cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do birds differentiate between white noise and deterministic chaos

Noisy, unpredictable sounds are often present in the vocalizations of fearful and stressed animals across many taxa. A variety of structural characteristics, called nonlinear acoustic phenomena, that include subharmonics, rapid frequency modulations, and deterministic chaos are responsible for the harsh sound quality of these vocalizations. Exposure to nonlinear sound can elicit increased arousal in birds and mammals. Past experiments have used white noise to test for effects of deterministic chaos on perceivers. However, deterministic chaos differs structurally from white noise (i.e., random signal with equal energy at all frequencies), and unlike white noise, may differ dramatically depending on how it is produced. In addition, the subtle structural variation of chaos may not be distinguishable in the environment due to the attenuation and degradation of sound over distance and different habitat types. We designed two experiments to clarify whether American robins (Turdus migratorius) and warbling vireos (Vireo gilvus) discriminate between white noise and deterministic chaos. We broadcast and re-recorded white noise and two exemplars of deterministic chaos—one generated with a Chua oscillator and the other generated using a logistic equation—at 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 m across open and forested habitat and used spectrogram correlations to compare stimuli along this degradational gradient. We found that sounds degraded similarly in both habitats when compared to a reference distance of 1 m. Comparing pairs of stimuli across distances suggested that Chua chaos was more easily distinguishable from noise and logistic chaos. In addition, all stimuli became more distinctive over increased distance. The second experiment tested behavioral responses of robins and warbling vireos to control sounds of tropical kingbird (Quiscalus mexicanus), white noise, and two exemplars of deterministic chaos (Chua and logistic). Neither American robins nor warbling vireos responded differently to at least two types of deterministic chaos and white noise, validating previous playback studies that used white noise as a surrogate for deterministic chaos. Uniform responses to a variety of nonlinear features in these birds possibly reflect error management in alarm signal detection.
Liquid-immersed transformer insulation system thermal verification: A case for revised sealed tube test

This article describes the development and evolution of test methods for evaluation of the thermal class of liquid-immersed transformer insulation systems. Various methods recognized by industry standards are briefly described, with the focus on a revised procedure for the sealed tube test method. An example of the product evaluation using this method is presented. Recent industry discussions on the thermal performance of cellulose in ester liquids, resulted in a need for performing thorough studies on this subject. It was agreed within IEC Technical Committee 14 "Power Transformers" that comprehensive studies shall be made. It is likely that the sealed tube test methodology discussed in this article could be used for developing more systematic conclusions on cellulose-ester thermal performance.
Effects of dexamethasone infusion on the plasma Cortisol response to cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) injection in normal dogs

Graded dosages of cosyntropin (synthetic corticotropin) were injected into groups of normal dogs on consecutive days. On the first day, cosyntropin was administered alone and, on the second, dogs were infused with dexamethasone three hours before cosyntropin injection. Adrenocortical function was assessed by sequential measurement of plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) concentration. While no response differences were noted to the various amounts of cosyntropin injected with or without dexamethasone pretreatment, the magnitude of adrenocortical response was significantly greater in dogs infused with dexamethasone. It is concluded that dexamethasone pretreatment renders the canine adrenal cortex more responsive to a subsequent injection of cosyntropin. The combined dexamethasone infusion-cosyntropin injection test produces consistent adrenocortical responses in normal dogs, and has potential value in evaluation of adrenopathic dogs.
Abstract 11638: Angiographic Efficacy of the Atriclip Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Exclusion Device Placed by Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Approach

Introduction: Closure of the LAA with an endocardial device is associated with a low risk for AF related embolic stroke. The Atriclip exclusion device (Atricure, Inc., West Chester, OH, USA) allows...
Formulation and Evaluation of Nanoenhanced Anti-bacterial Calcium Phosphate Bone Cements

Post-operative complications due to infections are the most common problems that occur following dental and orthopedic implant surgeries and bone repair procedures. Blood samples randomly collected from postmortem donors showed a 26% bacterial contamination rate. Preventing post-surgical infections is therefore a critical need that current polymethyl methacrylate bone cements fail to address. Current clinical practice uses direct impregnation of antibiotics in the bone cement mixture and applying the antibiotic-laden cement to the implant or fracture site. However, the addition of antibiotics results in reduced mechanical properties in the bone cement. Furthermore, the release of the antibiotic is short-lived and results in less than maximal antibiotic release. Calcium phosphate cements are unique in their ability to crystallize calcium and phosphate salt into hydroxyapatite and hence are naturally osteoconductive. Due to its low mechanical strength, its use in implant fixation, bone grafts and bone repair is limited to non-load bearing applications. The present work employs clay nanotubes as a means for developing enhanced mechanical properties in calcium phosphate cements as well as the sustained release of gentamicin and neomycin, two commonly used antibiotics.
Mechanisms for Evolutionary Divergence within the Prolactin Gene Family

Transcriptional control of the expression of eukaryotic genes encoding proteins appears to be regulated both by DNA structures far removed from the gene (Klar et al., 1981; Nasmyth et al., 1981) and by signals found immediately upstream from the start of transcription (Breathnach and Chambon, 1981). The differential expression of members within a family of genes could therefore be dependent on structural differences adjacent to those genes. The exact location and nature of several of these adjacent regulatory regions have been examined in detail. The TATAA homology that occurs 20–30 base pairs (bp) 5′ to the start of transcription appears to specify the nucleotide at which RNA synthesis begins (Corden et al., 1980). A second set of sequences that are necessary for transcriptional efficiency is located upstream from the TATAA homology. The exact site of these modulating regions has recently been determined for the thymidine kinase gene of herpes simplex virus (McKnight and Kingsbury, 1982). In this gene, mutations in a guanine-rich segment between bases −7 and −61 and a cytosine-rich segment between bases −80 and −105 markedly decrease the efficiency of transcription. Although the −61 to −80 region of this gene contains the “CAAT” homology (Benoist et al., 1980; Efstratiadis et al., 1980; Liebhaber et al., 1980) found in a wide variety of genes, it does not appear to affect the level of thymidine kinase gene transcription. Steroid hormones induce transcription in a number of genes. DNA sequences necessary for this induction have been shown to be linked to the 5′ flanking region of such glucocorticoid-induced genes (Hynes et al., 1981; Lee et al., 1981; Robins et al., 1982). Further information on specific regulatory structures within other protein-coding genes may be obtained by comparison of the structure of genes within a family that are expressed differentially in response to different signals.
TOP-MARD Problematique, Structure and Progress – The Case of Norway

This Chapter reports on TOP-MARD, an 11 country research project approved at the same time as MEA-SCOPE and regarded as a “sister” project, taking a different approach to the issues of Multifunctionality and Rural Development. In particular, while MEA-SCOPE focused largely on micro-economic aspects of multifunctionality, TOP-MARD focused on the territorial level. Here we discuss the theoretical and policy background to TOP-MARD, and the development of the core dynamic systems model which was later adapted and applied in the 11 participating countries. We then discuss how this model was adapted and applied for analysis of policy scenarios in Norway, one of the participating countries, and the only one not a member of the EU.
Relational Turbulence Within Military Couples During Reintegration Following Deployment

Reunion following deployment is a critical juncture for returning service members and their romantic partners. Studies suggest that reintegration can be an emotionally volatile period of heightened expectations, profound joys, and unexpected frustrations. We draw on the relational turbulence model to shed light on how military couples navigate the reentry period. The model argues that times of transition are turbulent within romantic relationships because people encounter relational uncertainty as well as interference from partners in their everyday routines. We devote this chapter to reviewing the model’s assumptions, describing data from investigations involving recently-reunited romantic partners, proposing recommendations for practice, and delineating pathways for future research.
Developing physician leaders in academic medical centers.

While physicians have historically held positions of leadership in academic medical centers, there is an increasing trend that physicians will not only guide the clinical, curriculum and scientific direction of the institution, but its business direction as well. Physicians are assuming a greater role in business decision making and are found at the negotiating table with leaders from business, insurance and other integrated health care delivery systems. Physicians who lead "strategic business units" within the academic medical center are expected to acquire and demonstrate enhanced business acumen. There is an increasing demand for formal and informal training programs for physicians in academic medical centers in order to better prepare them for their evolving roles and responsibilities. These may include the pursuit of a second degree in business or health care management; intramurally conducted courses in leadership skill development, management, business and finance; or involvement in extramurally prepared and delivered training programs specifically geared toward physicians as conducted at major universities, often in their schools of business or public health. While part one of this series, which appeared in Volume 43, No. 6 of Medical Group Management Journal addressed, "The changing role of physician leaders at academic medical centers," part 2 will examine as a case study the faculty leadership development program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. These two articles were prepared by the author from his research into, and the presentation of a thesis entitled. "The importance of leadership training and development for physicians in academic medical centers in an increasingly complex health care environment," prepared for the Credentials Committee of the American College of Healthcare Executives in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Fellowship in this College.*
Results of the ATLAS study. High or low doses of ACE inhibitors for heart failure

In a large, randomized study, patients with heart failure who received a large daily dose of an angiotensin-converting inhibitor had a trend toward a lower mortality rate than did patients who received a low daily dose. Moreover, the hospitalization rate was lower in the high-dose group, and the side-effect profile was the same in both groups. Physicians should try to give maximal doses to achieve optimum benefit in this patient population.
2187 The role of community in an evolving community-university pilot award program

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To fulfill the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute’s (Indiana CTSI) Community Health Partnerships’ (CHeP) mission of improving the health of Indiana residents through community-university partnerships, CHeP engaged with community partners to develop and implement a pilot award program for community-based participatory research, the Trailblazer Award (TA). The objective is to describe the engagement processes throughout the pilot program timeline and as the pilot program evolved over the 6-year period since the program started. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Though a process of engagement with community stakeholders, we assessed the process for each year of the TA, noting what changes occurred and how they occurred. Engagement for the TA process occurred during the following phases: RFA development, review, active project support, dissemination of project results, and project/partnership follow-up. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: During the RFA development phase, we decided to focus the award on health equity for 5 years; and we implemented structural changes to encourage new partnerships in underrepresented and rural areas. During the review phase, we incorporated both community and university reviewers and co-moderators. To increase capacity among our reviewer pool, we offered webinars and repeated opportunities to serve as reviewers. During the project support phase, we added the following: community-based CITI training; opportunities for networking with peer awardee teams; and community and academic co-led sessions on addressing recruitment barriers, grant writing, and dissemination to a community audiences. Through our active engagement of the CHeP Advisory Board, one Board member (from Indiana State Department of Health) leveraged matching funds for the TA, effectively doubling the number of projects supported each year. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Whereas previous work has reported on engagement during the review process of pilot award applications, we discuss ways to extend engagement to include other aspects of a pilot program both before and after the review process. In our process, several key partners offered insightful changes that have resulted in a more engaged program.
Breastfeeding Greater Than 6 Months Is Associated with Smaller Maternal Waist Circumference Up to One Decade After Delivery.

Abstract Background: Abdominal obesity is an important indicator of cardiometabolic dysfunction in later life. Prior studies have observed an inverse association between breastfeeding and maternal ...
In Search of the Cheapest Cost Avoider: Another View of the Economic Loss Rule

The economic loss rule in tort engages two fundamental theoretical questions: (1) which interests should tort law protect; and, more pointedly, (2) how should we think about claims that arise along the boundary line between tort and contract? This Article advances two claims that aim to clarify this controversial, often misunderstood, doctrine. First, it is imperative to distinguish what I will term the “stranger paradigm” from the “consensual paradigm.” The specter of the economic loss rule is raised in different categories of cases: products liability, contracting party, third party, and stranger. It should not be surprising that the economic loss rule plays out differently and has different ramifications across these categories. As an initial cut, classifying such categories of cases as either “stranger” or “consensual” (and treating them accordingly) helps clarify doctrinal confusion. More specifically, holding firm to such a distinction should prevent conventional rationales for the economic loss rule developed in stranger cases — such as the floodgates or limitless liability rationale — from being imported vel non into two-party contracting cases that comprise the bulk of commercial torts. It would also expose the flaw in courts’ holdings that the economic loss rule applies full stop in the products liability realm, yet has no application in two-party contracting cases, thus failing to recognize the common thread connecting these cases, both of which fit on a continuum within the consensual paradigm. Second, and more ambitiously, I depart from conventional justifications and develop a unifying theoretical justification for the economic loss rule based on cheapest cost avoider principles that does apply across the categories of cases — albeit with less determinacy in the stranger paradigm than the consensual one. This framework also provides a way to resolve third-party cases, which straddle the stranger/consensual dividing line. That the cheapest cost avoider rationale can be applied across case categories and paradigms lends further weight to its promise as a unifying theoretical justification for the economic loss rule in tort.
Effects of electron-phonon coupling and electronic thermal conductivity in high energy molecular dynamics simulations of irradiation cascades in nickel

Abstract The two-temperature model has been applied to investigate the effects of the electronic subsystem on 150 keV Ni ion cascades in nickel using molecular dynamics simulation. We explore the effects of the magnitude of the electron-phonon coupling and the electronic thermal conductivity on defect production and cluster formation. It has been found that stronger electron-phonon coupling allows larger and more rapid energy feedback to the atomic subsystem, leading to reduction of number of point defects and suppression of the formation of larger defect clusters. It was observed that larger electronic thermal conductivity results in slightly increased number of point defects and larger size vacancy clusters. The latter takes place because of suppression of point defects recombination in faster cooling areas of initial damage.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance and Staging

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and has one of fastest increasing incidence rates among all solid tumors. Surveillance (or screening) for HCC is recommended for patients with cirrhosis and subgroups of patients with chronic hepatitis B using ultrasound and a serum biomarker, alpha-fetoprotein, every 6 months. There are several cohort studies showing a strong association between HCC surveillance and early tumor detection, curative treatment delivery, and improved survival. However, significant gaps remain in adherence and test effectiveness, mitigating surveillance effectiveness in clinical practice. Although several promising blood-based biomarkers that may improve surveillance effectiveness are in development, they require further validation prior to routine use in practice. Once a diagnosis of HCC is made, staging is a central part of determining prognosis and treatment. Several staging systems have been proposed, and contemporary staging appears to have increased accuracy with a trade-off with simplicity and ease of use. Improvements in surveillance effectiveness and accurate staging for appropriate treatment allocation are central to improving HCC-related outcomes.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Lactonization of Coumarinic Acids and Hydrolysis of Coumarins I

The lactonization of coumarinic acid and its anions and the hydrolysis of coumarin have been studied in the pH range of −0.3–11 in various buffer solutions between 10 and 25° by spectrophotometric methods. The significant influence of buffer concentration on the apparent first-order rate constant for lactonization was assigned to the acetic acid-catalyzed lactonization of the monoanion, HC−. The dependency of the apparent first-order rate constants extrapolated to zero buffer concentrations on the hydrogenion concentration was derived. It was consistent with hydrogenion-catalyzed lactonization and apparent spontaneous lactonization of undissociated coumarinic acid, H2C, to form coumarin, C, the spontaneous lactonization of the monoanion, HC−, and the nonreactivity of the dianion, C−2. An apparent discrepancy exists between the kinetic (3.0) and the spectral and potentiometric (4.0) pKa1′ which can only be rationalized by a more complex mechanism. This mechanism assumes the intramolecular formation of an orthoacid, H2C‡, which dehydrates spontaneously and by hydrogenion catalysis to give coumarin. The steady-state assumption for H2C‡ permits the fitting of the log k-pH profiles consistent with the analytical pKa1′ values and is consistent with this mechanism. Coumarin is hydrolyzed by specific hydroxyl-ion-catalyzed solvolysis and has been characterized as a function of pH. The hydrolyses of 3-chlorocoumarin, 3-bromocoumarin, and 3- and 4-methylcoumarin were studied in 30% dioxane for the acid-lactone equilibrium. The halogen substituents showed pronounced accelerating effects consistent with the electronegative group acceleration of hydroxyl-ion attack on the carbonyl carbon, whereas the methyl substituents did not significantly modify the reactivity of coumarin.
Rotating-liquid-based hydrogel bead generator

Abstract Hydrogel beads are widely used in various applications, but producing such beads often requires complicated devices. Instead, we propose an easy-to-adopt, cost effective, open source hydrogel bead generator. This generator consists of two modules. The first module rotates two immiscible liquids in rigid body motion: mineral oil as the continuous phase (CP) liquid on top, and a hydrogel cross-linking (CL) liquid at bottom. The second module injects a hydrogel pre-polymer solution as the dispersed phase (DP) liquid into the rotating CP liquid. As the DP liquid flows out of a syringe needle, its drops are pinched off by the shear force from the CP liquid, and move with the CP liquid while settling down. When the drops enter the CL liquid, they become hydrogel beads. Experiments using water and mineral oil showed that the size of produced drops could be controlled by adjusting the flow speed of the CP and DP liquids. A demonstration using alginate showed that the proposed generator could successfully create alginate gel beads of uniform size and shape.
Designer Structured Light with Metasurfaces

Metasurfaces are a powerful tool to design arbitrary vector beams. I will discuss recent work on spin to total orbital angular momentum converters, multi-momentum metatransformers, high purity OAM lasing and transverse/longitudinal structured light generation.
Impact of Residual Lithium on the Adoption of High-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

High-nickel layered oxide cathodes are becoming appealing for lithium-ion batteries employed in portable electronics and electric vehicles because of their higher energy density, low or no cobalt c...
Using Differences in Knowledge Across Neighborhoods to Uncover the Impacts of the EITC on Earnings

We develop a new method of estimating the impacts of tax policies that uses areas with little knowledge about the policy's marginal incentives as counterfactuals for behavior in the absence of the policy. We apply this method to characterize the impacts of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on earnings using administrative tax records covering all EITC-eligible filers from 1996-2009. We begin by developing a proxy for local knowledge about the EITC schedule -the degree of "sharp bunching"at the exact income level that maximizes EITC refunds by individuals who report self-employment income. The degree of self-employed sharp bunching varies significantly across geographical areas in a manner consistent with differences in knowledge. For instance, individuals who move to higher-bunching areas start to report incomes closer to the refund-maximizing level themselves, while those who move to lower-bunching areas do not. Using this proxy for knowledge, we compare W-2 wage earnings distributions across neighborhoods to uncover the impact of the EITC on real earnings. Areas with high self-employed sharp bunching (i.e., high knowledge) exhibit more mass in their W-2 wage earnings distributions around the EITC plateau. Using a quasi-experimental design that accounts for unobservable differences across neighborhoods, we find that changes in EITC incentives triggered by the birth of a child lead to larger wage earnings responses in higher bunching neighborhoods. The increase in EITC refunds comes primarily from intensive-margin increases in earnings in the phase-in region rather than reductions in earnings in the phase-out region. The increase in EITC refunds is commensurate to a phase-in earnings elasticity of 0.21 on average across the U.S. and 0.58 in high-knowledge neighborhoods.
Household Labor Supply, Child Development and Childcare Policies in the United States

This paper studies the dynamic relationship between parental labor supply, children's cognitive development and intra-household bargaining power. To do so, I construct a model that incorporates preference heterogeneity across and within households, a constrained cooperative bargaining framework with explicit outside options, a dynamic technology of the child's cognitive development, and endogenous parental human capital and wages. Using detailed U.S. panel data on married households, I identify and estimate the model with the Method of Simulated Moments, and show that it replicates observable trends and heterogeneity in parental time use, the use of formal childcare arrangements and child test scores. I use the model to simulate the effects of cash transfers and formal childcare subsidies. First, I find that the cost-effectiveness of the recently expanded Child Tax Credit, in terms of fostering child cognition and reducing intra-household inequality, could be improved by giving cash to mothers directly, and by making the credit increase with the child's age. Second, I consider expansions of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit which offer larger formal childcare subsidies and relax the employment requirements. I estimate that a 25 percent subsidy could boost young children's skills by over 0.1 standard deviations, increase maternal labor supply even when there is no work requirement, and be financed at no additional cost through a 50 percent reduction in the Child Tax Credit for households with young children.
Management Innovations for Resilient Public Rangelands: Adoption Constraints and Considerations for Interagency Diffusion

Abstract Maintaining healthy rangeland ecosystems requires adaptive co-management at the landscape scale. Because the majority of western rangelands are publicly owned, it is critical that federal land management agencies work together in generating and sharing information. Promotion and communication of rangeland management innovations among agencies is one means of sharing information. Two rangeland management innovations, the Weather-Centric Restoration Tool and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, were studied in order to better understand agency adoption decisions and barriers to diffusion of the innovations across agencies. Using a mixed qualitative methodology, we interviewed land managers across the floristic Great Basin and in southeastern Utah responsible for making or advising rangeland management decisions. Using thematic analysis of participant interviews and land managers’ social networks in southeastern Utah, we were able to identify variables at the innovation, individual, organization, and external system levels that affect innovation adoption and diffusion across agencies. In line with previous research, desirable innovation traits were related to five constructs: complexity, relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability. Interagency siloing was found to be the biggest factor affecting individual and organization-level adoption decisions. External sociopolitical factors were also found to create organization-level barriers including funding streams, legal considerations, and differing institutional cultures between agencies. While management innovations are hindered by these hurdles, innovations also serve as promoters of institutional change that reshape these constraints. However, overcoming barriers to innovation requires the presence of innovation champions who can influence both incremental bottom-up and top-down processes.
Chapter 25. Agents Which Affect Enzyme Activity

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a report discussing drug effects on enzyme systems, but does not cover a comprehensive coverage of all the known enzymes. Rather, it reviews the pertinent literature from late 1964 to 1965 in the selected area of drug effects on enzyme systems that are concerned with the metabolism of several of the biogenic amines. This area is selected because it represents some of the best examples of current thought on the biochemical approach to pharmacology. The discovery of numerous drugs acting on specific enzyme systems has resulted in the rapid development of biochemical pharmacology. This is evident from the newer classifications of drugs such as the inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase, choline esterase, and mnoamine oxidase. Probably an even greater number of agents act on enzyme systems, or at least at the biochemical level. However, the lack of knowledge of detailed biochemical mechanisms prevents describing their actions on specific enzyme systems. Phenomena such as drug effects on transport mechanisms, on the uptake and release of transmitters, and on contractile mechanisms most likely occur by drugs acting on enzymes. The biochemical mechanisms involved in these events are not well understood, but newly acquired evidence points to the involvement of enzymatic processes.
Stepwise Refinements of Transitions and Places

It is known [1] that Petri nets can model a system hierarchically, i. e., a transition or a place of a Petri net representing a system at an abstract level can be refined to model the system in more detail, and conversely, a portion of a Petri net may be replaced by a transition or by a place to give a more abstract description of the system.
Sunburnt Cities: The Great Recession, Depopulation and Urban Planning in the American Sunbelt

In recent years there has been a growing focus on urban and environmental studies, and the skills and techniques needed to address the wider challenges of how to create sustainable communities. Central to that demand is the increasing urgency of addressing the issue of urban decline, and the response has almost always been to pursue growth policies to attempt to reverse that decline. The track record of growth policies has been mixed at best. Until the first decade of the twenty-first century decline was assumed to be an issue only for former industrial cities – the so-called Rust Belt. But the sudden reversal in growth in the major cities of the American Sunbelt has shown that urban decline can be a much wider issue. Justin Hollander’s research into urban decline in both the Sun and Rust Belts draws lessons planners and policy makers that can be applied universally. Hollander addresses the reasons and statistics behind these "shrinking cities" with a positive outlook, arguing that growth for growth’s sake is not beneficial for communities, suggesting instead that urban development could be achieved through shrinkage. Case studies on Phoenix, Flint, Orlando and Fresno support the argument, and Hollander delves into the numbers, literature and individual lives affected and how they have changed in response to the declining regions. Written for urban scholars and to suit a wide range of courses focused on contemporary urban studies, this text forms a base for all study on shrinking cities for professionals, academics and students in urban design, planning, public administration and sociology.
Role of robotics in the management of secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Patients with recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) present a treatment dilemma to urologists. Second-line therapies have previously been shown to fail at a higher rate than the initial therapeutic procedure. We report our experience with robotic-assisted, dismembered pyeloplasty in patients with secondary UPJO. Since November 2002, 44 robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties (RALPs) have been performed at our institution. Of these, seven patients had undergone previous definitive treatment for UPJO. Anderson-Hynes-dismembered pyeloplasty was the preferred reconstructive technique in all patients. The patients were divided into two groups: primary pyeloplasty patients (group 1) and secondary pyeloplasty patients (group 2). Variables examined include operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS) and success rates. All operations were completed laparoscopically, and there were no conversions to open surgery in either group. Mean operative time was 60 min longer in the secondary pyeloplasty group compared with primary cases, but the EBL, LOS and success rates were similar. A patent UPJ was confirmed in both groups by renal scan and/or excretory urography (intravenous pyelogram) examinations. RALP is a viable option in select patients with recurrent UPJO after previous endoscopic or open surgical repair. As expected, operative times were longer in these patients due to a more challenging dissection (p 0.05).
Clinical experiences with the skin biopsy method of detecting chromosomal sex.

Abstract 1. 1. The accuracy and relative simplicity of chromosomal sex detection by means of skin biopsy is confirmed in a study of 28 male and 27 female patients who were sexually and hormonally normal. Sex differences in epidermal nuclear morphology depend upon the presence in females and virtual absence in males of a characteristic chromatin mass, the sex chromatin. 2. 2. Studies of nuclear morphology in the skin of a group of individuals with marked aberrations of sex hormonal status indicate the stability of the sex chromatin in this respect. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the characteristic chromatin body is derived from portions of the two X chromosomes of females and that it is not an index of sex hormonal function. 3. 3. The male type of epidermal nuclear structure was encountered in a patient with ovarian agenesis (Turner's syndrome), in one with male pseudohermaphroditism, and in another with either male pseudohermaphroditism or true hermaphroditism. Some pertinent genetic considerations in the pathogenesis of these congenital sexual abnormalities are discussed. 4. 4. The chromosomal sex corresponded to the apparent genital sex in a boy with unilateral uncomplicated cryptorchidism, in a man and a woman with Cushing's syndrome, and in a male and a female with Addison's disease. 5. 5. These studies support the view that the identification of chromosomal sex by the skin biopsy method is helpful in the differentiation between female and male pseudohermaphroditism.
Unified Gauge Theories

I don’t have anything very new to say about unified theories of weak, electromagnetic, and strong interactions. It is difficult to find time for theological speculations when our experimentalist friends keep us so busy. What I want to do today is to discuss some of the interesting unsolved problems in the field that I intend to study myself if charm is discovered and Shelly gives me time off for good behavior.
Composite sandwich construction with syntactic foam core: A practical assessment of post-impact damage and residual strength

An account is given of an inspection method that has been successfully used to assess the postimpact damage and residual strength of syntactic (glass microspheres in epoxy matrix) foam-core sandwich panels with hybrid (carbon and glass fiber-reinforced) composite skins, which inherently possess high damage tolerance. SEM establishes that the crushing of the microspheres is responsible for the absorption of most of the impact energy. Damage tolerance is a function of the localization of damage by that high impact energy absorption.
Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is the product of the mass of a body and its velocity. It is therefore a vector. We first mentioned momentum in Chapter 4 as the seed whose germination led to modern thoughts on the mechanical behavior of newtonian bodies. In our description of this development, however, we did not consider with sufficient care what was meant by a body. In many cases it is an assembly of particles. In this chapter we will first show how such an assembly can be mathematically represented by a point mass, called the center of mass. We will then show that the motion of the center of mass is that predicted by Newton’s second law for a particle whose mass is the sum of the masses of the individual particles and is acted on by the resultant of the forces acting on the body. Having established these facts, we will turn our attention to the momentum changes of colliding bodies with confidence, knowing that the treatment of bodies is as mathematically sound as if they were very small masses. Collision theory is very important in our later analysis of conduction electrons in solids.
Remodeling the therapeutic pyramid: evolving therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis

The approach to treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is undergoing dramatic change, With a prevalence of 1% of the general population. RA is the most common cause of disability that is potentially reversible if correct management of the disease is begun in the early phases. While the traditional therapeutic pyramid model has been in place for the past 25 years, evolving therapeutic strategies suggest that it is appropriate primarily for patients with benign synovitis, and an inverted pyramid is necessary to treat aggressive synovitis, control inflammation early and to prevent rapid joint destruction, disability and early death. Important principals underlying the remodeling of the therapeutic pyramid and evolving therapeutic strategies include: identifying patients with benign and aggressive synovitis: early control of inflammation to stabilize functional status at near normality; need for combination therapy in aggressive synovitis until a major breakthrough or ‘magic’ bullet becomes available; awareness that drugs that control inflammation in a more fundamental manner, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, are more effective in pain control and disability than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and, most importantly, education of patients, primary and managing care physicians, health maintenance organizations, insurance companies, and government officials that two-thirds of the cost of RA lies in the complications of the disease and that providing resources for early aggressive therapy is a good investment for all. Successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is best accomplished by a coordinated team of a consultant rheumatologist and a managing primary care physician. Much like an early consultation with an oncologist when cancer is suspected, an early consultation with a rheumatologist can help separate benign and aggressive synovitis. If the latter, the rheumatologist can help identify important co-morbid conditions and recommend appropriate therapy. Follow-up programs can then be outlined to maintain control of inflammation at all times, utilize appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic physical and occupational therapy modalities for mechanical pain, and highlight potential toxicities to be monitored. This program, initiated early, will help prevent administration of toxic drugs to patients with benign synovitis. And, just as important for patients with aggressive synovitis, this strategy is designed to reduce the high incidence of morbidity and mortality and the costly episodes of hospitalizations and salvage surgery that can be so devastating to patients and their families.
Thin-film photosensor design and fabrication issues for liquid-crystal spatial-light modulators

Liquid crystal (LC) optically addressed spatial light modulators (OASLMs) have been successfully addressed with semiconductor thin film photosensors. Nematic liquid crystals (NLCs), which are insensitive to the polarity of the applied voltage, are addressed with photoconductive thin film structures having symmetric current-voltage characteristics. Much faster ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC), which are polarity sensitive, are addressed with asymmetric photodiodes or photoconductive diodes. The highest performance OASLMs have been fabricated using FLCs and a-Si:H photodiodes as the photosensor. In this paper we analyze the role of the thin film photosensor in a LC OASLM and present design criteria. From these criteria we discuss hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photosensor structures for use in OASLMs. In particular we review the a-Si:H p-i-n photodiode, the transparent conducting oxide (TCO)/intrinsic a-Si:H photoconducting diode, and the metal/insulator/a-Si:H structures which have been successfully incorporated into FLC OASLMs, and the n-i-n photoconductor which has not.
Infracortical interstitial cells concurrently expressing m2-muscarinic receptors, acetylcholinesterase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase in the human and monkey cerebral cortex.

Abstract Intense immunoreactivity for the m2-muscarinic receptor was found in a population of interstitial polymorphic neurons embedded within the infracortical white matter and the adjacent deep layers of the cerebral cortex. These infracortical neurons were evenly distributed throughout architectonic subdivisions of the monkey cortex except for parts of primary visual cortex where they were less numerous. A similar set of m2-immunoreactive interstitial cells was also detected in the human lateral temporal neocortex obtained at surgery. Upon electron microscopic examination, they were found to receive unlabelled synaptic inputs and displayed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, a prominent nucleolus, and invaginations of the nuclear membrane. Double labelling of m2 immunoreactivity and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry demonstrated that approximately 90% of the m2-positive infracortical cells were acetylcholinesterase-rich in the monkey and human brains. Conversely, the proportion of acetylcholinesterase-rich infracortical neurons that were m2-immunoreactive was over 90% in the monkey and at least 50% in the human. The concurrent visualization of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) enzyme activity with m2 immunoreactivity in the monkey and human brain showed that 85–95% of m2-immunoreactive infracortical cells were NADPH-d positive. Conversely, about 70% of NADPH-d cells contained m2 immunoreactivity. These observations provide the most convincing information to date that many of the acetylcholinesterase-rich neurons located in the infracortical white matter of the cerebral cortex are likely to be cholinoceptive. The expression of NADPH-d by these neurons suggests that they may also provide a relay through which cholinergic innervation, originating predominantly from the nucleus basalis of Meynert, could regulate the release of nitric oxide in the cerebral cortex and subjacent white matter. The degeneration of these neurons may account for at least some of the depletion of m2 receptors that has been reported in Alzheimer's disease.
Circulation and water mass transformation in a model of the Chukchi Sea

[1] The circulation and water mass transformation in a regional ocean-ice model of the Chukchi Sea are discussed. The model has horizontal resolution of O(4 km), is forced by fluxes derived from daily NCEP reanalysis fields, and has seasonally varying transport, temperature, and salinity imposed at Bering Strait. Many of the observed characteristics of the mean circulation and seasonal cycle in the Chukchi Sea are reproduced. The discussion focuses on: the branching of the inflow transport into pathways following Herald Canyon, Central Channel, and the Alaskan coast; the pattern of ice melt; and the water mass transformation and formation of winter water and hypersaline water. The ice melt pattern and timing is strongly influenced by advection through Bering Strait. High frequency forcing results in a larger region of ice melt, particularly over the shoals and in the northern Chukchi Sea, compared to monthly mean forcing. In the model, the seasonal cycle of salinity in the southern and central Chukchi Sea is dominated by advection through Bering Strait, while local atmospheric forcing and brine rejection are more important north of Herald and Hanna Shoals and in Barrow Canyon. However, since the residence time in the Chukchi Sea is generally less than 1 year, interannual variability in the Bering Strait salinity will be reflected in the salinity across the Chukchi Sea and at Barrow Canyon.
Differentiation for Effective Instruction in Science

Scientists-in-Schools (SIS) is a research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Javits Program for Gifted and Talented that targets the achievement gap between underrepresented students and other students. SIS, a five year project seeks to increase student achievement in Science for low income minority students to enable them to qualify for their district's gifted program. This article shares examples of differentiation in Science curriculum focusing on the use of inquiry with teachers working side-by-side with university professors in Saturday Science labs. Results indicate that the outcomes of increased student achievement, increased science content for teachers, and increased numbers of underrepresented students being identified for their district gifted program are being met. Currently, 90 teachers and 300 students have been involved in the SIS project, with 56% of the students able to qualify for the gifted program.
Histological changes elicited in Schistosoma japonicum infected rabbits following curative chemotherapy with 4-isothiocyano-4′ -nitro-diphenylamine (C9333-Go/CGP 4540)

New Zealand white rabbits were infected with 250 or 500 cercariae of the Philippine-Leyte strain of Schistosoma japonicum. 26 weeks later the experimental group were given one dose of 25 mg/kg formulated CGP 4540. Six weeks after dosing the treated rabbits and untreated controls were killed and examined. Parasitological cure was complete in all those treated. The liver and intestinal granulomata were greatly diminished in size and there was a dramatic decrease in the number of inflammatory cells in the hepatic tissue.
Frozen orbital effects in the computation of excitation energies of the iron atom

The limitations arising from the use of a frozen orbital approximation applied to 3s and 3p electrons of the iron atom are investigated at the CI level.
Microfluidic device for capillary electrochromatography‐mass spectrometry

A novel microfabricated device that integrates a monolithic polymeric separation channel, an injector, and an interface for electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection (ESI-MS) was devised. Microfluidic propulsion was accomplished using electrically driven fluid flows. The methacrylate-based monolithic separation medium was prepared by photopolymerization and had a positively derivatized surface to ensure electroosmotic flow (EOF) generation for separation of analytes in a capillary electrochromatography (CEC) format. The injector operation was optimized to perform under conditions of nonuniform EOF within the microfluidic channels. The ESI interface allowed hours of stable operation at the flow rates generated by the monolithic column. The dimensions of one processing line were sufficiently small to enable the integration of 4-8 channel multiplexed structures on a single substrate. Standard protein digests were utilized to evaluate the performance of this microfluidic chip. Low- or sub-fmol amounts were injected and detected with this arrangement.