cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of the addition of a transversus abdominis plane block to an enhanced recovery program with opioid consumption, postoperative antiemetic use, and discharge time in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a retrospective study

Background Increasing numbers of laparoscopic bariatric surgeries are being performed and enhanced recovery from anesthesia and surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented to optimize care for these patients. We evaluated the effects of an anesthesiologist placed preoperative transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) as part of a bariatric surgery ERAS protocol. We hypothesized that an anesthesiologist placed preoperative TAP added to an ERAS protocol following laparoscopic bariatric surgery would reduce total opioid consumption. Methods A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 at a single large tertiary care center studied. TAP blocks were added to the ERAS protocol beginning in the second quarter of 2017. The primary outcome was total opioid analgesia use in mg oral morphine equivalents. Secondary outcomes were antiemetics administered and length of hospitalization. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model adjusted for sociodemographic, surgical, and preoperative risk factors that have been associated with opioid and antiemetic use and length of hospitalization. Results Five hundred and nine cases were analyzed; TAP blocks were performed in 94/144 (65%) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and in 172/365 (47%) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients. Mean (95% CI) adjusted total opioid administered was lower by 11% (1% to 19%, p=0.02), antiemetic drug administration was lower by 15% (-2% to 25%, p=0.06) and discharge time lower by 39% (26% to 48%, p Conclusions TAP blocks added to a laparoscopic bariatric surgery ERAS protocol were associated with decreased total opioid use, number of antiemetic treatments, and length of stay; however, these changes were not likely clinically important. Our findings do not support widespread clinical benefit of TAP use in ERAS protocols for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
Sex differences in bone density, geometry, and bone strength of competitive soccer players.

Objectives To examine sex differences in bone characteristics in competitive soccer players. Methods 43 soccer players (male, n=23; female, n=20), and 43 matched controls (males, n=23; females, n=20), completed the study. Areal BMD (aBMD) of the total body, lumbar spine, and dual femur and tibiae volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone geometry, and bone strength variables (pQCT) were measured. Bone-specific physical activity and training history were assessed. Results Male soccer players had significantly greater (p≤0.05) total body and hip aBMD, hip strength indices and 4% and 38% tibia variables than females. Regression analyses determined that BFLBM, not sex, was the strongest predictor of bone variables. Female soccer players exhibited significantly greater percent differences from controls for tibiae variables than males (p≤0.05). Soccer players had greater aBMD and hip strength indices than controls (p≤0.040). Soccer-specific asymmetries were found for 38% total area (2.1%) and pSSI (3.8%), favoring the non-dominant leg (both p≤0.017). Conclusion Bone characteristics adjusted for body size were greater in male versus female soccer players. However, body composition variables were more important predictors of bone characteristics than sex. There were no sex differences in the magnitude of limb asymmetries, suggesting skeletal responsiveness to mechanical loading was similar in males and females.
Clinical application of thrombus aspiration catheters combined with intracoronary tirofiban injection through the aspiration catheter during emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction

Objective To compare the efficacy of thrombus aspiration catheter combined with intracoronary tirofiban and nitroglycerol injection through the aspiration catheter versus the guiding catheter during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods Thirty-four patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI and receiving thrombus aspiration catheter combined with intracoronary tirofiban and nitroglyeerol injection through the aspiration catheter were enrolled as the aspiration group (n =34),and those who had similar coronary angiography results and basic characteristics but receiving thrombus aspiration catheter combined with intracoronary tirofiban and nitroglycerol injection through the guiding catheter were served as the guiding group ( n =33 ).The outcomes of the two groups were observed and compared.Results There was no significant change of blood pressure between before and after injection in the aspiration group ( P ＞ 0.05 ),but the change of blood pressure was significant after injection compared with before injection in the guiding group ( P ＜ 0.01 ).The cTn-I,BNP,peak-value of CK-MB,peak-time of CK-MB,TIMI grade 3 flow,slow-reflow in IRA after PCI in the aspiration group were superior to those in the guiding group ( t =3.92,P ＜ 0.01 ;t =4.70,P ＜ 0.01 ; t =3.39,P ＜ 0.01 ; t =7.17,P ＜0.01 ; x2 =3.877,P ＜ 0.05 ; x2 =3.876,P ＜ 0.05 ).LVEF,LVEDd and LVESd after 1 month in the aspiration group were superior to those in the guiding group (t =5.99,P ＜ 0.01 ;t =4.53,P ＜ 0.01 ;t =8.12,P ＜ 0.01 ),but no significant differences of LVEF,LVEDd,LVESd were found after 1 week resolution of sum of ST-segment elevation and the MACE rates after PCI were found between the two group ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion Application of thrombus aspiration catheter combined with intracoronary tirofiban injection through the aspiration catheter is more effective than through the guiding catheter in patients with Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction,which could decrease slow-reflow phenomenon and improve re-perfusion and left ventricular function with better clinical outcomes. Key words: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Thrombus aspiration Catheter; Guiding catheter; Tirofiban
Asbestos in Talc and Mesothelioma: Review of the Causality Using Epidemiology

Talcum powder has long been contaminated with asbestos fibers depending on the source of the talc. Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are scientifically established as caused by asbestos exposures. However, when investigating causality of mesothelioma from asbestos fibers in talcum powder, epidemiology is complicated by various methodological issues and inadequacies in existing studies. The occupational and case studies are explored in an effort to bring clarity to the issue of talcum powder usage and mesothelioma. Talc is randomly and sporadically contaminated with asbestos fibers including chrysotile, tremolite and anthophyllite. Case studies of mesothelioma victims whose only asbestos exposure was to talc, found anthophyllite, tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibers in their tissues. Exposure to all three types of asbestos fibers increases the risk of mesothelioma. The Hill criteria of causality, which considers all aspects of toxicology, biology and epidemiology, are applied to the issue. This analysis results in compelling evidence that asbestos in talcum powder is causative for mesothelioma. Thus, precaution would dictate the avoidance of the use of talcum powders.
Preparation of 3-hydroxy-2,3-dialkoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-ones and 3,3-dihydroxy-2-alkoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-ones by oxidation of 3-hydroxyflavone with copper(II) bromide: Structure, reactivity and characterization

Abstract The reaction of 3-hydroxyflavone with copper(II) bromide in various alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol) yielded a mixture of their respective 3-hydroxy-2,3-dialkoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-ones (hemiacetals) and 3,3-dihydroxy-2-alkoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-ones (hydrates). Herein, we report the synthesis, reactivity and characterization of three hemiacetals (1, 3, and 5) and three hydrates (2, 4, and 6) as well as the single crystal X-ray structures of 1–4 & 6. While the hemiacetals were shown to be kinetically accessible, the hydrates were thermodynamically preferred. The single X-ray structures of compounds 1–4 & 6 reveals the alkoxy groups occupying the axial position of the coumarin ring, which is surmised to be the source of the instability of the hemiacetals. As a result of the axial strain, the hemiacetals (1, 3, and 5) readily convert in to their respective hydrates (2, 4, and 6) when heated in non-alcoholic solvents. The qualitative rate of these conversion was largely a function of the size of the alkoxy group (i-Pr > Et > Me). We propose a mechanism for the conversion of hemiacetals to hydrates that involves a chromane-3,4-dione intermediate, which was evidenced by trapping it as a diimine, quinoxaline heterocycle.
Simplified Repair of Traumatic Iliac Crest Flank Hernias with Mesh Strips.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias are rare injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. Traditional approaches have included both open and laparoscopic approaches, with placement of large meshes with giant overlaps. Perhaps the most technically difficult aspect of these repairs is fixating the abdominal wall to the iliac crest. The senior author has developed a method of repair using 2-cm strips of mesh. In this article, we present a description of 4 patients treated with this technique. Methods We included 4 adult patients who underwent traumatic flank hernia repairs by the senior author. We excluded incisional hernias and patients who received a planar sheet of mesh. Demographics and outcomes collected included length of stay, follow-up time, and complications. Results The average age was 38.5 years. Three hernias were due to motor vehicle collision injuries, and 1 was a crush injury at work. No planar meshes or bone anchors were used. No patients required component separation. There were no instances of surgical site infection, hematoma, or wound breakdown. All repairs were intact at the time of last follow-up (average, 24.3 months; range, 4-48.7 months). Conclusions Traumatic flank hernias are rare injuries that can be difficult to address. Here, we describe a technique of primary repair with mesh strips that distribute the forces of repair across a greater surface area than can be achieved with sutures. Placing drill holes through the iliac crest avoids the cost and complexity of suture anchors.
Ammonia volatilization from fertilizer sources on a loam soil in Idaho

Optimizing crop nitrogen (N) uptake while minimizing ammonia (NH3) volatilization from N-fertilizer sources is a critical part of agricultural best management practices. Urea is the most widely used N-fertilizer but also one of the most susceptible to losses as NH3. Fertilizer source and additives can be used to reduce NH3 volatilization. Specifically, urease inhibitors e.g., N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) can reduce NH3 volatilization from urea. Novel fused ammonium sulfate nitrate (ASN) products have recently been developed as another potential alternative N-fertilizer source but have not been studied widely. A field study was performed to quantify NH3 volatilization from the newly available ASN fertilizer as compared to various N-fertilizers (ammonium sulfate (AS) and urea) including urea treated with the urease inhibitor NBPT in an alkaline calcareous loam soil in Idaho. Further, we assessed NH3 volatilization from surface applied and incorporated N-fertilizers from these various N sources. Untreated surface-applied urea volatilized the highest amount of NH3, whereas incorporation of N-fertilizers was effective in reducing volatilization as compared to untreated surface applied urea. Our study indicated that the N-fertilizer sources (AS, ASN, and Urea-NBPT) were equally effective in reducing NH3 volatilization when compared to surface applied urea. Our study will help refine N-fertilize management under multiple field situations and traditional management practices of crop producers in the western United States. Further, site-years and study locations would be needed to provide evidence of the effectiveness of ASN in reducing NH3 volatilization under a wider range of soil and environmental conditions.
The effects of hydraulic fracturing activities on birth outcomes are evident in a non-individualized county-wide aggregate data sample from Colorado.

BACKGROUND There is growing concern about the recent increase in oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing. Studies linking adverse birth outcomes and maternal proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells exist but tend to use individualized maternal and infant data contained in protected health care records. In this study, we extended the findings of these past studies to evaluate if analogous effects detected with individualized data could be detected from non-individualized county-wide aggregated data. DESIGN AND METHODS This study used a retrospective cohort of 252,502 birth records from 1999 to 2019 gathered from a subset sample of 5 counties in the state of Colorado where hydraulic fracturing activities were conducted. We used Generalized Linear Models to evaluate the effect of county-wide well density and production data over unidentified birth weight, and prematurity data. Covariates used in the model were county-wide statistics sourced from the US Census. RESULTS Our modeling approach showed an interesting effect where hydraulic fracturing exposure metrics have a mixed effect directional response. This effect was detected on birth weight when well density, production and their interaction are accounted for. The interaction effect provides an additional interpretation to discrepancies reported previously in the literature. Our approach only detected a positive association to prematurity with increased production. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate two main points: First, the effect of hydraulic fracturing is detectable by using county-wide unidentified data. Second, the effect of hydraulic fracturing can be complicated by the number of operations and the intensity of the activities in the area.
Long-Term Consequences of Hepatitis C Viral Clearance on the CD4 (+) T Cell Lymphocyte Course in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients

The long-term impact of pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin treatment outcome on CD4 T cell course in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus is largely unclear in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HCV-RNA clearance by standard anti-HCV therapy on long-term CD4 cells recovery in HIV/HCV patients on successful combined antiretroviral therapy. We retrospectively enrolled HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on HIV medications and treated for hepatitis C. CD4
Force and Touch Feedback for Virtual Reality

Haptic Sensing and Control. Actuators. Nonportable Force Feedback. Portable Force Feedback. Tactile Feedback Interfaces. Physical Modeling. Control of Haptic Interfaces. Human Factors. Haptic Feedback Applications. The Future. References. List of Companies and Research Laboratories. Index.
Press Censorship in Caroline England

1. Censorship and the law: the Caroline inheritance 2. Print in the time of parliament: 1625-1629 3. Transformational literalism: the reactionary redefinition of the Courts of High Commission and Star Chamber 4. Censorship and the puritan press 6. The end of censorship.
“What it Means to Be a Man”: Contested Masculinity in the Early Republic and Antebellum America”

An essay interweaving the existing historical literature pertaining to American masculinity in the aftermath of the American Revolution up until the Civil War. Addresses not only issues of Masculinity, but also Race, Gender, Class, and Empire in addition to the general American historical narrative.
Modeling the uncertainty of several VOC and its impact on simulated VOC and ozone in Houston, Texas

Abstract A WRF-SMOKE-CMAQ modeling system was used to study Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and their impact on surface VOC and ozone concentrations in southeast Texas during September 2013. The model was evaluated against the ground-level Automated Gas Chromatograph (Auto-GC) measurement data from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The comparisons indicated that the model over-predicted benzene, ethylene, toluene and xylene, while under-predicting isoprene and ethane. The mean biases between simulated and observed values of each VOC species showed clear daytime, nighttime, weekday and weekend variations. Adjusting the VOC emissions using simulated/observed ratios improved model performance of each VOC species, especially mitigating the mean bias substantially. Simulated monthly mean ozone showed a minor change: a 0.4 ppb or 1.2% increase; while a change of more than 5 ppb was seen in hourly ozone data on high ozone days, this change moved model predictions closer to observations. The CMAQ model run with the adjusted emissions better reproduced the variability in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) formaldehyde (HCHO) columns. The adjusted model scenario also slightly better reproduced the aircraft HCHO concentrations from NASA's DISCOVER-AQ campaign conducted during the simulation episode period; Correlation, Mean Bias and RMSE improved from 0.34, 1.38 ppb and 2.15 ppb to 0.38, 1.33 ppb and 2.08 ppb respectively. A process analysis conducted for both industrial/urban and rural areas suggested that chemistry was the main process contributing to ozone production in both areas, while the impact of chemistry was smaller in rural areas than in industrial and urban areas. For both areas, the positive chemistry contribution increased in the sensitivity simulation largely due to the increase in emissions. Nudging VOC emissions to match the observed concentrations shifted the ozone hotspots outside the industrial/urban region and enhanced the peaked ozone in the outflow region with consistent southerly/southeasterly winds during the afternoon time (1–5 pm). This study helps in the understanding of these processes which are critical to constrain high peak ozone values in the outflow regions. The results indicate that formation of ozone in the outflow could complicate attainment status in neighboring counties.
Lmx1b, Pet-1, and Nkx2.2 Coordinately Specify Serotonergic Neurotransmitter Phenotype

Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in the brainstem modulate a wide range of physiological processes and behaviors. Two transcription factor genes, Pet-1 and Nkx2.2, are necessary but not sufficient to specify the 5-HT transmitter phenotype. Here we show that the Lim class homeobox gene Lmx1b is required for proper formation of the entire 5-HT system in the hindbrain, as indicated by the loss of expression of genes necessary for serotonin synthesis and transport in Lmx1b null mice. Lmx1b and Pet1 act downstream of Nkx2.2, and their expression is independently regulated at the time when 5-HT transmitter phenotype is specified. Ectopic expression of Lmx1b plus Pet-1 is able to induce formation of 5-HT cells in the most ventral spinal cord, where Nkx2.2 is normally expressed. Combined expression of all three genes, Lmx1b, Pet-1, and Nkx2.2, drives 5-HT differentiation in the dorsal spinal cord. Our studies therefore define a molecular pathway necessary and sufficient to specify the serotonergic neurotransmitter phenotype.
When will Lake Mead go dry

[1] A water budget analysis shows that under current conditions there is a 10% chance that live storage in Lakes Mead and Powell will be gone by about 2013 and a 50% chance that it will be gone by 2021 if no changes in water allocation from the Colorado River system are made. This startling result is driven by climate change associated with global warming, the effects of natural climate variability, and the current operating status of the reservoir system. Minimum power pool levels in both Lake Mead and Lake Powell will be reached under current conditions by 2017 with 50% probability. While these dates are subject to some uncertainty, they all point to a major and immediate water supply problem on the Colorado system. The solutions to this water shortage problem must be time-dependent to match the time-varying, human-induced decreases in future river flow.
(η5,η5‐1S,2R,4S,5R‐1,4‐Bis(indenyl)‐2,5‐diisopropylcyclohexane)titanium Dichloride

[139561-09-4] C30H34Cl2Ti (MW 513.38) InChI = 1S/C30H34.2ClH.Ti/c1-19(2)27-17-30(26-16-14-22-10-6-8-12-24(22)26)28(20(3)4)18-29(27)25-15-13-21-9-5-7-11-23(21)25;;;/h5-16,19-20,27-30H,17-18H2,1-4H3;2*1H;/q;;;+2/p-2/t27-,28-,29+,30+;;;/m1.../s1 InChIKey = BNHNXPSWMLMHLK-LYUSHGQQSA-L (alkene isomerization; titanium;4 ansa-bis(indenyl) ligand; chiral ligand; C2 symmetric ligand; asymmetric catalysis8910) Physical Data: mp 264–265 °C (dec 240 °C); d 1.339 g cm−3. Dark green crystals from hexane–CH2Cl2. [α]23D = +2900° (c 0.0202, CH2Cl2). Solubility: sol CHCl3 and CH2Cl2; insol hexane. Preparative Methods: 1 the enantiomerically pure, chiral ligand 2 is prepared in two steps from the known (1S,2R,4S,5R)-2,5-diisopropylcyclohexane-1,4-diol 3 (eq 1).2, 3 It is obtained in 60% yield as a mixture of alkene regioisomers. The chiral titanocene reagent 1 is prepared by treatment of 2 with 2 equiv of n-Butyllithium followed by reaction with Titanium(III) Chloride and subsequent oxidation (HCl/air in CHCl3) of the product (eq 2). It is obtained in 80% yield as a single stereoisomer. (1) (2)
A further study of the tetrabromide method of estimating linoleic acid in fatty acid mixtures with pentane and heptane as solvents

Known mixtures of linoleic and oleic acids were brominated in n-pentane and n-heptane and the yields of insoluble tetrabromides determined under precise conditions. In general, the yields were somewhat higher in both hydrocarbons than in Mallinckrodt petroleum ether. Tetrabromides were obtained in detectable amounts in mixtures containing as little as 10% linoleic acid when pentane is used. Therefore it is recommended that this solvent be employed in applying the procedure in the analysis of fatty acid mixtures. The linoleic acid contents of the fatty acids of several oils were estimated from the tetrabromidepentane curve and the results found to agree favorably with those obtained by thiocyanometry.
Distribution of coccoid cyanobacteria and small eukaryotic phytoplankton in the upwelling ecosystem off the Oregon coast during 2001 and 2002

Abstract Patterns of spatial distribution of small-sized phytoplankton: coccoid cyanobacteria (Synechococcus, SYN) and small photosynthetic eukaryotes (PEUK) were investigated in the upwelling ecosystem off the coasts of Oregon and Northern California during nine cruises of the GLOBEC Northeast Pacific Long Term Oceanographic Program (LTOP), from March 2001 to December 2002. SYN cells were 1–2 μm, and most PEUK cells
The postpulmonary septum of Varanus salvator and its implication for Mosasaurian ventilation and physiology

The postpulmonary septum (PPS) is a relatively thick sheet of connective tissue covering the inferior surface of the lungs in varanid lizards. The primary connection of the PPS is to the medial surface of the ribs; additional connections occur to the inferior midline of the dorsal vertebrae, the pericardium, and a direct (through loose connective tissue) link to the surface of the lung. The PPS effectively partitions the coelomic cavity into peritoneal and pleural cavities. Investigation demonstrates that the PPS is not capable of preventing displacement of the more caudal (peritoneal) viscera, which is displaced cranially during terrestrial locomotion; this cranial displacement could impinge on the tidal volume of the lungs. Kinematic analyses of terrestrial and aquatic locomotion in Varanus salvator document the different propulsive mechanics used during movement through these two media, and, most importantly, the marked reduction in lateral displacement of the trunk during swimming. These findings, when combined with previous studies of the cardiovascular and respiratory system of varanids performing terrestrial locomotion, suggest that mosasaurs had a versatile, effective respiratory system and were likely capable of both sustained swimming and prolonged submersion, such as during ambush foraging.
Barrett's Esophagus in Females: A Comparative Analysis of Risk Factors in Females and Males

Barrett's Esophagus in Females: A Comparative Analysis of Risk Factors in Females and Males
Effect of Pregnancy Upon the Emptying of the Gall Bladder.

It has been definitely established that the feeding of certain foods, particularly egg yolk and cream will cause the gall bladder to empty; the emptying is due to a contraction of its intrinsic musculature. The mechanism involved in the contraction of the gall bladder has not been determined. It was felt, however, that should a chemical or a nervous mechanism be responsible, it could be determined by feeding pregnant animals egg yolk and cream, and observing the condition of the fetal gall bladder at a time when the maternal gall bladder was empty.Accordingly, a group of pregnant dogs and guinea pigs were fed egg yolk and cream, the usual test-meal. After a period equivalent to that in which the gall bladder empties completely in the nonpregnant guinea pig and partially in the nonpregnant dog, the animals were etherized, the gall bladder explored under sterile technic and one or more of the fetuses removed. However, the gall bladder of the mother, explored at a time after feeding equivalent to that in whi...
Regiospecificity and Catalytic Triad of Lysophospholipase I

A 25-kDa murine lysophospholipase (LysoPLA I) has been cloned and expressed, and Ser-119 has been shown to be essential for the enzyme activity (Wang, A., Deems, R. A., and Dennis, E. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 12723-12729). In the present study, we show that LysoPLA I represents a new member of the serine hydrolase family with Ser-119, Asp-174, and His-208 composing the catalytic triad. The Asp-174 and His-208 are conserved among several esterases and are demonstrated herein to be essential for LysoPLA I activity as the mutation of either residue to Ala abolished LysoPLA I activity, whereas the global conformation of the mutants remained unchanged. Furthermore, the predicted secondary structure of LysoPLA I resembles that of the alpha/beta-hydrolase fold, with Ser-119, Asp-174, and His-208 occupying the conserved topological location of the catalytic triad in the alpha/beta-hydrolases. Structural modeling of LysoPLA I also indicates that the above three residues orient in such a manner that they would comprise a charge-relay network necessary for catalysis. In addition, the regiospecificity of LysoPLA I was studied using 31P NMR, and the result shows that LysoPLA I has similar LysoPLA1 and LysoPLA2 activity. This finding suggests that LysoPLA I may play an important role in removing lysophospholipids produced by both phospholipase A1 and A2 in vivo.
Ab initio calculation of density dependence of liquid-Na properties.

We have performed ab initio quantum-mechanical calculations of the Hellmann-Feynman forces in liquid Na, which were used in a molecular-dynamics simulation without recourse to Car-Parrinello methods. The diffusion coefficient (D) and pressure (P) were obtained as a function of the temperature (T) and volume (V). Three simple formulas relating D to T, D to V, and P to V were found to be obeyed.
Microtubule cycle in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: An Immunofluorescence study

Monoclonal antibodies to yeast tubulin have been used to investigate the distribution of microtubules throughout the cell cycle of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. By indirect immunofluorescence microscopy we detect all the classes of microtubule-containing structures previously described from ultrastructural investigations but we can now demonstrate the complex spatial and temporal relationships between the different microtubule arrays. During interphase a cortical cytoplasmic microtubule system emanates from the base of the flagellar microtubules. These microtubules become reorganised on entry into mitosis, being largely disassembled and replaced by the spindle and “metaphase band” microtubules. The “metaphase band” is shown to be not one array but two distinct sets of microtubules, each linking a spindle pole with a region of the cell cortex near the spindle equator. It persists until late telophase, when it is replaced by cortical and cleavage furrow microtubules.
A study of some simple quinolizinium derivatives

Abstract The preparation of a series of 4,6-dimethylquinolizinium derivatives is described. Although these derivatives would appear to be logical precursors for the synthesis of cycl(3.3.3)-azine derivatives, attempts to effect such conversions were unsuccessful.
Prairie dog engineering indirectly affects beetle movement behavior

Abstract Previous studies have shown that landscape structure influences animal movement and population structure. In this study, we show an indirect interaction between beetles and prairie dogs due to prairie dog ecosystem engineering. Gunnison's prairie dog ( Cynomys gunnisoni Hollister) towns have more bare ground and are structurally less complex than adjacent unmodified grasslands. This results in bare ground facilitating beetle movement. Differences in landscape structure between prairie dog towns and unmodified grasslands had a significant effect on the movement of the darkling beetle, Eleodes hispilabris Say. Beetle movement tended to be more linear (pathway fractal dimension approached 1) on prairie dog habitats and more sinuous on adjacent grasslands. Beetle velocity was 44% greater and net displacement 63% farther on the prairie dog habitat. These differences were also evident at fine scales when beetles moved between grass and bare ground patches regardless of habitat. Beetles moved 2.3 times faster and displaced 3.0 times farther after making this microhabitat transition. Beetles avoided grass and selected bare ground for movement 12–22% more than the percent of bare ground on the landscape. Since beetles exhibited directed movements and grasslands inhibit movement, it might be expected that beetles would accumulate in this habitat upon encounter. However, beetles were approximately twice as abundant on prairie dog towns as on adjacent grasslands. A difference in beetle movement behavior, between prairie dog towns and grasslands, suggests that prairie dog towns are an important component of this desert grassland landscape for these beetles.
Adjusting Intraocular Pressure for Central Corneal Thickness Does Not Improve Prediction Models for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose To determine if the accuracy of the baseline prediction model for the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in patients with ocular hypertension can be improved by correcting intraocular pressure (IOP) for central corneal thickness (CCT). Design Reanalysis of the baseline prediction model for the development of POAG from the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) substituting IOP adjusted for CCT using 5 different correction formulae for unadjusted IOP. Participants A total of 1433 of 1636 participants randomized to OHTS who had complete baseline data for factors in the prediction model: age, IOP, CCT, vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR), and pattern standard deviation (PSD). Methods Reanalysis of the prediction model for the risk of developing POAG using the same baseline variables (age, IOP, CCT, VCDR, and PSD) except that IOP was adjusted for CCT using correction formulae. A separate Cox proportional hazards model was run using IOP adjusted for CCT by each of the 5 formulae published to date. Models were run including and excluding CCT. Main Outcome Measures Predictive accuracy of each Cox proportional hazards model was assessed using the c -statistic and calibration chi-square. Results C-statistics for prediction models that used IOP adjusted for CCT by various formulas ranged from 0.75 to 0.77, no better than the original prediction model (0.77) that did not adjust IOP for CCT. Calibration chi-square was acceptable for all models. Baseline IOP, whether adjusted for CCT or not, was statistically significant in all models including those with CCT in the same model. The CCT was statistically significant in all models including those with IOP adjusted for CCT in the same model. Conclusions The calculation of individual risk for developing POAG in ocular hypertensive individuals is simpler and equally accurate using IOP and CCT as measured, rather than applying an adjustment formula to correct IOP for CCT. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: State of the Art and Future Directions

Background Thoracoscopic lobectomy is performed with increasing frequency for early-stage lung cancer. Several published reports suggest thoracoscopic resection is safe, with the potential advantage of shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and comparable oncologic results. Methods Data on 180 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy or sublobar anatomic resection at our institution between January 2002 and December 2006 were reviewed. The conversion rate to thoracotomy, complications, length of stay, and duration of chest tube drainage were determined. Similar variables were evaluated for patients aged older than 80 years, those with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) that was less than 50% predicted, those who had undergone preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, and those who had undergone lung-sparing anatomic resections. Results Thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection was performed successfully in 166 patients. One of 180 patients (0.6%) died, and 14 patients (9.2%) underwent conversions. Overall median length of stay was 4 days (range, 1 to 98; interquartile range [IQR], 3), and median duration of chest tube drainage was 3 days (range, 0 to 35 days; IQR, 2). The median length of hospital stay and median chest tube duration for the group aged 80 years and older was 5 and 3 days; for the segmental resection group, 4 and 3 days; for the chemotherapy or radiotherapy induction group, 3.5 and 3 days; and for the FEV1 less than 50% group, 5.5 and 4 days, respectively. No patients died in any of these groups. Conclusions Thoracoscopic lung resection can be performed safely in selected patients aged 80 years and older, in those with marginal pulmonary function, and in those with pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy.
The effect of a leading-edge slat on the dynamic stall of an oscillating airfoil

The dynamic stall characteristics of a slatted airfoil were investigated experimentally on a 2-ft-chord airfoil oscillating in pitch at M = 0.2 for a range of reduced frequency and mean angle of oscillation. The slat produced a flow that remained attached to the airfoil for angles well above those normally attained by the retreating blade of a helicopter during high speed flight. The dynamic stall vortex usually associated with these flight conditions was completely eliminated for all angles under 30 deg. Instantaneous surface pressure, lift, and pitching moment data are presented as a function of incidence throughout the oscillation cycle; a detailed analysis of instantaneous boundary-layer flow behavior for the various test conditions is included.
Hippocampal Ablation in Rats: Effects of Intertrial Interval

DEFICITS in recent memory following damage to the hippocampus have been reported in man1 and in the monkey2. In a recent investigation3, we tested the hypothesis that the hippocampus is involved in recent memory functions by using different intertrial intervals in runway acquisition and extinction. The method consisted of administering acquisition and extinction trials to rats under either massed or distributed practice conditions. It was found that the temporal spacing of trials during acquisition was not important but that distributed practice trials served to increase resistance to extinction for hippo-campal-damaged rats. The purpose of the work reported here was to clarify the earlier results by determining whether the extinction phenomenon was due to the spacing of trials during acquisition or during extinction. In this work, each subject received both massed and distributed trials during acquisition so that, by the end of this phase of training, all subjects had equal experience with each of the two intertrial intervals. At that time the subjects were extinguished under either massed or distributed practice conditions.
Imaging through a strong scattering medium with nonlinear optical field cross-correlation techniques

We demonstrate a new technique for imaging an object obscured by a scattering medium. A class of nonlinear optical field cross-correlation processes is discussed and shown to be capable of reproducing an image of the hidden object. The spatial resolution can be easily controlled by adjustment of the laser bandwidth. The process of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering was employed in this research to produce an image of a wire hidden behind a suspension of nondairy creamer.
Impact of Macroeconomic Policies upon Agricultural Trade and International Agricultural Development

International commodity markets in the early 1980s have experienced a severe cyclical downturn. High real rates of interest have discouraged stock holding, and disinflation has caused asset market participants to shift out of commodities into financial assets. This is only the most recent bout of turbulence since we passed from the stable "bliss" of the 1950s and 1960s. The basic question is whether this instability results from a seemingly unending series of shocks, or is there a more general basic explanation which transcends individual events?
Controlling grain prices and de-controlling bubonic plague

I have long been fascinated by the dramatic and mysterious rise and fall of bubonic plague. This interest was intensified in 1976 by William H. McNeill's stimulating study of Plagues and Peoples. My inspiration for this article, however, took the form of a news report that a man had been killed by the explosion of the gasoline he had stored in his garage during the late, unlamented gasoline shortage in the spring of 1979. If price controls were capable of causing tragedies like this, could they also have magnified or caused plague epidemics? Briefly stated the hypothesis I developed runs as follows: government intervention in grain markets increases the likelihood of famine and food shortages; consumers respond by holding larger stocks of grain in their homes; attracted by the food, rats move into ordinary homes and multiply; the dispersal and enlargement of the rat and rat-flea populations increases the likelihood that an isolated case of plague will trigger a general conflagration. Given the limitations of the data, I saw no way to do a rigorous statistical study of the matter. The only feasible research strategy was to consider those plague epidemics for which I could locate information on government policies. Taken as a whole the evidence provided by this subset of 'case studies' suggests that governmental grain market policies may very well. be responsible for both the onset and disappearance of bubonic plague epidemics. This is not to suggest that such government interventions explain all past epidemics. The present study does not undertake the immense task of developing and testing a truly general model of bubonic plague epidemics taking into account a multitude of factors including especially war, population dispersion, ease of communication, diet and health standards. Admittedly, then, this essay is speculative and tentative, a ftrst attempt to explore the plague literature for many times and places. Its redeeming virtue is that it puts forwar d and offers supporting evidence for a fruitful new hypothesis for solving what has been a major puzzle to plague epidemiologists, demographers and economic historians.
Environmental enrichment and development of cage stereotypy in Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)

Stereotypies are abnormal repetitive behaviors that often develop in animals housed in impoverished environments. Stereotypy represents the interaction of several complex developmental phenomena. To characterize the temporal nature of stereotypy increase (escalation) and decrease (attenuation), we monitored changes in stereotypy performance in young Orange-winged Amazon parrots reared either in barren cages or cages provided with enrichments designed to facilitate foraging and locomotion. Unenriched parrots developed significantly more stereotypy than enriched parrots, and the mean time to stereotypy onset and the rate and magnitude of stereotypy increase also differed between the two groups. We then provided enrichment to the birds that had been reared in the barren cages. Following a 4-week delay, stereotypy was significantly reduced. These results show that stereotypy can be both prevented and reversed with appropriate environmental modification and illustrate how studying this behavior at many points over time can provide insights into its ontogeny.
The Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER): an Explorer mission of opportunity for soft x-ray timing spectroscopy

The Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) is a proposed NASA Explorer Mission of Opportunity dedicated to the study of the extraordinary gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear-physics environments embodied by neutron stars. NICER will explore the exotic states of matter within neutron stars, where density and pressure are higher than in atomic nuclei, confronting theory with unique observational constraints. NICER will enable rotation-resolved spectroscopy of the thermal and non-thermal emissions of neutron stars in the soft (0.2–12 keV) X-ray band with unprecedented sensitivity, probing interior structure, the origins of dynamic phenomena, and the mechanisms that underlie the most powerful cosmic particle accelerators known. NICER will achieve these goals by deploying, following launch in December 2016, an X-ray timing and spectroscopy instrument as an attached payload aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A robust design compatible with the ISS visibility, vibration, and contamination environments allows NICER to exploit established infrastructure with low risk. Grazing-incidence optics coupled with silicon drift detectors, actively pointed for a full hemisphere of sky coverage, will provide photon-counting spectroscopy and timing registered to GPS time and position, with high throughput and relatively low background. In addition to advancing a vital multi-wavelength approach to neutron star studies through coordination with radio and γ-ray observations, NICER will provide a rapid-response capability for targeting of transients, continuity in X-ray timing astrophysics investigations post-RXTE through a proposed Guest Observer program, and new discovery space in soft X-ray timing science.
National socialism as a political religion

This article explores the ways in which theories of political religion can contribute to our understanding of the totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century, and not least to the problem of the emotional enthusiasm they undoubtedly mobilised. The article contains comparative materials drawn from Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union, and discusses such major thinkers as Eric Voeglin, whose 1938 essay on political religions was seminal to this approach.
Monomeric f-element chemistry with sterically encumbered allyl ligands

Abstract A new class of allyl-lanthanide salts of the type [K(thf)4][(C3H3(SiMe3)2)3LnI] (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er) have been prepared and isolated by reaction of three equivalents of the 1,3-bis(trimethylsilyl)allyl anion with LnI3. The neutral complex [C3H3(SiMe3)2]3Nd(thf) has been isolated from the reaction of the triflate complex Nd(O3SCF3)3 with three equivalents of the 1,3-bis(trimethylsilyl)allyl anion. These complexes have been structurally characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Lead-210 in the circumpolar South Atlantic

^(210)Pb activity in circumpolar waters of the South Atlantic is characterized by a sharply defined maximum at intermediate to shallow depths that is strongly correlated with the oxygen minimum. This feature, present throughout the Southern Ocean, is most likely locally maintained rather than advected from elsewhere. The highest ^(210)Pb activities in this region occur in the northern Weddell Sea, indicating a source of ^(210)Pb-rich water in the west or north flank of the Weddell Sea Gyre. An estimate of the (^(210)Pb) deficiency relative to (^(226)Ra) shows that despite high biological productivity, the sediments underlying the Southern Ocean are not a major sink for ^(210)Pb.
Time-resolved X-ray diffraction of biological materials

Instrumental and specimen considerations pertinent to performing time-resolved x-ray diffraction on biological materials are discussed. Existing synchrotron x-ray sources, in conjunction with integrating x-ray detectors, have made millisecond diffraction experiments feasible; exposure times several orders of magnitude shorter than this will be possible with synchrotron sources now on the drawing boards. Experience gained from time-resolved studies together with order-of-magnitude estimates of specimen requirements can be used to determine the instrumental capabilities needed for various time-resolved experiments. Existing instrumental capabilities and methods of dealing with time-resolved specimens are reviewed.
Performance characteristics of a narrow-linewidth distributed-Bragg reflector laser for optical remote sensing systems

The performance of a novel ridge-waveguide, distributed-Bragg-reflector laser was tested for spectroscopic remote sensing applications. The laser exhibits a narrow linewidth, excellent side-mode suppression, and flexible, highly repeatable wavelength tuning. These characteristics are significant improvements over current Fabry-Perot lasers, and indicate that distributed-Bragg-reflector lasers are promising candidates for implementing advanced semiconductor-based optical remote sensing systems.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING MINORITY FACULTY RECRUITMENT

Two‐year colleges reportedly have enrolled a disproportionately large number of minority students, but minority representation among full‐time faculty members in these colleges is low. In this study institutional data on the numbers of minority full‐time 2‐year college faculty are provided, and the type of strategies presently being used by 2‐year institutions to recruit minority faculty members are discussed in detail. Strategies that are found to be particularly successful in facilitating the recruitment of minority faculty include hiring minorities to serve as chief academic administrators, hiring minority faculty for ethnic studies departments, having minorities serve on the board of trustees, recruiting minorities in private industry to teach part‐time, and canceling positions without minority applicants.
Molecular analysis of interpolymer complexation in graft copolymer networks

Interpolymer complexation is associated with the formation of hydrogen bonds between pendent and/or grafted groups of a single polymer or copolymers. The degree of complexation can be described theoretically in terms of complexation/decomplexation equilibrium characteristics. Graft copolymer networks of poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) were prepared by free radical solution polymerization of methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate. The ensuing gels exhibited drastic network structural changes in response to environmental pH changes due to the formation/dissociation of interpolymer complexes. The molecular level degree of complexation was determined as a function of copolymer composition, PEG graft chain molecular weight and environmental pH. The largest degrees of complexation were observed in gels containing nearly equimolar amounts of the monomeric units and the longest molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) grafts. These trends were predicted by the equilibrium complexation theory and were in good agreement with the experimental data.