cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential Role of Ubiquitin E3 Ligase, FBXO9, As a Tumor Suppressor in AML

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to all cells of the blood. The balance between HSC self-renewal and differentiation is critical to maintaining hematopoiesis throughout the life of the organism, and disruptions to this balance often result in malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Multiple transcription factor networks are known to be important regulators of HSCs and, when mutated, can lead to leukemia development. More recently, protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been shown to regulate HSC self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. The role of this pathway in leukemogenesis is less clear. We recently performed a screen in embryonic stem cells to identify members of the UPS involved in cell fate decisions. From this, we identified the Ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXO9, which is a substrate recognition component of the Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF)-type E3 ligase complex. Interestingly, FBXO9 is highly expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, but is decreased in patients with AML including patients with Inv(16) chromosomal abnormality. In order to study FBXO9 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, we utilized a novel method using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a conditional knockout model in collaboration with the Mouse Transgenic Core at UNMC. We bred our mice to transgenic mice expressing Cre Recombinase from the Mx1 promoter, which allows for PolyIC inducible expression of Cre in all hematopoietic cells including HSC. Our preliminary data shows alterations in hematopoiesis, including less competitive repopulation capability of the HSC in vivo and decreased differentiation potential of the hematopoietic progenitor population (HPC). To test if Fbxo9 plays a role in leukemia development, we crossed mice with the conditional allele of Fbxo9 with a knockin mouse model of AML that expresses the leukemia fusion gene Cbfb-MYH11 . In a small cohort of mice, we found that deletion of Fbxo9 in the context of Cbfb-MYH11 caused markedly accelerated leukemia development with >50% myeloid blasts in the peripheral blood by week 6. These findings suggest that the ubiquitin E3 ligase, Fbxo9, is a novel tumor suppressor and can regulate self-renewal, differentiation, and malignant transformation. In addition The dynamic reversibility of the ubiquitin modification (by kinases, phosphatases, E3 ligases, and de-ubiquitinases) and the recent development of both general proteasome inhibitors as well as specific antagonists of ligase function suggest that manipulation of proteins by ubiquitin E3 ligases could provide potential targets for drug discovery and stem cell therapy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Robust Causal Inference for Incremental Return on Ad Spend with Randomized Geo Experiments

Evaluating the incremental return on ad spend (iROAS) of a prospective online marketing strategy (i.e., the ratio of the strategy's causal effect on some response metric of interest relative to its causal effect on the ad spend) has become increasingly more important. Although randomized ``geo experiments'' are frequently employed for this evaluation, obtaining reliable estimates of iROAS can be challenging as oftentimes only a small number of highly heterogeneous units are used. Moreover, advertisers frequently impose budget constraints on their ad spends, which further complicates causal inference by introducing interference between the experimental units. In this paper, we formulate a novel statistical framework for inferring the iROAS of online advertising from randomized paired geo experiment which further motivates and provides new insights into Rosenbaum's arguments on instrumental variables, and we propose and develop a robust, distribution-free and interpretable estimator ``Trimmed Match'', as well as a data-driven choice of the tuning parameter which may be of independent interest. We investigate the sensitivity of Trimmed Match to some violations of its assumptions and show that it can be more efficient than some alternative estimators based on simulated data. We then demonstrate its practical utility with real case studies.
The Effects of an Intensive Evidence-Based Practice Educational and Skills Building Program on EBP Competency and Attributes.

Background and significance Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that improves quality and population health outcomes as well as reduces costs and empowers clinicians to fully engage in their role, otherwise known as the quadruple aim in health care. The Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare at The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been offering 5-day EBP immersion programs since 2012. The goal of the program is for the participants to acquire EBP competence (e.g., knowledge, skills, and attitude) and sustain it over time. Purpose and aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the 5-day EBP immersion (i.e., an education and skills building program) on EBP attributes and competence over time. Method and design A longitudinal pre-experimental study was conducted that gathered data with an anonymous online survey from 400 program attendees who attended 16 5-day immersions between September 2014 and May 2016. Participants completed five valid and reliable instruments at four points over 12 months, including EBP beliefs, implementation, competency, knowledge, and perception of organizational readiness and culture. Results Findings indicated statistically significant improvements in EBP attributes and competency over time. The results of this study support the hypotheses that EBP competency and attributes can be significantly improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5-day EBP educational and skills building program such as the one described in this study. This study can help leaders and organizations to mitigate many of the traditional barriers to EBP. Linking evidence to action The results of this study indicate that EBP attributes and competencies can be improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5-day EBP immersion, regardless of clinicians' prior educational preparation.
Clinical Applications of Genetic Discoveries in Kidney Transplantation: a Review

Growth in knowledge of the genetics of kidney disease has revealed that significant percentages of patients with diverse types of nephropathy have causative mutations. Genetic testing is poised to play an increasing role in the care of patients with kidney disease. The role of genetic testing in kidney transplantation is not well established. This review will explore the ways in which genetic testing may be applied to improve the care of kidney transplant recipients and donors.
Online luxury goods with price discount or onsite luxury goods with luxury services: Role of situation-specific thinking styles and socio-demographics

Abstract Today, the luxury goods and service market is growing faster than ever. However, despite its growth, we do not know much about the ways in which consumers choose to shop online or in store when buying luxury goods. We also lack insight into the factors that can affect such luxury consumption decisions. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether consumers prefer to buy luxury goods online at a discounted price or would rather buy luxury goods in store with additional luxury services at a cover price. This study also examines the extent to which such decisions can be driven by their situation-specific thinking styles as well as other socio-demographic variables. The results show that participants adopted a rational thinking style when deciding to buy luxury goods online with price discounts. On the other hand, an experiential thinking style was evoked when participants chose to visit a store offering luxury brands and luxury services. In addition to momentary thinking orientations, gender as well as income were found to be relevant to a consumer's choice in a shopping platform when seeking luxury brands. More details about the study's findings and their implications are discussed below.
Taking Black Pain Seriously

Taking Black Pain Seriously The onus of advocacy for suffering Black patients has been placed almost solely on this country’s disproportionately few Black clinicians — an unsustainable situation, p...
Increasing Radiation Force-Induced Displacement at Matched Pressure by Reducing Effective Aperture

Localization of the focus during transcranial focused ultrasound procedures is critical for targeting the correct region and avoiding unwanted effects. Magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging provides the ability to image the displacement induced by the focused ultrasound beam. By reducing the aperture of the therapeutic transducer, we are able to increase the measured displacement at matched pressures. This method can localize the ultrasound focus while having less risk of unwanted effects.
Process Creative: From four style of paintings in Sabah

The creative process usually refers to the creation of something new and unique. This paper discussed the process creation of the four genres in painting that is applied by visual artists in Sabah. Researchers used the theoretical framework approach from the updated model of process creation in the visual art-making domain to explain the operation of producing intellectual property in visual art mainstream. This research involved interview process for 20 artists from Northern Borneo, Sabah. The outcome of this research explained the differentiation between four approaches of painting genre in the form of the creative process involved. Keywords: Process creative, the genre of painting, Sabah's painting eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2541
Virtually structured detection for super-resolution ophthalmoscopy of human photoreceptors

High-resolution ophthalmic imaging is imperative for detecting subtle changes of photoreceptor abnormality at the early stage of retinal diseases. However, optical resolution in retinal imaging is inherently limited by the low numerical aperture of the ocular optics. Virtually structured detection (VSD) has been demonstrated to break the diffraction limit of imaging systems by shifting the high-frequency components to the passing bandwidth of the imaging system. However, its implementation for human subjects remains a challenge due to the uncertain cut-off frequency of the modulation transfer function (MTF) required for VSD processing. This study demonstrates an objective method to derive the MTF from spectral profiles, enabling quantitative estimation of the optimal cut-off frequency. A custom-built line-scan scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was developed, and two-dimensional line-profile patterns were acquired at a 25 kHz frame rate. We found that the MTF profiles exhibited significant differences between subjects as well as view fields. VSD-based super-resolution images exhibited improved resolution and contrast to differentiate individual photoreceptors compared to the equivalent wide-field imaging. Besides, the motility process on the VSD image further improved the image quality as the photoreceptors revealed clear boundaries and more integrated shape, compared to that in the VSD image. We anticipate that the VSD-based imaging will provide a simple, low-cost, and phase-artifact-free strategy to achieve super-resolution retinal ophthalmoscopy.
Effect of Data mindfulness training on accounting students: results from a randomized control trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness training on stress, mindfulness, and life satisfaction in accounting students. Eighty-eight students participated in a randomized ...
Designing Natural Gas Distribution Concessions in a Megacity: Tradeoffs between Scale Economies and Information Disclosure in Mexico City

January 2001 Private participation in the development of natural gas distribution networks is often introduced through the award of exclusive concessions for defined geographic zones. Designing such franchises in a megacity poses a challenge in striking a balance between economies of scale (few distributors) and information disclosure for regulation (more distributors). Approaches to making these and related tradeoffs are analyzed through a case study of Mexico City. Unlike in other privatizations in Mexico, in the tender for natural gas distribution franchises the government stipulated only the minimum number of consumers to be served at the end of the first five years. Concessions were awarded to the firms that offered the lowest initial average revenue. Where applicable, the government also set the value of preexisting distribution facilities to be acquired by the winning bidder. These features, together with the specifics of price and access regulation and the zone's technical characteristics, determine the allocation of risks and method of financing for distribution activities. Rosellon and Halpern assess the subdivision of the Mexico City metropolitan area into natural gas distribution franchise zones. In a megacity with extensive, densely populated areas, more distribution franchise zones mean more information for regulating regional monopolies; fewer zones permit greater economies of scale. The optimal number of distribution franchises should reach an equilibrium between adequate information (to permit the regulator to optimize social welfare) and unit cost minimization. Large distribution franchise zones - with an adequate mix of consumers - reduce the financial risk of operating distribution systems. If the number of distribution franchises in a distribution area declines, financial risks may also decline. As the number of zones increases, so does the financial impact of losing large industrial consumers. If every distributor had only a few anchor consumers, demand in a franchise zone might drop abruptly if one of the anchor consumers went bankrupt or exited the market for other reasons. The authors analyze the empirical basis for the demarcation of distribution franchise zones in the Mexico City metropolitan area and compare outcomes with initial projections. This paper - a product of the Finance, Private Sector, and Infrastructure Sector Unit, Latin America and the Caribbean Region - is part of a larger effort in the region to evaluate and disseminate lessons of experience in designing policies to improve the quality and sustainability of infrastructure services.
Monte Carlo MP2-F12 for Noncovalent Interactions: The C60 Dimer.

A scalable stochastic algorithm is presented that can evaluate explicitly correlated (F12) second-order many-body perturbation (MP2) energies of weak, noncovalent, intermolecular interactions. It first transforms the formulas of the MP2 and F12 energy differences into a short sum of high-dimensional integrals of Green's functions in real space and imaginary time. These integrals are then evaluated by the Monte Carlo method augmented by parallel execution, redundant-walker convergence acceleration, direct-sampling autocorrelation elimination, and control-variate error reduction. By sharing electron-pair walkers across the supermolecule and its subsystems spanned by the joint basis set, the statistical uncertainty is reduced by one to 2 orders of magnitude in the MP2 binding energy corrected for the basis-set incompleteness and superposition errors. The method predicts the MP2-F12/aug-cc-pVDZ binding energy of 19.1 ± 4.0 kcal mol-1 for the C60 dimer at the center distance of 9.748 A.
Unemployment in India and Jobs of the Future

This paper aims to throw light on the unemployment patterns in the Indian Economy. It especially emphasizes the loss of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and how unemployment is trending with gradual economic recovery. Lastly, it also covers the ambit of new employment opportunities arising out of pandemic in India for the formal as well as informal sector which can foster GDP growth at a faster rate.
Observation versus prophylactic Ladd procedure for asymptomatic intestinal rotational abnormalities in heterotaxy syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract Background The management of intestinal rotational abnormalities (IRA) in heterotaxy syndrome (HS) remains inconsistent. Because of the high incidence of malrotation in HS, screening of asymptomatic patients is standard of care in some institutions. The Ladd procedure is the treatment for malrotation, and has been reported to have high complication rates in HS patients. Methods We performed a systematic review of publications describing IRA in pediatric HS patients from January 1993 to present. The incidence of volvulus on surgical exploration was determined. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed to determine complication and mortality rates. Results Eleven retrospective studies describing 649 HS patients were identified. Of all patients with HS, 27% (176/649) underwent Ladd procedure. Only 1.2% (8/649) of HS patients included had volvulus. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (14%), including a 10% incidence of small bowel obstruction. Perioperative and overall mortality rates after Ladd procedure were 3% and 21%, respectively. Six studies described mesenteric width, reporting 43% to have narrow mesentery. Conclusion The Ladd procedure is not without significant morbidity and mortality in heterotaxy patients. Further prospective studies should investigate predictors of mesenteric width to spare the unnecessary morbidity of surgery in patients who are at low risk for volvulus.
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] merrill) as a short-term assay for study of environmental mutagens. A report of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gene-Tox Program.

The soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) spot test is suggested as a preliminary screening test for environmental mutagens. This system makes use of various types of spots that originate from the treatment of seeds or seedlings with mutagens. The homozygous dominant y11y11 dark green leaves may show light green and very dark green spots; the heterozygous y11y11 light green leaves may show dark green, yellow or twin spots; and the homozygous recessive y11y11 yellow leaves show light green receptors. The interpretation is that twin spots on the y11y11 leaves originate from somatic crossing-over, and the singles originate primarily from losses or gains of the segments or chromosome carrying the gene y11 or y11. The yellow plants (y11y11) can produce light green sectors if y11 mutates to y11. Studies carried out with a host of chemical and physical agents lend support to the idea that the soybean system can distinguish between several genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of spots. Spots are detected against their native genetic and phenotype background, thus minimizing the effects due to physiological changes. The system is rapid (4-5 weeks per chemical), inexpensive, and involves an eukaryotic organism. It has the advantage of being adaptable for liquid solutions of chemicals, solid wastes, emulsions of chemicals (e.g., in lanolin), and gaseous products.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT DAMAGE TOLERANCE

An analytical method is presented in this paper for the damage tolerance evaluation of adhesively bonded aircraft structures using advanced computer technology. The method, based on a displacement compatibility approach using complex variable analysis, considers elastic–plastic shear displacement characteristics of the adhesive. The effects of adhesive delamination are accounted for together with stiffener yielding. The method developed illustrates that three layers of stiffening elements and three layers of adhesive can easily be accounted for analytically. It is possible to simulate yielding in any element of the stiffener and adhesive systems independently of each other. Delamination in any or all of the adhesive layers can be simulated independently. Two complex stiffening geometries are included to illustrate the effects of adhesive yielding and delamination on the crack tip stress intensity factor in cracked panels. It an be seen from the results that adhesive yielding and delamination are important considerations.
PERIPHERAL BLOOD PLASMACYTOSIS FOLLOWING SYSTEMIC EXPOSURE TO PHYTOLACCA AMERICANA (POKEWEED)

MITOGENIC properties of extracts from Phytolacca americana (pokeweed, scoke, inkberry) for human peripheral blood cells in vitro have been reported from this laboratory. Subsequently, the appearance of leukocytes typical of early and late members of the plasmacytic series was described in the peripheral bloods of two of the authors (P.F. and B.E.B.), who received accidental systemic exposure to the mitogen. Effects of phytomitogens on human cells in vivo are not established, although a number of investigators have administered phytohemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris to patients with aplastic anemia, hoping that the "transformed" lymphocytes might possess hematopoietic potentialities and repopulate the marrow with useful cells. Interpretations of such studies have been complicated by the small numbers of patients studied, the natural course of this group of anemias, simultaneous use of other therapy, and other variables. More information has been accumulated about the effects of phytomitogens on peripheral blood cells in vitro. The process of "transformation" or blastogenesis of lymphocytes, whether induced by plant extracts or specific antigenic stimuli, appears to involve an immune mechanism, although morphologic differentiation toward the plasmacytic series is not seen in the in vitro environment. Recently, we have had the opportunity to study serial blood films from children who received systemic exposure to pokeberry, either through proven oral ingestion (berries recovered from vomitus), or by exposure of fresh cuts and abrasions to pokeberry juice in the course of handling the berries. In each of these instances large cells morphologically typical of plasmablasts and proplasmacytes, and mature plasma cells were found in the peripheral blood films for periods up to 2 weeks following exposure. Mitotic cells were present in the peripheral blood during the first 10 days after exposure (Fig. 1 and 2).
D-Brane Inflation on Conifolds

We describe a model of D--brane inflation on fractional D3 branes transverse to a resolved and deformed conifold. The resolution and the deformation are both necessary for inflation. The fractional branes slowly approach each other along the $S^3$ and separate along the $S^2$ in the base of the conifold. We show that on the brane this corresponds to hybrid inflation. We describe the model also in terms of intersecting branes.
Abstract 274: Occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides and CLL risk

Background Previous literature regarding the association between occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk has been inconsistent, particularly when looking at specific lymphoma subtypes. Most recently, a large European case-control study showed an elevated risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) among those ever exposed to inorganic and organic pesticides with the strongest association among those exposed to organophosphates. However, when restricting the analysis to subjects with high confidence of exposure, these associations were attenuated (Cocco P., 2013). We used case-control data from the Mayo Clinic to evaluate whether there is an increased risk of CLL among individuals with known occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides. Methods We evaluated pesticide exposure and CLL risk in a clinic-based study of newly diagnosed CLL cases and frequency-matched controls enrolled at the Mayo Clinic from 2002-2012. 200 CLL cases and 474 controls returned a detailed farming and pesticide exposure questionnaire that was modeled after the Agricultural Health Study, where exposure was based on pesticide-specific application. Unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex, was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We evaluated the effect of each pesticide individually, by chemical class of pesticides, and by an aggregate of multiple pesticide exposure on CLL risk. Results Among those participants with detailed farming data, the mean age of CLL diagnosis was 66 years and 76% were male; for controls, the mean age at enrollment was 65 years and 66% were male. Risk of CLL was mildly elevated, but not significant, amongst those with application of any pesticide (OR 1.39; 95% C.I. 0.92-2.10). When broken down by chemical class, risk of CLL was also mildly elevated, but not significant, for application of organophosphates and carbamates (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.84-1.73; OR 1.21; 95% 0.85-1.73, respectively). Organochlorines, phenoxy compounds, pyrethriods and triazines showed no evidence of an elevated risk, nor did we see evidence of a trend that CLL risk increases with number of pesticides applied. Discussion Our preliminary results provide inconclusive support for the role of pesticide exposure as a possible risk factor for CLL. However our sample size was small. Additional data will be incorporated, including confidence of exposure measures, as well as other modifying factors, to further evaluate these results. Citation Format: Emily J. Hallberg, Sara J. Achenbach, Kari G. Rabe, Timothy G. Call, Cristine Allmer, Tait D. Shanafelt, Mark Liebow, Neil E. Kay, James R. Cerhan, Susan L. Slager. Occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides and CLL risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 274. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-274
Systematics in the size structure of prairie pothole lakes through drought and deluge

[1] This study examines the response of a complex lake-wetland system to variations in climate. The focus is on the lakes and wetlands of the Prairie Coteau, which is part of the larger Prairie Pothole Region of the Central Plains of North America. Information on lake size was enumerated from satellite images and aerial photos and yielded power law relationships for different hydrological conditions. Of particular interest is a recent drought and deluge sequence, 1988–1992 and 1993–1998. Results showed that lake sizes followed well-defined power laws that changed intra-annually and interannually as a function of climate. The power laws for spring seasons in 1987, 1990, 1992, 1997, and 2002 have a relatively constant slope. However, slopes changed with time within each year. These lines produced from Landsat images and aerial photos describe a systematic variation in sizes for lakes ranging in area from 100 m2 to more than 30,000 m2. This tendency for lake size to follow a power law coupled with area measurement from aerial photos taken on 29 July 1939 provides a basis for reconstructing the distribution of pothole lakes in summer 1939, near the end of the Dust Bowl drought. The study shows that the areas of smaller lakes are profoundly affected seasonally by the spring snowmelt and evaporation. The areas of larger lakes are influenced more slowly by longer- term periods of drought and deluge.
Relational parametricity for a polymorphic linear lambda calculus

This paper presents a novel syntactic logical relation for a polymorphic linear λ-calculus that treats all types as linear and introduces the constructor ! to account for intuitionistic terms, and System F°--an extension of System F that uses kinds to distinguish linear from intuitionistic types. We define a logical relation for open values under both open linear and intuitionistic contexts, then extend it for open terms with evaluation and open relation substitutions. Relations that instantiate type quantifiers are for open terms and types. We demonstrate the applicability of this logical relation through its soundness with respect to contextual equivalence, along with free theorems for linearity that are difficult to achieve by closed logical relations. When interpreting types on only closed terms, the model defaults to a closed logical relation that is both sound and complete with respect to contextual equivalence and is sufficient to reason about isomorphisms of type encodings. All of our results have been mechanically verified in Coq.
Reversible carboxylation of N-heterocyclic carbenes

Spectroscopic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and crossover experiments performed on a series of imidazolium carboxylates revealed carboxylation was reversible with N-aryl substituted adducts.
A Tutorial on Zero Volatility and Option Adjusted Spreads

This paper provides a brief tutorial on the notions of a zero volatility (ZV) spread and an option adjusted spread (OAS), as applied to fixed income securities. Using the standard definitions, it is shown that the zero volatility spread measures the percentage of a security’s spread due to any embedded options and any mispricings. The mispricings could be due to either market or model error. In contrast, the OAS only measures the percentage of the security’s spread due to mis-pricings. Refinements and alternative measures of a bond’s embedded optionality and mispricings are also provided.
Switching dynamics of multiple linear oscillators

Abstract In this paper, the switching dynamics of linear oscillators with arbitrary discontinuous forcing are investigated through the concept of switching systems, and such switching systems consist of countable prescribed linear oscillators with different external excitations. The traditional treatments are to smoothen the discontinuity at switching points of two subsystems in a switching system, which can provide an approximate solution only. Therefore, an alternative method is presented to obtain an exact solution of the resultant switching linear system. Under periodic piecewise forcing and random forcing, the corresponding exact solutions and stochastic responses of switching linear systems are developed. For any periodic forcing, the periodic responses and stability of the resultant system composed of multiple linear oscillators in different time intervals are presented. In addition, the resultant switching system consisting of two oscillators are discussed, and the corresponding stability analysis is carried out.
The equality S1 = D = R

The new result of this paper is that for θ(x; a)-stable (a weakening of “T is stable”) we have S1[θ(x; a)] = D[θ(x; a), L, ∞]. S1 is Hrushovski's rank. This is an improvement of a result of Kim and Pillay, who for simple theories under the (strong) assumption that either of the ranks be finite obtained the same identity. Only the first equality is new, the second equality is a result of Shelah from the seventies. We derive it by studying localizations of several rank functions, we get the following Main Theorem. Suppose that μ is regular satisfying μ ≥ |T|+, p is a finite type, and Δ is a set of formulas closed under Boolean operations. If either (a) R[p, Δ, μ+] < ∞ or (b) p is Δ-stable and μ satisfies “for every sequence {μi : i < |Δ| + ℵ0} of cardinals μi < μ we have that holds”, then S[p, Δ, μ+] = D[p, Δ, μ+] = R[p, Δ, μ+]. The S rank above is a localized version of Hrushovski's S1 rank. This rank, as well as our systematic use of local stability, allows us to get a more conceptual proof of the equality of D and R, which is an old result of Shelah. A particular (asymptotic) case of the theorem offers a new sufficient condition for the equality of S1 and D[·, L, ∞]. We also manage, due to a more general approach, to avoid some combinatorial difficulties present in Shelah's original exposition.
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy in a Murine Model of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction to Improve Sperm Retrieval

Purpose: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction markedly improves the sperm retrieval rates in men with nonobstructive azoospermia. However, localizing sperm foci can be time-consuming and it is not always successful. Fiberoptic confocal fluorescent microscopy offers the advantage of rapid in vivo detection of fluorescently labeled sperm in the seminiferous tubules.Materials and Methods: After establishing the feasibility of fiberoptic confocal fluorescent microscopy to identify antibody labeled sperm in vivo C57/B6 mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of busulfan to induce azoospermia. During spermatogenesis reestablishment at approximately 16 weeks the mice were anesthetized and the testes were delivered through a low midline incision. Fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled antibody to intra-acrosomal protein Hs-14 was injected retrograde into a single murine rete testis. The testes were imaged in vivo with fiberoptic confocal fluorescent microscopy and sperm foci were detected. The respective semi...
Doing More with Less: Performance Improvement in Humanitarian Endocrine Surgery

Appreciating the luxury of our modern operating rooms and arsenal of surgical instruments never seemed easier than when forced to operate in a very low-resource setting. As we have both experienced during short-term humanitarian surgical mission trips to Africa, performing specialized endocrine surgical procedures in resource-limited settings can make technically difficult cases seem all the more challenging. The article by O Donohoe et al. highlights a collection of key points regarding endocrine surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa [1]. First and foremost, continued development of the surgical workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa is of paramount importance. Local surgeons are often required to perform procedures that are frequently funneled to fellowshiptrained subspecialists in developed countries. Mission surgical specialists can provide invaluable onsite, personalized, one-on-one committed teaching and consultation to these surgeons. The experienced, sage surgeon comfortable with complex endocrine procedures is poised to do this and could increase the chances of excellent outcomes—a necessity with limited care [2]. Improved training of local non-specialist African surgeons is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods to establish sustainability and reliable endocrine surgical care in areas such as these. For decades, humanitarian surgical efforts have often focused on short-term surgical excursions, where teams of specialists and equipment fly in, operate around the clock, and fly out like a whirlwind. While compassion and care was clearly extended to the local patient population during the short visit, minimal emphasis was placed on long-term results and little or no patient follow-up occurred. Today, increasing emphasis is placed on patient outcomes, and humanitarian surgery is no different. Papers from McClenaghan and colleagues and Grimes et al., strongly support tracking outcomes and improving patient follow-up for surgical interventions in low-resource settings [3, 4]. Finally, tracking outcomes in a prospective manner for thyroid resections performed in resource-poor settings allows surgeons to better delineate local guidelines and standards of care as well as identifying specific areas for performance and quality improvement. In short, ‘‘A prospective analysis of thyroidectomy outcomes in a resource-limited setting’’ serves as an important example of the beginnings of quality and outcomes research in areas of the world crippled by endemic disease with significant disparities in available surgical care. This paper can easily serve as an inspiration and valuable reference for endocrine surgeons interested in effective and sustainable humanitarian surgical efforts.
All-optical Brillouin dynamic grating generation in few-mode optical fiber

We report, for the first time (to our knowledge), generation of Brillouin dynamic gratings (BDGs) in few-mode optical fibers. A moving acoustic grating is generated by stimulated Brillouin scattering using a writing beam in one fiber mode, which is used to reflect a reading beam at a different wavelength in another fiber mode. With single-end pumping, a BDG with a tunable reflectance of up to 0.1% is demonstrated in a 15 km specially designed two-mode optical fiber.
Optimization of bluff body for minimum drag in ground proximity

Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis was applied to optimize the rear-end shape of a vehicle-like body in ground proximity. The flow analysis was coupled with an optimization program to find values of the shape parameters (backlight angle, boat-tail angle, and ramp angle) that produce a minimum aerodynamic drag coefficient. The approach of this method is to create a localized quadratic approximation to the objective function, in this case, drag coefficient, in terms of the three shape parameters. Values of the objective function are calculated using Navier-Stokes analysis of proposed optimum geometries; the localized objective function approximation is updated and used to select a new geometry, and the iteration process is repeated until the objective function converges to a minimum value. The optimum design geometry (17.8-deg backlight, 18.9-deg boat tail, 9.2-deg ramp) was obtained after 15 Navier-Stokes analyses. The predicted drag coefficient reduction was 0.10 referenced to the constantcross-section afterbody. It was observed that the optimum afterbody shape minimized the trailing vortices in the wake and also produced near zero afterbody lift force. The experimentally determined optimum, for a similar body, was very flat but fell in the range of 15- -18-deg backlight, 15- -22-deg boat tail, and 9- -14-deg ramp. The measured drag coefficient reduction was 0.13.
The Effect of Short Term Treatment With Growth Hormone and Ethinyl Estradiol on Lower Leg Growth Rate in Girls With Turner's Syndrome

An important consequence of Turner's syndrome is short stature. We previously reported that the optimal doses of ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and GH for the stimulation of short term growth in such patients were 100 ng/kg·day and 0.15 U/kg (administered sc three times weekly), respectively. The aim of this study was to determine whether the combination of low dose estrogen and GH would stimulate short term growth more than either agent administered alone. Thirty-nine girls with Turner's syndrome (aged 5–15 yr) underwent one to three 6-month cycles, each consisting of a 2-month baseline period, a 2-month treatment period, and a subsequent 2-month washout period. During the first 2 yr of the study, the girls were assigned to receive the three treatments in random order. The treatments were EE2 (100 ng/kg–day, orally), GH (0.15 U/kg, sc, three times weekly), or the combination of EE2 and GH. Subsequently, some of the girls were treated with reduced doses of EE2 (50 ng/kg·day) and GH [0.09 U/kg, three times weekly...
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PATHOLOGY OF EXPERIMENTAL VIRUS ENCEPHALITIS : V. HERPES VIRUS ENCEPHALITIS IN THE GUINEA PIG.

The guinea pig is subject to cerebral and corneal inoculation of the herpes virus. The effects of the inoculations vary with the strength or degree of virulence of the virus. Weak strains of the virus are implanted on the cerebrum with difficulty and strong strains with ease. Weak strains are quickly suppressed by the brain and strong strains may be passed indefinitely from brain to brain of the guinea pig. Strains of intermediate potency can be passed for a limited number of times only. Weak strains induce keratoconjunctivitis without brain involvement, while strong strains invade the brain from the eye and produce fatal encephalitis. In the latter case, the brain contains active virus inoculable upon the cornea and into the brain of rabbits and guinea pigs. Strains of intermediate potency produce keratoconjunctivitis accompanied by mild symptoms of encephalitis, from which recovery results. The guinea pig serves even more definitely than the rabbit to distinguish grades of virus according to strength or virulence. There is no difference of kind but only of degree of response to inoculation of herpes virus in the rabbit and the guinea pig. The etiology of epidemic encephalitis has not, therefore, been brought appreciably nearer solution by experiments with herpes virus carried out in guinea pigs.
Multipoint microfluidic detection using an integrated zone plate array

Using a microfabricated zone plate array, we demonstrate detection of fluorescent beads at 12 locations along a serpentine microfluidic channel. Cross-correlations of the signals along the channel enable velocity dispersion measurements.
Novel phase-shifting effects of GABAA receptor activation in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of a diurnal rodent.

The vast majority of neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the primary circadian pacemaker in mammals, contain the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Most studies investigating the role of G...
A theory of crack nucleation in high strain fatigue

From previous observations of the surfaces of metals cycled in high strain fatigue, the mechanism of crack nucleation is considered a plastic instability phenomenon. A model for crack nucleation based on this conclusion is now developed quantitatively and a simple relationship between the number of cycles to nucleate a crack and the applied, plastic, strain range thus predicted. Since the model is valid for any material capable of plastic deformation, plasticine has been cycled in reversed bending to test its prediction. Cracks were observed to form in the plasticine by puckering of the surface at stress concentrations, in direct confirmation of the model. Moreover, the crack nucleation measurements on the plasticine and data on metals, taken from the literature, are considered to be in reasonable agreement with the prediction of the model.
Inside the drug trade: Trafficking from the dealer's perspective

Over the past decade drug laws have increased in number and in punishment severity. Prison sentences for drug trafficking have increased in length and greater numbers of individuals have been incarcerated for violating new, “get tough” drug policies. Yet, we know little about once-active drug traffickers who presently receive longer prison sentences than at any time previously. We know little about their trafficking networks, their modes of connecting with buyers and sellers of drugs, and how their drug use contributes to their dealing. To address these issues, a sample of incarcerated drug traffickers was selected and interviewed. The major findings indicate that: (1) nearly all participants were low-level dealers; (2) they dealt primarily to have access to drugs to which they were addicted; (3) they “drifted” into dealing and neither made conscious decisions to become drug dealers nor had images of themselves as dealers; and (4) although they were low-level drug dealers, the majority received very long prison sentences. This descriptive study adds to our understanding of the character of drug dealing among individuals netted in the on-going war on drugs.
Observations of flow patterns by electrochemical means

The Baker technique for visualizing fluid flows consists of generating hydroxyl ions (OH−) in situ in a flowing fluid by electrochemical means. An acid–base indicator is added to the solution, which has been adjusted to an appropriate pH. The local generation of hydroxyl will change the pH locally and hence the color of the indicator will change locally. This technique was introduced in 1966 by D. James Baker. One immediate advantage of this technique is that the tracer is neutrally buoyant. This paper explores the workings of this method in a manner which should give considerable confidence in exactly what is being observed.
Determining the Transport Mean-Free-Path in Nd: YAG Ceramics

In order to characterize the scattering in sintered Nd-YAG ceramics, we studied the photon transport mean free path using several experimental techniques based on the transmission measurements, reflection measurements, and the coherent backscattering.
Self-Interest, Self-Deception and the Ethics of Commerce

On taking the common distinction between the legal and the ethical as a point of departure, and in an effort to understand Marshall's approach to self-interest, and thereby to his conception of an ethics of commerce, I read three of his essays in the light of some non-technical writings of Frank Hahn and three other Cambridge intellectuals. My larger project connects self-interest and self-deception to a possible ethics of theorizing in economics, and thereby to the ethics of the relationship between the theorist and the theorized, the analyst and the analyzed.
30 Gy may be an adequate dose in patients with anal cancer treated with excisional biopsy followed by combined-modality therapy

Background and Objectives There are a subset of patients with invasive anal cancers who undergo an excisional biopsy either before or after combined-modality therapy (CMT). The objective of this study is to determine whether these patients can be adequately treated with a lower dose of pelvic radiation therapy. Methods A total of 25 patients were treated with CMT either before or after an excisional biopsy. The four subsets included 8 patients with initial excision followed by CMT with 30–34 Gy (EX/30), 6 patients with initial excision followed by CMT with 45–50.4 Gy (EX/45), 10 patients treated by CMT with 30 Gy followed by an excision (30/EX), and 1 patient by CMT with 45 Gy followed by an excision (45/EX). Results For the total group, the actuarial 5-year disease-free survival was 78%, overall survival was 86%, colostomy-free survival was 91%, and local control was 82%. When patients received CMT either before or following an excision, the actuarial local control and survival results with 30–34 Gy vs. 45–50.4 Gy were similar. In contrast to radiation dose, in patients who received 30–34 Gy, the sequence of the excision (before or after CMT) did appear to have a borderline significant impact on local control. Actuarial 5-year local control was 100% for EX/30 vs. 67% for 30/EX (P = 0.08). Conclusions Because of the small number of patients in each group and the retrospective nature of the analysis, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from this study. However, our data suggest that in patients who are selected to undergo an initial excisional biopsy followed by CMT, 30 Gy may be an adequate radiation dose. Local control may be higher in patients who undergo an excisional biopsy followed by CMT compared with the converse. J. Surg. Oncol. 1999;70:71–77. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A quantitative collagen film collagenase assay for large numbers of samples

Abstract A simple, rapid, sensitive procedure for determining the collagenase activity of a large number of samples is presented. The method is performed in plastic plates of 96 flat-bottom microwells in which 14 C-labeled collagen is dried to a film from thermally reconstituted fibrils. The collagenase assay consists of adding enzyme samples to the wells, incubating them for relatively short times, and removing the fluid for scintillation counting. The method is quantitative, sensitive (detects at least 10 ng bacterial collagenase, 1.6 μg purified vertebrate collagenase), and precise (SD = 4% for n = 3).