cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Timing of Robotic Esophagectomy Adoption Impact Short-Term Postoperative Outcomes?

Abstract Background Robotic esophagectomies are increasingly common and are reported to have superior outcomes compared with an open approach; however, it is unclear if all institutions can achieve such outcomes. We hypothesize that early adopters of robotic technique would have improved short-term outcomes. Methods The National Cancer Database (2010-2016) was used to identify robotic esophagectomies. Early adopters were defined as programs which performed robotic esophagectomies in 2010-2011, late adopters in 2012-2013. Outcomes of esophagectomies performed between 2014 and 2016 were compared and included length of stay, number of lymph nodes evaluated, readmission, conversion rate, and 90-day mortality. Multivariable regressions, accounting for robotic esophagectomy volume, were used to control for confounding factors. Results There were 37 early adopters and 35 late adopters. Between 2014 and 2016, 683 robotic esophagectomies were performed: 446 (65.3%) by early adopters and 237 (34.7%) by late adopters. Early adopters were more likely to be academic programs (96.2 versus 72.8%, P Conclusions When accounting for robotic esophagectomy volume, late adoption of robotic esophagectomy was associated with a reduced lymph node harvest, but other postoperative outcomes were similar. These data suggest that programs can safely start new robotic esophagectomy programs, but must ensure an adequate case load.
Determining oxidation states of transition metals in molten salt corrosion using electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract This work utilizes electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to identify oxidation state of alloying elements in Ni-based alloys after exposure to molten chloride salt systems. Pure Ni and Ni-20Cr model alloy were corroded in molten ZnCl2 and KCl-MgCl2 under argon atmosphere at various temperatures. Oxidation states of Cr (Cr3+) and Ni (Ni2+) in the molten salt after corrosion were determined by monitoring changes in the L2,3 edges of corresponding EELS spectra. Oxidation state mapping technique using principal component analysis and multiple linear least squares fitting in HyperSpy Python package was developed.
A novel methodology for determining the elastic shakedown limit loads via computing the plastic work dissipation

Abstract A methodology that targets determining the shakedown (SD) limit loads via computing the plastic work dissipation (PWD) is presented. The methodology is termed: Shakedown Limit - Plastic Work Dissipation ( SD Lim − PWD ) method. Precisely, the SD Lim − PWD method performs a fully automated systematic iterative series of elastic-plastic finite element full cyclic loading simulations till the SD limit load is determined via tracking the PWD history of the applied load cycles. Since the SD Lim − PWD method is an energy-based approach for determining the SD limit loads; hence, it permits the incorporation of large displacement formulation and/or cyclic plasticity constitutive material models. The SD Lim − PWD method is successfully verified against the closed-form solutions of two classical SD benchmark problems. Additionally, it is validated against the test recordings of a full-scale experimental setup conducted at Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories in the UK concerning a large spherical vessel with a thin radial protruding nozzle subjected to pressurization/depressurization cycles.
Fast Low-Rank Tensor Decomposition by Ridge Leverage Score Sampling

Low-rank tensor decomposition generalizes low-rank matrix approximation and is a powerful technique for discovering low-dimensional structure in high-dimensional data. In this paper, we study Tucker decompositions and use tools from randomized numerical linear algebra called ridge leverage scores to accelerate the core tensor update step in the widely-used alternating least squares (ALS) algorithm. Updating the core tensor, a severe bottleneck in ALS, is a highly-structured ridge regression problem where the design matrix is a Kronecker product of the factor matrices. We show how to use approximate ridge leverage scores to construct a sketched instance for any ridge regression problem such that the solution vector for the sketched problem is a $(1+\varepsilon)$-approximation to the original instance. Moreover, we show that classical leverage scores suffice as an approximation, which then allows us to exploit the Kronecker structure and update the core tensor in time that depends predominantly on the rank and the sketching parameters (i.e., sublinear in the size of the input tensor). We also give upper bounds for ridge leverage scores as rows are removed from the design matrix (e.g., if the tensor has missing entries), and we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approximate ridge regressioni algorithm for large, low-rank Tucker decompositions on both synthetic and real-world data.
Water, Civilization, and Culture

This chapter considers the early riverine civilizations of Egypt and India and their dependence and spiritual regard for the Nile and Ganges Rivers, respectively. In both civilizations, the rivers were central to everyday life, informing culture as documented through art, prose, and song. The valorization of rivers, such as the Ganges in the mid-nineteenth century, contributed to a robust nationalism that emerged in the 1800s. Indigenous groups, including the Maori in New Zealand, also recognized the centrality of rivers to their livelihoods. For the Maori, their kinship with surrounding rivers was reflected in their roles as stewards of nearby rivers. The Maori, in turn, became one of the first to have one of their rivers accorded legal standing, demonstrating the role of rivers in communities as providers and influencers.
The Novel Therapeutic Landscape for Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

ABSTRACT Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy that has been traditionally treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, but approximately one-third of patients relapse after first-line therapy or have primary refractoriness. In this focused review, we discuss the seven novel Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL. We describe five CD19-targeted therapies, three of which are chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies. We also highlight novel non-cell-based targeted therapies and discuss optimal sequencing considerations based on the goal of treatment, with an emphasis on CAR-T cell therapy as curative intent. We consider the limited tolerability of certain novel agents, prospects for elderly patients, and financial aspects of these approaches. We discuss advantages and limitations of these targeted therapies based on seminal clinical trials. Finally, we summarize ongoing trials involving promising agents making their way in the pharmacologic pipeline, including allogeneic CAR-T treatments and multi-antigen targeting therapies such as the CD19/CD22 CAR-T and the CD3/CD20 bispecific antibodies mosunetuzumab and odronextamab. We summarize our approach based on the best available evidence as we enter 2022.
Chemical Probes Reveal an Extraseptal Mode of Cross-Linking in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen and a model organism for studying cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive cocci. The prevailing model of cell wall biogenesis in cocci holds that peptidoglycan synthesis (i.e., transglycosylation and cross-linking) is restricted spatially to the septal cross-wall and temporally to cell division. Previously, we developed a method for visualizing cross-linking in S. aureus using fluorescently tagged mimics of the endogenous substrate of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). These probes are incorporated into the cell wall of S. aureus specifically by PBP4, allowing localization of the enzyme's cross-linking activity in vivo with precise spatial and temporal resolution. Here, using this methodology, we have discovered that PBP4 is active not only at the septum, but unexpectedly at the peripheral wall as well. These results challenge the long-held belief that peptidoglycan synthesis is restricted to the septum in spherical bacteria, and instead indicate the presence of two spatiotemporally distinct modes of cross-linking in S. aureus: one at the septum during cell division, and another at the peripheral wall between divisions.
Induced Drag of a Twisted Wing

in which CL is the wing lift coefficient, A the aspect ratio and a the induced-drag factor. Although valid for an untwisted wing (section zero-lift chords all parallel), Eq. (1) gives incorrect values for a twisted wing. For example, CDI = 0 in Eq. (1) when CL = 0, while the induced-drag coefficient of a twisted wing is never zero. The correct formula for the induced-drag coefficient of a twisted wing can be derived from the theory of spanwise air-load distribution given in references 1 and 2. In this theory the section lift coefficient Cx a t any airfoil section along the span is expressed as a Fourier series, namely (p. 7-29)
Measuring forces and dynamics for optically levitated 20μm PS particles in air using electrostatic modulation

We demonstrate the simultaneous measurement of optical trap stiffness and quadrant-cell photodetector (QPD) calibration of optically trapped polystyrene particle in air. The analysis is based on the transient response of particles, confined to an optical trap, subject to a pulsed electrostatic field generated by parallel indium tin oxide (ITO) coated substrates. The resonant natural frequency and damping were directly estimated by fitting the analytical solution of the transient response of an underdamped harmonic oscillator to the measured particle displacement from its equilibrium position. Because, the particle size was estimated independently with video microscopy, this approach allowed us to measure the optical force without ignoring the effects of inertia and temperature changes from absorption.
Present status of the prevention of neural tube defects

Recent developments for the prevention of neural tube defects are discussed. Estimates report that 1 or 2 infants per 1000 are born with these defects. Women who have already born 1 affected child have a 5% chance of giving birth to a 2nd child with a neural tube defect. In 60% of such cases a 2nd child will have a defect similar to the 1st child. After 2 affected children the recurrence risk in future pregnancies is between 10-25%. These malformations are of multifactorial inheritance a nd also of environmental factors. Simple roentgenography can diagnose a nencephaly. X-radiography ultrasonography fetography fetoscopy and biochemical analysis of amniotic fluid may also diagnose intrauterine existence of these defects. The most reliable existing method involves biochemical analysis of amniotic fluid. The most promising test is the quantitation of levels of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid. This protein appears to be the most important serum protein in early fetal development. It can be assayed by immunological methods. In body fluids with only trace amounts present radioimmunoassay is the procedure of choice. It is detectable in fetal serum at 6 weeks of gestational age and increases to maximum levels at 12-14 weeks and then declines slowly to term. Adult levels are reached by 1 month of neonatal age. In amniotic fluid normal levels are highest between 13-15 weeks of gestation. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels in amniotic fluid at 14-16 weeks of pregnancy are a reliable predictor of an open neural tube defect with an accuracy of 90%. Closed neural tube lesions which constitute 10-15% of significantly handicapping cases of spina bifida cystica are not detected. The diagnosis of an affected fetus can be substantiated by ultrasonography for patients at high risk. Preliminary data suggest that open neural tube defects may be associated with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels early in pregnancy. If confirmed this may provide a method for widespread screening of those at high risk. Those at risk should also receive pertinent genetic counseling and the availability of intrauterine diagnosis should be discussed.
Constructing a Personal Orientation to Music Teaching

1. Starting the Journey-Developing a Personal View of Teaching and Learning 2. Learning to Teach-From Student to Teacher 3. Learning from Others-Understanding Teacher Career Development 4. Orientations to Teacher Preparation 5. Searching for Horizons-Cultivating a Personal Orientation toward Change 6. Methodologies for Exploring Teaching and Learning
Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Macrovascular Disease

Atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease in patients with diabetes is a major factor in the progression of diabetic foot pathology. The rate of lower extremity amputation in the diabetic population is 15 times that seen in the nondiabetic population (1). A number of factors conspire in the patient with diabetes, each of which synergistically contributes to this extremely high amputation rate. Peripheral neuropathy, infection, microvascular changes, and macrovascular changes all have complex interplay. Peripheral neuropathy leads to structural and sensory changes within the foot, making the limb injury-prone. In addition, once it occurs, that injury is often not easily detectable and heals slowly if at all. Microvascular changes are nonocclusive changes in the microcirculation that lead to impairment of normal cellular exchange, again preventing easy healing. Infection in patients with diabetes can often be aggressive and polymicrobial. Macrovascular disease, atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries, contributes to poor perfusion of the extremities. Although the underlying pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease in patients with diabetes is similar to that noted in patients without diabetes, there are some significant differences. It is important to realize that the diabetic foot is more susceptible to moderate changes in perfusion than the nondiabetic foot, resulting in a greater sensitivity to atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Compounding this scenario is the fact that patients with diabetes are noted to have a fourfold increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis as well as a propensity for accelerated atherosclerosis. This chapter will review the pathobiology and anatomic distribution of occlusive disease in the patient with diabetes, the usual clinical presentation of peripheral vascular disease, and the various diagnostic modalities useful in planning treatment. It will conclude with a diagnostic and treatment protocol that can be used in patients presenting with this multifactorial disease process.
CORONAL HOLES AND THE HIGH-SPEED SOLAR WIND

Coronal holes are the lowest density plasma components of the Sun's outer atmosphere, and are associated with rapidly expanding magnetic fields and the acceleration of the high-speed solar wind. Spectroscopic and polarimetric observations of the extended corona, coupled with interplanetary particle and radio sounding measurements going back several decades, have put strong constraints on possible explanations for how the plasma in coronal holes receives its extreme kinetic properties. The Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft has revealed surprisingly large temperatures, outflow speeds, and velocity distribution anisotropies for positive ions in coronal holes. We review recent observations, modeling techniques, and proposed heating and acceleration processes for protons, electrons, and heavy ions. We emphasize that an understanding of the acceleration region of the wind (in the nearly collisionless extended corona) is indispensable for building a complete picture of the physics of coronal holes.
Effect of ingestion of starch and some clays on iron absorption.

Abstract The effect of Argo gloss starch and of 2 popular clays on the absorption of a standard dose of ferrous iron was measured in women with iron-deficiency anemia and in normal subjects. The ingestion of sizable amounts of the starch or clays just prior to the iron did not appreciably impair iron absorption. Therefore, if the laundry starch contributes to the development of iron-deficiency anemia, it most likely does so simply by providing calories without iron rather than by impairing iron absorption. Although the 2 popular regional clays studied did not reduce the amount of iron absorbed, the ingestion of some clays has been demonstrated by others to do so. A red clay containing considerable iron proved to be ineffective for correcting iron-deficiency anemia.
Optimizing Vascular Patency in Replantation

Once the decision is made to proceed with replantation of an amputated part, the most critical factor in the short-term success of the replantation is vascular patency. Replantation success rates are approximately 75–80 %, while free tissue transfer enjoys a survival rate which has improved in recent years, with most large series demonstrating success rates of approximately 96–98 % (range 90–100 %), depending upon the flap type and clinical situation. This chapter reviews factors in optimizing microsurgical outcomes in replantation, from preoperative preparation and intraoperative strategies to postoperative care, monitoring, and salvage.
Oleic and Linoleic Acid Interaction in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Rat

Rats were raised with rations containing varying proportions of oleic and linoleic acids to study the interaction of these two acids as it influences the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of liver and heart tissue. The ratio of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid to archidonic acid, an index of essential fatty acid nutrition, increased with an increase in the heart and liver oleate-to-linoleate ratio. In both heart and liver tissue, it was shown that linoleate inhibits the transformation of oleic acid to 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid. An inhibitory effect of oleic acid on linoleate metabolism was observed in liver tissue. Differences in fatty acid composition consistent with the lower susceptibility of female rats to essential fatty acid stress were also observed.
Dimensions of register variation: Sociocultural description of the four language situations

As noted in chapter 1, the four languages analyzed in the present study differ in nearly every conceivable way: in their geographic locations, language families, cultural settings, social histories, and characteristic speech events and literacy events. The present chapter provides further details about these differences. While it is not intended as a complete ethnography of the language situations, the chapter does provide sufficient background to interpret the sociolinguistic patterns described in following chapters. Several of the differences among these four languages can be related to a continuum of institutional development, comprising considerations such as the synchronic range of written registers, the social history of literacy, the range of spoken registers, the number of speakers, and the extent to which the language is associated with a bounded community in a particular geographic location. English is near one extreme of this continuum, having a long history of literacy, a very wide range of both spoken and written registers, a very large number of speakers, and a wide distribution as both a first and second language across many countries. Nukulaelae Tuvaluan is near the opposite extreme on this continuum: it has a relatively short history of literacy, very few written registers, few spoken registers, few speakers, and a speech community that is restricted primarily to a single atoll in the Pacific. Korean and Somali are intermediate along this continuum, and they also show that these characteristics are not perfectly correlated.
Answer to case of the month #157 anuria in the supine position.

A 79-year-old Caucasian man with a history of coronary heart disease and right-sided nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma was admitted to the hospital with an acute confusional state secondary to narcotic overdose. On admission, all initial laboratory work was normal including a creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL and a blood urea nitrogen level of 28 mg/dL. The patient’s mental status improved after the adjustment of his narcotics. However, on day 4 of hospitalization, the patient developed anuria and his creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels increased to 5.5 mg/dL and 60.0 mg/dL, respectively (Figures 1–3).
Uptake and metabolism of two amino acids by anaerobic microorganisms in four diverse salt-marsh soils

The anaerobic microbial uptake of alanine and aspartic acid was determined in 4 diverse salt-marsh soils (tall and short Spartina alterniflora, creek bank, and mud flat). Uptake in soil slurries was determined by the radioisotopic tracer technique at one substrate concentration (<250 pmoles cm-3). Dissolved free alanine and aspartic acid concentrations in the interstitial nutrient pool ranged from approximately 1 to 500 pmoles cm-3. In the short S. alterniflora soil, maximum microbial uptake of alanine was found at a depth of 10 cm (8.32 pmoles cm-3 h-1); in the tall S. alterniflora soil maximum uptake was at 20 cm (23.4 pmoles cm-3 h-1). The utilization of aspartic acid appeared constant over the depth interval investigated (0 to 60 cm). The turnover times of alanine and aspartic acid in the tall and short S. alterniflora soils ranged from 5 to 25 h and 40 to 100 h, respectively. The percent of the labeled alanine and aspartic acid taken up that was mineralized by tall and short s. alterniflora microbenthos ranged from 20 to 50% and 5 to 20%, respectively.
Improving Electrocatalysts for O2 Reduction by Fine-Tuning the Pt−Support Interaction: Pt Monolayer on the Surfaces of a Pd3Fe(111) Single-Crystal Alloy

We improved the effectiveness of Pt monolayer electrocatalysts for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) using a novel approach to fine-tuning the Pt monolayer interaction with its support, exemplified by an annealed Pd3Fe(111) single-crystal alloy support having a segregated Pd layer. Low-energy ion scattering and low-energy electron diffraction studies revealed that a segregated Pd layer, with the same structure as Pd (111), is formed on the surface of high-temperature-annealed Pd3Fe(111). This Pd layer is considerably more active than Pd(111); its ORR kinetics is comparable to that of a Pt(111) surface. The enhanced catalytic activity of the segregated Pd layer compared to that of bulk Pd apparently reflects the modification of Pd surface’s electronic properties by underlying Fe. The Pd3Fe(111) suffers a large loss in ORR activity when the subsurface Fe is depleted by potential cycling (i.e., repeated excursions to high potentials in acid solutions). The Pd3Fe(111) surface is an excellent substrate for a...
Ductile tearing predictions with Wellman’s failure model

Predictions for the Sandia National Laboratories fracture challenge (Boyce et al. in Int J Fract 2013) were generated using a transient dynamic finite element code with a multi-linear elastic plastic failure model developed by Wellman (Simple approach to modeling ductile failure. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque 2012). This model is a conventional, rate independent, von Mises plasticity model for metals with user-prescribed hardening as a function of equivalent plastic strain. In addition to conventional plasticity, this model has empirical criteria for crack initiation and growth. Ductile tearing predictions generated with this model were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements and observations.
A group-theoretic approach to a family of $2$-local finite groups constructed by Levi and Oliver

We extend the notion of a p-local finite group (defined in [BLO03]) to the notion of a p-local group. We define morphisms of p-local groups, obtaining thereby a category, and we introduce the notion of a representation of a p-local group via signalizer functors associated with groups. We construct a chain G = (G_0 → G_1 → ...) of 2-local finite groups, via a representation of a chain G^* = (G_0 → G_1 → ...) of groups, such that G_0 is the 2-local finite group of the third Conway sporadic group Co_3, and for n > 0, G_n is one of the 2-local finite groups constructed by Levi and Oliver in [LO02]. We show that the direct limit G of G exists in the category of 2-local groups, and that it is the 2-local group of the union of the chain G^*. The 2-completed classifying space of G is shown to be the classifying space B DI(4) of the exotic 2-compact group of Dwyer and Wilkerson [DW93].
Communication range extension for the Intelligent Munitions System

Future variants of unattended Networked Munitions and Ground Sensors will be remotely deployed tens of kilometers forward of the control point. Systems like the next generation of the Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) will provide a means to dominate an area on the battlefield via remote control and prevent the passage of enemy forces while allowing for the safe passage of friendly forces by providing manual control of the armed and sensing states of the deployed IMS components. Given that the components need to be relatively small for low probability of detectability (LPD) and for remote delivery, the antennas for the communications systems are expected to be very close to the ground. Recognizing that limited Size Weight and Power (SWaP) and the proximity of the antennas to the ground severely limit the communications range, we examine alternatives for increasing the range and the challenges associated with each alternative. The alternatives can be partitioned into two broad categories; physical layer improvements and systems architecture. Systems architecture approaches consist of incorporating relays between the transmitter and receiver. In general, physical layer approaches can be categorized as HW and/or SW improvements. Some HW-based approaches are currently under consideration and being analyzed within the IMS. The primary issue in the system architecture approach would be to identify either existing resources of opportunity that could be used, such as satellite or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), or to use specially designed relays in netted-sensors architecture. We examine these alternative architectures and recommend UAS relays as the most feasible range extension approach, albeit with its own challenges.
Hospital ethical climates and registered nurses' turnover intentions.

Purpose: To investigate (a) the effects of hospital ethical climates on positional and professional turnover intentions of registered nurses, and (b) the relationships among demographic factors, employment characteristics, and positional and professional turnover intentions of registered nurses. Design: A cross-sectional study of randomly selected registered nurses (n=463) in Missouri, USA, conducted in 2003 and 2004. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire containing the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, the Anticipated Turnover Scale, and the Nursing Retention Index was used to assess registered nurses' perceptions of the hospital ethical climate and their intentions to leave their position or the nursing profession. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations, and hierarchical regression techniques were used to analyze the data. Findings: The hospital ethical climate explained 25.4% of the variance in positional turnover intentions and 14.7% of the variance in professional turnover intentions. Together, hospital ethical climate, control over practice, the use of educational reimbursement as a retention strategy, gender, and staff sufficiency explained 29.7% of the variance in positional turnover intentions. Hospital ethical climate, patient load, and control over practice together explained 15.8% of the variance in professional turnover intentions. Conclusions: Of the variables included in this analysis, the hospital ethical climate was most important in explaining nurses' positional and professional turnover intentions.
Conventional and high frequency microwave processing of nanophase ceramic materials

Abstract Results are given for preliminary experiments on processing of conventional and nanophase ceramic materials by conventional (2.45GHz) and high frequency (≥35 GHz) microwave processing. Characterization of materials processed under different conditions (time, temperature, frequency) includes XRD, density, and microstructure. The basis for such experimentation is discussed briefly, including results of previous measurements showing significant advantages in high frequency microwave processing of nanophase ceramics, and previous experi-ments, showing enhanced sintering of aluminum oxide with 28 GHz microwave processing. The results to-date, while somewhat promising, do not show these dramatic results.
Color appearance and the emergence and evolution of basic color lexicons

Various revisions of the Berlin and Kay (1969) model of the evolution of basic color term systems have been produced in the last thirty years, motivated by both empirical and theoretical considerations. On the empirical side, new facts about color naming systems have continually come to light, which have demanded adjustments in lhe descriptive model. On the theoretical side, lhere has been a sustained effort to find motivation in the vision science literature regarding color appearance for the synchronic and diachronic constraints observed to govern color terminology systems. The present paper continues the pursuit of both of these goals. A new empirical question is addressed with data from the World Color Survey (WCS), and a revised model is proposed, which both responds to recently raised empirical questions and provides new motivation from the field of color vision for the observed constraints on color naming, [color, evolution, language, perception, semantics, universals]
Effects of ZnCl2 on membrane interactions in myelin of normal and shiverer mice.

Abstract X-ray diffraction was used to record the effects of metal cations on the structure of peripheral nerve myelin. Acidic saline (pH 5.0) either with or without added metal cations caused myelin to swell by 10–20 A from its native period of 178 A. The X-ray patterns usually showed broad reflections, and higher orders were either weak or unobserved. With added ZnCl 2 , however, the swollen myelin gave diffraction patterns that retained sharp reflections to approx. 15 A spacing. Alkaline saline (pH 9.7) containing ZnCl 2 produced a reduction of the myelin period by approx. 5 A which was at least twice as much as that produced by other metals. To examine the underlying chemical basis for these unique interactions of Zn 2+ with myelin, we carried out parallel X-ray experiments on sciatic nerve from the shiverer mutant mouse, which lacks the major myelin basic proteins. Shiverer myelin responded like normal myelin to ZnCl 2 in acidic saline; however, in alkaline saline shiverer myelin showed broadened X-ray reflections which indicated disordering of the regularity of the membrane arrays, and additional reflections were recorded which indicated lipid phase separation. This breakdown may come about by the binding of Zn 2+ to negatively-charged lipids which could be more exposed due to the absence of myelin basic proteins. Electron density profiles were calculated on the assumption that, except for changes in their packing, the myelin membranes were minimally altered in structure. For both normal and shiverer myelins, treatments under acidic conditions resulted in swelling at the extracellular apposition and a slight narrowing of the cytoplasmic space. This swelling is likely due to adsorption of protons and divalent cations. Interaction between Zn 2+ and myelin P 0 glycoprotein could preserve an ordered arrangement of the apposed membrane surfaces. Alkaline saline containing ZnCl 2 produced compaction at the cytoplasmic apposition in both normal and shiverer myelins possibly through interactions with a portion of P 0 glycoprotein which extends into the cytoplasmic space between membranes.
Effects of nerve growth factor on TTX- and capsaicin-sensitivity in adult rat sensory neurons

We have investigated the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF, 2.5 ng/ml for 1-2 weeks) on enriched adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons maintained in cell culture in defined media. Whole-cell recordings in cells cultured in the absence and presence of NGF revealed no significant difference in resting membrane potential and input resistance. However, the threshold for spike generation was significantly lower in untreated cells than in treated cells; -25 +/- 1.1 mV vs -19 +/- 2.2 mV, respectively. The sensitivity of the Na+ spike to tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM) was different in cells cultured in the absence or presence of NGF. For example, spikes were abolished by TTX in 100% of untreated cells, while in NGF-treated cells the spike was abolished in only 41% of the neurons. Chemosensitivity of DRG neurons was also different in the absence and presence of NGF. For example, the percent of neurons in which a current activated by 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide (capsaicin, 500 nM) was detected, increased from 18% in untreated cells to 55% in NGF-treated cells. NGF did not influence the number of cells surviving. The results indicate that NGF can regulate TTX and capsaicin sensitivity in these adult rat sensory neurons. Our experimental protocol indicates that this effect is not mediated by a factor in the serum or released from non-neuronal cells.
Identification and expression of multidrug resistancerelated ABC transporter genes in Candida krusei

Infections with Candida krusei have increased in recent years as a consequence of its intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, an antifungal azole widely used in immunocompromised individuals to suppress infections due to azole-susceptible C. albicans. One established mechanism for azole resistance is drug efflux by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Since these transporters recognize structurally diverse drugs, their overexpression can lead to multidrug resistance (MDR). To identify C. krusei genes potentially involved in azole resistance, PCR was performed with primers corresponding to conserved sequences of MDR-related ABC transporters from other fungi. Two genes, ABC1 and ABC2, were identified; Southern blots suggested that both have one or two related gene copies in the C. krusei genome. ABC1 RNA was constitutively expressed at low levels in log phase cells while ABC2 RNA was undetectable. However, both genes were upregulated as cultures approached stationary phase, and this upregulation was correl...
Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA; vorinostat) causes bone loss by inhibiting immature osteoblasts

Histone deacetylase (Hdac) inhibitors are used clinically to treat cancer and epilepsy. Although Hdac inhibition accelerates osteoblast maturation and suppresses osteoclast maturation in vitro, the effects of Hdac inhibitors on the skeleton are not understood. The purpose of this study was to determine how the pan-Hdac inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA; a.k.a. vorinostat or Zolinza(TM)) affects bone mass and remodeling in vivo. Male C57BL/6J mice received daily SAHA (100mg/kg) or vehicle injections for 3 to 4weeks. SAHA decreased trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecular number in the distal femur. Cortical bone at the femoral midshaft was not affected. SAHA reduced serum levels of P1NP, a bone formation marker, and also suppressed tibial mRNA levels of type I collagen, osteocalcin and osteopontin, but did not alter Runx2 or osterix transcripts. SAHA decreased histological measures of osteoblast number but interestingly increased indices of osteoblast activity including mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate. Neither serum (TRAcP 5b) nor histological markers of bone resorption were affected by SAHA. P1NP levels returned to baseline in animals which were allowed to recover for 4weeks after 4weeks of daily SAHA injections, but bone density remained low. In vitro, SAHA suppressed osteogenic colony formation, decreased osteoblastic gene expression, induced cell cycle arrest, and caused DNA damage in bone marrow-derived adherent cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bone loss following treatment with SAHA is primarily due to a reduction in osteoblast number. Moreover, these decreases in osteoblast number can be attributed to the deleterious effects of SAHA on immature osteoblasts, even while mature osteoblasts are resistant to the harmful effects and demonstrate increased activity in vivo, indicating that the response of osteoblasts to SAHA is dependent upon their differentiation state. These studies suggest that clinical use of SAHA and other Hdac inhibitors to treat cancer, epilepsy or other conditions may potentially compromise skeletal structure and function.
Implications of liquid-liquid distribution coefficients to mineral-liquid partitioning

In order to evaluate the influence of a silicate liquid structure on mineral-liquid partitioning, element partitioning data is obtained for coexisting anhydrous immiscible granitic and ferrobasaltic magmas. It is found that: (1) mineral-liquid distribution coefficients indicate the competition of crystal and liquid for cation incorporation, (2) increased polymerization of the residual liquid during crystal-liquid fractionation increases the mineral-liquid distribution coefficients for high-charge-density cations, (3) incompatible element ratios of low- and high-charge-density cations may vary during crystal-liquid fractionation because of changes in the melt composition and structure, (4) relative solubilities of REE's in melts do not vary with melt polymerization, (5) the changes of Sm/Eu ratios during crystal-liquid fractionation depend on the melt composition, and (6) minor components and volatiles can significantly influence the silicate melt structure and the mineral-liquid distribution coefficients.
Decomposing catastrophic risk

Abstract It is examined how losses can be decomposed into two multiplicative components, one independent among insureds and the other highly correlated. This is done for both the severity of loss, and for the probability of a loss. As opposed to a common principle for the insurability of a loss, it is shown how a high degree of correlation in the nondiversifiable loss component actually may be beneficial in facilitating alternative risk financing.
COOPERATIVES IN NON-AGRICULTURAL SECTORS: EXAMINING A POTENTIAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TOOL

Many communities are seeking alternatives for providing essential products and services to their residents at affordable costs. The cooperative model has been used around the country to provide groceries, clothing, and pharmaceuticals as well as vital services such as health care, day care, and housing for the elderly. The cooperative model also allows businesses to increase their efficiency by sharing their common costs. Understanding the characteristics and factors that determine a cooperative's success in the real world is an important potential tool for community development. Such knowledge enhances development practitioners' ability to use the cooperative model as a community development or business development tool. With such a goal in mind, this study examines the characteristics of a nationwide sample of non-agricultural cooperative businesses in a variety of business sectors (e.g., retail, service) and identifies factors that determine their success.
Penile erection in response to remote cues from females: Albino rats severely impaired relative to pigmented strains

Abstract Male rats have been observed to display erections when exposed to inaccessible estrous females, and it was suggested that these “noncontact erections” (NCEs) represent a species-typical response that may index sexual arousal. Initial efforts in other laboratories to repeat and extend this research were unsuccessful, and it appeared that differences in the rat strains being used might be responsible. To address this question, NCE tests were given to rats of two albino strains, Wistar and Sprague-Dawley, and two pigmented strains, hooded Long-Evans and inbred Brown Norway. A high proportion of Long-Evans and Brown Norway rats displayed NCEs, whereas Wistar and Sprague-Dawley albino rats rarely did. Additional experiments did not reveal the reasons for the strain difference in NCE, but they provided evidence against hypotheses based on the relative erectogenic effect of albino and hooded estrous females, the attention paid to estrous females, the motor repertoire, or erectile function per se. Albinism-related neural pathology, possibly outside of the visual system, may contribute to the deficit in NCE in albino rats.
Thermal degradation of high‐temperature fluorinated polyimide and its carbon fiber composite

High-temperature polymers are being used for a broad range of applications, such as composite matrices for structural applications (e.g., high speed aircraft). Polyimides are a special class of polymers that meet the thermal and oxidative stability requirements for high temperature composite aerospace applications. A weight loss study was performed on a fluorinated polyimide resin and its carbon fiber composite in an effort to determine its thermal stability and degradation mechanisms. Experiments were conducted using a preheated oven and thermogravimetric analysis to obtain the weight loss. Regardless of the method used, the resin and composite exhibited excellent thermal stability (less than 1% weight loss) below 430°C, regardless of 2–20 min of exposure. After 20 min of exposure at 510°C, the composite remained relatively stable with only 5.3% weight loss using the oven technique, whereas the neat polyimide sustained 12.6%. When degradation occurred, it was found to be the result of thermolysis and oxidation (to a lesser extent). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Tuberous sclerosis-related gene expression in normal and dysplastic brain

Cortical dysplasia (CD) broadly defines a complex cerebral malformative lesion associated clinically with intractable, pharmacoresistant epilepsy (including infantile spasms), especially in infants and children. In CD, the spectrum of structural brain abnormalities includes (at a minimum) neuronal dyslamination and (in severe cases) neuronal cytomegaly with cytoskeletal alterations and the presence of gemistocyte-like 'balloon cells'. In some CD variants, the neuropathological features are essentially indistinguishable from those of a tuber of tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Two genes associated with the autosomal dominant, multi-system disorder TSC have recently been cloned: TSC2 (on chromosome 16p13.3) encodes the protein tuberin and TSC1 (on 9q34) encodes hamartin. Tuberin has been immunolocalized to neurons and possibly astrocytes in normal brain and CD/TSC tubers, and is widely expressed in normal viscera; loss of heterozygosity and tissue culture studies suggest it functions as a growth suppressor. The TSC1 gene has been cloned within the last year and hamartin as yet has no well-defined cellular function, though its protein product may also function as a growth suppressor. This article focuses on the cellular pathogenesis of CD and TSC brain lesions and how the two may be biologically related. Studies of how TSC1 and TSC2 function in normal and dysplastic cerebral neocortex may provide a paradigm for understanding the neurobiology of other genes that determine epilepsy-associated cerebral malformations (e.g. lissencephaly, double cortex).
Surface Relief Fiber Bragg Gratings with Application to High Temperature Sensing

We use the flat side of a D-shaped optical fiber as a platform to etch a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) into the glass surface. We present our results for operation up to 1100 degrees Celsius.
Portraits of middle school students constructing evidence-based arguments during problem-based learning: the impact of computer-based scaffolds

A critical step in problem-based learning (PBL) units occurs when groups present their solution to the central problem. This is challenging for middle school students because it involves the creation of an evidence-based argument (Krajcik et al., Journal of the Learning Sciences 7:313–350, 1998). Using a mixed method design, this study investigated (a) the impact of computer-based argumentation scaffolds on middle school students’ argumentation ability, and (b) what middle school students used for support and why during a PBL unit. Data sources included persuasive presentation rating scores, argument evaluation ability test, videotaped class sessions, and prompted interviews. Results included a significant impact on average-achieving students’ argument evaluation ability, and use of the scaffolds by the small groups to plan their research and keep organized.
Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in a South-East Asian refugee child in South Australia.

: This report documents a case of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in a South-East Asian refugee boy who presented with malaise, abdominal distension, and was found to have massive splenomegaly and esophageal varices. The diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy and he was treated with a highly efficacious schistosomicide, Praziquantel. The case highlights the possible occurrence in Australia of non-endemic tropical diseases in immigrants.
Preparation, 13C NMR and IGLO/DFT studies of trifluoromethyl substituted allyl cations

α-Trifluoromethyl substituted allyl cations 3 and 4 have been prepared by ionizing their corresponding alcohols with SbF5 in SO2CIF at low temperatures. The barriers to rotation around the C1–C2 bond of the both cations were determined to be about 9 kcal/mol. The unusually low barriers as compared with their methyl analogues are rationalized by the unsymmetrical nature of the cations. CF3-substituted cyclohexenyl cations 8 and 10 were also prepared and characterized by 13C NMR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate geometries and charge densities of tifluoromethyl substituted allyl cations. 13C NMR chemical shifts of the cations were also calculated by IGLO method and compared with the experimental results.
All-optical analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion implemented by a nonlinear fiber interferometer

Abstract We propose all-optical analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters using cross-phase modulation in a nonlinear interferometer. The proposed devices use the optical Kerr effect and are thus potentially very fast. Preliminary experimental results on 3-bit A/D and 2-bit D/A converters in a single-mode fiber Sagnac interferometer are presented. In the A/D conversion experiment, the interaction length of the fiber loop was 200 m and the input pump power was 1.55 W for bit 0 at the end of the dynamic range. In the D/A conversion, the interaction lengths were 100 m and 200 m for bit 0 and bit 1, respectively; when the bit value “1” of the input digital word was 0.26 W, the nonlinear phase shifts were π/3, 2π/3, and π for the input digital words 01, 10, and 11, respectively, demonstrating the linear phase response; we could linearize the output too by limiting and biasing the input pump power.
Patterns of empowerment and leadership style in project environment

Abstract The current study explores the relationship of empowerment, leadership style and customer service as a measure of effective project management in projects with varying degree of virtuality. The study makes comparisons of empowerment climate in less and more virtual projects. Moreover, the study examines moderating effects of degree of virtuality on the relationship between empowerment and leadership style. We test our hypotheses with data collected from project management professionals working in five countries using linear regression and moderated regression analysis to analyze the proposed hypotheses. Results demonstrate that empowerment climate has a significant effect on concern for task, concern for people and customer service and is higher in more virtual than less virtual projects thus leading to effective virtual project management. Moreover, we found virtuality moderates the relationship between empowerment and concern for people. Findings of this study have significant implications for leadership behaviours and project performance at project management workplace.