cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taking the Teachers to School! Critical Consciousness Emerging: A Qualitative Exploration of Mexican American Youth’s Social Justice Orientation Development

Empirical research demonstrates that Chicanx students thrive in an educational setting where Western histories are de-centered, and the core objectives of the curricula are the student’s own self-exploration, the discovery of their subjectivity, social change, and learning (Cabrera et al. in Urban Rev 45:7–22, 2013). This critical pedagogical method, with a participatory style of education focused on equity, empowerment and hope, is a means to increase not only youth positive sense of self and capacity to overcome discrimination, but also as a means to achieve critical consciousness. The purpose of this research is to examine how youth sociopolitical lens/worldview changed over time during and since taking a Mexican American Studies course at a university. The main objective of this study is to understand how critical consciousness surfaces among Mexican American high school students in a university social justice course. This research is especially valuable today as communities of color continue to be systematically and disproportionately burdened by racist policies in U.S. education and the justice system. This research will add to the scholarly body of literature on the relationship between critical education and critical consciousness development among Mexican American youth.
Social isolation, residential stability, and opioid use disorder among older Medicare beneficiaries: Metropolitan and non-metropolitan county comparison.

Abstract Research has shown that the prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) may rise substantially as society ages, but this issue receives the least attention in the literature. To address this gap, this study utilizes county-level data from multiple data sources (1) to investigate whether social isolation is associated with OUD prevalence among older Medicare beneficiaries, (2) to examine whether and how residential stability moderates the association between social isolation and OUD prevalence in US counties, and (3) to determine if there are any differences in these associations between metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties. The results show that social isolation is a significant factor for county-level OUD prevalence, regardless of metropolitan status. In addition, counties with high residential stability have low prevalence of OUD among older adults and this association is stronger in metropolitan than in non-metropolitan counties. Nonetheless, high levels of residential stability reinforce the positive relationship between social isolation and OUD prevalence. As a result, when developing policies and interventions aimed at reducing OUD among older adults, place of residence must be taken into account.
OH NO! NOT ANOTHER DICHOTOMY:

Kivisto's comment is written in a didactic voice-I "could have" done this, "should have" analyzed that. This kind of response is best suited to the classroom. Any published text possesses its own integrity. The issue is what I did say. The purpose of my paper was to reiterate certain areas of scholarship that can be fruitfully brought to bear on issues raised by postmodernism. In the past I have been dismayed at the handling of contemporary social theory by some sociologists who would benefit by more depth reading of poststructuralist and postmodern ideas. Nowhere, however, have I ever identified myself as a postmodernist, although I am sympathetic to many of its insights. I assume that by Kivisto's title ("having it both ways") and the comments about "back door" moral intent, he is disturbed precisely by my refusal to align myself with one of two alleged, emergent sociological camps-the modernists and the postmodernists (a convenient dichotomy). Perhaps it is disturbing to encounter a refusal of this kind, but simple choices no longer suffice. I offer writing that rejects categorization as either modernist or postmodernist. This makes Kivisto uncomfortable, but I have no doubt that this third, integrating path represents the future of sociology. I reject all convenient dichotomies that try to force people to choose sides. One reason why can be illustrated by Kivisto's writing which characteristically works with a transcendent and unified conception of "postmodernism," as if there were no debates regarding what that term means. My paper was not about creating a sociological "tradition" that "helps us think about moral obligations and boundaries," but about exposing the contradictions of all pompous arguments that invoke some transcendent concept of morality, in the Nietzschean sense. Kivisto is way off when he asks how I would respond to such phenomena as "gay-bashing neo-Nazi skinheads" or the asian Indian practice of sati. My intent was to discuss sociology. Kivisto forgot to ask me my opinion of the weather. Kivisto argues that I "seek to substitute relevance for morality," (another dichotomy). Why not relevance and morality? Why not the simultaneous production of sociological knowledge and public policy? As Giddens (1991) shows, this simultaneous, reflexive aspect of knowledge production already characterizes the "institutional reflexivity" of society. So much for this imagined choice. The issue of relevance was raised about sociology, because, as Seidman (1991) correctly argues, current sociological theorizing is increasingly irrelevant. This issue frames not only the academic critique of sociological
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

It is estimated that 4,870 new cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) will be diagnosed in 2010, representing approximately 11 % of all leukemias (Jemal et al. 2010). The median age of diagnosis reported in 2003–2007 was 65 years of age (Altekruse et al. 2010). The etiology of CML remains unclear; evidence is lacking demonstrating hereditary influence. Individuals who have been exposed to ionizing radiation or benzene are at an increase risk of developing CML (Corso et al. 1995). Other risk factors which have been evaluated include smoking, benzene, and magnetic field exposure (Bjork et al. 2001; Hayes et al. 1997; Kheifets et al. 1997). To date, these are all inconclusive in correlating exposure to acquisition of CML. A recent M.D. Anderson study suggests that adulthood obesity and occupational exposure to agricultural chemicals increase CML risk (Strom et al. 2009).
Current-sensing techniques for DC-DC converters

Current sensing is one of the most important functions on a smart power chip. Conventional current-sensing methods insert a resistor in the path of the current to be sensed. This method incurs significant power losses, especially when the current to be sensed is high. Lossless current-sensing methods address this issue by sensing the current without dissipating the power that passive resistors do. Six available lossless current sensing techniques are reviewed. A new scheme for increasing the accuracy of current sensing when the discrete elements are not known is introduced. The new scheme measures the inductor value during the DC-DC controller startup.
A General CAD Tool for Large-Signal GaAs MESFET Circuit Design

An accurate and general CAD tool for large-signal GaAs MESFET design has been developed. It is based upon incorporation of an accurate GaAs MESFET model in the SPICE circuit simulation. The tool has been utilized in the analysis of microwave power amplifiers, oscillators and mixers, and GaAs digital IC's. Examples of some of these studies are presented.
Existence of symplectic surfaces

In this paper we show that every degree 2 homology class of a 2n-dimensional symplectic manifold is represented by an immersed symplectic surface if it has positive symplectic area. Moreover, the sym- plectic surface can be chosen to be embedded if 2n is at least 6. We also analyze the additional conditions under which embedded symplectic rep- resentatives exist in dimension 4.
Preliminary results of the spacelab 2 superfluid helium experiment

An experiment to investigate the properties of superfluid helium in a microgravity environment flew on the Shuttle on the Spacelab 2 mission in July and August of 1985. This paper summarizes the flight experiment and describes some preliminary results.
An ultra wide bandwidth power divider on MMIC operating 4 to 10 GHz

A circuit topology is presented for realizing power dividers with bandwidths of 2.5:1 or greater on MMIC. This topology consists of lumped-element interconnected networks and is thus ideally suited for MMIC technology. This proposed minimum-element topology favors component values that are easily realizable and thus minimize losses due to low-Q elements. A three-way divider was fabricated that achieved 5.8-dB nominal insertion loss and 18-dB isolation form 4 to 10 GHz. The circuit was designed on a 60-mil*60-mil chip and included RF probe pads at each port to allow measurement of on-chip performance. all circuit components were realized as MIM capacitors. NiCr resistors, and air bridge inductors. A short length of high-impedance transmission line was included at the input on the divider to compensate for the parasitic nature of the lumped elements. Excellent agreement was obtained between measured and predicted performance. >
Science, Society and the Environment: Applying Anthropology and Physics to Sustainability

© 2015 Michael R. Dove and Daniel M. Kammen. All rights reserved. In an era when pressing environmental problems make collaboration across the divide between sciences and arts and humanities essential, this book presents the results of a collaborative analysis by an anthropologist and a physicist of four key junctures between science, society, and environment. The first focuses on the systemic bias in science in favour of studying esoteric subjects as distinct from the mundane subjects of everyday life; the second is a study of the fire-climax grasslands of Southeast Asia, especially those dominated by Imperata cylindrica (sword grass); the third reworks the idea of 'moral economy', applying it to relations between environment and society; and the fourth focuses on the evolution of the global discourse of the culpability and responsibility of climate change. The volume concludes with the insights of an interdisciplinary perspective for the natural and social science of sustainability. It argues that failures of conservation and development must be viewed systemically, and that mundane topics are no less complex than the more esoteric subjects of science. The book addresses a current blind spot within the academic research community to focusing attention on the seemingly common and mundane beliefs and practices that ultimately play the central role in the human interaction with the environment. This book will benefit students and scholars from a number of different academic disciplines, including conservation and environment studies, development studies, studies of global environmental change, anthropology, geography, sociology, politics, and science and technology studies.
Is nationalism just for nationals? Civic nationalism for noncitizens and celebrating National Day in Qatar and the UAE

Abstract Is nationalism just for nationals? The scholarly consensus seems to be yes, but two small monarchies on the Arabian Peninsula suggest the need to reconsider this assumption. In Qatar, citizens account for about 12 percent of the country’s 2 million inhabitants. Of the UAE’s 8.2 million residents, 13 percent are citizens. Citizen-nationals enjoy significant legal privilege in these states, preserved by their jus sanguinis citizenship regimes, which preclude noncitizens and their children from naturalizing. Although they are frequently dismissed as “ethnocracies,” Gulf states are not exclusively dominated by ethnic nationalism. Rather, as this study of “National Day” holidays in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) illustrates, an incipient form of civic nationalism is increasingly being used to narrate state-based belonging on the part of noncitizen “expats.” Through textual analysis of celebration discourses in the lead-up to the 2013 and 2014 holidays in the UAE and Qatar, supplemented by participant observation, I analyze the political geographical imaginaries at work in these ostensibly inclusivist narratives. Extending the citizenship studies literature on noncitizen inclusion, this case study shows how the Gulf countries challenge traditional assumptions about nationalism being the exclusive domain of citizens, and points to the need for more research about how noncitizens elsewhere in the world participate in nationalist rituals and to what end.
Issues of spatial, taxonomic and temporal scale in delineating links between mangrove diversity and ecosystem function

This paper reviews the presence of many types of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in mangrove systems, evaluates the significance of this heterogeneity, and asks if there are appropriate and useful means to generalize across scales and to incorporate this heterogeneity into models of ecosystem function. Genetic variation manifests itself at organizational scales from branches to populations (encompassing hierarchical spatial scales from centimeters to kilometres), with phenotypic differences in physiological and morphological traits that influence
Communication Lower Bounds and Optimal Algorithms for Programs That Reference Arrays - Part 1

Abstract : Communication, i.e., moving data, between levels of a memory hierarchy or between parallel processors on a network, can greatly dominate the cost of computation, so algorithms that minimize communication can run much faster (and use less energy) than algorithms that do not. Motivated by this, attainable communication lower bounds were established in [12, 13, 4] for a variety of algorithms including matrix computations. The lower bound approach used initially in [13] for Theta(N3) matrix multiplication, and later in [4] for many other linear algebra algorithms, depended on a geometric result by Loomis and Whitney [16]: this result bounded the volume of a 3D set (representing multiply-adds done in the inner loop of the algorithm) using the product of the areas of certain 2D projections of this set (representing the matrix entries available locally, i.e., without communication). Using a recent generalization of Loomis' and Whitney's result, we generalize this lower bound approach to a much larger class of algorithms, that may have arbitrary numbers of loops and arrays with arbitrary dimensions as long as the index expressions are a ne combinations of loop variables. In other words, the algorithm can do arbitrary operations on any number of variables like A(i(sub 1), i(sub 2), i(sub 2) - 2i(sub 1), 3 - 4i(sub 3) + 7i(sub 4), ...). Moreover, the result applies to recursive programs, irregular iteration spaces, sparse matrices, and other data structures as long as the computation can be logically mapped to loops and indexed data structure accesses. We also discuss when optimal algorithms exist that attain the lower bounds; this leads to new asymptotically faster algorithms for several problems.
Interaction of progesterone receptor with immobilized adenosine triphosphate

Abstract Affinity chromatography has been used to study the binding of ATP to cytoplasmic progesterone receptors of hen oviduct. A resin which selectively binds the receptor protein was prepared by linking ATP covalently to Sepharose 4B through a 6-carbon bridge of adipic acid dihydrazide. Receptor bound to the affinity resin was recovered in a single peak upon gradient elution with KC1 (0.2–1 M) or ATP (0–0.1 M). While affinity chromatography was normally accomplished using the [3H]progesterone · receptor complex, the hormone was not necessary for ATP binding under the conditions employed. The chromatography of crude receptor preparations allowed up to 100-fold purification with greater than 80% recovery of the receptor. The semipurified receptor appeared intact when analysed by sucrose gradient centrifugation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The latter procedure separated the receptor into two components, A and B, both of which were capable of binding ATP. Although a specific biochemical role of ATP in hormone receptor action has not been demonstrated, the present studies support this possibility and, in addition, offer a convenient and reliable step for the purification of progesterone receptors.
The Impact of Running versus Interrupted Anastomosis on Ureterointestinal Stricture Rate after Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: Benign ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture is not uncommon after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. We studied the impact of the running vs the interrupted technique on the ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture rate.Materials and Methods: From July 2007 to December 2008 interrupted end-to-side anastomoses were created and from January 2009 to July 2010 running anastomoses were created. The primary study end point was time to ureterointestinal anastomotic stricture.Results: Of 266 consecutive patients 258 were alive 30 days after radical cystectomy, including 149 and 109 with an interrupted and a running anastomosis, respectively. The groups did not differ in age, gender, body mass index, age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, receipt of chemotherapy or radiation, blood loss, operative time, diversion type or postoperative pathological findings. The stricture rate per ureter was 8.5% (25 of 293) and 12.7% (27 of 213) in the interrupted and running groups, respectively (p = 0.14). Un...
Structural basis for leucine-rich nuclear export signal recognition by CRM1

CRM1 (also known as XPO1 and exportin 1) mediates nuclear export of hundreds of proteins through the recognition of the leucine-rich nuclear export signal (LR-NES). Here we present the 2.9 A structure of CRM1 bound to snurportin 1 (SNUPN). Snurportin 1 binds CRM1 in a bipartite manner by means of an amino-terminal LR-NES and its nucleotide-binding domain. The LR-NES is a combined α-helical-extended structure that occupies a hydrophobic groove between two CRM1 outer helices. The LR-NES interface explains the consensus hydrophobic pattern, preference for intervening electronegative residues and inhibition by leptomycin B. The second nuclear export signal epitope is a basic surface on the snurportin 1 nucleotide-binding domain, which binds an acidic patch on CRM1 adjacent to the LR-NES site. Multipartite recognition of individually weak nuclear export signal epitopes may be common to CRM1 substrates, enhancing CRM1 binding beyond the generally low affinity LR-NES. Similar energetic construction is also used in multipartite nuclear localization signals to provide broad substrate specificity and rapid evolution in nuclear transport. CRM1 is a nuclear transport receptor that mediates export of a large number of proteins out of the nucleus through recognition of leucine-rich nuclear export signals (LR-NES). In this study, Chook and colleagues present the crystal structure of CRM1 in complex with a substrate called snurportin1. Snurportin1 binds CRM1 in a bipartite manner through an N-terminal LR-NES and its nucleotide-binding domain. Further analysis reveals a second NES epitope in the nucleotide-binding domain of snurportin1. The authors propose that multipartite recognition of individually weak NES epitopes may be a common feature of CRM1 binding. The crystal structure of CRM1 in complex with a substrate called snurportin 1 is presented. Snurportin 1 binds CRM1 in a bipartite manner by means of an amino-terminal leucine-rich nuclear export signal (LR-NES) and its nucleotide-binding domain. Further analysis reveals a second NES epitope in the nucleotide-binding domain of snurportin 1, and multipartite recognition of individually weak NES epitopes may be a common feature of CRM1 binding.
Desmocytes in the calicoblastic epithelium of the stony coral Mycetophyllia reesi and their attachment to the skeleton

Desmocytes scattered over the surface of the corallum of the scleractinian Mycetophyllia reesi attach the calicoblastic tissue to the skeleton. The structure of the desmocyte is generally consistent with that of other scleractinians except for their more rectangular profiles and greater size. However, the extent of attachment is distinctive, and the mode of attachment to mineral is described for the first time. The skeleton contains dual rows of interconnected pits between the septa, within and among which desmocytes form virtually uninterrupted sheets. Desmocytes terminate with hemidesmosomes that attach the epithelium to a fibrillar basal lamina. Fibrils extend from the basal lamina into the skeletal matrix anchoring tissue firmly to the skeleton. In addition, the basal lamina itself appears to be incorporated within the organic matrix during growth, partitioning the skeleton into compartments. Because the skeletal organic matrix is physicochemically labile during demineralization, these intraskeletal details cannot be observed unless polycationic dyes such as Ruthenium red or other glycan precipitating agents are employed in the fixative sequence.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with biologic therapy

The use of biologics in the treatment of autoimmune disease, cancer, and other immune conditions has revolutionized medical care in these areas. However, there are drawbacks to the use of these medications including increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. One unforeseen risk once opportunistic infection has occurred with biologic use is the onset of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) upon drug withdrawal. Although originally described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, it has become clear that IRIS may occur when recovery of immune function follows opportunistic infection in the setting of previous immune compromise/suppression. In this review, we draw attention to this potential pitfall on the use of biologic drugs.
Moult and Plumages of Eastern Rosellas Platycercus eximius

Adult Eastern Rosellas have a single post-breeding moult each year, from December to May. This moult is complete except in some bids, mostly females, that defer moult of outer primaries until the following year. Birds fledge in juvenile plumage, pass into pre-adult plumage when two to six months old with a moult of the head and body feathers and pass into adult plumage when twelve to eighteen months old with a complete moult. Replacement of primaries starts with middle primaries and progresses inwards and outwards from this focus. Average duration of primary moult is 114 days. A major difference between Eastern Rosellas and the taxonomically related Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus is that Eastern Rosellas moult regularly after breeding, while Budgerigars moult continuously, even when breeding. Budgerigars moult into pre-adult and adult plumages at a younger age than do Eastern Rosellas.
ROTATIONAL MAGNETIC MEASUREMENTS OF VORTEX PINNING IN POLYCRYSTALLINE TYPE-II SUPERCONDUCTORS

Abstract Rotational magnetization-vector measurements were carried out on polycrystalline samples of YBa2Cu3O7 and (Ba, K)BiO3 at various fields (H) and temperatures. For both samples upon rotation in fixed H at each temperature, the vortex flux density vector was seen to bifurcate into B R , which rotates rigidly with the sample, and B F , which stays at fixed angle θF relative to H and thus turns frictionally relative to the sample. With increasing H, BR diminishes and eventually vanishes while BF grows monotonically, demonstrating that the vortex pinning torques have a broad range of values. The experimental quantity Hsin θF, which at equilibrium equals τPμ (τP being the average pinning torque per vortex and μ the vortex moment), decreases with increasingly high H at each temperature for both samples. The broad distribution of vortex pinning torques and the field dependence of their average value are shown to be consistent with the collective-pinning process of vortex bundling. At fixed H, τP decreases rapidly with increasing temperature (T), varying approximately as T−β where β ≈ 0.8 for both samples. References are made to related properties deduced from conventional data via the critical-state model.
Application of a biogenic extra cellular ice nucleator for food processing: effects on the freeze-thaw stability of fish actomyosin from tilapia

Summary The effect of biogenic extra cellular ice nucleators (ECINs) on gel-forming capacity and textural stability of a fish actomyosin (AM) gel system subjected to controlled freeze-thaw (FT) cycles was studied. Stability changes were quantified by measuring the degree of retention of Ca2+ ATPase activity and changes in protein surface hydrophobicity. Results showed that different concentrations of ECIN suppressed Ca2+ ATPase activity loss during FT cycles depended quantitatively on ECIN concentration. After three FT cycles, Ca2+ ATPase activity retention was 76.20% with the highest ECIN concentration and 20.10% without ECIN, and surface hydrophobicity of AM with ECIN was 150.67, whereas the corresponding value of the control sample was 208.70. By measuring changes in surface hydrophobicity, we observed that ECIN significantly reduces denaturation of AM protein caused by FT cycling. Our data show that ECIN contributes a significant protective effect on gel-forming capacity of fish and textural stability of fish AM during FT cycling. This demonstrates for the first time that ECINs have the potential to help stabilise the texture of fish AM and potentially other food products during frozen storage.
Synaptic vesicle fusion complex contains unc-18 homologue bound to syntaxin

THREE synaptic proteins, syntaxin, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin, were recently identified as targets of clostridial neurotoxins that irreversibly inhibit synaptic vesicle fusion1–4. Experiments searching for membrane receptors forN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF), which has an important role in membrane fusion, revealed an ATP-dependent interaction of the same three synaptic proteins with NSF and its soluble attachment proteins5. Thus, two independent approaches identify syntaxin, synaptobrevin and SNAP-25 as components of the synaptic vesicle fusion machinery, but their mode of action is unclear6. We have now discovered a brain protein of relative molecular mass 67,000 (67K) which binds stably to syntaxin. Amino-acid sequencing and complementary DNA cloning revealed that the 67K protein is encoded by the mammalian homologue of the Caenorhabditis elegans gene unc-18. In C. elegans, unc-18 belongs to a group of genes defined by mutations with a paralytic phenotype and accumulations of acetylcholine, suggesting a defect in neurotransmitter release7,8. The binding of the mammalian homologue of unc-18 (Munc-18) to syntaxin requires the N terminus of syntaxin whereas that of SNAP-25 involves a more C-terminal sequence. Our data suggest that Munc-18 is a previously unidentified essential component of the synaptic vesicle fusion protein complex.
The carrier-free isolation of indium from silver and cadmium by liquid-liquid extraction

Abstract An analytical method was developed for the rapid and carrier-free separation of 2·81 d 111 In produced by the reactions 109 Ag(He 4 , 2 n ) 111 In and 110 Cd( d . n ) 111 In. The method is based upon the fact that indium in the presence of macro-concentrations of Ag(I) and Cd(II) preferentially extracts into n -heptane solutions of bis (2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphate (HDEHP) from aqueous nitric acid media. The Ag(I) and Cd(II) remain quantitatively in the aqueous phase. The distribution ratios ( K ) vary from greater than 10 3 for In(III) to less than 10 −2 for Ag(I) and Cd(II). The indium is quantitatively stripped from the solvent phase with HCl. The total separation time is less than 10 min. In the present investigation K has been studied with respect to acid-solvent dependence, equilibration, and back extraction. Optimum conditions for maximum extraction have been determined.
Heterogeneity in Residential Yard Care: Evidence from Boston, Miami, and Phoenix

The management of residential landscapes occurs within a complex socio-ecological system linking household decision-making with ecological properties, multi-scalar human drivers, and the legacy effects of past management. Conventional wisdom suggests that resource-intensive turf grass yards are the most common landscaping outcome, resulting in a presumed homogeneous set of residential landscaping practices throughout North America. We examine this homogenization thesis through an interview-based, cross-site study of residential landscape management in Boston, Phoenix, and Miami. Counter to the homogeneity thesis, we find that yard management practices often exhibit heterogeneity, for example, in groundcover choice or use of chemical inputs. The degree of heterogeneity in management practices varies according to the scale of analysis, and is the outcome of a range of constraints and opportunities to which households respond differently depending on their existing yard and landscaping preferences. This study highlights the importance of multi-scalar and cross-site analyses of decision-making in socio-ecological systems, and presents opportunities for longitudinal and cross-site research to examine the extent to which homogeneity is actually present in the management of residential landscapes over time and in diverse places.
A comparison of mirex-induced liver growth to liver regeneration

Abstract In intact rats given a single oral dose of mirex there was a dose-dependent increase in liver weight which peaked at 4 days. There were increases in hepatic RNA and protein, but DNA content per liver and DNA synthesis as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation were unchanged. In partially hepatectomized rats dosed with mirex 24 h post-surgery, there was a dose-dependent increase in relative liver weight which peaked at 5 days. In partially hepatectomized rats simultaneously dosed with mirex, [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was unaltered. However, in rats dosed with mirex 24 h prior to partial hepatectomy, there was a 50% reduction in [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA.
Early Revision in the Office for Adults After Unsatisfactory Blepharoptosis Correction

The most common complications of levator palpebrae superioris muscle blepharoptosis repair are undercorrection, overcorrection, and abnormalities of the eyelid contour. Previously described nonsurgical as well as surgical methods delay the repair of such complications and introduce the same confounding factors that can affect judgment of the eyelid level as during the initial surgical procedure. Twenty-two patients underwent a highly predictable surgical technique to revise unsatisfactory postoperative eyelid positions. Twenty-five of 26 eyelids (96%) had a satisfactory result and only one of 26 (4%) remained under-corrected. The revision is performed three to four days after the initial blepharoptosis correction and involves blunt separation of the wound without local anesthesia. The levator aponeurosis is advanced or recessed and resutured to the tarsus to achieve the proper eyelid height and contour. The advantages of this revision technique are as follows: (1) the procedure can be quickly and easily performed in the office; (2) the anatomic defects are corrected; (3) sharp dissection, bleeding, and edema are avoided; (4) the technique is painless and usually requires no local anesthetic injections; (5) the tone and function of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, Muller's, and orbicularis oculi muscles remain undisturbed intraoperatively; and (6) early correction is achieved, thereby enhancing patient acceptance.
Abstract 2609: Astrocytes decrease the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma stem-like cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Radiotherapy remains a primary treatment modality for glioblastoma (GBM). However, despite their extensive biological heterogeneity, although some GBMs respond better than others, they all essentially fail radiotherapy. This relatively homogeneous clinical response in a background of inter-tumor heterogeneity suggests that the microenvironment may play a significant role in determining their radioresponse. Data now suggest that glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) play a critical role in GBM development and maintenance. Therefore, towards developing a model system for investigating the role of the microenvironment in GBM radioresponse, we have used human GSCs grown in co-culture with human astrocytes. For these studies GSCs were seeded into the lower compartment of Boyden chambers with astrocytes in the upper compartment. GSC numbers were determined at times out to 18 days after seeding according to ATP content. The proliferation rate of GSCs in co-culture was similar to that obtained when astrocytes were not included in the upper chamber, indicating that astrocytes had no effect on the growth rate of GSCs. To determine whether astrocytes influence GSC radiosensitivity, 48h after co-culture initiation GSCs were irradiated with doses up to 6 Gy; ATP content of the cells were defined 11 days later and radiation survival curves generated. The resulting survival curves showed that the GSCs irradiated under co-culture conditions were significantly less sensitive than those irradiated in the absence of astrocytes. To begin to address the mechanisms responsible for the increased radioresistance of co-cultured GSCs, radiation-induced γ-H2AX nuclear foci were defined in GSCs grown with and without astrocyte co-culture. The initial level of γ-H2AX foci in GSCs was reduced significantly in co-cultures as compared to GSCs cultured in the absence of astrocytes suggesting the induction of fewer DNA double strand breaks. In addition, gene expression profiles generated from GSCs grown in co-culture were significantly different from control GSCs suggesting that astrocytes induced phenotypic modifications. Finally, profiling of astrocyte conditioned media revealed increased levels of a variety of chemokines/growth factors, including a number of which that have already been linked to radioresponse such as HGF, IL-6 and EGF. Taken together, these results are consistent with an astrocyte-mediated radioprotection of GBM cells and provide additional support for a critical role of the microenvironment in contributing to GBM radioresistance. Citation Format: Barbara H. Rath, Kevin Camphausen, Philip J. Tofilon. Astrocytes decrease the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma stem-like cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2609. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2609
Diagnosis and management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN)—a spectrum of neoplastic changes in the epithelial lining of the pancreatic duct—is being increasingly recognized. There is controversy surrounding the natural history, evaluation, surgical management and surveillance of IPMN. The authors of this Review present pooled surgical data and future directions, and propose an algorithm for the management of patients with IPMN. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) encompasses a spectrum of neoplastic change in the epithelial lining of the pancreatic duct. As such, it is difficult to predict the presence of malignancy, and pancreatic resection is established as the only effective treatment for IPMN. There is controversy about the natural history, evaluation, surgical management and surveillance of IPMN; as IPMN is being increasingly recognized, this controversy is being brought to the forefront of clinical practice. This review presents pooled surgical data, future directions and a proposed algorithm for the management of patients with IPMN.
The Synergistic Effects of Solid and Liquid Lubrication on the Tribological Behavior of Transformation-Toughened ZrO2 Ceramics

In this study, the authors investigated the synergistic effects of liquid and solid lubrication on the tribological behavior of yttriastabilized zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics. Thin silver films 1 to 2 μm thick were produced on ZrO2 flats by ion-beam-assisted deposition (IB AD) and used as the solid lubricant. A fully formulated synthetic oil (polyolester-based) served as the liquid lubricant. Wear tests were performed on an oscillating-slider wear test machine at temperatures up to 250°C. For the specific test conditions explored, it was found that: (a) without any type of lubrication, the friction coefficients of ZrO2/Z*rO2 test pairs were on the order of 0.6, and the average wear rates of pins were in the range of 5 × 10−5 to 10−4 mm3 · N−1 ·m−1, depending on the test temperature; (b) the use of solid-lubricant silver films alone reduced the friction coefficients of sliding pairs by factors of two to four, and the wear rates of pins by three orders of magnitude; (c) the use of liquid lubricants reduced the f...
On the Uniqueness of Equilibrium in Cournot Oligopoly and Other Games

Abstract In an average surplus sharing game, such as a Cournot oligopoly, a group of agents share a production process. Each contributes an amount of input to the process, and output is divided in proportion to the amount of input contributed. Uniqueness of the equilibrium is needed for any type of comparative static analysis. However, general uniqueness results for concave games have restrictive assumptions on preferences and technology; specifically, the conditions needed for uniqueness become more difficult to meet as the number of players increases. A new theorem for uniqueness with easily interpretable conditions is given which is independent of the number of players. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C70, C72, D43.
A model for phase transitions in Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ)

Abstract The observed phase transitions in Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) are discussed using a simple model for the interchain coupling of charge density waves. Estimates based on Coulomb energies show that for 38 K q x = π a + q′ x and qz of the wave vector associated with the charge density wave satisfy q z c q′ x a≅0.1 , with q′ x a∼(T 2 − T) 1 2 and T2 = 49 K. A possible mechanism for the first order transition at 38 K is proposed. The results are compared with neutron and X-ray scattering and with isotope shifts of the transition temperatures.
Frailty index predicts severe complications in gynecologic oncology patients

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to quantify the predictive value of frailty index on 30-day Clavien class IV (requiring critical care support) and class V (30-day mortality) complications after gynecologic cancer surgery. Methods Patients included in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) 2008–2011 had a final diagnosis of gynecologic malignancy. Modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated with 11 variables. Higher mFI scores indicated more severe comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to control for known predictors of complications. Results Of the total 6551 patients, 188 (2.9%) of the patients experienced a Clavien IV/V complication. 2958 patients had a score of 0 (45.2%), 2405 patients had a score of 1 (36.7%), 985 patients had a score of 2 (15%), 162 patients had a score of 3 (2.5%) and 41 patients had a score ≥4 (0.6%). The rates of Clavien IV/V complications were 2%, 2.7%, 4.4%, 7.4% and 24.4% for mFI scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and ≥4, respectively (p 10% risk). Conclusions Modified frailty index (mFI) is predictive of the need for critical care support and 30-day mortality after surgery for gynecologic cancer.
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Erenberg ES, Kamphuisen PW, Sijpkens MK et al. Reversal of rivaroxaban and dabigatran by prothrombin complex concentrate: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in healthy subjects. Circulation 2011;124:1573–1579.
Morphological and molecular evidence supporting an arbutoid mycorrhizal relationship in the Costa Rican páramo.

This study examines evidence for a particular arbutoid mycorrhizal interaction in paramo, a high-altitude neotropical ecosystem important in hydrological regulation but poorly known in terms of its fungal communities. Comarostaphylis arbutoides Lindley (Ericaceae) often forms dense thickets in Central American paramo habitats. Based on phylogenetic classification, it has been suggested that C. arbutoides forms arbutoid mycorrhizae with diverse Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes; however, this assumption has not previously been confirmed. Based on field data, we hypothesized an arbutoid mycorrhizal association between C. arbutoides and the recently described bolete Leccinum monticola Halling & G.M. Mueller; in this study, we applied a rigorous approach using anatomical and molecular data to examine evidence for such an association. We examined root samples collected beneath L. monticola basidiomes for mycorrhizal structures, and we also compared rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences between mycorrhizal root tips and leaf or basidiome material of the suspected symbionts. Root cross sections showed a thin hyphal sheath and intracellular hyphal coils typical of arbutoid mycorrhizae. DNA sequence comparisons confirmed the identity of C. arbutoides and L. monticola as the mycorrhizal symbionts. In addition, this paper provides additional evidence for the widespread presence of minisatellite-like inserts in the ITS1 spacer in Leccinum species (including a characterization of the insert in L. monticola) and reports the use of an angiosperm-specific ITS primer pair useful for amplifying plant DNA from mycorrhizal roots without co-amplifying fungal DNA.
Breast cancer after breast augmentation with silicone implants.

Background: Although epidemiological studies have failed to demonstrate an increased incidence of breast cancer in women who had undergone prior prosthetic augmentation mammoplasty (PAM), it has been reported that when breast cancer arises in this group it presents mostly in a palpable form and at a more advanced stage. This is thought to be secondary to suboptimal mammographic evaluation caused by the masking effect of the implant. This study was undertaken to determine, in our experience, whether breast cancer arising in women who had undergone PAM could be detected in a prepalpable form by mammography and whether it presented at a more advanced stage as compared with nonaugmented women with breast cancer.
Weighing the gold in the gold standard: challenges in HIV prevention research.

Objective(s) Few HIV prevention interventions have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We examined design, implementation, and contextual considerations that may limit detection of a positive or adverse effect in HIV prevention trials.
Electron transfer. 123. Competitive redox reactions involving a Cobalt(I) intermediate

he hypophosphito derivative of CoIII, (NH3)5CoO2PH2 2+, decomposes in basic media, yielding Co(II) quantitatively, along with a 1:1 mixture of hypophosphite and phosphite. Earlier studies point to a cobalt (I) intermediate, which rapidly reduces a second molecule of Co(III) reactant to Co(II). In the presence of an external cobalt (III) oxidant (Co3X), the latter competes with the hypophosphito complex for Co(I), lowering the yield of free hypophosphite. From the ratio of phosphorus products (P3/P1), evaluated by proton decoupled 31P NMR, the relative reactivities (kt/kc) of the external Co(III) “traps” and the hypophosphito complex may be determined. A log-log plot comparing values of kt/kc with rates for reductions of the same series of Co(III) oxidants with Ru(NH3)6 2+ (kRu values) is badly scattered with a slope of only 0.23, well below the value of unity stipulated by the Marcus model, indicating that an outer-sphere mechanism cannot operate for all of the Co(III)-Co(I) reactions and may not operate for any, except for that with Co(NH3)5(py)3+. Among the carboxylato-substituted oxidants, there are no rate enhancements by neighbouring pyridine, -SR,-OH, -CHO, or -SO3H functions, in contrast to the accelerations previously observed for reductions by Cr(II), Eu(II) and Ti(III), which are attributed to intermediacy of chelate-stabilized precursor complexes. It is suggested that the Co(III)-Co(I) reactions, which determine the ratio of phosphorus products, are much more rapid than the ligand substitution at the Co(I) center which must precede chelate formation, and that the latter therefore does not intervene significantly in the redox processes.
Experimental Evaluation of Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema

Abstract Reexpansion pulmonary edema following pneumothorax is clinically uncommon but occasionally life threatening. This study documents the functional and anatomical abnormalities that occur when a collapsed lung is reexpanded. Right pneumothorax was created through open tube thoracostomy in 30 goats. The animals were divided into six groups by duration of pneumothorax (24, 48, or 72 hours) and technique of reexpansion (waterseal vs 10 cm H 2 O suction). Arterial blood gases and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (a-aD o 2 ) were analyzed before pneumothorax and after reexpansion. Each lung was reexpanded for 2 hours, chest roentgenograms were obtained, and both lungs were removed. The left lung served as the control. Both lungs were checked for surfactant activity and pulmonary extravascular water volume (PEWV). Light and electron microscopy were also performed. Anatomical and functional changes were present in the reexpanded lung after relief of pneumothorax. Both increased time of collapse and suction reexpansion tended to correlate with increased PEWV, decreased surfactant and arterial Po 2 , and increased a-aD o 2 .
Effects of aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin on growth and differentiation of normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

The effects of aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin on the clonal growth rate, cross-linked envelope formation and plasminogen activator secretion of normal human bronchial epithelial cells were studied. Neither compound was mitogenic over a wide range of concentrations (10−13 to 10−7M). Both aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin inhibited clonal growth rate with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 3 × 10−11M and 10−10M, respectively. Both compounds induced the formation of cross-linked envelopes and increased plasminogen activator secretion with equal potency. These data are similar to those previously obtained with 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and teleocidin B and suggest that aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin induce terminal squamous differentiation in normal human bronchial epithelial cells.
Theory-driven design for healthy eating

This project follows the nudging perspective with a persuasive technology approach. I propose that integrating extremely simple attributes into the interfaces of technology platforms, as inspired by theories of behavioral economics, social psychology, as well as literature on healthy eating, can have a substantial impact on users' behavior and potentially help them achieve their ends.
In Congress: Upcoming hearings

The following hearings and markups have been tentatively scheduled for the coming weeks by the House of Representatives. Dates and times should be verified with the committee or subcommittee holding the hearing or markup; all offices on Capitol Hill may be reached by telephoning 202-224-3121. For guidelines on contacting a member of Congress, see AGU's Guide to Legislative Information and Contacts (Eos, April 17, 1984, p. 159).