cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy for Cancer: Short-Term Oncologic Outcomes in 1733 Patients

Data from high-volume institutions suggest that minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) provides favorable perioperative outcomes and adequate oncologic resection for pancreatic cancer; however, these outcomes may not be generalizable. This study examines patterns of use and short-term outcomes from MIDP (laparoscopic or robotic) versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the United States. Adult patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy were identified from the National Cancer Database, 2010–2011. Multivariable modeling was applied to compare short-term outcomes from MIDP versus ODP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 1733 patients met inclusion criteria: 535 (31 %) had MIDP and 1198 (69 %) ODP. Use of MIDP increased 43 % between 2010 and 2011; the conversion rate from MIDP to ODP was 23 %. MIDP cases were performed at 215 hospitals, with 85 % of hospitals performing <10 cases overall. After adjustment, pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients undergoing MIDP versus ODP had a similar likelihood of complete resection (OR 1.48, p = 0.10), number of lymph nodes removed (RR 1.01, p = 0.91), and 30-day readmission rate (OR 1.02, p = 0.96); however, length of stay was shorter (RR 0.84, p < 0.01). Use of MIDP for cancer is increasing, with most centers performing a low volume of these procedures. Use of MIDP for body and tail pancreatic adenocarcinoma appears to have short-term outcomes that are similar to those of open procedures with the benefit of a shorter hospital stay. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed.
A Safe Approach to Core Strength and Back Health

This article describes specific exercises that physical educators can use to design a safe, healthy, and comprehensive core-strengthening program.
Impact of Tumor Microenvironment and Epithelial Phenotypes on Metabolism in Breast Cancer

Purpose: Cancer cells have altered metabolism, with increased glucose uptake, glycolysis, and biomass production. This study conducted genomic and metabolomic analyses to elucidate how tumor and stromal genomic characteristics influence tumor metabolism. Experimental Design: Thirty-three breast tumors and six normal breast tissues were analyzed by gene expression microarray and by mass spectrometry for metabolites. Gene expression data and clinical characteristics were evaluated in association with metabolic phenotype. To evaluate the role of stromal interactions in altered metabolism, cocultures were conducted using breast cancer cells and primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Results: Across all metabolites, unsupervised clustering resulted in two main sample clusters. Normal breast tissue and a subset of tumors with less aggressive clinical characteristics had lower levels of nucleic and amino acids and glycolysis byproducts, whereas more aggressive tumors had higher levels of these Warburg-associated metabolites. While tumor-intrinsic subtype did not predict metabolic phenotype, metabolic cluster was significantly associated with expression of a wound response signature. In cocultures, CAFs from basal-like breast cancers increased glucose uptake and basal-like epithelial cells increased glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis, suggesting interplay of stromal and epithelial phenotypes on metabolism. Cytokine arrays identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a potential mediator of stromal–epithelial interaction and antibody neutralization of HGF resulted in reduced expression of glucose transporter 1 ( GLUT1 ) and decreased glucose uptake by epithelium. Conclusions: Both tumor/epithelial and stromal characteristics play important roles in metabolism. Warburg-like metabolism is influenced by changes in stromal–epithelial interactions, including altered expression of HGF/Met pathway and GLUT1 expression. Clin Cancer Res; 19(3); 571–85. ©2012 AACR .
Quality Evaluation of American Lobsters Fed Diets Containing Crab Processing Waste

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of incorporating wet crab processing waste (CW) into pelleted feeds on (1) weight gain; (2) shell strength; (3) sensory quality; and (4) proximate composition of American lobsters. Soft shell lobsters were fed one of three pelleted diets (0%, 20% or 40% CW) or a cod rack control (industry standard diet) for 6 weeks. Lobsters fed the 40CW diet had similar weight gains to those fed the control diet. Lobsters fed the CW diets had higher concentrations of shell ash and calcium compared to the controls, however, lobsters from the control treatment had significantly stronger shells as measured by compression to fracture. Sensory analyses revealed no adverse affect of the 40% CW diet on texture or flavor of tail meat. Protein and lipid composition of lobster tail meat was not significantly affected by dietary treatment.
A precise method for determining the CO2 content of carbonate materials

The design and use of a buret apparatus for CO2 gas capture and mass determination are described. The derivation of a comprehensive equation to determine the CO2 mass and percent carbonation of the material is outlined. Experimental factors such as temperature and pressure, including elevation effects, and apparatus parameters are discussed and incorporated into one general equation. The experimental system and calculations apply concepts of the ideal gas law and fluid mechanics. This approach, which may be adapted to the determination of the gas content of other gas evolving materials, uses relatively cheap and readily available components in the chemistry laboratory.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma with systemic metastasis: Case report and review

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) almost always remains confined to the nervous system. We report a patient with well documented PCNSL who responded to treatment, but subsequently developed pathologically confirmed systemic metastases without repeated local failure 35 months after initial diagnosis. In a review of the world's literature we identified 5 other cases of PCNSL with histologically confirmed antemortem systemic metastases and a total of 62 cases of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in some way associated with extraneural lymphoma. These cases are classified and discussed. Clinicians caring for PCNSL patients must remain alert to the possibility of systemic metastasis, especially as local control of PCNSL improves.
3D NEGF quantum transport simulator for modeling ballistic transport in nano FinFETs

Quantum effects play a dominant role in many of the state-of-the-art small size structures for which the applicability of the standard well-developed engineering tools based on a semi-classical transport description is very limited or even impossible. There are a number of methods developed by solid state theorists over the last several decades to address the issue of quantum transport. Among the most commonly used in nanostructure calculations schemes are the Wigner-function approach, the Pauli master equation, and the non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF). The growing popularity of the latest (sometimes referred to as the Keldysh or the Kadanoff-Baym) formalism is conditioned by its sound conceptual basis for the development of the new class of quantum transport simulators. We demonstrate in this work that the key to the successful application of the NEGF formalism to the 3D quantum transport problem in semiconductor nanostructures is the numerical efficiency of the contact block reduction (CBR) method. We also present some very important results from the 3D FinFET analysis, such as the importance of the third gate.
Fluctuations and fracture.

This Letter describes the way that metastable systems escape from traps. Brief periods during which the system apparently runs backwards in time play a crucial role. These ideas are applied to a model for one of nature's most obviously irreversible phenomena, the shattering of a body by a crack.
Closure and the Cadaver Experience: A Memorial Service for Deeded Bodies.

A variety of stresses and life crises confront the novice medical student. The one stress which is often overlooked or underestimated is the experience with the cadaver. Often the trauma of this ex...
Polarization dependence of carbon fragments from methane in strong and ultrastrong laser fields

We present the polarization dependence of the ultrafast photoionization for C+n (n≤5) fragments from methane. The study extends from the strong field (C+, C+2) at 1014 W/cm2 to the ultrastrong field (C+5) at 1018 W/cm2.
Comparison of planar and network K-functions in traffic accident analysis

The network and planar K-function methods are applied to traffic accident data to illustrate the risk of false positive detection associated with the use of a statistic designed for a planar space to analyze a network-constrained phenomenon. We also demonstrate the benefits of using a method specifically designed for a network space. The results clearly indicate that the planar K-function analysis is problematic since it entails a significant chance of over-detecting clustered patterns. Analyses are implemented based on Monte Carlo simulation and applied to 1997 traffic accident data in the Buffalo, NY area.
Task persistence and learning ability in normal and chronic low dose MPTP-treated monkeys

Abstract Monkeys exposed to low doses of the dopamine neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) develop cognitive deficits in the absence of gross motor dysfunction. Attentional deficits and task impersistence are now also described in these animals. The task impersistence correlated with no-response errors (i.e. errors of omission) on a delayed response task and improved with dopamine agonist therapy. In parallel studies, it was observed that there were significant differences in the ability of normal monkeys to learn to perform cognitive tasks. We found that monkeys classified as poor learners had similar deficits in task persistence as did MPTP-exposed monkeys, suggesting a relationship between poor cognitive performance and task impersistence in untreated as well as MPTP-treated monkeys. The possible significance of these results for two clinical disorders, early Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is discussed. Cognitive and behavioral similarities between chronic low dose MPTP-treated monkeys, early Parksinson's disease patients and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may suggest the existence of related pathophysiological mechanisms in these disorders.
Production, recovery and immunogenicity of the protective antigen from a recombinant strain of Bacillus anthracis.

The protective antigen (PA) is one of the three components of the anthrax toxin. It is a secreted nontoxic protein with a molecular weight of 83 kDa and is the major component of the currently licensed human vaccine for anthrax. Due to limitations found in the existing vaccine formulation, it has been proposed that genetically modified PA may be more effective as a vaccine. The expression and the stability of two recombinant PA (rPA) variants, PA-SNKE-ΔFF-E308D and PA-N657A, were studied. These proteins were expressed in the nonsporogenic avirulent strain BH445. Initial results indicated that PA-SNKE-ΔFF-E308D, which lacks two proteolysis-sensitive sites, is more stable than PA-N657A. Process development was conducted to establish an efficient production and purification process for PA-SNKE-ΔFF-E308D. pH, media composition, growth strategy and protease inhibitors composition were analyzed. The production process chosen was based on batch growth of B. anthracis using tryptone and yeast extract as the only source of carbon, pH control at 7.5, and antifoam 289. Optimal harvest time was 14–18 h after inoculation, and EDTA (5 mM) was added upon harvest for proteolysis control. Recovery of the rPA was performed by expanded-bed adsorption (EBA) on a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resin, eliminating the need for centrifugation, microfiltration and diafiltration. The EBA step was followed by ion exchange and gel filtration. rPA yields before and after purification were 130 and 90 mg/l, respectively. The purified rPA, without further treatment, treated with small amounts of formalin or adsorbed on alum, induced, high levels of IgG anti-PA with neutralization activities. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2002) 28, 232–238 DOI: 10.1038/sj/jim/7000239
An in situ platform for the investigation of Raman shift in micro-scale silicon structures as a function of mechanical stress and temperature increase

Raman spectroscopy provides an accurate approach to measure temperature and stress in semiconductors at micro-scale and nano-scale. In the present work an in situ experimentation-based approach to separate a measured room to high temperature Raman shift signal into mechanical and thermal components when a uniaxial compressive load is applied in situ is presented. In situ uniaxial compressive loads were applied on examined silicon cantilever specimens from room temperature to 150 °C. The Raman shift measurements were performed as a function of strain at constant temperature and as a function of temperature at constant strain levels. The results show that the Raman shift measured at a given temperature under a given level of applied stress can be expressed as a summation of stress-induced Raman shift signal and temperature-induced Raman shift signal measured separately. For silicon, the stress-induced Raman shift is caused by inelastic interaction between the incident laser and the vibration of crystal lattice, while the temperature-induced Raman shift is caused by the anharmonic terms in the vibrational potential energy. Analyses indicate that such separation of Raman shift signal can be used to measure localized change in thermal conductivity and mechanical stress of semiconductor structures under applied stress.
Maximum figure of merit of thermoelectric materials

Abstract An estimate of the maximum figure of merit at optimum carrier concentration of a thermoelectric material is shown to be obtainable from the measured values of the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical conductivity, and the thermal conductivity for any extrinsic specimen of the material that is not too greatly overdoped. Effects of minority carriers, impurity scattering, and multiband conduction on this estimate are discussed.
The stabilizer of immanants

Abstract Immanants are homogeneous polynomials of degree n in n 2 variables associated to the irreducible representations of the symmetric group S n of n elements. We describe immanants as trivial S n modules and show that any homogeneous polynomial of degree n on the space of n × n matrices preserved up to scalar by left and right action by diagonal matrices and conjugation by permutation matrices is a linear combination of immanants. Building on works of Duffner [5] and Purificacao [3] , we prove that for n ⩾ 6 the identity component of the stabilizer of any immanant (except determinant, permanent, and π = ( 4 , 1 , 1 , 1 ) ) is Δ ( S n ) ⋉ T ( GL n × GL n ) ⋉ Z 2 , where T ( GL n × GL n ) is the group consisting of pairs of n × n diagonal matrices with the product of determinants 1, acting by left and right matrix multiplication, Δ ( S n ) is the diagonal of S n × S n , acting by conjugation ( S n is the group of symmetric group) and Z 2 acts by sending a matrix to its transpose. Based on the work of Purificacao and Duffner [4] , we also prove that for n ⩾ 5 the stabilizer of the immanant of any non-symmetric partition (except determinant and permanent) is Δ ( S n ) ⋉ T ( GL n × GL n ) ⋉ Z 2 .
Restoring the function of a diseased kidney via its microvasculature.

Background: Based upon observations which indicate that chronic intrarenal hypoxia and microvascular obliteration play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal scarring and loss of function, the idea is presented that restoration of kidney structure and function by arresting microvascular drop-out and restoring the interstitial capillary network could be a feasible approach to regeneration of a diseased kidney. This paper addresses the reasoning behind this possibility. Summary: A ‘unifying vasculogenic hypothesis' is discussed which proposes that, in hypoxic nephrons which retain poorly functioning vascular and epithelial elements, the disease process can be slowed or arrested, and nephrons regenerated, by adoptive transfer of endothelial progenitor cells to restore interstitial and glomerular vascular integrity. It is suggested that no other cell types are required to achieve this end. Improved differentiation, proliferation, and function of surviving nephrons could be achieved by restoring adequate oxygen delivery via this approach. Key Messages: It is hypothesized that, to regenerate the function of a chronically diseased kidney, it is not plausible to create new nephrons. Restoration of function of surviving nephrons could be achieved by regeneration of the renal microvasculature alone. Based upon observations that have demonstrated the feasibility of adoptive endothelial progenitor cell transfer into the kidney, this hypothesis is worthy of being tested.
Dipole solvation in dielectrics.

This paper presents an exact solution for the free energy of linear solvation of a dipolar solute in an arbitrary dielectric material with a microscopic spectrum of polarization fluctuations. The solution is given in terms of wave vector-dependent longitudinal and transverse structure factors of the polarization fluctuations in the pure dielectric. Good agreement with computer simulations of dipole solvation in dipolar and dipolar–quadrupolar liquids is achieved.
The optimal projection equations with Petersen-Hollot bounds: robust stability and performance via fixed-order dynamic compensation for systems with structured real-valued parameter uncertainty

A feedback control design problem involving structured real-valued plant parameter uncertainties is considered. A quadratic Lyapunov bound suggested by recent work of I.R. Petersen and C.V. Hollot (1986) is utilized in conjunction with the guaranteed cost approach of S.S.L. Chang and T.K.C. Peng (1972) to guarantee robust stability with robust performance bound. Necessary conditions that generalize the optimal projection equations for fixed-order dynamic compensation are used to characterize the controller that minimizes the performance bound. The design equations thus effectively serve as sufficient conditions for synthesizing dynamic output-feedback controllers that provide robust stability and performance. >
Clonal growth of differentiated rabbit cartilage cells.

Single cell suspensions have been prepared from rabbit cartilage by collagenase digestion in the presence of fetal bovine serum. When inoculated into medium F12 supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum and 5% rabbit serum, the cartilage cell suspensions yield large healthy colonies of epithelial-like cells with an average plating efficiency of 47%. At the end of a 14 day incubation period, the centers of many of the colonies are thickened into multilayered aggregates. Such colonies exhibit serveral cartilage-like properties, including metachromatic staining with toluidine blue, dense brown staining with bismark brown, bright green staining with alcian green, and a refractile matrix which can be seen with the phase contrast microscope to surround the living cells. Similar properties have also been observed in second and third passage subcultures.
Information Pricing: The Evidence From Equity Mutual Funds

The theory of information pricing implies that the benefits from obtaining costly information should be offset by the costs. In the case of mutual funds, this theory suggests that trades by fund managers should take place at prices that compensate their clients for the managers' costs of becoming informed. This paper controls for risk, fund size, and age to assess the relationship of a fund's information costs to its performance. The findings show that stock funds charging the highest expenses generally earn returns insignificantly different from funds charging the lowest expenses. This lends support to the theory of information pricing. The findings are also indicative of an efficient market, given that information is costly.
Polyamines in the developing rat and in supportive tissues

Abstract Considerable putrescine and spermidine synthesis occur in both the uterine decidual tissue of the rat and in the embryonic and fetal rat. These amines are accumulated and reach concentrations in some instances that are more than 5 mM. Maximal polyamine accumulation in the fetal rat precedes the establishment of maximal RNA values in the fetus by 3 days. The liver of the rat when followed for one month after birth exhibits the same pattern: maximal concentration several days before maximal RNA content. Polyamine synthesis appears to occur in al fetal tissues assayed. In contrast, elevated histamine synthesis, which has been hypothesized as a necessary factor for rapid growth, occurs only in the liver late in fetal development. Polyamines are also present in amniotic fluid and their concentrations vary in a specific manner. The concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in amniotic fluid are considerable until Day 17, after which spermidine and spermine decline to negligible levels.
Imaginative geographies of Amazigh activism in Morocco

This paper analyzes the geographical imaginations of Amazigh activists, the indigenous people of North Africa. Situated at the crossroads of post-colonial theory, indigenous language rights and national narratives of inclusion and exclusion, the paper discusses the Amazigh movement in Morocco. The issue of language rights is particularly important to the movement and this is reflected in the paper through an emphasis on Tamazight script choice and perceptions of the Institut Royal de la Culture Amazighe (IRCAM). IRCAM is the government entity charged with the standardization of the Tamazight languages and the implementation of Tamazight instruction in Moroccan schools. Debates over the role of IRCAM and the choice of an official script for Tamazight language instruction form an important area of contestation within the activist movement. Despite activists' differences in opinion on these key issues, the imaginative geographies they articulate through these debates share similar visions of national Amazigh...
Political reform and scientific freedom under Gorbachev

Abstract This paper reviews the political reforms introduced in the Soviet Union under perestroika, and their impact on scientific freedom. These include impacts on travel, scientific publication, and participation in international conferences, as well as the positive influence of glasnost on secrecy in science and national security issues, and the new opportunities for scientists to influence policy and policy-making. The revival of professional scientific organizations is also highlighted, as are the politics of Academy of Science reform. The author concludes by noting that while there is a significant increase in scientific freedom under perestroika, this new-found freedom may be circumscribed by the harsh socio-economic realities facing the USSR.
Secreted and transmembrane mucins inhibit gene transfer with AAV4 more efficiently than AAV5.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising vector for gene transfer in cystic fibrosis. AAV4 and AAV5 both bind to the apical surface of differentiated human airway epithelia, but only AAV5 infects. Both AAV4 and AAV5 require 2,3-linked sialic acid for binding. However, AAV5 interacts with sialic acid onN-linked carbohydrates, whereas AAV4 interacts with sialic acid on O-linked carbohydrates. Because mucin is decorated with O-linked carbohydrates, we hypothesized that mucin binds AAV4 and inhibits gene transfer. To evaluate the effect of secreted mucin, we studied mucin binding and gene transfer to COS cells and the basolateral membrane of well differentiated human airway epithelia. AAV4 bound mucin more efficiently than AAV5, and mucin inhibited gene transfer with AAV4. Moreover,O-glycosidase-pretreated mucin did not block gene transfer with AAV4. Similar to secreted mucin, the transmembrane mucin MUC1 inhibited gene transfer with AAV4 but not AAV5. MUC1 inhibited AAV4 by blocking internalization of the virus. Thus, O-linked carbohydrates of mucin are potent inhibitors of AAV4. Furthermore, whereas mucin plays an important role in innate host defense, its activity is specific; some vectors or pathogens are more resistant to its effects.
Effects of photoperiod, night temperature, and irradiance on flower production in the potato

The influence of three environmental factors on the incidence of arrested floral development (bud abortion) in different potato clones was studied. The first experiment measured flower production in growth chambers when a 12-h photoperiod was extended by 4 h dim light. The second experiment, also in growth chambers, contrasted flower production under night temperatures of 10°C and 20°C (day temperature 30°C, photoperiod 12 h). A third experiment examined bud abortion in plants grown in the greenhouse under shade cloths which reduced incoming irradiance to ca. 50% of normal. Both the longer photoperiod and warmer night temperature promoted flower production, in some of the clones tested, by reducing bud abortion. Reduced irradiance completely suppressed flower development (but not bud formation) in all clones. In all experiments, the number of flowers developing to anthesis was significantly correlated with shoot dry weight, indicating that treatments which promote shoot growth reduce the incidence of bud abortion.
101 MYOCARDIAL EXTRACTION OF OXYGEN AND CARBOHYDRATES IN THE LAMB FETUS IN UTERO

Although fetal arterial levels of oxygen and glucose are less than half adult levels there is no information about tissue extraction of these substrates in the intact fetus. We studied fetal myocardial extraction of oxygen, glucose, lactate and pyruvate in 12 fetal lambs in utero, 1-4 days post-op. We placed catheters in inferior vena cava, carotid artery (CA), and coronary sinus (CS) via the hemiazygous vein. From simultaneously withdrawn blood, CA and CS O2 content, blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate were measured. Myocardial blood flow (cc/min/100g) of left ventricle (MBF/min/100gmLV) was calculated by the nuclide-labelled microsphere method. Myocardial extraction of substrate/min/100g of left ventricle (MV/min/100gmLV) was calculated as CA minus CS level of each substrate (Δ-AV) times MBF/min/100gmLV. MBF/min/100gmLV was 166±19 (mean±SEM), twice the value for normal adult humans and dogs. CA levels of O2, glucose, lactate and pyruvate (uM/L) were 3244±199, 1069±122, 2120±327 and 117±14, respectively. Δ-AV for O2, glucose, lactate and pyruvate (uM/L) were 2117±100, 99±18, 524±88, and 49±9, half the value of normal adults. MV/min/100gmLV (uM/L) for O2, glucose, lactate and pyruvate were 333±30, 18±4, 76±16, and 7±2, respectively, equal to values for normal adults. We conclude that fetal myocardial extraction/min/100gmLV of O2 and glucose are equal to values obtained from healthy adults, despite the lower arterial levels of O2 and glucose present in utero. This is accomplished by higher fetal myocardial blood flow.
The MKK6–p38 MAPK pathway prolongs the cardiac contractile calcium transient, downregulates SERCA2, and activates NF-AT

Objective: Our goal was to determine if the MKK6–p38 MAPK pathway regulates cardiac intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). We also tested if MKK6 might influence expression of SERCA2, a calcium regulatory molecule involved in relaxation, and the activity of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT), a calcium-regulated transcription factor that participates in pathological responses to pressure-overload. Methods: Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were transfected with MKK6(Glu), an activator of p38 MAPK. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as transfection marker and [Ca2+]i was evaluated via indo-1. SERCA2 expression was assayed via Northern and Western techniques. The activity of the rat SERCA2 gene promoter and NF-AT-dependent gene expression were monitored with reporter genes. Myocyte contractility was regulated by electrical pacing. Results: MKK6(Glu) prolonged decay of the contractile calcium transients, downregulated SERCA2 expression, and reduced the activity of the rat SERCA2 gene promoter. Diastolic [Ca2+]i in myocytes pacing at 1–2 Hz was dramatically increased by MKK6(Glu). NF-AT-dependent gene expression was activated by MKK6(Glu) and by pacing of contractions in a synergistic manner. Overexpression of SERCA2 mitigated the effects of MKK6(Glu) on [Ca2+]i and NF-AT. Conclusions: The MKK6(Glu)–p38 MAPK pathway prolongs the decay phase of the cardiac contractile calcium by downregulating SERCA2, increasing diastolic [Ca2+]i which activates NF-AT. The ability of SERCA2 over-expression to reduce NF-AT activity represents a potential novel therapeutic effect of SERCA2 that should be further considered in the development of cardiac gene therapy strategies.
Academic predictors of adult maturity and competence.

A longitudinal study of sixty-eight college-educated men, studied when freshmen and upperclassmen and subsequently when in their early thirties, examined the academic predictors of maturity and a wide range of adult competencies. SAT quantitative and verbal aptitude, achievement test, college grades, departmental chairman ratings of intellect, and the receipt of college honors were not found to predict several hundred measures of adult maturity and competence. However, the measures, particularly increasing SAT scores, were found to be directly related to a variety of measures indexing psychological, particularly interpersonal, immaturity. Some implications for redefining the purposes of higher education were examined.
Nature and extent of melting in superheated solids : Liquid-solid coexistence model

The nature and extent of superheating in solids have remained an open problem for nearly a century. Using a liquid-solid coexistence model, we critically examined melting in the superheating regime. It is found that the solid/liquid density difference and the interface disordering at melting are two key factors determining the nature of the transition and the extent of superheating. A nucleation forbidden gap is found due to the density difference. The nucleation barrier rising from the interface is reduced by the interface disordering. The results obtained from the theoretical model are in excellent agreement with those in atomistic simulations.
Ho'oponopono: Some Lessons from Hawaiian Mediation

In closing, we offer some words of caution to our prescriptions. Most of the steps in ho'oponopono require mediators to hold substantial power, and implementation of these steps increases this power. When empowered, the mediators must avoid a variety of power-based pitfalls (Rubin 1994); namely, they should not disrupt a conflict that is moving toward resolution on its own; they should not press their own interests; and they should not impose an agreement. Failure to heed this caution will teach our mediators a lesson the Polynesians learned centuries ago: Applying force to an entanglement — be it a rope or relationship — appears initially to improve the problem. Yet it usually makes it worse.
A microcomputer cutting stock analysis and planning system

Abstract The system described herein solves cutting stock problems encountered in the flat glass and related industries. Cutting patterns with relatively high but not necessarily optimal utilization are generated by first selecting a strip width either automatically (via a heuristic) or manually (via user intervention). The related knapsack problem which results is then solved to determine how to pack pieces into the strip. A graphical display of the resulting cutting pattern allows the user to evaluate it in consideration of his expertise in the overall manufacturing environment in addition to its utilization.
The use of latent trajectory models in psychopathology research.

Despite the recent surge in the development of powerful modeling strategies to test questions about individual differences in stability and change over time, these methods are not currently widely used in psychopathology research. In an attempt to further the dissemination of these new methods, the authors present a pedagogical introduction to the structural equation modeling based latent trajectory model, or LTM. They review several different types of LTMs, discuss matching an optimal LTM to a given question of interest, and highlight several issues that might be particularly salient for research in psychopathology. The authors augment each section with a review of published applications of these methods in psychopathology-related research to demonstrate the implementation and interpretation of LTMs in practice.
Applying Consumer Service Marketing Techniques to the Practice of Wildland Outdoor Recreation Management

Outdoor recreation management effectiveness may benefit from a consumer services marketing perspective of management. This paper describes how techniques from services marketing can be adapted and used to enhance the effectiveness of outdoor recreation management. Techniques include blueprinting and complexity/divergence analysis.
Conflictual relationships between kindergarten children and their teachers: Associations with child and classroom context variables

Abstract The focus of this study was on kindergarten children's reports of teacher–child relational conflict and the associations of the reported conflict with (a) child characteristics (gender, behavior problems, and academic achievement); (b) the quality of classroom practices (teacher instructional practices, transition-to-school activities, and perceptions of support provided by the school); (c) teachers' perceptions of the classroom and school relational climates; and (d) teachers' perceptions of workload stress. These variables were examined with a group of 103 economically disadvantaged children and their kindergarten teachers in 24 public schools. There was evidence that teacher–child conflict was related to problem behaviors, teachers' perceptions of workload stress, as well as classroom instructional practices and the classroom/school relational climate.
Imaging of Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies in the Near-Ultraviolet

We present the first ground-based U' (λcentral = 3410 A, Δλ = 320 A) images of ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIGs). Two samples were observed: (1) "warm" ULIGs with mid-infrared colors characteristic of active galactic nuclei (f25 μm/f60 μm > 0.2), which are believed to represent a critical transition phase between cooler ULIGs and optically selected QSOs according to a previously proposed evolutionary model, and (2) the complementary "cool" ULIGs (f25 μm/f60 μm < 0.2), which in the evolutionary model are the progenitors of warm ULIGs and which have many characteristics associated with active star formation. Although in some cases there is also emission identified with an active galactic nucleus, the U' emission originates primarily in massive young stars and as such allows a direct examination of the sites of recent high-mass star formation. Strong U' emission (median total MU = -20.8) is seen in all systems, and in some cases the extended tidal features (both the smooth stellar distribution and compact star-forming features) contribute up to 60%–80% of the total flux. The star-forming regions in both samples are found to have ages based on spectral synthesis models in the range 10–100 Myr, and most differences in color between them can be attributed to the effects of dust reddening. Additionally, it is found that star formation in compact knots in the tidal tails is most prominent in those ULIGs that have double nuclei, suggesting that the star formation rate in the tails peaks prior to the actual coalescence of the galaxy nuclei and diminishes quickly thereafter. Similar to results at other wavelengths, the observed star formation at U' can account for only a small fraction of the known bolometric luminosity of the ULIGs. Azimuthally averaged radial light profiles at U' are characterized by a Sersic law with index n = 2, which is intermediate between an exponential disk and an r-1/4 law and closely resembles the latter at large radii. The implications of this near-ultraviolet imaging for optical/near-infrared observations of high-redshift counterparts of ULIGs are discussed.
Integrative and complementary medicine among cancer patients: At what price?

Abstract Cancer patients frequently utilize integrative and complementary approaches. Indeed, patients are paying as much as $34 billion a year out-of-pocket for such approaches in the United States. This review discusses whether such therapies are ever cost-effective, provides some data on how much money individual patients appear to be spending, and suggests general guidelines on how healthcare providers may want to broach such issues with cancer patients.
Inguinal and Genital Anomalies

Problems of the groin and genitalia are a common presenting complaint in both pediatrician's offices and emergency departments. The authors endeavor to provide a comprehensive review of the most common inguinal and genital anomalies encountered by the pediatrician, with a special focus on examination and management.
Simulating observations of solar irradiance

[1] Rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere change how much solar radiation is reflected back into space. A proposed NASA mission, Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO), would make benchmark measurements of shortwave reflectance and longwave radiance spectra and of atmospheric refractivity to help researchers understand the changing solar reflectance and its effects on climate. To help mission planners and to determine the utility of solar reflectance data from CLARREO for understanding climate forcings and feedbacks,Feldman et al. introduce an observational system simulation experiment that calculates the signals of future climate forcings and feedbacks in top-of-atmosphere reflectance spectra. The simulation experiment allows mission planners to simulate CLARREO instrument measurements. They found that expected forcings from increases in anthropogenic emissions would be detectable and the proposed mission should help scientists understand climate forcings and feedbacks. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, doi:10.1029/2010JD015350, 2011)
Stability of Interracial and Intraracial Romantic Relationships among Adolescents

Abstract Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (or Add Health), a nationally representative sample of adolescents in 1994–1995, we compare the stability of interracial and intraracial dating relationships among white, black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American adolescents by using Cox Regression Models and Multiple Imputation techniques that correct for missing data problems. We find that adolescents who are involved in interracial relationships are more likely to terminate their relationships than their counterparts involved in intraracial relationships even after we adjust for individual, relationship and social network factors. Without Multiple Imputation techniques for missing data, we find no difference in relationship stability between interracial and intraracial couples. We demonstrate that adolescents involved in interracial romance are less likely to reveal their relationships to their families, to the public eye and less likely to meet their partners’ parents. These patterns suggest that interracial relationships are less likely than intraracial relationships to be supported by significant others.
The effects of the number and angle of microgrooves on the liquid film in horizontal annular two-phase flow

Abstract Measurements of the liquid film profile and pressure drop were made in tubes with grooves of varying angle (0°, 9° and 18°) as well as tubes with varying numbers of grooves at a common angle (18°). These data indicate that the grooves act to redistribute the liquid film on the inner wall perimeter and that only a relatively small number of grooves (12) is needed to do this. The grooves also affect the stability of the vapor–liquid interface and can generate lower average liquid film thickness. The pressure loss is directly related to the number of grooves for the tubes studied.
Constrained convergent gait regulation for a climbing robot

The priorities of a climbing legged robot are to maintain a grasp on its climbing surface and to climb efficiently against the force of gravity. These priorities profoundly constrain the choice of gait regulation methods. We propose a gait regulation and analysis method that varies foot detachment timing, effectively modifying stride length and frequency in order to maintain gait phasing, subject to kinematic and stability constraints. The method results in linear equations, leading to straightforward tests for local and global convergence when, for example, disturbances such as foot slippage cause departures from the nominal phasing. We illustrate the procedure with an example involving a bounding gait and compare it with empirical results obtained on the RiSE climbing robot.
Methods for Optimal Intervention in Gene Regulatory Networks [Applications Corner]

In this column, we review recent results in gene regulatory network modeling and discuss various control mechanisms used to modify their cellular dynamics. We subsequently describe a new intervention strategy based on optimal perturbations, which force the network to converge to a desired steady-state distribution of gene regulation.
Progress in the development of an implicit steady state solution in the coupled code TRACE/PARCS

Abstract This paper describes the implementation of an implicit steady state solution method in the TRAC/RELAP Advanced Computational Engine (TRACE) thermal-hydraulics system code and Purdue Advanced Reactor Core Simulator (PARCS) code with the goal of improving solution stability and efficiency. The implicit steady state solution method has been implemented within the framework of the existing psuedo-transient solution method in TRACE and includes time-dependent thermal-hydraulic and heat transfer equations and time-independent neutron diffusion equations. The implicit solution method uses Newton's method to solve the thermal-hydraulic, heat transfer, and neutron diffusion equations during each psuedo-time step with an analytic construction of the Jacobian matrix. The linear system associated with each iteration of Newton's method is solved using a preexisting LU decomposition algorithm in TRACE. The implicit steady state solution was evaluated using two different meshes overlaid on a two-phase pipe model closely matching a boiling water reactor hydraulic channel. The implicit solution method reproduces the correct steady state solution for varying time step sizes for each mesh. An evaluation of the CPU runtime required to complete a steady state calculation using the implicit method shows that the well-developed and optimized explicit solution method currently requires less CPU runtime than the implicit solution method which has yet to be optimized. These results direct future development of the implicit solution method towards optimization strategies to reduce CPU runtime.
Can three incongruence tests predict when data should be combined

Advocates of conditional combination have argued that testing for incongruence between data partitions is an important step in data exploration. Unless the partitions have had distinct histories, as in horizontal gene transfer, incongruence means that one or more data support the wrong phylogeny. This study examines the relationship between incongruence and phylogenetic accuracy using three tests of incongruence. These tests were applied to pairs of mitochondrial DNA data partitions from two well-corroborated vertebrate phylogenies. Of the three tests, the most useful was the incongruence length difference test (ILD, also called the partition homogeneity test). This test distinguished between cases in which combining the data generally improved phylogenetic accuracy (P > 0.01) and cases in which accuracy of the combined data suffered relative to the individual partitions (P < 0.001). In contrast, in several cases, the Templeton and Rodrigo tests detected highly significant incongruence (P < 0.001) even though combining the incongruent partitions actually increased phylogenetic accuracy. All three tests identified cases in which improving the reconstruction model would improve the phylogenetic accuracy of the individual partitions.
Ecdysteroids control vitellogenesis and egg maturation in pharate adult females of the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella

Vitellogenesis occurs during the late pharate adult stage in the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella. Repeated treatment of pharate adult females with doses of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20HE) from 10 to 250 ng per pupa suppressed oocyte growth and inhibited yolk protein accumulation in the oocytes. Treatment of the pharate adults with a biologically inactive ecdysteroid analogue, 22–isoecdysone, had no effect on egg maturation or yolk protein accumulation. The hormonal action of 20HE was not through the inhibition of the corpora allata or juvenile hormone levels, because treatment with a juvenile hormone analogue did not reverse the inhibition by 20HE treatment. Exposure of early vitellogenic ovaries to 20HE in organ cultures in vitro showed that 20HE had a direct effect on the ovarian synthesis of YP2. At 20HE concentrations below 10 nM, YP2 synthesis was minimal, at 10 nM 20HE YP2 synthesis was maximal, and at concentrations higher than 10 nM YP2 synthesis was suppressed to 35% of the maximal level. Synthesis of most other ovarian proteins remained constant with the changing 20HE concentrations. Ovarian RNA from treated females translated in a reticulocyte lysate demonstrated that the hormonal effect of 20HE on the ovarian tissues was on the specific accumulation of translatable YP2 transcript as well as transcripts for a few other polypeptides. This study shows that 20HE controls the rate of egg development during metamorphosis and that declining titers of 20HE regulate the expression of adult genes.
Inhibition of Biohydrogen Production by Undissociated Acetic and Butyric Acids

Glucose fermentation to hydrogen results in the production of acetic and butyric acids. The inhibitory effect of these acids on hydrogen yield was examined by either adding these acids into the feed of continuous flow reactors (external acids), or by increasing glucose concentrations to increase the concentrations of acids produced by the bacteria (self-produced). Acids added to the feed at a concentration of 25 mM decreased H2 yields by 13% (acetic) and 22% (butyric), and 60 mM (pH 5.0) of either acid decreased H2 production by >93% (undissociated acid concentrations). H2 yields were constant at 2.0 ± 0.2 mol H2/mol glucose for an influent glucose concentration of 10−30 g/L. At 40 g glucose/L, H2 yields decreased to 1.6 ± 0.1 mol H2/mol glucose, and a switch to solventogenesis occurred. A total undissociated acid concentration of 19 mM (self-produced acids) was found to be a threshold concentration for significantly decreasing H2 yields and initiating solventogenesis. Hydrogen yields were inhibited more ...
Electron beam diagnostics.

Spectroscopic electron beam diagnostic technique, examining negligible effect elevated vibrational temperatures have on measured rotational temperatures of molecular nitrogen