cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a unique factor-independent variant derived from human factor-dependent TF-1 cells: a transformed event

A factor-independent variant (TF-1a) has been isolated from the factor-dependent TF-1 cell line. The subline has been grown continuously in culture for > 1.5 years without added cytokines. The cells retain the ability to respond to multicytokines, with a different response pattern from its parental cell line. The TF-1 cells appeared singly in liquid culture. In contrast. TF-1a cells formed aggregates which increased markedly in size and in number upon TGFbeta1 treatment and showed a diminished TGFbeta-mediated growth inhibition. TF-1a, but not TF-1 cells, formed colonies in soft agar culture in the absence of any added growth factors, and developed the capacity to generate an invasive tumor(s) in nude mice. There was a constitutive activation of MAPK and MEK in TF-1a but not in TF-1 cells, which may be one of the mechanisms leading to factor-independent growth of TF-1a cells. Phenotypically, TF-1 cells were CD34+ /CD38+, whereas TF-1a cells were CD34+ /CD38-. This suggests that TF-1a may represent a less mature hematopoietic cell than TF-1. In conclusion, TF-1a is different from TF-1 in many important aspects which are associated with neoplastic transformation. The variant appears to be an excellent model for studying the process of progressive malignant transformation of myeloid cells and for studying signal pathways involved in the spontaneous and factor-induced growth of the cells.
Cubic spline boundary elements

The boundary integral method is formulated and applied using cubic spline interpolation along the boundary for both the geometry and the primary variables. The cubic spline interpolation has continuous first and second derivatives between elements, thus allowing the accurate calculation of derivative dependent functions (on the boundary) such as velocity in potential flow. The spline functions also smooth the geometry and can represent curved sections with fewer nodes. The results of numerical experiments indicate that the accuracy of the boundary integral equation method is improved for a given number of elements by using cubic spline interpolation. It is, however, necessary to use numerical quadrature. The quadrature slows calculation and/or degrades the accuracy. The numerical experiments indicate that most problems run faster for a given accuracy using linear interpolation. There seems to be a class of problems, however, which requires higher order interpolation and/or continuous derivatives for which the cubic spline interpolation works much better than linear interpolation.
Photochemical regulation of restriction endonuclease activity.

In order to elucidate biological processes, precise control over these processes is required. Light represents an ideal external control element as it can be easily regulated in a spatial and a temporal fashion, conveying spatiotemporal control of biological activity to the system under study.[1] The photochemical regulation of oligonucleotide function via the installation of light-removable protecting groups (caging groups) on either the phosphate or the nucleotide base has recently received considerable attention.[2–4] Important applications of this technology involve the transient disruption of DNA hybridization to photochemically control DNAzyme activity, the polymerase chain reaction, antisense activity, as well as inhibition of transcription.[4, 5] In this context, we demonstrated that a single caging group installed on one base of a typical oligonucleotide 20mer still enables DNA/DNA and DNA/RNA hybridization, but could disrupt processing of the oligomer by polymerases and inactivate the catalytic ability of DNAzymes.[2] As a result, we became interested in exploring other biologically relevant processes with photocaged DNA that did not involve perturbation of hybridization. Due to the prevalence of DNA/protein interactions both in vivo and in vitro,[6] we hypothesized that it may be feasible to photochemically control such an interaction for restriction endonucleases via incorporation of our NPOM caged thymidine nucleotide (Scheme 1) into DNA. Very few studies have been conducted involving the effects of non-natural nucleotides on the fidelity and functionality of restriction enzymes. Those that have, primarily involve the effects of endogenous base mutations (e.g. methylation events) that do not drastically affect hydrogen bonding and base pair recognition. In many of these cases the catalytic capabilities of the restriction endonucleases are dramatically decreased, if not abrogated.[7, 8]
Induction of cytoskeletal alterations in C6 glioma by glia maturation factor.

Abstract C6 rat glioma cells respond to glia maturation factor (GMF) with characteristic morphological alterations. Observed under phase-contrast microscopy, the cells changed from a rounded morphology in random formation to a spindle-shaped appearance in parallel arrays. Observed under scanning electron microscopy, GMF led to a decrease in the number of microvilli and cell surface knobs. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the appearance of numerous microtubules aligned with the long axis of the cells after GMF stimulation. The change in cell shape and histotypic pattern was inhibited by vinblastin, further implicating the involvement of microtubules. Immunofluorescence using anti-α-tubulin revealed a well-defined cytoskeletal system in GMF-stimulated cells but not in the control cells. Finally, an increase in tubulin was confirmed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on extracts from these cultures. The findings indicate that morphological alterations induced by GMF are associated with changes in the quantity and arrangement of microtubules.
Eddy diffusivity of heat transfer in the radial direction for turbulent flow of mercury in annuli

Abstract A basic experimental study of the fluid dynamics and heat-transfer characteristics of mercury, in fully developed turbulent flow through annuli, was carried out. This paper, the third in a series on this project, presents the results on the eddy diffusivity of heat transfer. Velocity and temperature profiles were measured in vertical annuli with heat transfer from the inner wall only, and experiments were conducted where the mercury either did not wet at all, or did thoroughly wet, the channel walls. The shapes of the e H profiles were found to be similar to those of the e M profiles, with the maxima and minima often occurring at or near the same radial locations, for the same experimental conditions. All minima occurred at the radius of maximum velocity, but the valleys in e H profiles were relatively more shallow than those in the e M profiles. The effect of wetting on the relative shape of the e H profile, as in the case of the e m profile, was found to be appreciable. When both walls were unwetted, the hydrodynamic behavior of the mercury was found [1] to be very similar to that of ordinary fluids. Although the present results obtained with unwetted walls do not agree with predictions based on existing theory, they do lend appreciable support to the method of Ramm and Johannsen [7].
Towards a system-theoretical decision logic

A system-based decision logic predicated on subjective and objective probabilities is developed incorporating the Bayesian learning process. Selection of specific analytical instruments for generating informational stock pertaining to the system under investigation is described by learning curves which empirically treat either growth in raw information stocks or- which, as a corollary, empirically measure the reduction in expected error associated with models of system phenomena. The decision logic is extended for handling shifts in instrumental modalities, that is, switching from one instrumental category to another during the analysis process. Thus, selection of analytical instruments, and development of system-analysis strategies, need not be totally a prioristic. Although the procedural paradigm presented here is still somewhat immature, it may help focus attention on opportunities for ‘optimizing’ analytical and system modelling processes.
Yields of Carbonyl Products from Gas-Phase Reactions of Fragrance Compounds with OH Radical and Ozone

Chamber studies to quantify formation yields of oxygenated organic reaction products were performed for gas-phase reactions of the hydroxyl radical (OH*) and ozone (03) with the common cleaning product terpene compounds limonene, alpha-terpineol, and geraniol. The reaction products observed were identified and quantified using derivatization by O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Limonene rate constants and product mechanisms have been examined previously. Several of these investigations have measured productyields from limonene reactions and those results are compared with the results presented here. Although rate constants and product mechanisms have previously been investigated for alpha-terpineol and geraniol, yields of oxygenated organic reaction products have not been measured. Reactions from the fragrance compounds in this study produced several dicarbonyl reaction products such as glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and 4-oxopentanal which were observed from all three terpenes. Total carbonyl yields ranged from 5.1% for the limonene + O3 reaction to 92% for the geraniol + O3 reaction.
The quality of community and the quality of life

Most research relating objective indicators of the quality of environment to subjective indicators of the quality of life has failed to find a relationship between the two. This research, by using community data, establishes an association between the local environment and perceived life quality, and in doing so, provides empirical support for focusing on local as welt as national investigations of life quality.
Unwitting self-disclosures in psychodynamic psychotherapy: deciphering their meaning and accessing the pain within.

Abstract Unwitting self-disclosures (USDs), unconscious yet observable parts of personality, are often behavioral relics of past suffering and, as such, constitute valuable though frequently underutilized clinical information. While ego-syntonic aspects of personality can be commented on with impunity, dealing therapeutically with patients' USDs—manifestations of their blind spots—requires sensitivity, empathy, and timing. Providing many clinical examples of patient and therapist USDs from individual and group psychotherapy, this report discusses the origins, possible meanings, and the countertransference and empathic challenges encountered in the handling of these blind spots. The importance of establishing a narcissistic alliance and of employing the methods of the existential school of psychotherapy in processing USDs is described. Self-aware therapists can minimize the clinical impasse that may result when therapist-patient blind spots overlap.
Moral reactions to reality TV: Television viewers’ endogenous and exogenous loci of morality:

Drawing upon a survey and 41 semi-structured interviews with television consumers, we examine the negative moral reactions that some people have to contemporary reality television. We explore the r...
Potential Environmental Impacts of Increased Reliance on Corn-Based Bioenergy

This paper integrates economic and physical models to assess: a) how increases in agricultural commodity prices, driven by ethanol production and other factors, affect land use and cropping systems in the US Midwest, and b) how the changes in land use and cropping systems in turn affect environmental quality in the region. The empirical framework includes a set of econometric models that predict land conversion, crop choices, and crop rotations at the parcel level based on commodity prices, land quality, climate conditions, and other physical characteristics at the sites. The predictions are then combined with site-specific environmental production functions to determine the effect of rising commodity prices on nitrate runoff and leaching, soil water and wind erosion, and carbon sequestration. Results suggest that increasing commodity prices will result in widespread conversions of non-cropland to cropland. Fifty percent of the region’s pasture and range land will be converted to cropland with $6 corn. Rising commodity prices will also result in dramatic changes in crop mix and rotation systems in the Midwest. With $6 corn, the total acreage of corn will increase by 23% and 40% in the Corn Belt and Lake States, respectively; the acreage of continuous corn will increase considerably in both regions as well. These changes in land use and crop mix will have a large impact on agricultural pollution. Approaches to mitigating the environmental impacts are discussed.
Mixed selenium-sulfur fused ring systems as building blocks for novel polymers used in field effect transistors

Eight novel polymer materials for transistor applications were prepared based on the fused ring building block selenolo[3,2-b]thiophene. The molecular structure of selenolo[3,2-b]thiophene was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and was further modified for use as a monomer during the Stille synthesis of various copolymers containing substituted and unsubstituted thiophenes, thiazoles, dithienopyrroles (DTP) and benzothiadiazole subunits. The resultant polymers were analyzed for UV-Vis absorption and show a significant red shift when compared to regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophenes) (P3HT), attributed to the increased planarity and conjugation of the polymer backbone. Cyclic voltammetry experiments on the new polymers show that almost all of the new structures have a higher oxidation potential compared to P3HT, making them more stable toward oxidative doping under ambient atmospheres. The polymers were also evaluated for their electrical properties through their performance as the active layer in field effect transistors. The polymers showed relatively high mobility values, of which the highest observed value is 0.11 cm2 V−1s−1, with on/off ratios of about 105.
SENSORY QUALITIES OF SELECTED CANNED FOODS SUBJECTED TO SHORT–TERM STORAGE

Canned asparagus cut, corn kernels, peas and apple slices were produced from respective frozen products, which were obtained from a local frozen food packer. Commercial processing procedures were followed for this production. Immediately after the production, the canned foods were randomly divided into five different lots and initiated storage at -29, 2, 4.5, 21 or 38°C for slightly over 1 yr. During this storage, the products were sampled at five different dates and subjected to the evaluation of overall sensory quality by a flavor panel. For this evaluation, those stored at -29°C were used as reference samples to determine flavor difference scores. It was generally observed that samples stored at 38°C deteriorated at considerably faster rates as compared to those stored at the lower temperatures. The storage at 2, 4.5 or 21°C did not result in severe loss of the quality during the entire test period. Changes in the flavor difference scores may be mathematically represented with polynominal functions of storage time and temperature according to the regression analysis of data collected.
Patient, provider, and system-level barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression

Objective: To explore perinatal health care professionals’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression. Background: Perinatal depression is common and associated with deleterious effects on mother, foetus, child and family. Although the regular contact between mothers and perinatal health care professionals may make the obstetric setting ideal for addressing depression, barriers persist, and depression remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Methods: Four 90-minute focus groups were conducted with perinatal health care professionals, including obstetric resident and attending physicians, licensed independent practitioners, nurses, patient care assistants, social workers and administrative support staff. Focus groups were transcribed, and resulting data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Participants identified patient-, provider- and system-level barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression. Provider-level barriers included lack of ...
A novel approach to achieve higher order using pseudo-discotic chromophores in electro-optic materials and devices

Organic materials have great potential for electro-optic devices. Achieving higher unidirectional ordering of chromophores is the main challenge in using organic materials in such devices. The prime reason for this decreased order is due to interchromophore interactions which lead to a decrease in the electro-optic coefficient, r33. A material consisting of a chromophore surrounded by dendrons and possessing an appropriate aspect ratio should facilitate the near Ferro-electric ordering as observed in the discotic liquid crystals. For that purpose, a prototype dendrimeric chromophore has been synthesized and will be used in Mach-Zehnder devices to achieve lower drive voltages.
Binocular rivalry suppression: insensitive to spatial frequency and orientation change.

Abstract The selectivity of rivalry suppression, defined as sensitivity to new information presented during suppression, was measured by determining the detectability of changes in the suppressed rivalry stimulus. The stimulus was a vertical grating whose spatial frequency or orientation could be changed without altering contrast or mean luminance. Large changes in frequency and orientation were not detectable. Increments in contrast were detectable, but not decrements. Suppression is fundamentally nonselective, remaining insensitive to all classes of stimulus change except those constituting an energy increment.
Carnal resonance: affect and online pornography

Susanna Paasonen's Carnal Resonance: Affect and Online Pornography provides a useful framework for theorizing online pornography in all of its quirky, kinky, and sometimes shocking or grotesque par...
The “Terrace Technique”—Totally Endovascular Repair of a Type IV Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background As an alternative to branched or fenestrated aortic stent grafts, the “snorkel” or “chimney graft” strategy is a feasible endovascular option, particularly for juxtarenal aneurysms. When more than 2 visceral vessels require revascularization, however, the summative displacement of the main body endograft theoretically increases gutter formation with subsequent endoleak. The “terrace” strategy, or “sandwich”, stacks the snorkel grafts into separate layers, and we describe a case using 4 snorkel grafts during endovascular aneurysm repair of a type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Methods A 76-year-old man with prohibitive operative risk has been followed for years with an asymptomatic TAAA that grew to 6.2 cm. Endovascular strategy consisted of celiac and superior mesenteric artery snorkel stents deployed and molded adjacent to a 36-mm proximal thoracic cuff (Cook TX2). Results Through the proximal thoracic endograft, both renals were then accessed, and in this second layer, or “terrace configuration,” bilateral renal snorkels were deployed and molded adjacent to a 36-mm bifurcated abdominal stent-graft system (Cook Zenith). “Quadruple kissing” balloon angioplasty was then performed to mold the lower part of the devices. Operative time was 4 hr, the patient was extubated immediately and recovered quickly on the floor, being discharged in 3 days. Postoperative imaging at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years have revealed patent aortic components without evidence of stent-graft migration or significant endoleak. The terrace snorkel stents were all patent to the celiac, superior mesenteric, and right renal arteries, while the left renal artery stent shows some stent compression. Conclusions In select high-risk patients opting for an all-endovascular approach of type IV TAAAs, up to 4 snorkel grafts can be deployed in a “terrace” or “sandwich” configuration to successfully revascularize all visceral branches and provide aneurysm exclusion. Long-term follow-up is necessary to understand the overall success of this strategy.
Black Voice: Deliberation in the United States Congress

This paper analyzes the effect of race on deliberations inside congressional committees. It investigates whether black representatives are more or less likely to use liberal policy frames and mention marginalized groups during committee debates. The results suggest that black legislators are more likely than whites to present liberal policy frames for black interest bills and they often take a more active role during committee debates. However, black legislators are no more likely than white Democrats to mention blacks and other marginalized groups during committee deliberations. When it comes to mentioning marginalized groups during committee deliberations, party is the most important explanatory factor.
POSTHARVEST CHANGES IN STRAWBERRY FRUIT STORED UNDER SIMULATED RETAIL DISPLAY CONDITIONS

«Cardinal» strawberry fruit were placed in plastic boxes with plastic dome lids (PDL) or with polyethylene wrap (PE), warmed to 25C for 8 h and stored at 1C or 5C to simulate retail storage temperature conditions. For all treatments, fruit held at 5C decayed and deteriorated more than fruit held at 1C. During storage at 1C or 5C, fruit in boxes with PE accumulated CO 2 (0.75-2% CO 2 /mg), had less weight loss and better color retention than fruit in boxes with PDL. After 3 days of storage, precooled strawberries exposed to 8 h of warming had more weight loss and worse appearance than fruit held continuously at 1C; these differences were not apparent after 7 days
Alterations in glucose and protein metabolism in animals subjected to simulated microgravity.

Reduction of physical activity due to disease or environmental restraints, such as total bed rest or exposure to spaceflight, leads to atrophy of skeletal muscle and is frequently accompanied by alterations in food intake and the concentration of metabolic regulatory hormones such as insulin. Hindlimb suspension of laboratory rats, as a model for microgravity, also shows marked atrophy of gravity-dependent muscles along with a reduced gain in body weight. Suspended rats exhibit enhanced sensitivity to insulin-induced glucose uptake when compared with normal control rats and resistance to insulin action when compared with control rats matched similarly for reduced body weight gain. These changes are accompanied by decreased insulin binding and tyrosine kinase activity in soleus but not plantaris muscle, unchanged glucose uptake by perfused hindlimb and decreased sensitivity but not responsiveness to insulin-induced suppression of net proteolysis in hindlimb skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that loss of insulin sensitivity during muscle atrophy is associated with decreased insulin binding and tyrosine kinase activity in atrophied soleus muscle along with decreased sensitivity to the effects of insulin on suppressing net protein breakdown but not on enhancing glucose uptake by perfused hindlimb.
Aspects of the community ecology of deep-sea, benthopelagic plankton, with special attention to gymnopleid copepods

Benthopelagic plankton was collected 10 to 100 m above the bottom of the deep sea (1100 to 3200 m) with an opening-closing net. Five samples were taken from the San Diego Trough, 2 from the eastern tropical Pacific and 2 from the northeast Atlantic. Roughly 80% of the individual organisms collected were copepods; the next most abundant groups were usually isopods, ostracods, and chaetognaths. Within the depth range studied, absolute abundances of most animal groups decreased with depth, but relative abundances (%) did not change. Of over 100 species of adult gymnopleid copepods collected, a few species were abundant, but most were rare. Copepod exoskeletons were more abundant than living copepods. For the gymnopleids, similarities among the 3 geographical regions were strong at the family and genus level but weak at the species level. Species that were widely distributed horizontally tended to occupy different positions (in terms of rank order of abundance) in each community. Gut content analysis indicated that the most abundant gymnopleids were generalized particle feeders. However, size-frequency distributions provided indirect evidence for niche separation. The deep-sea benthopelagic plankton was divisible into a truly planktonic component and a bottom-associated component. Abundances of some copepods changed relative to distance off the bottom. Several copepods and other animals, previously described as epibenthic or bottom-associated, were collected more that 10 m above the bottom and thus appeared to move freely between the bottom and lower water column.
Japan and the enemies of open political science

The central argument of Japan and the Enemies of Open Political Science is that Eurocentric blindness is not a moral but a scientific failing. In this wide-ranging critique of Western social science, Anglo-American philosophy and French theory, Williams works on the premise that Japan is the most important political system of our time. He explains why social scientists have been so keen to ignore or denigrate Japan's achievements. If social science is to meet the needs of the 'Pacific Century', it requires a sustained act of intellectual demolition and subsequent renewal.
Algebra of Analysis

The statements of analysis can be grouped into three classes according to the depth to which the limit concept is used in their formulation and proof.
Clinical Utility in Maximizing CD34+ Cell Count in Stem Cell Grafts

Many different stem cell subsets have been identified. Some of these subsets are multipotent, able to develop into any one of several cell types, while other stem cell subsets are committed to differentiated myeloid, lymphoid, erythroid, or megakaryocytic lineages.
Long-Term Treands in the Relative Abundance and Size Structure of Sport Fishes in the Flathead River, Montana, Following Changes in Kerr Dam Operations

Currently, efforts are underway to eradicate invasive fish species that threaten the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Several studies have examined the effects of anesthetizing fish for easier handling, surgical procedures, tagging and management. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an approved and efficient anesthetic for adult fish in medicine and aquaculture and is favorable due to lack of residues, zero withdrawal period and does not need to be registered as its classification is generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Carbon dioxide has also shown to have lethal effects on other life history stages of fish. In this study, various early life stages of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae were exposed to CO2 in the form of dry ice pellets to determine the critical period of sensitivity for mortality in a model salmonid species. Studies were conducted in aluminum tanks (n = 3 tanks per treatment, with three chambers in each tank with 40 larvae per chamber) with 68 liters of filtered creek water (dissolved CO2 = 4 mg/l, dissolved O2 = 8.125 mg/l, pH = 7.78, temperature = 12.9°C, conductivity = -55 mV, Total alkalinity as CaCO3 = 160 mg/l). Larvae exposed at post hatch day 10 had increased susceptibility to CO2, when compared with earlier embryonic stages. The results of the experiment indicate that early rainbow trout life history stages are susceptible to CO2 but only at late embryonic stages and may have implications for systematically eradicating invasive salmonids.
Models of Power and the Deletion of Participation in a Classroom Literacy Event.

This article uses the analytic lens of power relations and models of power to examine how the participation of two students in an urban US eighth-grade English language arts class was symbolically and literally deleted. The researcher asks why do some students fail despite being placed in a technologically rich educational environment that ostensibly draws on best practices? Drawing on data collected during an academic year, the author uses a telling case of a dyad engaged in on-line research and the creation of a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate how the students try to participate and complete the assignment but experience failure. The author raises questions about the context of the students’ lives as well as the nature of the classroom instruction and assessment structure. It is argued that further research into the nature of participation is needed to address the lack of student success in urban schools. As part of an interdisciplinary project in an urban junior high school, Grant, a 14-year-old African American male, and Hannah, a 14-year-old European American female, were teamed up to research a country’s flag and create a PowerPoint presentation that explained the symbolism of the flag. Each set of partners was to use a MacBook from the school’s laptop cart to do the research and create the presentation. For the 80-minute class, the two struggled to negotiate the use of a laptop and responsibility for the task, at one point pulling in the teacher to mediate. By the end of the class, Grant had taken over the task, collected the required information and placed it into a PowerPoint presentation while Hannah sat next to him. Hannah’s only responsibility was to save the presentation to her flash drive, but she did so incorrectly and the work was lost. When the class met again, the teacher told the two students to redo the assignment, but both refused to do so and consequently failed the assignment.
Reflections on the ORSA Guidelines: A Story, a Poem and a Commentary

A story and a poem are presented as vehicles through which to express the authors' impressions of the Guidelines for the practice of operations research issued by the Operations Research Society of America. A commentary on the story and poem is included. This commentary makes the points that the language of the Guidelines is inappropriate to both the practitioner of operations research and his or her client, and that the Guidelines allow and approve of inhumane behavior on the part of a practitioner of operations research. The argument is made that the linguistic problem, if appreciated, can probably be easily rectified. An acceptance of the legitimacy of the second problem, however, is argued to imply a change of attitude.
Outcomes in bicaval versus biatrial techniques in heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database.

Background Despite 40 years of heart transplantation, the optimal atrial anastomotic technique remains unclear. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database provides a unique and novel opportunity to address this question by examining survival in a large cohort of patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). We hypothesized that, when examining the issue on a large scale, no difference in survival would exist between techniques. Methods We retrospectively reviewed first-time adult OHT in the UNOS database to identify 14,418 patients undergoing OHT between the years 1999 and 2005. Primary stratification was between those who underwent bicaval vs biatrial techniques. Baseline demographic and clinical factors were also recorded. The primary end-point was mortality from all causes during the study period. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), and need for permanent pacemaker placement (PP). Post-transplant survival was compared between groups using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results Of the 11,931 patients who met inclusion criteria between 1999 and 2005, 5,207 (44%) underwent the bicaval anastomotic technique. Bicaval and biatrial groups were well matched for gender, donor age, ischemic time, pulmonary vascular resistance, transpulmonary gradient, cardiac index, body mass index and pre-operative creatinine. Technique was not associated with survival during the study period (hazard ratio 1.06, p = 0.31). On multivariate analysis, age, gender, donor age and ischemic time were independent predictors of mortality. The bicaval technique was associated with less need for post-operative PP (2.0% vs 5.3%, p p Conclusions This study is the single largest series examining bicaval vs biatrial anastamotic techniques for OHT. We found no difference in survival between the two groups, although the bicaval technique was associated with shorter LOS and pacemaker placement. Both techniques lead to equivalent survival in OHT.
Rickettsia-like organism causing disease in a crangonid amphipod from Florida

A rickettsia-like organism causing high mortality and gross pathology has been found infecting over 40% of a population of the freshwater crustacean, Crangonyx (near) floridanus Bousfield, in Florida. This is the first report of a rickettsia-like organism from a strictly aquatic animal. Morphological and developmental stages of the organisms range in size and shape from small, dense bacilliform cells measuring 150 nm in diameter by 395 nm in length, to large sausage-shaped cells 0.5 by 3 mum.
Hydroxyl concentration estimates in the sunlit snowpack at Summit, Greenland

Abstract Experiments were performed at Summit, Greenland (72°34′ N, 38°29′ W) to investigate hydroxyl mixing ratios in the sunlit surface snowpack (or firn). We added a carefully selected mixture of hydrocarbon gases (with a wide range of hydroxyl reactivities) to a UV and visible light transparent flow chamber containing undisturbed natural firn. The relative decrease in mixing ratios of these gases allowed estimation of the lower limit mixing ratio of hydroxyl radicals in the near-surface firn pore spaces. Hydroxyl mixing ratios in the firn air followed a diurnal cycle in summer 2003 (10–12 July), with peak values of more than 3.2×106 molecules cm−3 between 13:00 and 16:00 local time. The minimum value estimated was 1.1×106 molecules cm−3 at 20:00 local time. Results during spring of 2004 showed lower, but rapidly increasing, peak hydroxyl mixing ratios of 1.1×106 molecules cm−3 in the early afternoon on 15 April and 1.5×106 molecules cm−3 on 1 May. Our firn hydroxyl estimates were similar to directly measured above-snow ambient levels during the spring field season, but were only about 30% of ambient levels during summer.
Interactive modeling from dense color and sparse depth

We are developing a system for interactive modeling of real world scenes. The acquisition device consists of a video camera enhanced with an attached laser system. As the operator sweeps the scene, the device acquires dense color and sparse depth frames that are registered and merged into a point-based model. The evolving model is rendered continually to provide immediate operator feedback. The interactive modeling pipeline runs at five frames per second. We model scenes in two modes based on their geometric complexity. Scenes that contain large smooth surfaces are modeled freehand; scenes that contain small uneven surfaces are modeled using a parallax-free camera bracket.
Robust position tracking control for rigid-link flexible-joint robots

The robust tracking controller for rigid-link flexible-joint (RLFJ) robots presented by D. M. Dawson et al. (1991) is redesigned. The controller exploits aspects of the dynamic model to provide a global uniform ultimately bounded (GUUB) stability result despite the presence of parametric uncertainty, joint flexibility, and mechanical actuator dynamics. The controller delivers the GUUB result for both the position and the velocity error. The redesign enables the final ball in which the link tracking error resides to be arbitrarily shrunk and the exponential rate at which the error approaches that ball to be increased by adjustment of the control gains.
The mind of expert motor performance is cool and focused.

Extraordinary motor skills required for expert athletic or music performance require longstanding and intensive practice leading to two critical skills, a level of maximal performance that far exceeds that of non-experts and a degree of privileged focus on motor performance that excludes intrusions. This study of motor planning in expert golfers demonstrated their brain activation during their pre-shot routine to be radically different than in novices. The posterior cingulate, the amygdala–forebrain complex, and the basal ganglia were active only in novices, whereas experts had activation primarily in the superior parietal lobule, the dorsal lateral premotor area, and the occipital area. The fact that these differences are apparent before the golfer swings the club suggests that the disparity between the quality of the performance of novice and expert golfers lies at the level of the organization of neural networks during motor planning. In particular, we suggest that extensive practice over a long period of time leads experts to develop a focused and efficient organization of task-related neural networks, whereas novices have difficulty filtering out irrelevant information.
Pragmatism and East-Asian Thought

: After noting some conditions of historical and contemporary context that favor a dialogue between pragmatism and East-Asian thought, which could help generate a new international philosophical perspective, this essay focuses on several themes that pragmatism shares with classical Chinese philosophy. Among the interrelated themes explored are the primacy of practice, the emphasis on pluralism, context, and flux, a recognition of fallibilism, an appreciation of the powers of art for individual, social, and political reconstruction, the pursuit of perfectionist self-cultivation in the art of living, and the crucial role of embodiment in this melioristic pursuit. The last section defends this somaesthetic emphasis against some likely criticisms and closes with an example of how occidental and East-Asian somatic thinking can be productively integrated.
First Principles Study on the Electrochemical, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of LiCoO2 for Thin Film Rechargeable Battery

Thin film rechargeable battery has become a research hotspot because of its small size and high energy density. Lithium cobalt oxide as a typical cathode material in classical lithium ion batteries is also widely used in thin film rechargeable batteries. In this work, the electrochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of LiCoO2 were systematically investigated using the first principles method. Elastic constants under hydrostatic pressures between 0 to 40 GPa were computed. Specific heat and Debye temperature at low temperature were discussed .T hermal conductivity was obtained using the imposed-flux method. The results s how good agreements with experimental data and computational results in literature.
Conference on Cultural Heritage Issues: The Legacy of Conquest, Colonization and Commerce, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon October 12–14, 2006

On October 12 to 14, 2006, Willamette University hosted an international conference, “Cultural Heritage Issues: The Legacy of Conquest, Colonization and Commerce.” Some 30 distinguished panelists addressed five themes: the legacy of indigenous conquest, the legacy of international conquest and colonization, the legacy of commerce, avoidance and resolution of cultural heritage disputes, and issues related directly to museums and sites. Papers drew on the panelists' expertise in a broad range of disciplines, from archaeology to law enforcement. Topics included, for example, Repatriation of First Nations' Material Culture in Canada, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, Recovery of Art Looted During the Holocaust, and The Effect of Colonization on the Cultural Property of Libya.
Systematic optimization of the clonal growth of human primary breast carcinoma cells.

Abstract Human breast carcinomas have been one of the most difficult tumor types to culture in agar-based clonogenic assays. This fact has limited their clinical applicability. We have used statistically motivated experimental designs to systematically improve the clonal culture of enzymatically monodispersed primary human carcinoma cells in an anchorage-independent agar system. Based upon an initial comparison of two basal media, we selected one which gave the best colony growth and then sought to optimize the individual additives in the medium. Hydrocortisone, fetal bovine serum, and red blood cells all improved both plating efficiency and median size of colonies derived from breast carcinoma cells. Next, the concentrations of these three components were simultaneously idealized using response surface methodology. By these methods, it was found that the optimal concentration of hydrocortisone was 0.35 µg/ml, fetal bovine serum was 6.5%, and red blood cells was 2.1 × 10 7 cells/ml. Using these culture conditions, we have achieved plating efficiencies of 0.39% and 0.19% for colonies with diameters greater than 50 (50 cells) or 70 (130 cells) µm, respectively.
Lyme disease and preventive behaviors in residents of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

Abstract Background: To determine the age-specific prevalence of Lyme disease and whether preventive behaviors on Nantucket Island correlate with Lyme disease, we surveyed island residents. Methods: A survey with questions on Lyme disease symptoms, history, and preventive behaviors was mailed to all residents. Respondents were stratified by likelihood of having had Lyme disease. A subsample was selected for examination, and then classified according to the Lyme disease national surveillance case definition. Results: The overall lifetime prevalence of Lyme disease for Nantucket residents was 15% (CI, 10%–19.8%): 19% among females, and 11% among males. The prevalence was highest among age groups 0–16 and 30–49 years. Overall, 86% of the population practiced at least one behavior. The most frequently reported preventive behavior was checking oneself for ticks (80%), followed by wearing protective clothing (53%), avoiding tick areas (34%), and using tick repellent (11%). Younger individuals practiced fewer preventive behaviors than older individuals ( p =0.001). Although males reported greater tick exposure than females, females uniformly practiced preventive behaviors more frequently ( p =0.001). The practice of preventive behaviors was not associated with a history of Lyme disease, but finding more than 5 ticks per year on oneself was ( p =0.001). Conclusion: Lyme disease is highly prevalent on Nantucket Island. Young people are particularly at risk and health education should emphasize preventive behaviors less frequently practiced: using tick repellent, avoiding tick areas, and wearing protective clothing.
Analysis of Possibilities of Detectnig the Manipulation of Financial Statements in Terms of the IFRS and Czech Accounting Standards

The main objective of financial statements is to give information. The diversity of interests and objectives of individual groups of users and creators of financial statements presents the risk of manipulation of financial statements in the context of true and fair view as defined in the national accounting legislation. The paper is concerned with the different possibilities of detecting the manipulation of financial statements in terms of the Czech Accounting Standards and IFRS. The paper analyzes the selected risk detection models of the manipulation of financial statements using creative accounting methods, off-balance sheet financing methods and accounting frauds in specific case studies of selected accounting unit in terms of Czech accounting standards. Based on the analysis and comparison of the results thereof, the paper presents and evaluates the alternatives of users of financial statements to evaluate the risk of manipulation of financial statements beyond the scope of a fair and true view. The evaluation further includes a comparison of uses of these models with respect to the International Financial Reporting Standards.
Procedural Knowledge in Education for Direct Practice

Social workers continually draw inferences, exercise judgement, and make decisions about the client and the client's environment. Recent advances regarding the cognitive underpinnings of these processes suggest avenues for empirical investigation. This paper first discusses operationalization of these processes, then reports findings from a pilot study to assess baseline information regarding social work students' knowledge in performing these processes, and concludes with a discussion of the results and suggestions for social work education and training.
Better Dread (if Still Dead) than Red: High‐Brown Passing in John Hearne's Voices Under The Window

In his pioneering Caliban's Reason: Introducing Afro-Caribbean Philosophy, Paget Henry points out that because of the region's colonial history, Caribbean philosophy is far more often found ‘embedded’ in other discourses, such as literature, than in explicit theorising. Following Henry's lead, I seek to find the philosophical ‘moral of the story’ of Voices Under the Window, the 1955 first novel of the late Jamaican writer John Hearne (1926–94), which some critics regard as his best work. In a novel with significant autobiographical elements, Hearne, a ‘high-brown’ or ‘red’ Jamaican, recounts the story of Mark Lattimer, likewise a ‘red man’ positioned at the upper edge of the ‘brown’ stratum of the white/brown/black Jamaican social pyramid. Lattimer moves from a race-denying attempt to ‘pass’ in World War II Britain to a Marxist social activism upon his later return to post-war Jamaica, but is killed in a black protest riot. His tragic fate raises important philosophical questions about race, colour, class, and personal and social transformation that remain very relevant today, especially considering the failure of 1970s Anglo-Caribbean radicalism to fulfil its revolutionary promise.
Blacks face higher risk of drug arrests in White neighborhoods

BACKGROUND: Although Blacks and Whites in the United States use drugs at similar rates, Blacks are much more likely to be arrested for drug crimes. We tested the hypothesis that racial disparities in drug arrests are exacerbated in predominantly White neighborhoods. METHODS: Using publicly available data we calculated the disproportion of Black arrests as a function of the proportion of Black arrests over the proportion of Black residents within the 56 police service areas that make up the Washington, DC metropolitan police department (MPD). We compared the disproportion of Black arrests with the percentage of White residents within each service area. RESULTS: The population within MPD jurisdiction is 50.7% Black and 38.5% White. Between July 2014 and August 2015, 87.8% of the 3329 individuals arrested for drugs were Black, yielding a citywide disproportion of Black drug arrests of 1.73. Linear regression showed a statistically significant exponential relationship between the disproportion of Black arrests and the percentage of White residents within a police service are, peaking at an arrest disproportion of 12.4 in an 84% White area. CONCLUSIONS: Disproportionate Black drug arrests increase with the percentage of White residents in an area. Racial bias in drug arrests may be linked to segregation.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Language: en
Preconditioning least-squares RTM in viscoacoustic media by Q-compensated RTM

Reverse-time de-migration (RTDM) is formulated as the adjoint operator of reverse-time migration (RTM). In acoustic medium, RTM provides a good approximation to the inverse of RTDM, and can be used to iteratively invert for the reflectivity image in least-squares RTM (LSRTM). In viscoelastic medium, however, the adjoint of the RTDM operator is far from its inverse because of amplitude attenuation during both forward and backward wave propagation. As a result, LSRTM in attenuating medium may suffer from a slow convergence rate due to the ill-conditioned wave-equation Hessian. To improve the convergence rate, we propose preconditioning LSRTM by replacing the original RTM operator with a better approximate inverse to the RTDM operator, namely the Q-compensated RTM (Q-RTM). Since the inverted matrix is numerically non-Hermitian, we use the Generalized Minimum Residual (GMRES) method instead of the Conjugate Gradient (CG) method as the iterative method. Numerical tests demonstrate that the proposed Q-LSRTM approach converges significantly faster than LSRTM, and is capable of producing high-quality attenuation-compensated images within the first few iterations.