cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modifiable factors related to 7-year renal outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage 3.

Background and Aims: Subjects with diabetes are prone to a rapid decline in renal function and major adverse cardiovascular events when they reach chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3. This study aimed to identify modifiable risk factors associated with the progression of CKD in this population. Settings and Design: An observational cohort study. Methods and Materials: A total of 320 type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stage 3 registered in the shared-care-system in our hospital in 2010 were regularly followed up for 7 years. Demographic, laboratory, medication, and fundus examination data of these subjects were collected and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with changes in CKD stage. Results: During the 7-year follow-up period, 204 cases (63.7%) remained at CKD stage 3 while 79 cases (24.7%) progressed to stage 4 or 5 and 37 cases (11.6%) improved to stage 1 or 2. The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the first 2 years and variations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) over 7 years were independent factors of both progression (hazard ratio (HR) 1.098 and 1.710, respectively) and improvement (HR 0.919 and 0.231, respectively) of CKD stage. Variations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was also found as an independent factor for progression of renal function (HR 1.052). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that fluctuations in HbA1c and SBP, and changes in eGFR during the first 2 years of treatment were associated with the long-term renal outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients with CKD stage 3.
A population-level analysis of nonsquamous penile cancer: The importance of histology.

Abstract Background Nonsquamous penile cancers comprise 5% of penile malignancies, though their clinicopathologic features and prognostic significance remain unknown. We used a national cancer registry to detail clinical characteristics and compare cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of nonsquamous cancers with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1975–2016) was queried to identify adults with nonsquamous penile cancer and penile SCC. Multivariable Fine and Gray competing-risks regression, propensity score matching, and cumulative incidence plots were used. Results 666 men with nonsquamous penile cancer and 5,894 men with penile SCC were identified. The most commonly represented nonsquamous histological subtypes were Kaposi sarcoma (n = 183, 27.5%), melanoma (n = 74, 11.1%), basal cell carcinoma (n = 65, 9.8%), and extramammary Paget disease (n = 42, 6.3%). Cumulative incidence plots revealed a 10-year CSM rate of 32.6% in the nonsquamous penile cancer group and 25.6% in the matched penile SCC group (P Conclusions The most common nonsquamous penile cancers are Kaposi sarcoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Overall, CSM is higher in nonsquamous penile cancers as compared to stage-matched SCC. Outcomes are similar in modern patients, likely due to improved control of systemic HIV in patients with Kaposi sarcoma. However, men with penile melanoma continue to experience a higher rate of CSM.
Long-term outcomes of kidney donors with fibromuscular dysplasia.

Background Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic systemic arterial disease that is not infrequently discovered during kidney donor evaluation. Current guidelines do not provide recommendations regarding the use of kidneys from donors with FMD and there is a paucity of data on the outcomes of these donors. Methods The Renal and Lung Living Donor Evaluation (RELIVE) Study addressed long-term outcomes of 8922 kidney donors who donated 1963 - 2007. We compared the development of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, proteinuria and reduced eGFR in 113 kidney donors with FMD discovered during donor evaluation to 452 propensity score matched donors without FMD. Outcomes modeling with logistic and Cox regression analysis and Kaplan Meier statistics were performed. Results Donors with FMD were older (51 vs. 39 years), were more likely to be women (80% vs. 56%) and had a higher systolic blood pressure at donation (124.7 vs. 121.3 mmHg), p Conclusions Kidney donors with FMD appear to do well, do not appear to incur increased risks of hypertension, proteinuria, CVD or reduced eGFR and perhaps carefully selected candidates with FMD can safely donate as long as involvement of other vascular beds is ruled out.
Overview of the Normal Structure and Function of the Macrocirculation and Microcirculation

The function of the left ventricle (LV) is to pump oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood through the large arteries (macrocirculation) of the systemic arterial tree to the arterioles and capillaries (microcirculation) to meet the metabolic requirements of surrounding tissues. The walls of arteries are composed of living cells, including smooth muscles cells (SMC), stiff collagen fibers, and compliant elastic fibers. The proximal aorta has large amounts of elastic fibers with fewer collagen fibers, while the lower descending aorta has fewer elastic fibers and more collagen fibers; muscular arteries have an abundance of SMC. The large elastic arteries serve as a buffering reservoir or Windkessel that damps pulsations and stores blood during systole and expels it to the peripheral circulation during diastole so that the capillaries receive a steady or continuous flow of blood during the entire cardiac cycle. The arterioles, by changing their caliber, alter peripheral resistance and aid in the maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure. If the LV is ideally matched to its afterload, ventricular/vascular coupling and cardiac efficiency are optimal and myocardial oxygen consumption is minimal. The amount of energy and thus the oxygen used by the LV to produce the cardiac output are dependent upon the physical properties of the arterial system. With increasing age some elastic fibers fragment and become dysfunctional, while the number of collagen fibers increases. This process increases elastic artery stiffness and causes increased wave reflections which increases pulsatility and elevates LV afterload and myocardial oxygen demand.
Triple-addition assay protocols for detecting and characterizing modulators of seven-transmembrane receptors.

The detection and characterization of seven-transmembrane-receptor modulators (orthosteric binding site agonists, antagonists, and more recently allosteric modulators) is an area of intense interest for both drug discovery and basic research. Traditionally, assays used to detect and characterize these different modes of modulation have been executed as separate, discrete protocols focused on a particular mode of action (e.g., agonism). In recent years, investigators have begun to combine aspects of these separate protocols to produce methods that detect multiple modes of modulation simultaneously. The power of such approaches is revealed not only in conservation of time and resources, but more importantly in a superior ability to discover and characterize novel modulators of the targets of interest. The protocols in this article describe a general procedure for developing, validating, and utilizing triple-addition assays to enable the simultaneous detection and characterization of multiple modes of seven-transmembrane-receptor modulation. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:119-140 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: seven-transmembrane receptor; G-protein-coupled receptor; agonist; potentiator; antagonist; allosteric; fluorescence; high-throughput screening
A discrete event based stochastic simulation approach for studying the dynamics of biological networks

With increasing availability of data resources on the molecular parts of a living cell, biologists are focussing on holistic understanding of cellular mechanisms and the emergent dynamics arising out of their complex interactions. Comprehending the fine-grained signal specificity, gene regulation and feedback mechanisms of molecular interactions at a network level forms a central theme of systems biology. With the speed and sophistication of computational methods, in silico modeling and simulation techniques have become a powerful tool for biologists challenged with understanding the system complexity of biological networks. Numerical simulation of classical chemical kinetics (CCK), agent-based simulations of biological processes, and linear optimization models of metabolic networks, have been applied to the study of cellular behaviors with varying degrees of success. The spatio-temporal scales of cellular processes, coupled with the knowledge gap and complexity of biological networks limit the application of existing computational techniques. In this dissertation, we present a network-centric modeling and simulation approach to systematically study the stochastic dynamics of cellular processes at a molecular level. The central theme of our approach revolves around abstracting a complex biological process as a collection of discrete, interacting molecular entities driven in time by a set of discrete biological events (bioEvents). We develop the discrete-event based simulation engine, called iSimBioSys, together with an integrated database of biological pathways, which captures the temporal dynamics of the molecules through stochastic interactions of different bioEvents. With an illustrative case study of signal transduction networks in bacterial cells, we highlight the efficiency of a discrete event based approach in capturing high-level system dynamics of a biological process, particularly in reproducing the switching effect of the PhoPQ pathway in Salmonella cells as reported in experimental work. Next, we build a detailed stochastic model for the fundamental process of gene expression in prokaryotic cells and study the biological events of transcription and translation using the proposed simulation framework. Our results identify the role of transcriptional and translation machinery in controlling the burstiness of protein generation. We extend our simulator to incorporate a hybrid algorithm which combines stochastic models of signalling and regulatory events with a flow-based model for metabolic networks. In order to validate the efficacy of the hybrid simulation approach, we develop an integrated database of signaling and metabolic networks in the bacterial cell Escherechia Coli. The hybrid simulation recreates experimentally observed regulation of metabolic flux distributions in the network while providing new insights into the mechanism of regulation.
On architecting business performance management grid for adaptive enterprises

A business performance management grid is a grid-based system that supports an adaptive environment in which businesses can make prompt and well-informed business decisions. We describe the Business Performance Management Services Architecture, the architecture for grid-based services and an OGSA-based reference implementation for this architecture. Then we present a case study involving an implementation of a business performance management system in microelectronic manufacturing and describe its extension to the grid environment.
Principles of Functional Analysis

Basic notions Duality Linear operators The Riesz theory for compact operators Fredholm operators Spectral theory Unbounded operators Reflexive Banach spaces Banach algebras Semigroups Hilbert space Bilinear forms Selfadjoint operators Measures of operators Examples and applications Glossary Major Theorems Bibliography Index.
Inhibitory neurones of the spinal substantia gelatinosa mediate interaction of signals from primary afferents

The spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG; lamina II) is a major synaptic zone for unmyelinated (C) primary afferents. Whereas a substantial proportion of intrinsic SG neurones are GABAergic inhibitory, their relationship to afferent activity is unknown. In spinal cord slices from a transgenic mouse in which certain GABAergic lamina II neurones are labelled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), we compared primary afferent input with local efferent connections made by inhibitory SG neurones. Simultaneous whole-cell recordings from characterized neurones establish that inhibitory SG neurones receive monosynaptic input from a subset of unmyelinated primary afferents and connect to other lamina II cells that have input from a different set of afferents, permitting interactions between distinctive afferent messages. Certain lamina II inhibitory cells were found to connect to one another by reciprocal links. Inhibitory lamina II connections appear arranged to modulate activity from different sets of peripheral unmyelinated fibres through neural circuitry that includes disinhibition.
Development and validation of a T7 based linear amplification for genomic DNA

Genomic maps of transcription factor binding sites and histone modification patterns provide unique insight into the nature of gene regulatory networks and chromatin structure. These systematic studies use microarrays to analyze the composition of DNA isolated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. To obtain quantities sufficient for microarray analysis, the isolated DNA must be amplified. Current protocols use PCR-based approaches to amplify in exponential fashion. However, exponential amplification protocols are highly susceptible to bias. Linear amplification strategies minimize amplification bias and have had a profound impact on mRNA expression analysis. These protocols have yet to be applied to the analysis of genomic DNA due to the lack of a suitable tag such as the polyA tail. We have developed a novel linear amplification protocol for genomic DNA. Terminal transferase is used to add polyT tails to the ends of DNA fragments. Tail length uniformity is ensured by including a limiting concentration of the terminating nucleotide ddCTP. Second strand synthesis using a T7-polyA primer adapter yields double stranded templates suitable for in vitro transcription (IVT). Using this approach, we are able to amplify as little as 2.5 ng of genomic DNA, while retaining the size distribution of the starting material. In contrast, we find that PCR amplification is biased towards species of greater size. Furthermore, extensive microarray-based analyses reveal that our linear amplification protocol preserves dynamic range and species representation more effectively than a commonly used PCR-based approach. We present a T7-based linear amplification protocol for genomic DNA. Validation studies and comparisons with existing methods suggest that incorporation of this protocol will reduce amplification bias in genome mapping experiments.
The Duality of Authenticity in ELT

Purpose: This study aims to find out the dual-perspectives on authenticity in English language teaching. Problem: The concept of authenticity has generated quite a ripple in ESL/EFL classrooms. Contrasting perspectives have emerged over the years in reaction to this concept. Some regard authenticity as an inevitable part of teaching as it provides students with opportunities to interact with reality in the classroom itself, whereas, some others consider it an ambitious construct and suggest approaching it with caution. Method: In order to verify these perspectives, a survey of literature has been done to trace the genesis of authenticity and its various facets. Conclusion: As a result, we have found that a balanced outlook on authenticity is required by the teachers to promote better teaching-learning experiences.
Autologous pericardial patch leaflet augmentation in the setting of mitral valve repair

Mitral valve repair is the standard of care for correction of significant mitral regurgitation for a wide range of etiologies as it confers a significant survival advantage in selected patients, has demonstrated equivalent or superior durability compared to bioprosthetic replacement particularly in young patients, reduces the thromboembolic complications of mechanical replacement, and avoids the need for anticoagulation. Leaflet augmentation with glutaraldehydefixed autologous pericardium is a useful adjunct when there is insufficient leaflet tissue to produce a reliable repair using standard techniques, as it is a cheap and readily available substrate with excellent resistance to infection and calcific degeneration. Autologous pericardial patch augmentation has been described in the setting of rheumatic mitral insufficiency, ischemic mitral regurgitation, endocarditis, congenital mitral valve disease, and re-repair. Here, we provide a brief overview of the historical background, a technical description of our approach to mitral valve repair requiring pericardial patch leaflet augmentation, followed by a summary of the operative technique and results reported according to etiology.
Symposium: Feminist Epistemology: FEMINIST EPISTEMOLOGY*

L'A. defend la legitimite et la necessite d'une epistemologie feministe fondee sur quatre themes: 1) une conception non-individualiste de la connaissance, 2) une attention a la diversite, 3) une critique de l'objectivite comme but de la connaissance scientifique, 4) une definition normative de la connaissance. Dans l'article suivant intitule «Comment on Noami Scheman» («Metaphilosophy», 26-3, juin 1995, pp. 191-198), L. M. Antony denonce l'origine politique des conclusions epistemiques de l'A.. Dans l'article suivant intitule «Feminist Epistemology: Reply to Antony» (ibid., pp. 197-200), l'A. repond aux critiques qui lui sont adressees en insistant sur la notion d'interchangeabilite des sujets connaissants
Hippocampal CB1 receptors mediate the memory impairing effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

It is firmly established that the hippocampus, a brain region implicated in spatial learning, episodic memory, and consolidation, contains a high concentration of CB1 receptors. Moreover, systemic and intrahippocampal administration of cannabinoid agonists have been shown to impair hippocampal-dependent memory tasks. However, the degree to which CB1 receptors in the hippocampus play a specific functional role in the memory disruptive effects of marijuana or its primary psychoactive constituent Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is unknown. This study was designed to determine whether hippocampal CB1 receptors play a functional role in the memory disruptive effects of systemically administered cannabinoids, using the radial arm maze, a well characterized rodent model of working memory. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with bilateral cannulae aimed at the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. The CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, was delivered into the hippocampus before to a systemic injection of either Δ9-THC or the potent cannabinoid analog, CP-55,940. Strikingly, intrahippocampal administration of rimonabant completely attenuated the memory disruptive effects of both cannabinoids in the radial arm maze task, but did not affect other pharmacological properties of cannabinoids, as assessed in the tetrad assay (that is, hypomotility, analgesia, catalepsy, and hypothermia). Infusions of rimonabant just dorsal or ventral to the hippocampus did not prevent Δ9-THC-induced memory impairment, indicating that its effects on mnemonic function were regionally selective. These findings provide compelling evidence in support of the view that hippocampal CB1 receptors play a necessary role in the memory disruptive effects of marijuana.
The proarrhythmic effect of hypoglycemia: evidence for increased risk from ischemia and bradycardia

Hypoglycemia increases the risk for both overall and sudden death. At a cellular level, hypoglycemia causes alterations in the physiology of myocardial tissue that are identical to proarrhythmic medications. Reduced serum glucose blocks the repolarizing K(+) channel HERG, which leads to action potential and QT prolongation and is uniformly associated with risk for torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia. The sympathetic response induced by hypoglycemia also increases the risk of arrhythmias from Ca(2+) overload, which occur with sympathomimetic medications and excessive beta adrenergic stimulation. Thus, hypoglycemia can be considered a proarrhythmic event. This review focuses on emerging evidence for two other important changes induced by hypoglycemia that promote arrhythmias: ischemia and bradycardia. Studies of patients with "insulin shock" therapy from the early twentieth century and other more recent data strongly suggest that hypoglycemia can cause ischemia of myocardial tissue, both in association with coronary artery obstructions and by cellular mechanisms. Ischemia induces multiple proarrhythmic responses. Since ischemia itself reduces the possibility of using energy substrates other than glucose, hypoglycemia may generate positive feedback for electrophyisologic destabilization. Recent studies also show that hypoglycemia can cause bradycardia and heart block. Bradycardia is known to cause action potential prolongation and potentiate the development of torsades de pointes, particularly with low-serum K(+) which can be induced by hypoglycemic episodes. Thus, hypoglycemia-induced bradycardia may also create a dynamic, positive feedback for the development of arrhythmias and sudden death. These studies further support the hypothesis that hypoglycemia is a proarrhythmic event.
Bibliography of ‘molecular systematic’ studies of bryophytes. I. 1985–2000

Abstract A bibliography of all studies using characters of DNA sequences to address questions pertaining to the systematics of bryophytes are enumerated. In total 90 research articles are listed. These are arranged according to method of data gathering (Random or specific amplification) and the genomic source of the data analyzed (i.e., nuclear, chloroplastic or mitochondrial).
Mind's Fire: Language, Power, and Representations of Stroke

Using autoethnography and photography, this article explores the culture of stroke, rehabilitation, and recovery. In 1998, Heidi Kelley had a massive stroke, leaving her speechless. The authors use the experience as an occasion to reflect on the meaning of disability and the relationship of language to power and representation. They conclude that the role of the anthropologist, like that of the artist, involves being willing to investigate the enigma of silence in both words and pictures.
1550 nm GaInNAsSb distributed feedback laser diodes on GaAs

Single mode laser diodes on GaAs substrates were developed using GalnNAsSb double quantum well active regions grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The distributed feedback devices were fabricated using a regrowth-free process in which lateral Cr gratings were deposited adjacent to a dry-etched narrow ridge waveguide. In continuous- wave (CW) operation the devices exhibit a lasing wavelength of 1550 nm at 10degC with a very high sidemode suppression ratio of > 50 dB throughout most of the operational range, and output power up to 15 mW.
Simplicity in cognitive assistive technology: a framework and agenda for research

Technology offers substantial benefits to the many people with some form of cognitive disability. But the power of technology often comes in a package whose complexity is a barrier to many users, leading to calls for designs, and especially designs for user interfaces, that are “simple”. This paper analyzes the idea of simplicity, and suggests (a) that simplicity in a user interface is not a unified concept, but rather has distinguishable facets, and (b) that simplicity must be defined in terms of the cognitive capabilities of a user, so that what is “simpler” for one user may be “more complex” for another. Despite (b), the prospects for universal design in this area are good, in that interface technology with the flexibility needed to produce “simple” interfaces for a range of users with different cognitive strengths will be of value in addressing the overall design space of interfaces for a broad audience. While it is possible to sketch the outlines of a useful theory of simplicity, the sketch reveals much that is not fully understood. It also reveals opportunities to rethink the architecture of user interfaces in a way that will benefit user interface development generally.
The ultrastructure of certain components of the corpora cardiaca in orthopteroid insects

Corpora cardiaca of freshly molted male Leucophaea maderae and Periplaneta americana, prepared in the standard manner for electron microscopy, are seen to possess numerous membrane-limited “sacs” of granules. These “sacs”, reaching 5 μ in width, appear to be bulbous axon terminals of brain neuro-secretory cells or processes of intrinsic glandular cells. The terminals are often in close juxtaposition with corpus cardiacum cells. Closely packed granules within some of these structures approach 150 mμ and in others approach 300 mμ in diameter. The granules are frequently seen to have a limiting membrane. Although the nuclei and cell bodies of corpus cardiacum cells have been seen rather infrequently, the micrographs included reveal that these cells possess elements of rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and, occasionally, a large, dense granule. Tissue elements are sometimes separated by unlined, optically empty spaces, by tracheoles, or by extensions of the connective tissue sheath, which frequently penetrate between tissue elements to a considerable depth.
Validation of a systems-actuarial computer process for multidimensional classification of child psychopathology.

Tested diagnostic classifications of child psychopathology produced by a computerized technique known as multidimensional actuarial classification (MAC) against the criterion of expert psychological opinion. The MAC program applies series of statistical decision rules to assess the importance of and relationships among several dimensions of classification, i.e., intellectual functioning, academic achievement, adaptive behavior, and social and behavioral adjustment, to perform differential diagnosis of children's mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, behavioral and emotional disturbance, possible communication or perceptual-motor impairment, and academic under- and overachievement in reading and mathematics. Classifications rendered by MAC are compared to those offered by two expert child psychologists for cases of 73 children referred for psychological services. Experts' agreement with MAC was significant for all classification areas, as was MAC's agreement with the experts held as a conjoint reference standard. Whereas the experts' agreement with MAC averaged 86.0% above chance, their agreement with one another averaged 76.5% above chance. Implications of the findings are explored and potential advantages of the systems-actuarial approach are discussed.
(Na+ +K+)-ATPase activity in kidney basolateral membranes of non insulin dependent diabetic rats.

Insulin resistant, Type II diabetes mellitus (NIDD) in a rat animal model results in profound changes in basal and insulin-stimulated membrane (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase activity in kidney basolateral membrane (BLM) preparations. We find that NIDD in these animals does not result in similar changes in membrane (Na++K+)-ATPase activity. Basal enzyme activity was the same in diabetic and control animals. Insulin treatment of diabetic animals in vivo resulted in hyperinsulinemia and increased BLM (Na++K+)-ATPase, while food restriction for 18 hr resulted in lowered enzyme activity. There was no direct effect of insulin on (Na++K+)-ATPase activity in isolated membranes from any of the animal groups. Thus, physiologic perturbations which alter insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis are accompanied by altered levels of (Na++K+)-ATPase activity. Lower levels of this membrane enzyme activity appear to be associated with optimal insulin action.
Monoclonal antibodies: potential role in radiation therapy and oncology

Specificity, which is a hallmark of the immune system, will be used in radiation oncology in both diagnosis and therapy through the application of radiolabelled monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Antigenic specificities, antibody preparations, and the tumor as a target for radiolabelled antibody is reviewed. Several clinical situations, i.e. single tumor cell suspensions, intraperitoneal single cells and masses, and solid tumors are reviewed in regard to both immune antibody targeting and specific differences between tumors in these regions. The concentration of tumor associated antigens is introductory to radiolabelled antibodies in diagnosis. In the radiation therapy of solid tumors, data regarding tumor dose, tumor effective half-life, varied antibody preparations, and the use of radiolabelled antibody as a method of tumor implantation is discussed using antiferritin 131I-IgG as a model as a model in hepatoma. The theoretical applications of monoclonal antibody integrated in cancer therapy are then presented as a new goal for future development.
A call to action: new treatment options provide even more reasons to intervene in tobacco dependence

Cigarette smoking contributes to 5 million deaths globally each year and up to 35% of tobacco-related deaths in developed countries have cardiovascular causes. In this Viewpoint, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Robert Anthenelli, reviews the growing number of therapeutic options for treating tobacco dependence, and urges cardiologists to adopt a more proactive and persistent approach to motivating smoking cessation in their patients.
Disassembly of the Post-termination Complex and Reduction of Translational Error by Ribosome Recycling Factor (RRF)—A Possible New Target for Antibacterial Agents

In this paper, we briefly review RRF (ribosome recycling factor, previously called ribosome releasing factor) (for recent reviews covering historical background see (1, 2)).
Organic municipal solid waste gasification for electricity production

This paper discusses gasification of organic municipal solid waste in Lebanon for electricity production. Therefore, a mathematical model is performed on Matlab to maximize system performance by studying the temperature, humidity and optimal oxygen intake. Residual heat from the syngas obtained is recovered, conveying thermal energy feed into an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). For this, an ORC is modeled on Matlab using NIST REFPROP 9 data to calculate thermodynamic properties. The best working fluid is thus chosen by maximizing the electrical and thermal efficiencies of the system. The flow of solid waste needed is then calculated.
Overview of cell shape: cytoskeletons shape bacterial cells

An evolving hypothesis is that bacterial cell shape is determined by cytoskeletal elements that localize peptidoglycan synthetic machineries. In most bacteria FtsZ assembles into the Z ring which recruits the machinery necessary for cytokinesis. Most rod shaped cells require MreB which assembles into cables that run between the poles of the cell and distribute various components of peptidoglycan metabolism along the cell length. Cells with other shapes have additional cytoskeletal elements that either localize synthetic machineries or possibly influence their activity.
The Significance of Lack of MR Contrast Enhancement of Supratentorial Brain Tumors in Adults: Histopathological Evaluation of a Series

Abstract Background To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of non-enhancement of supratentorial brain neoplasms in adults with histopathologic findings. Methods Forty adult patients whose preoperative MRI studies demonstrated a non-enhancing supratentorial brain neoplasm were identified retrospectively. Biopsy material for all patients was then reviewed by a board-certified neuropathologist. Results Histopathologic examination identified 24 (60%) low-grade gliomas: 4 (10%) low-grade astrocytomas, 10 (25%) low-grade gliomas (not further classified), 8 (20%) low-grade oligodendrogliomas, and 2 (5%) low-grade mixed oligoastrocytomas. However, 16 (40%) nonenhancing lesions were classified as anaplastic gliomas: 12 (30%) anaplastic astrocytomas, 1 (2.5%) anaplastic mixed oligoastrocytoma, 1 (2.5%) anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and 2 (5%) anaplastic infiltrating gliomas of indeterminate subtype. Conclusion Non-enhancement of supratentorial brain neoplasms in adults does not equate with low-grade malignancy. This fact should be taken into account when biopsy and treatment are being planned in patients with nonenhancing brain tumors. More aggressive and/or surgical therapy might be indicated for such lesions, particularly those in the nondominant hemisphere or nonmotor areas.
Parent involvement and the development of children with special needs

The involvement of parents in the education and training of handicapped children and young people is a relatively recent phenomenon. Only gradually have professionals in the educational, medical and social work spheres accepted the undoubted potential that parents have for positive involvement in activities designed to optimise a child's development, and the expertise, based on intimate knowledge, which they can bring to bear. This paper examines the ways in which parents may be helped and supported in the task of providing stimulating environments for handicapped young children and in the development of their skills as therapists and educators. Parents have a special relationship with the child and are well placed to help him. They require support however in coming to terms with the handicap, in appreciating the implications for the child and for the family in the long term, and in developing appropriate skills. Help for the handicapped child must therefore be considered in the light of help for the fami...
Disaccharide synthesis on a soluble hyperbranched polymer

Abstract A hyperbranched star polymer was employed as a soluble support for disaccharide synthesis as a practical alternative to a dendrimer support. The large number of terminal groups present on the support permit very high loading levels to be possible. Polymer bound intermediates could be directly analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry due to the presence of a photolabile linker that is cleaved by the MALDI-TOF laser.
Two definitions of persistence in visual perception.

It is well known that the perception of a visual stimulus does not terminate with the offset of that stimulus, but decays with time. Although a variety of specific methods have been developed to study this phenomenon, these methods have not always yielded consistent results. We believe that some of the discrepancies in the literature on visual persistence have arisen because different researchers have based their estimates of persistence on qualitatively different features of the visual residual. Efron (1970) asked subjects to temporally align the onset of a click with the offset of a brief flash. Persistence, defined as the interval between flash offset and onset of the indexing click, was found to decrease with increasing flash intensity. Bowen, Pola, and Matin (1974) asked subjects to adjust the temporal placement of a probe flash so that it was coincident with the apparent offset of a spatially separated test flash. Persistence was defined as the interval between test flash offset and onset of the indexing flash. Again, measured persistence decreased with increasing test stimulus intensity. The same result has been reported by Hansteen (1971) using a procedure resembling that of Bowen et al. In a somewhat different approach, Haber and Standing (1969) presented a repetitive cycle in which a stimulus was followed by a blank interval. Subjects were asked to adjust the duration of the blank interval between successive stimulus presentations so as to produce a discontinuity. Once again, persistence, defined by the duration of the blank interval between successive stimuli, declined with increases in the intensity of the test stimulus. Other researchers, however, using different procedures, have reported that stimulus intensity has the opposite effect on persistence. In one of a series of experiments, Sakitt (1976) asked observers to temporally align the onset of a click with the disappearance of the residual (icon) of a briefly exposed letter array. Her measure of persistence, the temporal inter-
Team training for creating performance templates

Purpose – This paper seeks to explain how team training in template construction and maintenance is achieved to improve the performance of individuals and teams on the job. The aim is to explain the training model in detail and to present the theory base for the model. Also, another important purpose is to demonstrate how the model is actually used in the field.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of two major features: the explication of how the template approach is applied, in general; and then the performance of teams and groups of employees is compared following training. It shows that one group was trained in the template approach, while the other group was trained using more conventional methods.Findings – The hypotheses stated that in comparing the differently trained teams/groups there would be no difference in performance on these measures: gross sales attained; manager rating of employee performance; and customer satisfaction with regard to sales representatives; product knowle...
Lessons Learned from the SDSS Catalog Archive Server

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey is one of the first very large archives in astronomy and other sciences. Experiences gained over the past decade of SDSS Catalog Archive Server development in software, hardware, and operational issues could provide useful advice for future archive projects. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey, or SDSS, is a multi-institution, internationally funded project to map about half of the northern sky in unprecedented detail with a dedicated 2.5-m telescope and special-purpose instruments. The SDSS Science Archive resulting from the survey contains the calibrated science data and is published in two formats: a raw image archive consisting of approximately 15 Tbytes of binary image files and accessible via an rsync/wget interface, and an approximately 6-Tbyte catalog archive that is loaded into a relational database management system (DBMS) and is accessible via specialized Web-based tools and SQL query interfaces.
Nanostructural control of the release of macromolecules from silica sol-gels.

The therapeutic use of biological molecules such as growth factors and monoclonal antibodies is challenging in view of their limited half-life in vivo. This has elicited the interest in delivery materials that can protect these molecules until released over extended periods of time. Although previous studies have shown controlled release of biologically functional BMP-2 and TGF-β from silica sol–gels, more versatile release conditions are desirable. This study focuses on the relationship between room temperature processed silica sol–gel synthesis conditions and the nanopore size and size distribution of the sol–gels. Furthermore, the effect on release of large molecules with a size up to 70 kDa is determined. Dextran, a hydrophilic polysaccharide, was selected as a large model molecule at molecular sizes of 10, 40 and 70 kDa, as it enabled us to determine a size effect uniquely without possible confounding chemical effects arising from the various molecules used. Previously, acid catalysis was performed at a pH value of 1.8 below the isoelectric point of silica. Herein the silica synthesis was pursued using acid catalysis at either pH 1.8 or 3.05 first, followed by catalysis at higher values by adding base. This results in a mesoporous structure with an abundance of pores around 3.5 nm. The data show that all molecular sizes can be released in a controlled manner. The data also reveal a unique in vivo approach to enable release of large biological molecules: the use more labile sol–gel structures by acid catalyzing above the pH value of the isoelectric point of silica; upon immersion in a physiological fluid the pores expand to reach an average size of 3.5 nm, thereby facilitating molecular out-diffusion.
Compensation for Inconsistencies: The Effects of Stereotype Strength on Expectations of Applicants’ Job Success and Satisfaction

This research was designed to examine how exposure to information about a man described in terms of gender-typed, cross gender-typed, or androgynous characteristics affected judgments about his potential satisfaction and suitability for male- and female-dominated occupations. In addition, we examined how this exposure affected judgments about another man who was applying for the same job. Drawing from prior theory and research on the schema maintenance through compensation model (e.g., Seta & Seta, 1993; Seta, Seta, & McElroy, 2003), it was predicted and found that participants with strong gender stereotypes develop compensatory expectancies. Specifically, in comparison to control conditions, participants exposed to information about the first applicant that was inconsistent with a typical man’s behavior expected the second applicant to be especially “macho” and to be unsuitable in and dissatisfied with traditionally, female-dominant occupations. Implications for employment interviews were discussed.
Estimation of motion parameters by isolating scatterers using time-frequency filtering

In SAR/ISAR imaging, estimation of motion parameters of moving objects is needed in order to compensate for translational motion that causes image blurring. Phase parameter estimation from signals corresponding to one scatterer buried in complex white Gaussian noise is a problem for which various successful techniques have been devised. For multicomponent signals, it is difficult to use these parametric methods. Isolating the signal's components in order to do the estimation can help. The authors have previously proposed the isolation of scatterers for instantaneous frequency estimation. This process allows not only the extraction of components but also the manipulation of each object separately. In this paper, we study the use of time-frequency filtering on parameter estimation for a complex exponential signal with polynomial phase modulation. Our study is limited to the use of the Discrete Polynomial- Phase Transform (DPT) of Peleg and Friedlander. Our approach is to simplify the problem of parameter estimation from multicomponent signals by isolating them and then performing the estimation on each one separately. The process of isolating components is also shown to be improved by applying superresolution in the computation of the time- frequency representation. We also formulate an approach using the DPT for motion parameter estimation on a signal model for stepped-frequency ISAR returns from a scatterer.
Death, Memory and Material Culture

Death, Memory and Material Culture. Elizabeth Hallam and Jenny Hockey. Oxford: Berg, 2001. ix. 249 pp., illustrations, bibliography, index.
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis on distal femoral weight‐bearing cartilage

Objective To examine magnetic resonance imaging–derived T2 relaxation times in the weight-bearing cartilage of the distal femur in healthy children and in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods T2 relaxation time maps were created for 39 girls (ages 4.9–10.9 years), 21 of whom were considered healthy and 18 of whom had JRA. The spatial distribution of T2 relaxation times for the distal femoral weight-bearing cartilage (including epiphyseal and articular cartilage) was mapped for each group as a whole. Average data sets for each group were then compared using paired t-tests to detect differences between the 2 populations. Results The spatial distribution of T2 relaxation time values was nearly identical in the 2 groups, with a concave curve that was highest near the subchondral bone and articular surfaces. The average T2 relaxation times were significantly higher in the girls with JRA than in the group of healthy girls (P < 0.05). Conclusion The finding of an increased average T2 relaxation time in the children with JRA suggests that T2 relaxation time maps may reflect cartilage microstructure differences that occur in JRA. T2 relaxation time mapping may allow for early detection of cartilage changes and provide an objective, quantitative method of monitoring disease progression, with the long-term potential to guide therapy.
Measurement of glutathione-protein mixed disulfides

We have undertaken the development of a sensitive and highly specific assay for the presence of mixed disulfides between protein thiol groups and endogenous thiols. Previous investigations on the concentrations of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and protein glutathione mixed disulfides (ProSSG) have been of limited usefulness because of the poor specificity of the assays used. Our assay for these forms of glutathione is based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and is an extension of an earlier method. After perchloric acid precipitation, the protein sample is washed with an organic solvent to fully denature the protein. Treatment with 25 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) in 50 mM N-morpholinopropane sulfonic acid buffer, pH 8.0, reduces disulfides on the protein, and free thiols resulting from this procedure are analyzed by HPLC. We have found up to a 10-fold increase in GSH released from fetal bovine serum (FBS) protein when the protein precipitate is washed with ethanol rather than ether, as earlier suggested. Similar effects have been observed with an as yet unidentified thiol which elutes in our chromatography system with a retention volume similar to cysteine. Future experiments concerning this unidentified thiol are in progress.
BIOLOGICAL ASSAYS OF THE MALE CHICKEN PITUITARY FOR GONADOTROPIC POTENCY

IN CONNECTION WITH investigations of the endocrine physiology of domestic fowl it appeared essential to determine quantitatively the gonad-stimulating potency of theanterior pituitary. Routine classification of all glands with respect to breed, sex, age,and reproductive condition of the donors frequently resulted in a limited quantity of anterior pituitary substance. The immediate purpose of the present investigation was, therefore, to elucidate a method suitable for the assay of small quantities of material. Pituitaries from males have been used exclusively since larger numbers were available and they have been found to have a higher gonad-Stimulating activity than pituitaries from females (1). The results permit an analysis of the male chicken pituitary type and a determination of the gonadotropic potency of male glands from several different breeds of birds. The determinations also provide a base of reference for comparison of potencies of glands from the female and from birds subjected to various expe...
Last Thoughts on The Last Intellectuals

Over twenty years ago my book The Last Intellectuals put into circulation the phrase “public intellectual.” The term unexpectedly enjoyed great success. It encapsulated a new division between a professional or academic intellectual focused on his or her specialty and an intellectual orientated to a larger public. The former tend to disappear into the university, while they latter write for the educated public. In the twenty years since its publication, my book has been sharply challenged. Moreover the emergence of African-American and women intellectuals, and well as new developments such as Internet, have possibly undermined my thesis. Yet these phenomena amount to revisions, not refutations, of my thesis. Moreover the role of intellectuals in France and Germany suggest that the same process of academization is taking place in other advanced industrial nations. What is called for is not nostalgia or its opposite, a celebration of everything that happens, but a consideration of the real shifts that affect the lives and work of intellectuals.