cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viscosity measurements in the diamond anvil pressure cell.

The viscosity of liquids can be measured in the diamond‐anvil pressure cell utilizing a falling‐solid sphere method and the ruby technique for pressure measurement. The pressure dependence of the viscosity of a 4:1 mixture (by volume) of methanol–ethanol was determined to 70 kilobars. The accuracy of the method is estimated from measurements made on a fluid of known viscosity.
Compounds based on novoselitsk kaolin for the gunite linings of steel ladles

A study was made of the properties of Gunite compounds based on Novoselitsk kaolin suitable for service in steel ladles. The best composition was: 90% chamotte, 10% kaolin, and 10% (on 100%) bond. A State Standard was developed for Gunite powder. Industrial trials were done on the new compounds. The results of the trials confirmed that it is feasible to use Novoselitsk kaolin for producing Gunite compounds.
Effect of extraction pH and temperature on isoflavone and saponin partitioning and profile during soy protein isolate production

ABSTRACT: Soy protein isolates (SPIs) are produced industrially using methods using various protein extraction temperatures and pH values. The effects of process temperature (25°C or 60°C) and pH (8.5, 9.5, or 10.5) on isoflavone and group B saponin extraction, partitioning, and profile during bench-scale SPI production were evaluated. Protein, isoflavone, and saponin extraction increased with increasing temperature and pH. Substantial quantities of isoflavones and saponins remained in the insoluble fraction waste stream. Isoflavones were also lost to the whey waste stream, whereas saponins were not detected in the whey. Neutralization of SPI samples at the time of analytical extraction increased measured isoflavone concentrations for the pH 8.5 process extraction treatments, whereas neutralization substantially increased measured saponin concentrations in SPIs for all process extraction treatments. Malonylglucoside isoflavones were primarily converted to β-glucoside forms as temperature and pH were increased, and these conditions caused conversion of αg, βg, and βa saponins to saponin V, I, and II forms, respectively. Analytical extraction pH should receive careful consideration when analyzing soy matrices for isoflavones and saponins.
Homologous recombination in the archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius: effects of DNA substrates and mechanistic implications.

Although homologous recombination (HR) is known to influence the structure, stability, and evolution of microbial genomes, few of its functional properties have been measured in cells of hyperthermophilic archaea. The present study manipulated various properties of the parental DNAs in high-resolution assays of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius transformation, and measured the impact on the efficiency and pattern of marker transfer to the recipient chromosome. The relative orientation of homologous sequences, the type and position of chromosomal mutation being replaced, and the length of DNA flanking the marked region all affected the efficiency, linkage, tract continuity, and other parameters of marker transfer. Effects predicted specifically by the classical reciprocal-exchange model of HR were not observed. One analysis observed only 90 % linkage between markers defined by adjacent bases; in another series of experiments, sequence divergence up to 4 % had no detectable impact on overall efficiency of HR or on the co-transfer of a distal non-selected marker. The effects of introducing DNA via conjugation, rather than transformation, were more difficult to assess, but appeared to increase co-transfer (i.e. linkage) of relatively distant non-selected markers. The results indicate that HR events between gene-sized duplex DNAs and the S. acidocaldarius chromosome typically involve neither crossing over nor interference from a mismatch-activated anti-recombination system. Instead, the donor DNA may anneal to a transient chromosomal gap, as in the mechanism proposed for oligonucleotide-mediated transformation of Sulfolobus and other micro-organisms.
The number of mechanically ventilated ICU patients meeting communication criteria

Abstract Objectives (1) Estimate the proportion of mechanically ventilated (MV) intensive care unit (ICU) patients meeting basic communication criteria who could potentially be served by assistive communication tools and speech-language consultation. (2) Compare characteristics of patients who met communication criteria with those who did not. Design Observational cohort study in which computerized billing and medical records were screened over a 2-year period. Setting Six specialty ICUs across two hospitals in an academic health system. Participants Eligible patients were awake, alert, and responsive to verbal communication from clinicians for at least one 12-h nursing shift while receiving MV ≥ 2 consecutive days. Main results Of the 2671 MV patients screened, 1440 (53.9%) met basic communication criteria. The Neurological ICU had the lowest proportion of MV patients meeting communication criteria (40.82%); Trauma ICU had the highest proportion (69.97%). MV patients who did not meet basic communication criteria (n = 1231) were younger, had shorter lengths of stay and lower costs, and were more likely to die during the hospitalization. Conclusions We estimate that half of MV patients in the ICU could potentially be served by assistive communication tools and speech-language consultation.
Oscillations of medullary extracellular fluid pH caused by breathing

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if respiratory oscillations of arterial P CO2 are transmitted to the medullary ECF. Anesthetized, paralyzed cats whose vagi and carotid sinus nerves had been cut were studied. A flat surface pH electrode (2 mm in diameter) and a specially built differential amplifier were used to measure pH on the ventral surface of the medulla. Elimination of noise and high sensitivity were obtained by integrating the output from the pH amplifier with a digital voltmeter. We measured ECF pH oscillations that had the same period as the ventilator. The amplitude of the oscillation was about 0.006 unit when the ventilator was slow ( 2 are transmitted to the brain by the circulation and result in oscillation of ECF pH.
Is agriculture compatible with free trade

Abstract This article examines the relationship of free trade with agriculture in view of agriculture's distinctive features in the following three ways. First, agriculture produces a wide array of local and national nonmarket goods and services (in addition to market commodities) collectively known as multifunctionality of agriculture. Second, agriculture is intimately associated with global public goods of grave importance to humanity such as climate change, sustainability, and food security (poverty/hunger) in developing countries that require transnational cooperation to minimize free-rider and consequent under-provision problems. Third, embodying the first and second problems, agriculture plays distinctively different roles across countries. Specifically, this article views the global agriculture as consisting of four broad groups of countries with widely divergent needs from agriculture. This article concludes that the above agriculture-related problems are too diverse and complex to be left to free trade. When the global community is too much preoccupied with the illusive mission of agricultural trade liberalization, the great danger is that such preoccupation may distract it from effectively addressing the agriculture-related problems of the 21st century in a timely manner that pose imperative challenges to humanity. The governance for global agriculture should prioritize managing/taming such global problems rather than squandering time for unworkable liberalization of agricultural trade.
After a Decade Are Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Gale Force Wind Radii Forecasts Now Skillful

AbstractThe National Hurricane Center (NHC) has a long history of forecasting the radial extent of gale force or 34-knot (kt; where 1 kt = 0.51 m s−1) winds for tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility. These are referred to collectively as gale force wind radii forecasts. These forecasts are generated as part of the 6-hourly advisory messages made available to the public. In 2004, NHC began a routine of postanalysis or “best tracking” of gale force wind radii that continues to this day. At approximately the same time, a statistical wind radii forecast, based solely on climatology and persistence, was implemented so that NHC all-wind radii forecasts could be evaluated for skill. This statistical wind radii baseline forecast is also currently used in several applications as a substitute for or to augment NHC wind radii forecasts. This investigation examines the performance of NHC gale force wind radii forecasts in the North Atlantic over the last decade. Results presented within indicate that NHC’...
Splign: algorithms for computing spliced alignments with identification of paralogs

The computation of accurate alignments of cDNA sequences against a genome is at the foundation of modern genome annotation pipelines. Several factors such as presence of paralogs, small exons, non-consensus splice signals, sequencing errors and polymorphic sites pose recognized difficulties to existing spliced alignment algorithms. We describe a set of algorithms behind a tool called Splign for computing cDNA-to-Genome alignments. The algorithms include a high-performance preliminary alignment, a compartment identification based on a formally defined model of adjacent duplicated regions, and a refined sequence alignment. In a series of tests, Splign has produced more accurate results than other tools commonly used to compute spliced alignments, in a reasonable amount of time. Splign's ability to deal with various issues complicating the spliced alignment problem makes it a helpful tool in eukaryotic genome annotation processes and alternative splicing studies. Its performance is enough to align the largest currently available pools of cDNA data such as the human EST set on a moderate-sized computing cluster in a matter of hours. The duplications identification (compartmentization) algorithm can be used independently in other areas such as the study of pseudogenes. This article was reviewed by: Steven Salzberg, Arcady Mushegian and Andrey Mironov (nominated by Mikhail Gelfand).
Microstructure and hardness of Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforced Al–Mg composites fabricated by reactive wetting and stir mixing

The use of reactive wetting and stir mixing to disperse nano-sized ceramic particles in molten metal was studied using Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforced Al–Cu–Mg composites that were synthesized using gravity casting in a permanent mold and a single sample synthesized by squeeze casting. These experiments have shown that reactive wetting of nanoparticles of Al2O3 in Al–Cu–Mg alloys, combined with stir mixing, can result in significant improvements in the hardness of gravity cast specimens provided that a reaction between the reinforcement and the matrix was either on-going or recently completed at the time of solidification. The results indicate that microstructure and strengthening mechanisms depend on the degree of clustering after reaction completion. It is hypothesized that a small amount of clustering resulted in particle engulfment and Orowan strengthening and increased clustering resulted in particle pushing and grain refinement strengthening described by the Hall–Petch relation. TEM analysis of a squeeze cast sample showed that individual particles and small flocculi were present within the grains rather than at grain boundaries, suggesting that the higher solidification rate of squeeze casting should follow particle pushing models and result in engulfment of larger particles than gravity casting. A comparison of yield stress or hardness variation with the inverse of the square root of grain size or dendrite arm spacing clearly shows the dominant strengthening mechanism as a result of the different process parameters. This method is also used to compare the results of this study to those of other studies.
XAS studies of 1:2:2 transition metal compounds

Abstract X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) investigations of the electronic structure of 4d transition metal (T) based materials are presented. The sensitivity of the white line (WL) feature at the T−L 2,3 edges to the above E F , d-component of the electronic states is first emphasized with a study of the 4d row elements Mo to Ag. This WL based method is then extended to a systematic study of RT 2 X 2 compounds with: R = Gd or Ce; T = Ru, Rh, Pd and Ag; and X = Si, Ge, and Sn. A central interpretation proposed for the 1:2:2 compounds is the identification of a near edge XAS feature with T(4d)−X anti-bonding states split above E F by hybridization. The strength and splitting of this feature are found to decrease in the sequence X = Si→Ge→Sn, consistent with the decreasing bonding interaction. A second interpretation proposed is the decrease of T(4d) states at E F in these compounds relative to the elements.
Elevated myocardial interstitial norepinephrine concentration contributes to the regulation of Na+,K+-ATPase in heart failure

Myocardial Na+,K(+)-ATPase is reduced in congestive heart failure. To study the regulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in congestive heart failure, we performed Western and Northern blot analyses of ventricular myocardium of dogs with pacing-induced congestive heart failure and chronic norepinephrine infusion, using isoform-specific antibodies and cDNA probes. Congestive heart failure and norepinephrine infusion caused similar increases in myocardial interstitial norepinephrine concentration and reductions of myocardial Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 3-subunit protein, but differed in their effects on myocardial Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 3-subunit gene expression. Chronic norepinephrine infusion produced no changes in the steady-state mRNA level for the alpha 3-subunit of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, suggesting that the changes in Na+,K(+)-ATPase protein were induced via a post-transcriptional mechanism. In contrast, down-regulation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 3-subunit in the failing heart was accompanied by a decreased alpha 3-subunit mRNA level, indicating the presence of a transcriptional event. The alpha 1-subunit protein content and mRNA level were not affected by either norepinephrine infusion or rapid ventricular pacing. We conclude that, while elevated myocardial interstitial norepinephrine levels may contribute substantially to the down-regulation of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 3-subunit in the failing myocardium, additional regulatory factors are responsible for the decreased myocardial alpha 3-subunit mRNA expression in congestive heart failure.
Peroxisome proliferator perfluorodecanoic acid alters glutathione and related enzymes

Previously we have shown that treatment with the peroxisome proliferator perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) significantly increased hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) content without altering the activity of selenium-glutathione peroxidase. In this study we examined some potential mechanisms by which PFDA treatment increases GSH levels. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a single injection of 0, 8.8, 17.5, and 35 mg PFDA in corn oil per kg body weight. Twelve days later the effects of PFDA on the activities of enzymes associated with GSH synthesis, utilization, and regeneration were assessed. The results showed that in a dose-dependent manner, PFDA treatment significantly decreased the activity of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, while the activities of NADPH-generating enzymes, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase were increased. PFDA treatment also dose dependently decreased cytosolic, but not microsomal, glutathione S-transferase activity, and the activity of glutathione reductase was decreased by the highest dose of PFDA. The data obtained suggest that increased hepatic GSH levels following PFDA treatment may result from increased regeneration and/or decreased utilization.
Lady Mary shepherd's case against George Berkeley

(1996). Lady Mary shepherd's case against George Berkeley. British Journal for the History of Philosophy: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 347-366.
Cell cycle of symbiotic dinoflagellates: variation in G1 phase-duration with anemone nutritional status and macronutrient supply in the Aiptasia pulchella–Symbiodinium pulchrorum symbiosis

The metabolite exchange in alga–invertebrate symbioses has been the subject of extensive research. A central question is how the biomass of the algal endosymbionts is maintained within defined limits under a given set of environmental conditions despite their tremendous growth potential. Whether algal growth is actively regulated by the animal cells is still an open question. We experimentally evaluated the effect of inorganic nutrient supply and host-animal nutritional status on the biomass composition, growth and cell-cycle kinetics of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium pulchrorum (Trench) in the sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella. Dinoflagellates in anemones starved for 14 d exhibited lower growth rates, chlorophyll content and higher C:N ratios than in anemones fed Artemia sp. (San Francisco brand #65034) nauplii every 2 d, indicating N-limitation of the algae during starvation of the host animal. Manipulation of the dissolved inorganic nutrient supply through ammonium and phosphate additions induced a rapid recovery (half time, t ½∼ 2 d) in the C:N ratio of the dinoflagellate cells to levels characteristic of N-sufficient cells. The mitotic index and population growth rate of the dinoflagellate symbionts subjected to this enrichment did not recover to the levels exhibited in fed associations. Flow cytometric analysis of dinoflagellate cell size and DNA content revealed that the duration of the G1 phase (first peak of DNA content: 70 to 100 relative fluorescence units, rfu) of their cell cycle lengthened dramatically in the symbiotic state, and that the majority of algal biomass increase occurred during this phase. Covariate analysis of dinoflagellate cell size and DNA-content distributions indicated that the symbiotic state is associated with a nutrient-independent constraint on cell progression from G1 through the S phase (intermediate DNA content: 101 to 139 rfu). This analysis suggests that the host-cell environment may set the upper limit on the rate of dinoflagellate cell-cycle progression and thereby coordinate the relative growth rates of the autotrophic and heterotrophic partners in this symbiotic association.
Characteristics and implications of ca. 1.4 Ga deformation across a Proterozoic mid-crustal section, Wet Mountains, Colorado, USA

In the Wet Mountains, Colorado, Proterozoic rocks exposed along an oblique north-south tilted section preserve evidence of regional deformation and high temperature metamorphism in the middle and lower crust at ca. 1435–1365 Ma. Deformation of gneisses in the northern Wet Mountains is partitioned within discrete zones of subvertical foliation and northeast-trending folds, a product of northwest-southeast contraction or constriction associated with transcurrent deformation. Gneisses in the north are generally not migmatitic, and granitic intrusions form discrete bodies with distinct contacts. Shear zone foliation is cut by a late syntectonic dike with a U-Pb zircon age of 1430+5/–3 Ma, constraining the age of shear zone deformation in the upper crust. In the central to southern Wet Mountains, gneisses exhibit migmatitic foliation that dips moderately northeast, with dip- to oblique-slip mineral lineation throughout. Granite forms pervasive sills and interconnected sheets with gradational or indistinct contacts. Gneissic granite that yields a U-Pb zircon age of 1435 ± 4 Ma was emplaced into amphibolite gneiss containing 1436 ± 2 Ma metamorphic zircon. Younger, foliated granite sills were emplaced at 1390 ± 10 Ma. Our new results indicate contemporaneous deformation and metamorphism throughout the middle and lower crust at ca. 1.4 Ga. We interpret the zone of migmatitic crust pervaded by granite to represent a weak, low-viscosity, flowing lower crust that controlled the pattern of distributed deformation in the comparatively strong, brittle crust above. Thus, the Wet Mountains may be viewed as a deeply exhumed analog for the mid-crustal, low-viscosity layers that are inferred to exist in modern intracontinental orogenic settings and continental rift provinces.
Influence of mental disorders on receipt of revascularization following hospitalization for myocardial infarction

Purpose To determine if receipt of angioplasty (PTCA) and bypass graft surgery (CABG) was similar among privately insured subjects with any mental disorder (MD) and with specific MDs, compared with persons without MDs, during 1996 to 2001. Methods Adults with an overnight hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI) were analyzed. The MD cohort included all subjects with a MD claim filed prior to the index MI admission date. MD categorization was based on the most clinically prominent MD claim. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for receipt of PTCA and CABG after adjusting for demographic, hospitalization, and comorbidity variables. Results We identified 3870 adults hospitalized overnight for MI, of which 1257 (32%) had a preexisting MD. MD subjects were more likely to be younger, women, and urban residents and to have MI-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia). Subjects with MDs were as likely to have received PTCA (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.98–1.32) and CABG (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.71–1.11) as subjects without MDs, after adjusting for demographic, hospitalization, and comorbidity measures. Subjects with adjustment disorders (OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.06–0.88) and psychotic disorders (OR = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.00–0.74) were significantly less likely to have received CABG. A substance disorder resulted in a 37-fold increased receipt rate of PTCA (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.12–1.68). Conclusion Receipt of PTCA and CABG was similar among persons with and without MDs, with few exceptions. Future research should include prospective studies using medical record abstraction (none conducted to date) to elucidate reasons on differences in revascularization receipt among some persons with a known MD. Possible reasons for lack of receipt may include the inability to give informed consent, severity of psychosis, or patient refusal.
An analysis of acetylcholinesterase sequence for predicting mechanisms of its non-catalytic actions.

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which belongs to the family of α/β hydrolases is well known for hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). In addition to its catalytic function, AChE appears to play a significant non-catalytic role in development, regeneration and modulation of properties of neurons. However the mechanisms underlying these important actions of AChE are unknown. It prompted the analysis of the sequence of fetal bovine serum AChE to seek clue(s) for the mechanisms of AChE non-catalytic actions. The searches for motifs, finger prints and domains demonstrated the presence of a highly conserved carboxylesterase type B signature in AChE from slime molds to human. Interestingly, the presence of finger prints for a metabotropic glutamate receptor, gap junction protein connexin, a calcium binding motif, several phosphorylation sites, and a motif similar to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor were also found in the sequence of AChE suggesting a role for AChE in cell signalling. The similarity search using gapped BLAST retrieved previously known similar proteins, namely neurotactin, neuroligin and thyroglobulin. When aligned neurotactin, neuroligin and bovine AChE showed the presence of three stretches of consensus, one of which is carboxylesterase B signature. The identity of the other two are not known. Amino acids in these stretches in AChE may be involved in possible growth factor like action and awaits experimental verification. Thus sequence analysis can be very useful for biologists while searching for a possible mechanism of action of a protein. Further, these results underscore the significance of performing both local and global searches to identify possible functional domains as well as consensus sequence.
Collective multi-mode effects in spontaneous emission

Summary form only given. I will discuss some perspectives on controlling spontaneous emission of quantum emitters by placing them near suitably designed photonic atoms and molecules. In particular, I will focus on the regime where the emitter couples to a large number of modes of a photonic structure and how operation in this regime can be used to advantage for an improved control over emission characteristics.
Critique of “the resonant structure of the solar system” by A.M. Molchanov

Abstract A. M. Molchanov's eight resonance relations among the orbital frequencies of the nine planets in the solar system are satisfied not exactly but with a relative error of 4.5 × 10−4. It is shown that with such a large error, those relations can be the result of chance. Such relations could be expected among any nine numbers chosen at random.
Chemoradiation for Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Patients with unresectable stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (T4, N3, or bulky N2) live longer if they receive chemotherapy before or concurrent with thoracic irradiation. Randomized clinical trials have shown that concurrent chemoradiation is superior to sequential chemotherapy followed by radiation, with a 20% reduction in the risk of death compared with the sequential approach. However, concurrent chemoradiation is more toxic than the sequential approach, with an increased risk of radiation esophagitis, pneumonitis, and cytopenias, including febrile neutropenia. The phase III trials showing the superiority of the concurrent approach all used cisplatin-based chemotherapy and enrolled patients with a good performance status. For patients who are not eligible for cisplatin, or who have a poor performance status, weight loss, or poor lung function, a sequential approach may be used with full doses of chemotherapy followed by radiation. Another approach currently being studied in phase III trials is to use lower doses of chemotherapy concurrent with radiation followed by full-dose chemotherapy after radiation, so-called concurrent followed by consolidation therapy. Treatment should be planned by the radiation and medical oncologist with careful selection of approach based on the patient's fitness, comorbid medical illness, and size and location of the tumor. The goal of treatment is to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity that may interfere with delivery of drug or radiation. In the future, more effective, less toxic chemotherapy drugs and better radiation techniques should improve outcomes for patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Re-evaluating Benjamin Constant's liberalism: industrialism, Saint-Simonianism and the Restoration years

This essay contests the notion that there was a necessary and fundamental opposition between republicanism and liberalism during the post-Revolutionary period in France. Constant's writings of the Restoration years show his abiding interest in both the construction of viable political institutions and the promotion of a vibrant political life. Worried about what he saw as growing authoritarian trends within the liberal camp, Constant wrote about the need to keep political liberty alive in commercial republics. His refutations of Auguste Comte and the Saint-Simonians, and his writings on religion, should be seen as offering pointed lessons to fellow liberals about the crucial importance of both politics and the moral values promoted by religious freedom.
The Causal Effect of Media-Driven Political Interest on Political Attitudes and Behavior

This article considers the hypothesis that media-driven political interest shapes party identification, the timing of vote decisions, and electoral participation. To estimate the effect of media-driven political interest, we make a key distinction between political interest as a lifetime political orientation and political interest that rises and falls with the occurrence of noteworthy political events. We then exploit the shared media markets in Switzerland and its neighboring countries to overcome the otherwise crippling endogeneity problem and identify exogenous increases in Swiss citizens' self-reported political interest caused by the coverage of national elections in France, Germany, and Italy. We find that media-driven political interest increases the length of time individuals use to make their vote decisions, decreases partisanship, and increases self-reported and actual turnout.
Needlescopic adrenalectomy : The initial series : Comparison with conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Objectives. To report the initial series of needlescopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy and to compare the results with a contemporary series of conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed at the same institution. Methods. Fifteen patients underwent needlescopic adrenalectomy over a 4-month period. Outcome data were retrospectively compared with 21 conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed over the preceding 12-month period at the same institution. The needlescopic technique included three subcostal ports (two, 2 mm; one, 5 mm) and one umbilical port for ultimate specimen extraction (10/12 mm). The laparoscopic technique included four subcostal ports (all 10/12 mm). Endoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy was completed by the standard technique in both groups. Results. Baseline demographics were comparable between the needlescopic (n = 15) and laparoscopic (n = 21) groups. The needlescopic group had a shorter surgical time (169 versus 220 minutes, P = 0.05), less blood loss (61 versus 183 mL, P = 0.002), and shorter hospital stay (1.1 versus 2.7 days, P < 0.001). Convalescence averaged 2.1 weeks in the needlescopic group and 3.1 weeks in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.001). No significant complications occurred in either group. One patient in the needlescopic group was converted to conventional laparoscopy because of marked obesity; hospital stay in this patient was 2 days. Conclusions. Reported herein is the initial series of needlescopic adrenalectomy. Compared with conventional laparoscopy, needlescopic adrenalectomy results in an overnight hospital stay, rapid recovery, and excellent cosmesis. However, prior experience with conventional laparoscopy is essential before embarking on needlescopic surgery.
Production of stable phenotypes from 9L rat brain tumor multicellular spheroids treated with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea.

During chemotherapy and regrowth of brain tumors, tumor-cell heterogeneity, and possibly tumor progression, may change as a result of both the selective forces and mutagenic effects of treatment. We have isolated and characterized drug-response variants of multicellular rat 9L brain-tumor spheroids exposed to 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Ten colonies were isolated from spheroids disaggregated immediately after treatment, and 10 colonies were isolated from treated spheroids disaggregated after 1 week in suspension culture. The sensitivity to BCNU was determined by assays of sister chromatid exchange and colony-forming efficiency in monolayer cultures of each subline after a 1-hr exposure to graded doses of BCNU. Three classes of response were found: BCNU sensitivity increased, decreased, or was comparable to that of uncloned, parent 9L cells. Resistant phenotypes were predominant (8/10) in sublines from spheroids disaggregated immediately after treatment, whereas hypersensitive phenotypes (4/8) were isolated only from spheroids disaggregated after 1 week of re-growth. Since subpopulations isolated immediately after treatment do not have the same biological characteristics as those isolated after a period of regrowth, these data suggest that tumor-cell heterogeneity may be generated by distinct processes at various times during therapy. The predominance of hypersensitive sublines obtained by the regrowth protocol may have resulted from the recovery of cells that would have died if isolated but were instead able to repair the drug-induced damage when left in contact with neighboring, possibly resistant cells. Two resistant and two hypersensitive sublines were studied further. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Political Uses of the University

The fifth edition of Clark Kerr's The Uses of the University reflects on an original theme visited over four decades. Over time his views of American higher education became more somber. Although Kerr does not deal with the politics of university policy and governance, this book is useful as both record and forecast.
Influence of Gun Ownership on Social Inferences About Women and Men1

In the past gun ownership was primarily a male-only phenomenon. There has been, however, an increase among American women in gun purchasing largely for purposes of self-defense. In the first study we examined the consequences of women and men owning handguns, versus not doing so, for social perception. Given that gun ownership is stereotype inconsistent for women but not for men, such a violation of expectancies was expected to have a greater impact on inferences about women than men. Subjects believed that women who owned handguns would possess masculine physical characteristics, although they were not perceived as losing feminine body attributes per se. Women who owned guns tended to be perceived as less likely to occupy female stereotypic social roles, while men who owned a weapon were perceived as more likely to do so. Men who owned a handgun were perceived as less likely to possess socially desirable male stereotypic traits, although women with a handgun gained in this respect. In the second study where a community sample was employed, the main pattern of outcomes was replicated. Affective reactions toward male and female gun owners were similar, and less positive than for persons who do not own guns. Individuals with both positive and negative attitudes toward guns displayed the same pattern of inferences based on gun ownership and target gender. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for social judgment and stereotype use.
Threshold of adulthood for the onset of nicotine self-administration in male and female rats.

Abstract The great majority of tobacco addiction begins during adolescence. More heavily addicted smokers begin smoking earlier, but differentiating the neurobehavioral impact of nicotine self-administration during adolescence from self-selection bias (whereby people more prone to heavy addiction also begin earlier) cannot be ethically unconfounded in humans. The goals of this research were to determine the age threshold for the adult-like nicotine self-administration and determine sex differences. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were tested for nicotine self-administration starting at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks of age in an operant FR1 schedule for IV nicotine (0.03 mg/kg/infusion) in 45-min sessions for 2 weeks, with 1 week of enforced abstinence and 1 week of resumed access. This study replicated our earlier work that nicotine self-administration was increased in adolescent vs. adult rats and that the effect was more pronounced in adolescent males, but the increased nicotine self-administration was more persistent in adolescent-onset females. The age threshold for adult-like behavior was 6–7 weeks of age. Adolescent-onset nicotine self-administration had persisting effects of eggaurated increases of nicotine self-administration when fixed-ratio requirements for self-administration were lowered. Female rats that had begun nicotine self-administration during adolescence showed exaggerated increases in nicotine self-administration after a switch back to FR1 from FR8, indicating a lessened control over their self-administration. Adolescent-onset nicotine self-administration was not found to potentiate cocaine self-administration. Adolescent-onset nicotine self-administration causes persistent increases in nicotine self-administration in female rats even after they reach adulthood and disrupts control over self-administration behavior.
Genetic DISC-section of regeneration in Drosophila.

Although regeneration has long fascinated biologists, it remains a challenging field of study with much yet to learn at the molecular level. In this issue of Developmental Cell , Smith-Bolton et al. introduce a genetic ablation system in Drosophila melanogaster with the potential for large-scale identification of new regulators of regeneration.
Does postoperative pH monitoring predict complicated gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal atresia

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common after repair of esophageal atresia with a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EATOF). In a retrospective study we assessed whether early 18-h pH monitoring can predict the development of EATOF-associated gastroesophageal reflux. During 1980–1997, 90 consecutive patients had primary repair for EATOF. Development of GER was classified as favorable if the patient developed no esophagitis or mild esophagitis and needed no antireflux medication, and as unfavorable if the patient developed moderate or secondary esophagitis or required an antireflux procedure. Patients who developed unfavorable GER outcome before pH monitoring or needed secondary reconstruction or those whose endoscopic follow-up data were insufficient were excluded. Eighteen-hour pH monitoring was considered pathologic if esophageal pH was <4 more than 10% of the recorded time or 5% of the recorded time minus 2 h after each meal, or if there were more than three preprandial reflux periods lasting longer than 5 min. A total of fifty patients were included into the study. pH monitoring was performed at the median age of 9.2 (range 2.5–95.0) months and classified as pathologic in 10 and normal in 40 patients. After a median follow-up of 59 (0.3–217.6) months, nine of 10 (90%) patients with pathologic pH monitoring and five of 40 (12.5%) patients with normal pH monitoring developed unfavorable outcomes (p<.05). We conclude that early pH monitoring predicts the development of significant GER, but because 12.5% of patients with normal early pH monitoring also developed significant GER, early pH monitoring alone does not rule out the development of significant GER.
Development of CBAP-BPyne, a probe for γ-secretase and presenilinase

γ-Secretase undergoes endoproteolysis of its catalytic subunit, presenilin (PS), to form PS N-terminal and C-terminal fragments (PS-NTF/CTF), which generate the active site. PS endoproteolysis, catalyzed by presenilinase (PSase), remains poorly understood and requires novel chemical approaches for its mechanistic study. CBAP is a dual inhibitor that suppresses both γ-secretase and PSase activities. To probe γ-secretase and PSase activity in cells, we have synthesized the clickable photoaffinity probe CBAP-BPyne. We found that CBAP-BPyne specifically labels PS1-NTF and signal peptide peptidase (SPP). CBAP-BPyne is a valuable tool to directly study the mechanism of endoproteolysis.
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS IN AUXILIARY ALGEBRAS.

A canonical algebra is defined as the algebraic structure common to classical and quantum mechanics. It is a linear space equipped with two bilinear operations: an associative product, and a Lie product which is a derivation with respect to the associative product. In addition, the Lie products of the generators of this algebra are constants. The problem of the algorithmic formulation of a canonical algebra in terms of an auxiliary associative algebra is solved. The first part of the problem consists of finding all auxiliary algebras which can algorithmically support a canonical structure. The second part consists of finding all canonical algebras which can be formulated in terms of a given auxiliary structure.
On the paradox of grounded classes

Mr. Shen Yuting, in this Journal, vol. 18, no. 2 (June, 1953), stated a new paradox of intuitive set-theory. This paradox involves what Mr. Yuting calls the class of all grounded classes, that is, the family of all classes a for which there is no infinite sequence b such that … ϵ bn ϵ … ϵ b2ϵb1 ϵ a.Now it is possible to state this paradox without employing any complex set-theoretical notions (like those of a natural number or an infinite sequence). For let a class x be called regular if and only if (k)(x ϵ k ⊃ (∃y)(y ϵ k · ~(∃z)(z ϵ k · z ϵ y))). Let Reg be the class of all regular classes. I shall show that Reg is neither regular nor non-regular.Suppose, on the one hand, that Reg is regular. Then Reg ϵ Reg. Now Reg ϵ ẑ(z = Reg). Therefore, since Reg is regular, there is a y such that y ϵ ẑ(z = Reg) · ~(∃z)(z ϵ z(z = Reg) · z ϵ y). Hence ~(∃z)(z ϵ ẑ(z = Reg) · z ϵ Reg). But there is a z (namely Reg) such that z ϵ ẑ(z = Reg) · z ϵ Reg.On the other hand, suppose that Reg is not regular. Then, for some k, Reg ϵ k · [1] (y)(y ϵ k ⊃ (∃z)(z ϵ k · z ϵ y)). It follows that, for some z, z ϵ k · z ϵ Reg. But this implies that (ϵy)(y ϵ k · ~(ϵw)(w ϵ k · w ϵ y)), which contradicts [1].It can easily be shown, with the aid of the axiom of choice, that the regular classes are just Mr. Yuting's grounded classes.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor replenishment in the chicken intestine

Abstract 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 intestinal receptor replenishment was examined in rachitic chickens after hormone administration. A single injection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 caused an increase in the level of occupied receptors with a concomitant decrease in the amount of unoccupied receptors. Maximum occupancy occurred 1 h after hormone injection. The metabolic inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide, was employed to obtain additional information concerning the fate of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 receptor complexes. Cycloheximide, at a dose that effectively blocked protein synthesis, had no effect on the time-course or the magnitude of replenishment of nuclear receptors. Additionally, repletion with vitamin D3 or administration of several injections of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 did not lead to a lag in replenishment time or a significant decrease in total receptor levels. These findings demonstrate that recycling of receptors plays an important functional role for the replenishment of unoccupied 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 intestinal receptors.
Short-Term Odor Memory: Effects of Posterior Transection of the Lateral Olfactory Tract in the Rat

Rats were trained on a series of novel 2-odor discrimination problems before and after combined unilateral bulbectomy and posterior transection of the contralateral lateral olfactory tract. In postoperative tests, experimental rats performed as well as controls when a short intertrial interval (30 seconds) was used but, in contrast to controls, failed to learn a 2-odor discrimination when the intertrial interval was 10 minutes. When tested on a reversal task, controls showed memory for original learning by making many errors while experimental rats quickly acquired the task. The results suggest that lateral olfactory tract afferents to posterior olfactory cortex may play a significant role in short-term memory for odors.
Making Children Gesture Brings out Implicit Knowledge and Leads to Learning.

Speakers routinely gesture with their hands when they talk, and those gestures often convey information not found anywhere in their speech. This information is typically not consciously accessible, yet it provides an early sign that the speaker is ready to learn a particular task (S. Goldin-Meadow, 2003). In this sense, the unwitting gestures that speakers produce reveal their implicit knowledge. But what if a learner was forced to gesture? Would those elicited gestures also reveal implicit knowledge and, in so doing, enhance learning? To address these questions, the authors told children to gesture while explaining their solutions to novel math problems and examined the effect of this manipulation on the expression of implicit knowledge in gesture and on learning. The authors found that, when told to gesture, children who were unable to solve the math problems often added new and correct problem-solving strategies, expressed only in gesture, to their repertoires. The authors also found that when these children were given instruction on the math problems later, they were more likely to succeed on the problems than children told not to gesture. Telling children to gesture thus encourages them to convey previously unexpressed, implicit ideas, which, in turn, makes them receptive to instruction that leads to learning.
The role of low-molecular–weight heparin in cardiovascular diseases

Unfractionated heparin continues to have important limitations in clinical practice. It has an inconsistent anticoagulant effect, needs frequent monitoring, and is inactivated by several plasma proteins. Low-molecular-weight heparins have a more predictable anticoagulant effect than unfractionated heparin, are easier to administer, and may not require monitoring. The anticoagulation effect of low-molecular-weight heparins is caused by a combination of inhibition of thrombin generation and inhibition of thrombin activity. Low-molecular-weight heparins have now been evaluated for a number of cardiovascular conditions and have been found to be safe and effective. We review and summarize the existing data regarding the use of low-molecular-weight heparins in cardiovascular diseases, including venous thromboembolism, percutaneous coronary interventions, and acute coronary syndromes such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Quarantine control of Hessian fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in exported hay: a new treatment for large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales and a 3-d fumigation for compressed standard bales.

Hessian fly puparia (37,167), Mayetiola destructor (Say), did not survive a large-scale commercial test (three freight containers) of a new quarantine treatment using compression (32 kg/cm2) and hydrogen phosphide fumigation (61 g/28.2 m3) for large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales of hay exported to Japan. Mean ± SEM temperatures in the large-size bales in different locations in the freight containers ranged from 18.0 ± 0.9 to 26.0 ± 1.3°C during the 7-d test conducted in a heated building at 20.1 ± 1.1°C. Highest concentrations of hydrogen phosphide in most locations in the freight containers were observed after 3 d of fumigation and ranged from 366.7 ± 96.1 to 425.0 ± 162.7 ppm (mean ± SEM) and throughout the 7 d of fumigation ranged from 253.6 ± 59.9 to 407.1 ± 76.5 ppm (mean ± SEM). Hydrogen phosphide residues after fumigation and aeration were <10 ppb and were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tolerance of 0.1 ppm in animal feeds. The results of the test fulfills regulatory agency testing requirements and confirms the efficacy of the treatment to control Hessian fly in large-size, polypropylene fabric-wrapped bales of hay. Hessian fly puparia (2,160) did not survive a large-scale commercial test of compression (105 kg/cm2) and a 3-d hydrogen phosphide (60 g/28.3 m3) fumigation for standard bales.