cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation And Treatment Of Clinical Instability Associated With Pseudarthrosis After Anterior Cervical Surgery For Ossification Of The Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Abstract Background Between 1989 to 1993, clinical instability associated with pseudarthrosis was evaluated in 76 patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Average 2.5 level extended anterior diskectomy and fusion and average 3.0 level anterior corpectomy and fusion were performed without anterior plate instrumentation using iliac crest or fibular strut autografts. Methods Fusion versus pseudarthrosis resulting in clinical instability, as defined by White and Panjabi, was assessed using flexion and extension X-rays 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Radiographic instability was defined by > 3.5 mm. of sagittal plane translation (or 20%) and > 20° of sagittal plane rotation on dynamic X-rays. Two and 3 dimensional (D) computed tomography (CT) scans, also obtained 3 months postoperatively, either confirmed fusion or indicated failed bony union. The average clinical follow up period was 3 years (range, 25–52 months). Results Three months postoperatively, dynamic X-rays in 20 patients demonstrated radiographic instability consistent with pseudarthrosis, whereas 2 and 3D CT studies indicated a lack of fusion. At 6 months, flexion and extension X-rays revealed that 10 patients were fused and that another 7 were clinically stable despite persistent, irregular, linear lucencies at graft/body interfaces. Three (4%) patients with clinical instability associated with pseudarthrosis required secondary posterior wiring and fusion. Conclusion Only 4% of patients undergoing average 2.75 level anterior OPLL surgery without anterior plate instrumentation required secondary posterior wiring and fusion for clinical instability associated with pseudarthrosis.
Towards a Critical Philosophy of Science: Continental Beginnings and Bugbears, Whigs, and Waterbears

Continental philosophy of science has developed alongside mainstream analytic philosophy of science. But where continental approaches are inclusive, analytic philosophies of science are not–excluding not merely Nietzsche’s philosophy of science but Godel’s philosophy of physics. As a radicalization of Kant, Nietzsche’s critical philosophy of science puts science in question and Nietzsche’s critique of the methodological foundations of classical philology bears on science, particularly evolution as well as style (in art and science). In addition to the critical (in Mach, Nietzsche, Heidegger but also Husserl just to the extent that continental philosophy of science tends to depart from a reflection on the crisis of foundations), other continental philosophies of science include phenomenology (Husserl, Bachelard, Merleau‐Ponty, etc.) and hermeneutics (Heidegger, Gadamer, Heelan, etc.), especially incorporating history of science (Nietzsche, Mach, Duhem, Butterfield, Feyerabend, etc.). Examples are drawn fro...
Isospin-asymmetric nuclear matter

This study uses classical molecular dynamics to simulate infinite nuclear matter and study the effect of isospin asymmetry on bulk properties such as energy per nucleon, pressure, saturation density, compressibility, and symmetry energy. The simulations are performed on systems embedded in periodic boundary conditions with densities and temperatures in the ranges $\ensuremath{\rho}=0.02$ to $0.2\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and $T=1$, 2, 3, 4, and 5 MeV, and with isospin content of $x=Z/A=0.3$, 0.4, and 0.5. The results indicate that symmetric and asymmetric matter are self-bound at some temperatures and exhibit phase transitions from a liquid phase to a liquid-gas mixture. The main effect of isospin asymmetry is found to be a reduction of the equilibrium densities, a softening of the compressibility and a disappearance of the liquid-gas phase transition. A procedure leading to the evaluation of the symmetry energy and its variation with the temperature was devised, implemented and compared to mean field theory results.
The Americans With Disabilities Act: Does It Secure the Fundamental Right to Vote?

People with disabilities encounter substantial barriers to voting. Narrow interpretations by regulatory agencies and the courts indicate that the Americans With Disabilities Act will not be able to remove these barriers. Additional policies will be necessary to overcome the structural impediments to exercising the fundamental right to vote.
Gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human serum proteins: Improved discontinuous gel electrophoretic technique and identification of individual serum components

Abstract A discontinuous gradient acrylamide electrophoretic technique is described for the separation of human serum proteins. The method is simple and exceptionally reproducible, with over 60 serum components being detected in some haptoglobin types 2-1 and 2-2 sera. The degree of sensitivity greatly exceeds that currently available by conventional acrylamide techniques. Furthermore, the sensitivity appears as good as that obtained by the more sophisticated linear or continuous gel gradient procedures. Identification of many of the better characterized normal serum proteins has been accomplished by one- and two-dimensional acrylamide gel immunoelectrophoretic procedures. Sera examined from neoplastic disease states show alterations in the normal serum pattern.
The structure and dynamics of Jupiter's ring

JUPITER'S ring has posed a problem since it was first discovered 15 years ago. Its inner edge flares into a torus, the shape of which has not yet been accurately modelled, although it was recognized early on1–3 that electromagnetic effects might be important in determining the spatial and size distribution of the dust particles comprising the ring. These early models suggested that sulphur and oxygen ions dominate the plasma environment of the ring; as these ions diffuse inwards from Io, they produce negatively charged dust grains in the ring. Here we propose that Jupiter's ionosphere is the dominant source of plasma and that the low plasma density allows ultraviolet radiation from the Sun to photoionize the grains, giving them a positive charge. The resulting gradient in the equilibrium charge distribution transports the grains rapidly—on surprisingly short timescales of hours to days—towards Jupiter. The brightness distribution resulting from this model matches closely the observed brightness distribution, suggesting that our model captures the most important processes that shape this ring.
Development of lymph node and pulmonary metastases after local irradiation and hyperthermia of footpad melanomas.

C57BL/6 mice with syngeneic B16-F10 melanomas were treated 7 days after tumor inoculation into the footpad with local hyperthermia (HT) of 43.5°C for 90 min. A combination of local 30 Gy X-irradiation (XRT) given 2, 4 or 12 h after HT cured the primary tumor in 34/35 mice, with irreversible damage to normal foot tissues in most of the animals. When 7.5, 10 or 15 Gy XRT were delivered 4, 18 or 24 h after HT, there were only a small number of cures and also a much smaller incidence of irreversible normal tissue damage. HT alone resulted in a significant (P<0.001) increase in metastases to regional lymph nodes (RLN) and the lungs. The ‘curative’ doses of combined XRT and HT resulted in a significant (P<0.001)decrease in metastasis to RLN and to the lungs. Conversely, subcurative doses of combined therapy resulted in anincrease in RLN and lung metastasis (P<0.001). Abdominal lymph node metastasis, not usually seen in control mice, is markedly increased after HT alone or in combination with subcurative XRT (P<0.001). The overall survival of mice treated with HT alone is decreased (P<0.0028). The survival of mice treated with HT followed 4, 18 or 24 h later with 10 Gy XRT is further decreased (P<0.0025). These data show that subcurative HT, or XRT plus HT, increases the incidence of spontaneous metastasis in this syngeneic mouse melanoma model. Curative doses prevent this effect on metastasis, but there is an unacceptable incidence of irreversible damage to the tumor-bearing foot. The cause(s) of this phenomenon are not known.
Ionization chamber measurements of the half-lives of 24Na, 42K, 76As and 198Au.

Abstract Samples of 24Na, 42K, 76As and 198Au were produced by irradiation in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reactor, and examined for impurities before and after measurement. Half-life measurements were carried out in the NIST 4πγ pressurized ionization chamber. The results are compared to presently accepted values and previous NIST measurements.
The isolation and recovery of fatty acids with Δ5 unsaturation from meadowfoam oil by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis and esterification

This report examines the use of lipases for isolating fatty acids with Δ5 unsaturation from the seed oil ofLimnanthes alba, or meadowfoam. Seven lipase types and three enzyme configurations (immobilized, “free” and reversemicellar encapsulated) were examined. All lipases discriminated against Δ5 acids to varying degrees, but the degree of discrimination was independent of enzyme configuration. Lipase-catalyzed esterification of meadowfoam oil’s free fatty acids was much more successful for isolating Δ5 acyl groups than was lipolysis. For example, esterification directed byChromobacterium viscosum lipase yielded a free fatty acid product containing >95% of the Δ5 acyl groups at >99% purity.
Personal Conscience and the Problem of Moral Certitude

The moral practice of nursing requires the difficult work of discerning the best response to an ethical quandary. Determining the right course of action can rarely be discovered by assuming that one value, one theory, one point of view will always and reliably identify the morality of an action. Thus, the role of a nurse is an inherently moral activity that is at the heart and soul of health care. Practitioners who move too quickly to a state of moral certainty about a decision may be missing essential components of the enactment of moral agency. Personal integrity and professional integrity, patient interests, society's expectation of a profession, the balance between rights and obligations within the nurse-patient relationship, acting according to one's conscience, power, control, and moral certainty are a few of the topics that enrich thinking about the moral richness of nursing practice, and will encourage readers to know, to reason, and to act in ways that demonstrate reflective moral judgment.
Solid-state physics: resistance is futile.

With the right combination of microwave radiation and magnetic field, two-dimensional electron systems conduct electricity with zero resistance. But is this zero really zero, or is it negative resistance in disguise?
Observations on the temperature regulation and water economy of the galah (Cacatua roseicapilla)

Abstract 1. 1. Galahs (Cacatua roseicapilla), like many other birds, undergo controlled hyperthermia in hot environments. 2. 2. Basal metabolism of galahs (271 g) at night during summer averages 0.93 cm3O2 (g-hr)−1 vs 0.90 predicted. 3. 3. They can evaporatively dissipate heat at 1.4–1.7 times the rate of metabolic heat production at high ambient temperatures (Ta). 4. 4. Under moderate Ta and humidity, galahs must minimally drink 7.3 g H2O/24hr. Without water they lose 2.2% body mass/24 hr. Some of these birds benefited from drinking 0.3 M NaCl. 5. 5. Galahs occupy arid Australia through good powers of heat defense, some resistance to dehydrating conditions, and mobility allowing them to reach both water and food.
Applications of quantum mechanical potential surfaces to mineral physics calculations

Ab-Initio quantum mechanical calculations on molecular clusters are used to obtain potential surfaces for the SiO bond in silicates. These potential surfaces form the basis for extracting the key parameters in various commonly employed potential functions. Applications to the usual ionic model demonstates a close relation between the ab-initio derived ionic potential and those empirically dervied. The ionic model is then used to predict structures and elastic properties of orthosilicates and of the silica polymorphs. The deficiencies in the ionic model lead to the application of the quantum results to covalent models. These latter models are then used in theoretical calculations of the properties of silica polymorphs.
Predicting intellectual level from the Mini-Mental State Examination.

The Mini-Mental State Examination and the WAIS-R were administered to 105 patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. MMSE scores correlated 0.83 with full scale 1Q, which indicates that the MMSE may be a reasonable alternative measure of overall intellectual functioning in Alzheimer patients, for whom more extensive testing is impractical or clinically inappropriate. The prediction formula is presented, along with a prediction table. Folstein and McHugh6 report that, as the WAIS Performance IQ falls below 100 in demented patients, that there is a concomitant decline in the MMSE below 24 points. Data from our laboratory further support what some clinicians have long suggested, ie, that in those cases where only the mental status examination can be given, this short test can provide a reasonably valid and reliable prediction of the patient's IQ score.
Popper's experiment with randomly paired photons in thermal state

We realized Popper's thought experiment via the photon number fluctuation correlation measurement of random paired photons in thermal state. The experiment produces the same results as that of Kim and Shih in 1998 with entangled photon pairs, which agreed with Popper's prediction. Although the observation cannot be considered as a violation of the uncertainty relation as Popper believed, this experiment reveals a concern about nonlocal interference of a random photon pair, which involves the superposition of multi-photon amplitudes, and multi-photon detection events at a distance.
The Impact of Constant Light on the Estrous Cycle of the Rat

The initial effects of constant bright light on the events of the rat estrous cycle were monitored in order to examine the interdependence of the hormonal and behavioral rhythms which comprise the cycle. Females exposed to constant bright light for only one cycle either failed to ovulate or showed a delay in the hormonal and behavioral events of the cycle as well as in ovulation. Females exposed to constant light for two cycles 1) failed to ovulate, 2) showed an advancement, or 3) showed a delay in the hormonal events of the estrous cycle and ovulation. Vaginal cytology and the onset of locomotor activity did not maintain their normal temporal relationships with the other events of the estrous cycle in constant light. In spite of the absence of an external timing signal, the majority of hormonal rhythms maintained their normal phase relationships and showed little sign of internal desynchrony. Ovaries in many animals showed high rates of follicular atresia early in the cycle, suggesting that the effects of bright constant light are far more complex than can be attributed to a simple absence of an external timing signal.
Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries Associated Ventricular Rotation

Two patients with corrected transposition of the great arteries and ventricular rotation are described. The ventricular rotations encountered were about the longitudinal and the anteroposterior axes, respectively. The ventricular rotation affected the plane of the ventricular septum, the inflow and outflow tracts of the ventricles, and the interrelationship of the great arteries. Surgical closure of an associated ventricular septal defect was not without its problems.
A Filippov solution of a system of differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides

Abstract This note advocates a Filippov solution for a system of differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides. The Filippov solution is applied to a dynamic disequilibrium macroeconomic model, showing a unique solution is determined despite discontinuities at the boundaries of different regimes.
A new metabolite of chlorpromazine in human urine

Abstract CHLORPROMAZINE is metabolized by mental patients in a complex manner producing a large variety of compounds. Some of the known reactions are oxidation of the ring sulfur atom or of the alkyl nitrogen, demethylation of the tertiary alkyl amine, and hydroxylation of the phenothiazine ring. In this paper we report the isolation and identification of a new chlorpromazine metabolite, 2-chloro-10-(β-propionic acid) phenothiazine, found in urine of mental patients receiving chlorpromazine.
Evaluation of Fungicides for Control of Pythium Blight in Overseeded Turfgrasses Using a Simple Field Inoculation Technique

A simple inoculation technique, which uses small plastic boxes as field inoculation chambers, was developed to enhance disease development in turfgrass inoculated with Pythium aphanidermatum. When temperatures were favorable and relative humidity was high under the plastic boxes, disease severity attained 70 to 90% in untreated controls. This technique was used to screen several fungicides for efficacy in controlling Pythium blight over four years. Preventative treatments of azoxystrobin, mefenoxam, and fosetyl-Al were highly effective in controlling Pythium blight even under very high disease pressure. Curatively, mefenoxam and azoxystrobin also controlled Pythium blight, if applied as soon as symptoms (≤ 5% disease severity) were detected.
Adaptive filtering for single target tracking

Many algorithms may be applied to solve the target tracking problem, including the Kalman Filter and different types of nonlinear filters, such as the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and Particle Filter (PF). This paper describes an intelligent algorithm that was developed to elegantly select the appropriate filtering technique depending on the problem and the scenario, based upon a sliding window of the Normalized Innovation Squared (NIS). This technique shows promise for the single target, single radar tracking problem domain. Future work is planned to expand the use of this technique to multiple targets and multiple sensors.
Pharmacologic characterization in the rat of a potent analgesic lacking respiratory depression, IBNtxA.

IBNtxA (3′-iodobenzoyl-6β-naltrexamide) is a potent analgesic in mice lacking many traditional opioid side effects. In mice, it displays no respiratory depression, does not produce physical dependence with chronic administration, and shows no cross-tolerance to morphine. It has limited effects on gastrointestinal transit and shows no reward behavior. Biochemical studies indicate its actions are mediated through a set of μ-opioid receptor clone MOR-1 splice variants associated with exon 11 that lack exon 1 and contain only six transmembrane domains. Like the mouse and human, rats express exon 11–associated splice variants that also contain only six transmembrane domains, raising the question of whether IBNtxA would have a similar pharmacologic profile in rats. When given systemically, IBNtxA is a potent analgesic in rats, with an ED50 value of 0.89 mg/kg s.c., approximately 4-fold more potent than morphine. It shows no analgesic cross-tolerance in morphine-pelleted rats. IBNtxA displays no respiratory depression as measured by blood oxygen saturation. In contrast, oximetry shows that an equianalgesic dose of morphine lowers blood oxygen saturation values by 30%. IBNtxA binding is present in a number of brain regions, with the thalamus standing out with very high levels and the cerebellum with low levels. As in mice, IBNtxA is a potent analgesic in rats with a favorable pharmacologic profile and reduced side effects.
Mycotic Suprarenal Aortic Aneurysm

Two cases of mycotic suprarenal aortic aneurysm treated by anatomic reconstruction are presented. Diagnosis was facilitated by 67-Gallium Citrate Scanning, Computer Assisted Tomography (CT), and Angiography. Increasing symptoms with attenuation of the aortic wall identified by CT necessitated urgent resection and reconstruction in both patients. Contained rupture of the aneurysm was found in one patient. Cultures of the resected tissue grew Salmonella dublin and Bacteroides fragilis. The patients were treated with continuous antibiotic therapy. Follow-up demonstrated asymptomatic patients with sterile blood cultured and good anatomic results on CT at one year. No recurrent sepsis nor aneurysmal dilatation is evident to date. Based on our experience and the available literature we conclude that inline reconstruction is the method of choice for treatment on these lesions.
Does an estimate of environmental size precede size scaling on a form-comparison task?

In a number of studies reaction time has been found to increase with increases in size ratio on a same – different form-comparison task. Bennett and Warren (2002, Perception & Psychophysics64 462–477) teased apart environmental and retinal size ratios by showing the forms along a (simulated) texture hallway, viewed monocularly, on a simultaneous form-comparison task; roughly equal effects of environmental and retinal size ratios were found. The current study enhanced scene-size information by showing the forms in simulated stereo and by adding texture to the forms themselves; special care was also taken to perceptually isolate the stimuli. In two experiments, with different kinds of forms, strong effects of environmental size ratio were found; no effect of retinal size ratio (same trials) was observed in either experiment. The results support the hypothesis that the (same-trial) form-size codings reflect ‘all told’ estimates of environmental size, and place constraints on modeling the functional architect...
Relationship of body composition and cardiovascular fitness to lipoprotein lipid profiles in master athletes and sedentary men

A number of studies demonstrate that highly conditioned older athletes are leaner than their sedentary counterparts, and have lipoprotein profiles similar to that of young individuals. It is not clear whether the high maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) or lean body habitus is the major determinant of the favorable lipoprotein lipid profiles present in older athletes. The objective of this study was to determine whether body composition or VO2max was the major determinant of lipoprotein lipid profiles among 61 master (age 63±6 years, mean ±SD) athletes (VO2max > 40 mL/kg/min), 39 age-matched lean (% body fat 25%) sedentary men. Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were 25% higher in the athletes than in the lean sedentary men, and 42% higher than in the obese sedentary men. Triglyceride (TG) concentrations were 24% lower in the master athletes than in the lean sedentary men, and 51% lower than in the obese sedentary group. Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were 9% lower in the athletes than in the other two groups of sedentary individuals. In stepwise multiple regression analysis the percent body fat was the major independent predictor of HDL-C and TG levels accounting for 29% and 41% of the variation in these levels, respectively. The VO2max accounted for an additional 6% of the variance in HDL-C levels and 2% of the variance in TG levels. These cross-sectional results suggest that the favorable lipoprotein profile of master athletes is largely due to their lean body habitus, with a small independent contribution from their higher level of cardiovascular fitness. Thus, regular vigorous aerobic exercise and maintenance of low body fat may prevent the commonly observed age-associated deterioration in lipoprotein concentrations.
Advanced PECVD-Based Anti-Reflective Coating for 90nm Generation Interconnects

A plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition-based nitrogen-free dielectric anti-reflective coating was successfully developed for use in 90nm interconnects in conjunction with low κ materials. By choosing N-free precursors, it was possible to eliminate any adverse interactions between the NH2 amine group and the DUV 193nm photoresist that is directly in contact with the anti-reflective coating (ARC), thus eliminating major source of photoresist poisoning-induced footing. N-free dielectric ARC demonstrated a wide tunable range of its optical properties at 193nm in a single wafer PECVD reactor: 1.6<n<1.9 and 0< k<1.1. This range enables cost-effective and in-situ deposition of a dual-layer dielectric ARC on the low λ dielectric layers during the dual damascene process. The dual-layer coating, which consists of a phase-shift layer on an absorbing layer, can keep the substrate reflectivity below 1% across the wafer, minimizing CD swing. N-Free dielectric ARC can be easily integrated with low κ dielectrics. Its adhesion with low κ materials is excellent and it can be etched and chemically and mechanically polished together with low κ dielectrics.
Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Dung and Carrion Beetle Communities in Central Amazonia

This study, one of the first to document the effects of forest fragmentation on insects in the tropics, showed that dung and carrion beetle communities in 1-ha and 10-ha forest fragments differed from those in contiguous forest, even though the fragments had been isolated by <350 m for an ecologically short time (2-6 yr). During 288 pitfall trap days at the Minimum Critical Size of Ecosystems study site 80 km north of Manaus, Brazil, I captured 55 species in 15 genera. Trap days were divided equally between three 1-ha, three 10-ha, three clear-cut, and three contiguous forest areas. Pitfall samples from clear-cut areas separating forest fragments from intact forest in- dicated that beetles rarely moved from intact forest into fragments. The apparent barrier imposed by clearcuts diminished with the invasion of second growth. Except for the four species in the genus Glaphyrocanthon, all species were found more frequently in forested areas than in clearcuts. Glaphyrocanthon constituted 97% of the 717 individuals captured in clearcuts and was never captured in contiguous forest or 10-ha fragments. Forest fragments had fewer species, sparser populations, and smaller beetles than com- parable intact forest areas. The changes in dung and carrion beetle communities help explain the low rates at which dung decomposed in 1-ha fragments. Thus, forest fragmentation not only changes the dung and carrion beetle fauna; its effects ramify through other related community and ecosystem processes, as well.
Validity of a modified CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire among African-Americans.

PURPOSE Valid methods for assessing physical activity (PA) patterns are essential for accurate evaluation of intervention programs and population surveillance. Numerous self-report PA instruments have been validated in white adults; however, few studies have reported validity in African-Americans. METHODS Data are from the Healthy Body/Healthy Spirit Trial, a study to increase fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among adults in 17 black churches. Participants completed a modified version of the CHAMPS activity recall as well as components of the Yale Physical Activity Survey and the Paffenberger Activity Questionnaire. The modified CHAMPS was scored to yield four indices: moderate to vigorous physical activities (MET value > or = 3.0), vigorous activities (MET value > or = 5.0), "Sports and Recreational Activities," and all activities. Estimated V(O2) maximum was obtained by submaximal treadmill test in 138 participants, 109 females and 29 males. RESULTS With the exception of moderate to vigorous activities, the modified CHAMPS indices were significantly correlated with estimated maximum VO(2). Highest correlations were observed for the index of vigorous and sports-related activities, 0.19 and 0.32, respectively. Activity measures were generally uncorrelated with blood pressure, body mass index, or total cholesterol. For the CHAMPS indices, correlations with VO(2max) and other physiologic variables were generally higher for males than females as well as those with income < 30,000 US Dollars and for those participants who did not complete college. CONCLUSION Responses from the modified CHAMPS were moderately correlated with estimated VO(2max), with higher correlations for vigorous activity and recreational sports indices. The instrument may be useful for assessing physical activity among African-Americans. Stronger correlations for individuals with lower income and educational attainment was an unexpected finding that merits further examination.
Nanodrug delivery systems: a promising technology for detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer

Nanotechnology has enabled the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies, such as advances in targeted drug delivery systems, versatile molecular imaging modalities, stimulus responsive components for fabrication, and potential theranostic agents in cancer therapy. Nanoparticle modifications such as conjugation with polyethylene glycol have been used to increase the duration of nanoparticles in blood circulation and reduce renal clearance rates. Such modifications to nanoparticle fabrication are the initial steps toward clinical translation of nanoparticles. Additionally, the development of targeted drug delivery systems has substantially contributed to the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer drugs and cancer gene therapies compared with nontargeted conventional delivery systems. Although multifunctional nanoparticles offer numerous advantages, their complex nature imparts challenges in reproducibility and concerns of toxicity. A thorough understanding of the biological behavior of nanoparticle systems is strongly warranted prior to testing such systems in a clinical setting. Translation of novel nanodrug delivery systems from the bench to the bedside will require a collective approach. The present review focuses on recent research efforts citing relevant examples of advanced nanodrug delivery and imaging systems developed for cancer therapy. Additionally, this review highlights the newest technologies such as microfluidics and biomimetics that can aid in the development and speedy translation of nanodrug delivery systems to the clinic.
Mid-diastolic aortic valve opening in bacterial endocarditis of aortic valve.

Summary: Echocardiographic features of acute aortic regurgitation resulting from bacterial endocarditis have been well documented (Nathan et al., 1980; Weaver et al., 1977; Wray, 1975a), and include thick shaggy echoes from aortic valve in diastole, fine diastolic flutter of aortic valves suggestive of rupture of cusps, and premature closure of mitral valves. Echocardiography being a sensitive noninvasive technique for detecting aortic valve vegetations is heavily relied on for earlier diagnosis and prompt therapy of these patients. Prognosis of echocardiographically positive endocarditis is known to be worse than for echo-negative patients. The following case is being presented because of an unusual echocardiographic manifestation with mid-diastolic aortic valve opening secondary to flail aortic valve from staphylo-coccal endocarditis of the aortic valve.
Phylogeny of Fungus-Growing Ants (Tribe Attini) Based on mtDNA Sequence and Morphology

We examined the phylogenetic relationships among taxa of attine or "fungus-growing" ants (Tribe Attini) using parsimony analyses of molecular and morphological data. We sequenced a region of mitochondrial DNA from 13 taxa of attines and from one closely related outgroup species, Wasmannia auropunctata. Our study sequence included the 3' end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO I) locus (183 to 198 total sites; 91 informative sites), an intergenic spacer region of variable size (0 to 152 sites), the tRNA leucine locus (65 to 74 sites), and the 5' end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (co II) locus (292 total sites; 140 informative sites). The inferred relationships among the attine taxa based on an unweighted analysis of the nucleotide sequence data closely matched the relationships inferred from an analysis of larval morphological characters from 11 of the taxa. In fact, the inferred relationships were completely congruent among the protein parsimony analysis of amino acid data, the morphology analysis, and "total evidence" analysis combining the amino acid and morphology data. The congruent conclusions we obtained from two independent data sets increases our confidence in the reliability of our analyses.
Transforming Science Learning and Student Participation in Sixth Grade Science: A Case Study of a Low-Income, Urban, Racial Minority Classroom

Recent criticisms of the goal of “science for all” with regard to minority students have alluded to the onerous culture of school science characterized by white, middle-class values that eschew personal everyday science experiences and nontraditional funds of knowledge, in addition to alienating science instruction. Using critically-oriented, sociocultural perspectives, this article explores the sixth grade classroom of a male, white, science teacher in an urban school that serves only minority students. Using Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner, and Cain's (2001) notion of figured worlds, we look at what learning science looks like in Mr. M's classroom and how he provides the structural support to increase student participation by creating different figured worlds of sixth grade science. In these different figured worlds, we discuss the pedagogical strategies Mr. M uses to purposefully recruit nontraditional funds of knowledge of racial minority and low-income students, thereby positioning them with more author...
Costs And Benefits Of Health Information Technology: New Trends From The Literature

To understand what is new in health information technology (IT), we updated a systematic review of health IT with studies published during 2004-2007. From 4,683 titles, 179 met inclusion criteria. We identified a proliferation of patient-focused applications although little formal evaluation in this area; more descriptions of commercial electronic health records (EHRs) and health IT systems designed to run independently from EHRs; and proportionately fewer relevant studies from the health IT leaders. Accelerating the adoption of health IT will require greater public-private partnerships, new policies to address the misalignment of financial incentives, and a more robust evidence base regarding IT implementation.
Lagrangian mixing in an axisymmetric hurricane model

Abstract. This paper discusses the extension of established Lagrangian mixing measures to make them applicable to data extracted from a 2-D axisymmetric hurricane simulation. Because of the non-steady and unbounded characteristics of the simulation, the previous measures are extended to a moving frame approach to create time-dependent mixing rates that are dependent upon the initial time of particle integration, and are computed for nonlocal regions. The global measures of mixing derived from finite-time Lyapunov exponents, relative dispersion, and a measured mixing rate are applied to distinct regions representing different characteristic feautures within the model. It is shown that these time-dependent mixing rates exhibit correlations with maximal tangential winds during a quasi-steady state, establishing a connection between mixing and hurricane intensity.
Behavioral drive versus behavioral inertia in evolution: a null model approach.

Some biologists embrace the classical view that changes in behavior inevitably initiate or drive evolutionary changes in other traits, yet others note that behavior sometimes inhibits evolutionary changes. Here we develop a null model that quantifies the impact of regulatory behaviors (specifically, thermoregulatory behaviors) on body temperature and on performance of ectotherms. We apply the model to data on a lizard (Anolis cristatellus) and show that ther- moregulatory behaviors likely inhibit selection for evolutionary shifts in thermal physiology with altitude. Because behavioral adjustments are commonly used by ectotherms to regulate physiological per- formance, regulatory behaviors should generally constrain rather than drive evolution, a phenomenon we call the "Bogert effect." We briefly review a few other examples that contradict the classical view of behavior as the inevitable driving force in evolution. Overall, our analysis and brief review challenge the classical view that behavior is invariably the driving force in evolution, and instead our work supports the alternative view that behavior has diverse—and some- times conflicting—effects on the directions and rates at which other traits evolve.
Reactive near field magnetic coupling utilizing a staggered phased array

A rise in the need for dynamic energy allocation has been associated with the saturation of available portable wireless electronic devices. Currently, the availability for transmitting this energy efficiently has been limited to a number of methods, including near field resonant magnetic coupling. Previous research with mid range (d≈4r) wireless power transfer has resulted in coupling efficiencies of close to 40%. In order to increase efficiency in transfer a more directive transmission system was developed using a phased array. Coupling networks for the phased array were optimized using a hybrid combination of a full wave Method of Moments simulation with circuit simulation. Results were validated in a full wave simulator, and field results were shown during resonance. S-parameter results show simulated transfer efficiencies of 70% (−1.5dB) for a phased array structure and 62.3% (−2.4dB) for a single feed structure. Single feed prototyping S-parameter results show coupling efficiencies of 25% (−5.9dB). All coupling measurements are at a distance 4r with reference to the largest transmitting coupler.
Milk Iodine Residues in Herds Practicing Iodophor Premilking Teat Disinfection

The objective was to determine effects of different concentrations of iodophor teat dips on milk iodine residues, when teat dips were used both premilking and postmilking. Eighty cows in each of seven herds were assigned to one of four treatments. Each treatment received postmilking teat dip at .1 or 1% iodophor concentration. Two groups received no premilking dip, and the other two groups received premilking teat dip at the same concentration as the postmilking teat dip. Premilking teat dipping was followed by manual drying of teats. Noniodophor postmilking dips and no premilking inodophor udder sanitizers were used during an 8-d adjustment period. Milk was collected for milk iodine determination from each cow from weigh jars or milk meters at p.m. milkings during the last 3 d of the adjustment period and d 4, 6, and 8 of the treatment period. Premilking and postmilking teat dipping with .1% iodophor dip did not significantly increase milk iodine residue above postmilking teat dipping with .1% iodophor dip alone. However, 1% iodophor postmilking teat dip significantly increased milk iodine residue over use of .1% iodophor dip used as a premilking and postmilking teat dip. Adding a 1% iodophor premilking teat dip significantly increased iodine residues.
What brings people to the courtroom? Comparative analysis of people's willingness to serve as jurors in Japan and the U.S.

In May 2009, Japan introduced a criminal quasi-jury (called Saiban-in) system, and a judicial panel of three professional and six lay judges was asked to determine both the guilt and the sentence of criminal defendants. From 1928 to 1943, Japan had held criminal jury trials; but the Japanese military government suspended them in the midst of World War II, in part due to a lack of eligible males to serve as jurors. Although the 1943 Act (Law No. 88) was issued to suspend the Jury Act, which stated that the jury system would be reintroduced once the war was over, the government delayed and did not reinstate the lay judge system until 2009.1 The quasi-jury system thereby became Japan’s first participatory legal system over nearly sixty years. Like the pre-war jury system, the new quasi-jury system allowed Japanese citizens to take greater responsibility for judicial decision-making, improving public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. The new system of lay adjudication also carried significant socio-political meaning for the Japanese government, because it placed even greater pressures on the state to behave properly and fairly in the criminal prosecution of defendants. This is especially true because, under the system of traditional professional judge decision-making, over 99% of all criminally indicted cases resulted in automatic conviction. It is now expected that, if ordinary citizens are sufficiently displeased with the government’s legal arguments, material evidence or testimony, they can vote against the convictions of those charged with serious crimes. While lay adjudication may lead to better judicial oversight of prosecutorial decision-making, recent Japanese surveys and public polls indicate that the majority of Japanese citizens do not affirmatively embrace their civic duty and obligation to serve as quasi-jurors. This paper attempts to investigate the sources of people’s participatory reluctance and examines the socio-attitudinal factors that might lead to more positive perceptions of civic responsibilities in criminal trials. Past research on American juries similarly indicates that very few Americans positively embrace jury service, and in fact expressly say that they are personally inconvenienced by it. Nonetheless, the majority of Americans who have served express positive participatory experiences, a stronger sense of civic responsibility, and a greater willingness to participate in future civic responsibilities. Based on cross-national survey data collected from Japanese citizens who have served in the Prosecutorial Review Commission (PRC) (i.e., Japan’s grand jury) and American citizens who completed jury service, this paper examines socio-political factors which influence people’s decision to participate in jury service, as well as provides a set of policy recommendations and suggestions to promote further civic participation in jury service in Japan.
Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Hospitals, 1935-1975

A limited review of the changes in susceptibility of common bacterial pathogens to available antibacterial agents is presented. Significant developments in recent years include the following: (1) the emergence of Streptococcus pneumoniae with decreased resistance to penicillin and of some strains resistant to several antibiotics; (2) a decline in prevalence of multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after 1960 following their increasing prevalence in the preceding years (these changes were methicillin-resistant (and multi-drug-resistant) S. aureus and the marked differences in their prevalence in different areas (these changes also were related to appearance of new phages in those organisms); (4) an increasing resistance to multiple drugs among enterococci but not among viridans streptococci or among nonenterococcal group D streptococci; (5) the emergence of beta-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae; (6) the emergence and spread of sulfonamide-resistant Neisseria meningitidis; (7) the occurrence of beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and occasional strains resistant to chloramphenicol; (8) the focal occurrence of chloramphenicol-resistant Salmonella typhi in Vietnam and in epidemic form in Mexico; (9) the demonstration of marked differences in prevalence of resistance to multiple drugs in common pathogens to the most widely used antibiotics in different geographic areas. The dominant factor in the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, whether in hospital wards or in the community, is clearly the intensive use of the antibiotic agents to which resistance emerges and then spreads.
Automatic proof of correctness of a binary addition algorithm

The Boyer-Moore Pure LISP Theorem Prover ([1], [2], and [3]) has recently proved the correctness of a program implementing binary addition with a carry flag. Because of the relative complexity of the binary addition algorithm and the automatic nature of the proof, this result was thought interesting enough to warrant this technical note.
Acute Respiratory Illness Among Immunized and Nonimmunized Patients with High-Risk Factors During a Split Season of Influenza A and B

A prospective survey of acute respiratory illness (RI) was made among 329 vaccinated and unvaccinated ambulatory patients with high-risk factors for influenza. Surveillance for virus during the influenza season revealed the predominance of influenza A and B in sequential periods. During the influenza A period, febrile RI was greatest among patients with chronic pulmonary disease; among 66 patients, vaccination significantly reduced RI. Age greater than 65 y (199 patients) and heart (90 patients) and metabolic diseases (151 patients) did not increase the relative frequency of febrile RI, and vaccine administration caused no apparent reduction in frequency of RI. During the influenza B period, no differences in RI were observed between the groups, and the frequency of RI was unrelated to vaccination. Variability in virus and vaccine specificities may have been important. Except for one subset of specific virus and host conditions, no overall reduction in influenza-like or total RI was observed from vaccinating ambulatory, high-risk patients.
Should amenorrhea be a diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa

Objective: The removal of the amenorrhea criterion for anorexia nervosa (AN) is being considered for the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V). This article presents and discusses the arguments for maintaining as well as those for removing the criterion. Method: The psychological and biological literatures on the utility of amenorrhea as a distinguishing diagnostic criterion for AN and as an indicator of illness severity are reviewed. Results: The findings suggest that the majority of differences among patients with AN who do and do not meet the amenorrhea criterion appear largely to reflect nutritional status. Overall, the two groups have few psychological differences. There are mixed findings regarding biological differences between those with AN who do and do not menstruate and the relationship between amenorrhea and bone health among patients with AN. Discussion: Based on these findings, one option is to describe amenorrhea in DSM-V as a frequent occurrence among individuals with AN that may provide important information about clinical severity, but should not be maintained as a core diagnostic feature. The possibilities of retaining the criterion or eliminating it altogether are discussed. V C 2009 American Psychiatric Association.