant ( P = .13). Conclusion Ureteral stent placement without fluoroscopic guidance is feasible. It maintains comparable efficacy and complication rates with conventional ureteral stent placement. This technique allows reduced radiation exposure in patients requiring ureteral stent placement.
Equine bone marrow volume reduction, red blood cell depletion, and mononuclear cell recovery using the PrepaCyte-CB processing system

Background Volume reduction and RBC depletion of equine bone marrow specimens are necessary processing steps for the immediate therapeutic use of bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and for MSC expansion in culture. Objectives The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of the PrepaCyte-CB processing system to reduce volume, deplete RBC, and recover mononuclear cells (MNC) from equine BM specimens. Methods One hundred and twenty mL of heparinized BM were obtained from each of 90 horses. A CBC was performed on the BM pre- and post-PrepaCyte-CB processing. Volume and RBC reduction, and total nucleated cell (TNC) and MNC recoveries were determined. Results Bone marrow volume was reduced from 120 mL to 21 mL with a median RBC depletion of 90.1% (range, 62.0–96.7%). The median preprocessing total TNC count was 2.2 × 109 (range, 0.46–7.9 × 109) and the median postprocessing TNC count was 1.7 × 109 (range, 0.3–4.4 × 109; P < .0001), with a median recovery of 73.5% (range, 22.4–216.7%). The median preprocessing total MNC count was 0.9 × 109 (range, 0.1–4.7 × 109) and median postprocessing total MNC count was 0.8 × 109 (range, 0.1–2.7 × 109; P = .06), with a median recovery of 83.7% (range, 15.4–413.9%). Conclusions The PrepaCyte-CB processing system can be used to deplete both volume and RBC, and recover MNC from equine BM specimens. Further studies assessing the viability of MSC and the efficacy of MSC expansion after using the PrepaCyte-CB processing system are warranted.
Immunofluorescent findings and clinical overlap in two cases of follicular lichen planus

Two cases of follicular lichen planus are reported. Clinically, Case 1 fits the Graham Little- Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (GLPLS), whereas Case 2 fits lichen planopilaris (LPP). The immunofluorescent findings and the clinical overlap of these two cases support the concept that GLPLS and LPP are variants of lichen planus.
The public health nursing bag as tool and symbol.

ABSTRACT This historical article presents information about the public health nurse's bag as used in mid-20th century America. The bag was an essential of practice, containing items necessary for providing home care to the sick, maternity nursing, health demonstrations, and other functions within the role of public health nursing agencies or private organizations in which nurses gave home care to multiple patients. Contents of the bag and specifications for their use are described. The historical use of the bag as both a repository for the instruments of skilled care and expert knowledge and of bag technique as a means of infection control may help explain the endurance of the black bag as a symbol of public health nursing.
Children of lesbian and gay parents: A review of the literature

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to review the research literature concerning the development of children with gay and lesbian parents. It begins by discussing some of the social, theoretical, and legal implications of studying this population, and critiques a number of the assumptions guiding this research. The review then proceeds to include studies on children of divorced lesbian and gay parents, as well as studies conducted on children of gay and lesbian families that are planned. The body of literature generally concludes that children with lesbian and gay parents are developing psychologically, intellectually, behaviorally, and emotionally in positive directions, and that the sexual orientation of parents is not an effective or important predictor of successful child development. The paper also includes a discussion of the limitations of these studies, provides suggestions for future research, and discusses the challenge these families pose for the meaning and definition of family.
Reference Chlorite Characterization for Chlorite Identification in Soil Clays

Literature pertaining to differential thermal and X-ray diffraction of chlorite minerals is reviewed. Optical, DTA, and X-ray data for eleven chlorite samples of clinochlore, prochlorite, thuringite, corundophilite, and leuchtenbergite are given. The effect of particle size (105 to −1 μ) on DTA, X-ray diffraction, glycol retention, and cation exchange capacity are given for two thuringites, one clinochlore, and one prochlorite. Identification of chlorite by DTA in a soil clay containing a mixture of minerals is improbable at the present time except under very favorable circumstances. However, for relatively pure chlorite samples, variations in chemical composition are reflected in the differential thermal curves. The largest change in the thermogram is produced by ferric iron which lowers the peak temperature from 720° C to 610° C. Differences in thermal behavior between low and high ferric iron chlorite species are maintained for any given particle size. Chlorite thermograms obtained by different investigators show much greater variation than the differences in thermograms for other clay minerals determined on different equipment. X-ray diffraction can be used to positively identify chlorite in a soil clay, (a) by careful analysis of reflections at least as great as 14 A, and (b) by the influence heat treatment (550° C for 30 minutes) has on the X-ray pattern. Heat treatment produces marked changes in the X-ray pattern of the finer particle size samples and the magnitude of the change effected is greater for high iron chlorites (thuringite) than for low iron chlorites (clinochlore and prochlorite). Olivine is not the recrystallization product for thuringite. The smallest size fractions show no tendency toward vermiculite or montmorillonoid. Cation exchange capacity for silt size chlorites varies from 4 to 32 m.e./100gm., and for −2 μ chlorite particles from 30 to 47 m.e./100gm. Cation exchange capacities for −2 μ and −1 μ chlorites are essentially the same. Ethylene glycol retention increases with decreasing particle size. Glycol retention for −2 μ chlorite samples varies from 25 to 40 mg, glycol/gm, clay. For −1 μ chlorite material, glycol retention is 2 to 4 times greater than for −2 μ material.
Enthalpies of Formation of Gas-Phase N3, N3-, N5+, and N5- from Ab Initio Molecular Orbital Theory, Stability Predictions for N5+N3- and N5+N5-, and Experimental Evidence for the Instability of N5+N3-

Ab initio molecular orbital theory has been used to calculate accurate enthalpies of formation and adiabatic electron affinities or ionization potentials for N3, N3-, N5+, and N5- from total atomization energies. The calculated heats of formation of the gas-phase molecules/ions at 0 K are ΔHf(N3(2Π)) = 109.2, ΔHf(N3-(1∑+)) = 47.4, ΔHf(N5-(1A1‘)) = 62.3, and ΔHf(N5+(1A1)) = 353.3 kcal/mol with an estimated error bar of ±1 kcal/mol. For comparison purposes, the error in the calculated bond energy for N2 is 0.72 kcal/mol. Born−Haber cycle calculations, using estimated lattice energies and the adiabatic ionization potentials of the anions and electron affinities of the cations, enable reliable stability predictions for the hypothetical N5+N3- and N5+N5- salts. The calculations show that neither salt can be stabilized and that both should decompose spontaneously into N3 radicals and N2. This conclusion was experimentally confirmed for the N5+N3- salt by low-temperature metathetical reactions between N5SbF6 and...
Applications of a CCD detector in scanning transmission x‐ray microscope

New operational modes have been added to the Stony Brook scanning transmission x‐ray microscope at the NSLS by the incorporation of a CCD detector. A zone plate focuses x rays to a microprobe, through which a specimen can be scanned. The x rays transmitted by the specimen are detected in the far field, at high angular resolution, by the CCD. The microdiffraction patterns so obtained may be used in several ways to obtain information about the sample: by obtaining structural information about the specimen from the patterns on a point‐by‐point basis, by building up scanned images from signals derived from the CCD frames, or by deconvolving the four‐dimensional dataset. These modes increase the resolution that can be achieved in the microscope, offer new imaging methods, and ways of obtaining phase and amplitude maps of a specimen.
Invasive and angiogenic phenotype of MCF-7 human breast tumor cells expressing human cyclooxygenase-2.

To evaluate the direct effect of human cyclooxygenase-2 (hCox-2) on human breast tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, hCox-2 cDNA was transfected into slow growing, non-metastatic MCF-7 human breast tumor cells that express low levels of Cox-2. Two stable transfectant clones, designated MCF-7/hCox-2 clones 8 and 10, had significantly decreased (P<0.05) doubling time, with two-fold greater number of cells during exponential growth compared to the MCF-7/vector control. Proliferation of both of the MCF-7/hCox-2 clones was significantly inhibited in a time- and dose-dependent manner by celecoxib. The MCF-7/hCox-2 clones 8 and 10 formed larger and greater numbers of colonies in soft agar than the MCF-7/vector control, with a corresponding increased invasion across an artificial Matrigel basement membrane in response to recombinant human epidermal growth factor (hEGF). The MCF-7/hCox-2 clones 8 and 10 had higher mRNA levels of two splice variants of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), V145 and V165. These results demonstrate that hCox-2 directly increases breast tumor cell proliferation, stimulates invasion across a basement membrane, and induces synthesis of specific heparin binding splice variants of VEGF.
Trisomy 2 and 20 in two hepatoblastomas.

Cytogenetic analysis of two pediatric hepatoblastomas is presented, comparing results in primary tumor samples, nude mouse xenographs, and lung metastases in one case. Both tumors had trisomy 2 and 20 in the primary tumors, along with other structural abnormalities. In subsequent passages/metastases, both tumors showed structural changes in one chromosome 2, resulting in partial trisomy 2q, along with structural changes of other chromosomes. Partial trisomy 1 q was also common to both tumors in late stages. Results are compared to those of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, where trisomy 2 has also been noted.
Raman spectroscopy of shallow impurities in semiconductor quantum-well structures

A brief review is given of Raman scattering from bound electrons and holes in semiconductor superlattices. The experiments on Si (donor)-doped and Be (acceptor)-doped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum-well structures include studies of the dependence of the energy levels on the position of the impurity in the well and the well-width, and as a function of temperature, magnetic field and uniaxial stress. The data, showing reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions, reveal most of the expected features of quantum confinement effects on the impurity spectra. An extensive list of references to theoretical and related experimental work is included.
Spectrum sharing in secondary networks: A bargain theoretic approach

In this paper, we address the problem of dynamic channel access by a set of cognitive radio enabled nodes (e.g., broadcast access points), where each node acting in a selfish manner tries to access and use as many channels as possible, subject to the interference constraints. We model the dynamic channel access problem as a modified Rubinstein-Stahl bargaining game. In our model, each node (player) negotiates with the other nodes to obtain an agreeable sharing rule of the available channels, such that, no two interfering nodes use the same channel. We solve the bargaining game by finding Subgame Perfect Nash Equilibrium (SPNE) strategies of the game. First, we consider finite horizon version of the bargaining game and investigate its SPNE strategies. We then extend these results to the infinite horizon bargaining game. Furthermore, we identify Pareto optimal equilibria of the game for improving spectrum utilization. The bargaining solution ensures that no node is starved of channels. We also conduct extensive simulations to study how the “self-gain” maximizing strategy of the players impact system wide performance.
New temperature sensor using optical fiber containing liquid in cylindrical cavity in cladding

We have fabricated a new type of dual-core fiber with two cores, one of which is made of silica and the other of which is made of a liquid with a higher refractive index than silica injected into a cylindrical cavity with a certain length in a single mode fiber. Thus, we have found a feasibility of a new type of temperature sensor in which the dependence of the refractive index of this liquid on temperature is combined with the optical coupling phenomenon in the conventional dual-core fiber. This paper reports our theoretical and experimental examinations on the feasibility of a dual-core silica fiber with a liquid core as temperature sensors.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal variations in slip rate of the White Mountain Fault Zone, Eastern California

The evolution of fault slip through time may yield insight into the geodynamics of deforming lithosphere. Precise determination of temporal variations in fault slip is often hindered, however, by a dearth of markers of varying age from which to reconstruct fault slip. Here we determine slip rates across the White Mountain Fault Zone over the past ca. 0.8 Ma from displaced alluvial deposits preserved along the flank of the White Mountains. Displacement histories inferred from deposits containing the ∼760 ka Bishop Tuff contrast strongly with those inferred from Late Pleistocene alluvial fans dated by cosmogenic 36 Cl, indicating that the fault has experienced significant temporal variations in slip rate. Oblique-slip rates over the past ∼760 ky are determined to have been >0.9 m/ky parallel to a net slip vector plunging shallowly ( ca. 70 ky, yet occurred on a wellestablished fault system. Moreover, the timing and magnitude of slip rate variation mimics behavior documented for the northern Fish Lake Valley fault zone. Together, our data provide evidence for coordinated slip rate variations across the Eastern California Shear Zone during the Pleistocene.
Defining Difference from China's Margins

Uniformities and discontinuities in Chinese culture have long animated anthropological debates. The books reviewed here reflect an emerging scholarly consensus about the diversity of China, expressed not only in religions and populations marginal to more mainstream Chinese culture, but among the Han Chinese themselves. Much of the discussion of China's diversity hinges on identity, a social phenomenon freighted with rhetoric and sentiment and inflected by the forces of local and national politics. ANN MAXWELL HILL teaches anthropology at Dickinson College. Her research has focused generally on ethnic identity and religion, based on fieldwork in Northern Thailand and Southwest China. Her latest article, published in American Anthropologist, is about feuding and agency among the Yi minority in Yunnan, China
Directional phase formation on melting via peritectic reaction

Directional melting and solidification of Ba2YCu3O6+8 in low oxygen partial pressures were investigated by the laser-heated floating zone (LHFZ) technique. The following reaction was observed on melting at Po2 > 8 Pa: Ba2YCu3O6+8→ BaY2CuO5 + L where BaY2CuO5 phase comprised equiaxed particles. At < 8 Pa < Po2 < 103 Pa, the preceding reaction occurred, and at higher temperatures, the following reaction also occurred to produce a rodlike BaY2O4 phase, oriented in the growth direction: BaY2Cu05 ar BaY2O4 + L At pressures below about 8 Pa, the low temperature reaction observed was Ba2YCu2O6+8 → BaY2O4 + L In this case, the oriented BaY2O4 phase formed directly from Ba2YCu2O6+8 and was platelike in morphology. Directional growth of the BaY2O4 phase from BaY2CuO5 was modeled in a simple way. The BaY2Cu05 particles ahead of the BaY2O4 interface dissolve in the superheated liquid, and solute transport for BaY2O2 growth is assumed to be limited by diffusion along the growth direction over distances equal to half the rod or plate spacing. A relation between supereating at the growth interface and growth rate was derived from the present model. Some possibilities for making use of such aligned structures in the growth of the superconducting compound Ba2YCu3O6+8 are discussed.