cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells fail to express the neurofibromin protein, lack its type I mRNA isoform and show accumulation of P-MAPK and activated Ras

Neurofibromin is a tumor suppressor protein, which is similar in function to the GTPase activating protein (GAP), p120GAP, in that it accelerates inactivation of Ras. Mutations in the NF1 gene cause neurofibromatosis type 1, NF1, an autosomal dominant disease with a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations, including neurofibromas. Ras activation (GTP binding) is induced by the GTP exchange factor Sos and its inactivation is regulated through the GAPs (p120GAP and neurofibromin). Strikingly, neurofibromin was nearly absent in MB-231 human breast cancer cells and present in the remaining four cell lines studied, with higher levels in BT-474 and MB-453 than in MCF-7 and BT-20 cells, as tested with polyclonal antibodies to both the N-terminal as well as the C-terminal peptides. Coordinated with the near absence of neurofibromin, these cells also presented with much greater levels of P-MAPK and activated Ras. Further, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the absence of expression of NF1 mRNA type I isoform only in the MB-231 cell lines. This result documents for the first time an altered NF1 expression at the protein and mRNA levels in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
PREVENTING VIOLENCE IN A STRUCTURALLY VIOLENT SOCIETY: Mission Impossible

The futility of violence prevention efforts by government, professional organizations, and social advocacy movements should not be surprising, since the aim of these efforts has been primarily to control, punish, and modify the behavior of individuals involved in violence, rather than to discern and eliminate its root causes in the fabric of societies. This paper argues that efforts to prevent violence will continue to fail, as long as its sources in oppressive and unjust social conditions and values are not understood, confronted, and eradicated. Language: en
Accuracy of rapid radiographic film calibration for intensity-modulated radiation therapy verification.

A single calibration film method was evaluated for use with intensity modulated radiation therapy film quality assurance measurements. The single film method has the potential advantages of exposure simplicity, less media consumption and improved processor quality control. Potential disadvantages include cross contamination of film exposure, implementation effort to document delivered dose, and added complication of film response analysis. Film response differences were measured between standard and single-film calibration methods. Additional measurements were performed to help trace causes for the observed discrepancies. XV film was found to have greater response variability than EDR film. It was found advisable for XV film to relate the film response calibration for the single film method to a user-defined optimal calibration geometry. Using a single calibration film exposed at the time of experiment, total uncertainty of film response was estimated to be <2% (1%) for XV (EDR) film at 50 (100) cGy and higher, respectively.
On the relationship between global radiation and cloudiness in southern Alaska

Abstract Radiation data for Alaska are sparse. Hence, empirical relationships between global radiation and the amount of cloudiness, using cloudiness as a predictor, serve a useful function. In southern Alaska there have been two series of observations: an historical one in Annette; and our present one of 28-month length in Kodiak. We developed a regression relationship for Kodiak and tested it against Annette. A satisfactory relationship was established. A correlation factor of 0.995 was found for monthly mean values between the observed data from Annette and the calculated one using the relationship developed for Kodiak. This gives the opportunity to calculate the global radiation for other communities in South Alsaka, where no radiation data exist.
On Stage: Agent, Structure, and Improvisation

Restructuring Europe: Centre Formation, System Building, and Political Structuring between the Nation State and the European Union. By Stefano Bartolini. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 448 pp., $85.00 (ISBN: 0-19-928643-4). A Certain Idea of Europe. By Craig Parsons. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2006. 272 pp., $57.95 cloth (ISBN: 978-0-8014-4086-1), $19.95 paper (ISBN: 978-0-8014-7296-1). State-Building: Governance and World Order in the 21st Century. By Francis Fukuyama. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2004. 160 pp., $21.00 (ISBN: 978-0-8014-4292-6). Imagine an experimental theater. On opening night, the audience is surprised to see stage settings and props, but no actors. On the second evening, the audience is regaled by the performances of actors, who try to disorient their viewers by using no props. The third evening brings the greatest confusion of all. The normal accoutrements of theater simply disappear; the actors have dispersed, taking with them the props and stage settings. Spectators attending any one of these three performances may be able to piece together the elements of the play, constructing rich, dense narratives. Some may draw more from the combination of props and the various stage sets. Others may find the performances of the actors sufficiently compelling to recount the story completely on their own. Still others may be intrigued by the disappearance of the theater itself. Searching for a satisfactory story, they may improvise narratives off-stage, in the streets. In a way, the experience of trying to understand the interlocking stories of “institution building,”“sovereignty,” and “supranational legitimacy” are like the experiences of these different audiences; they can be read at different levels. Institution building is suggestive of structure (a fully arrayed stage without any need of actors). On the other hand, the development of sovereignty and legitimacy seems to require the participation of agents, but the story can perhaps be told independently of any particular stage setting. In fact, the fields of inquiry that have emerged around these three concepts enlist different configurations of agents and structures, or none at all. The metaphor of the experimental theater looms large in a comparison of Restructuring Europe, by Stefano Bartolini, A Certain Idea of Europe, by Craig Parsons; and State Building, by Francis Fukuyama. Each of these works explores “state building” or “supranational state building” from a single theoretical perspective. …
Investment Analysis Using the Constraint Multiobjective Programming Method: A Case Study

Transportation infrastructure decisions that optimize available resources and provide maximum benefits are of tremendous potential advantage to the transportation professional. Decision makers attempt to reach their goals with well-timed and cost-effective decisions that invest limited available resources according to future needs. Thus, it becomes increasingly important for them to use objective tools to make the proper investment choices. This paper presents a multiobjective analysis that uses a set of objectives and constraints to aid investment decisions. Multiobjective decision analysis gives planners technical tools to solve a decision problem with multiple objectives. The effects of each objective might then be evaluated according to selected measures of effectiveness (MOEs). The MOEs derived from these objectives might include a resulting reduction in environmental impacts, a level of improved access to cultural facilities, or a level of comfort with the given alternatives. With complex transportation planning problems, no single option may be considered the best by all measures. Economic, safety, ecological, social, and operational measures may produce varied results. Multiobjective programming does not provide a single solution or alternative, but rather provides a set of best alternatives from all available options. This paper presents a constraint multiobjective programming method for use in analyzing major investment decisions. A case study based on the Ohio River Bridge Project demonstrates the application of the multiobjective analysis tool.
LiDARHub: a free and open source software platform for web-based management, visualization and analysis of LiDAR data

LiDAR is an active remote sensing technique with a unique capability to capture three-dimensional information of the earth’s surface even in heavily vegetated areas, and it is proven to be useful in many research applications. Although it is becoming the remote sensing platform of choice for planning and natural resource agencies that require three-dimensional information, the enormous data that are generated and the lack of available software analysis packages make LiDAR still unavailable to a typical user of spatial data. LiDARHub is a free and open source platform for web-based management, visualization and analysis of LiDAR data that enables development of online tools for LiDAR data processing in a web browser. The framework provides a foundation to develop online tools for LiDAR data processing and tools can be shared. The framework is also flexible so that the developed tools can be easily ported to High Performance Computing (HPC) environments that speed up the computationally extensive LiDAR data processing. Two example LiDARHub tools are presented as case studies to demonstrate potential software development scenarios. The developed tools provide easy to use user interface and hide complex computation so that users can take advantage of the LiDAR technology with only a web browser. The LiDARHub allows not only the sharing of large volume of LiDAR data but also developing online LiDAR processing platform for a large audience.
Mixed alkyl isocyanide-1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene complexes of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II)

The reactions of M(CO)4(R′-DAB) (M = Mo) or W; R′-DAB = R′-NCHCHNR′ (R′ = i-propyl, t-butyl, or cyclohexyl) with SnCl4 in dichloromethane solution result in the formation, in high yield, of the orange, diamagnetic, seven-coordinate oxidative-addition products M(CO)3(R′-DAB)(SnCl3)Cl. The reactions of Mo(CO)3(R′-DAB)(SnCl3)Cl (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) with an excess of alkyl isocyanide RNC (R = CHMe2, CMe3, or C6H11) in the presence of KPF6 lead to the formation of [Mo(CNR)4(R′-DAB)Cl]PF6 or [Mo(CNR)5(R′-DAB)](PF6)2 depending upon the reaction stoichiometry and reaction conditions. The monocationic chloro species are converted to [Mo(CNR)5(R′-DAB)](PF6)2 upon reflux with the stoichiometric amount of RNC. Under similar reactions conditions M(CO)3(t-Bu-DAB)(SnCl3)Cl (M = Mo or W) derivatives react with alkyl isocyanides with the reductive-elimination of the elements of SnCl4 and the formation of octahedral M(CO)3(CNR)(t-Bu-DAB). The dark red compounds [Mo(CNCMe3)5(R′-DAB)](PF6)2 (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) react readily with cyanide ions at ambient temperatures in methanol to yield [Mo(CNCMe3)4(R′-DAB)(CN)]PF6. Attempts to thermally dealkylate the parent complexes [Mo(CNCMe3)5(R′-DAB)](PF6)2 (R′ = i-Pr or Cy) to these same cyano species were unsuccessful.
Influence of temperature and osmotic potential on germination of Allenrolfea occidentalis seeds

Abstract Allenrolfea occidentalis is the most salt-tolerant plant species in the temperate deserts of western North America, but little is known about seedbed conditions necessary for successful establishment. We investigated the influence of a wide range of constant and alternating temperatures and reduced osmotic potentials on the germination of A. occidentalis seeds. Seeds germinated readily across a wide temperature range, at greatly reduced osmotic potentials, and in a variety of saline solutions. Soil water potentials observed in the field, however, preclude germination. Alternative hypotheses for seedling recruitment are explored.
Between parents and principal: social drama in a synagogue school

A common conflict between parents and a principal in a synagogue school is analyzed in terms of Turner’s “social drama.” The analysis suggests why synagogues are vulnerable to these conflicts, how these conflicts unfold and how the way stakeholders play their roles contributes to a cohesive or disharmonious outcome to the drama.
A thermodynamic model for silica and aluminum in alkaline solutions with high ionic strength at elevated temperatures up to 100 °C: Applications to zeolites

In this study, a thermodynamic model for silica and aluminum in high ionic strength solutions at elevated temperatures up to 100 °C is constructed. Pitzer equations are utilized for the thermodynamic model construction. This model is valid up to ionic strengths of ~24 molal (m) in NaOH solutions with silicate concentrations up to ~1.5 m. The speciation of silica (including monomers and polymers) and aluminum at elevated temperatures is taken into account. Also, the equilibrium constants for silicic acid and its polymer species (H 4 SiO 4 , H 5 Si 2 O 7 − , H 4 Si 2 O 7 2− , and H 5 Si 3 O 7 3− ) at elevated temperatures up to 100 °C, are obtained based on theoretical calculations. Using this thermodynamic model, thermodynamic properties, including equilibrium constants, and respective reaction enthalpies are obtained for sodium silicates, zeolite A, and the amorphous form of zeolite A, based on solubility experiments at elevated temperatures. The equilibrium constants for zeolite A and amorphous precursor of zeolite A regarding the following reactions up to 100 °C, (1) NaAlSiO 4 · 2.25 H 2 O ( cr ) + 4 H + = Na + + Al 3 + + H 4 SiO 4 ( aq ) + 2.25 H 2 O ( l ) and (2) NaAlSiO 4 · 2.25 H 2 O ( am ) + 4 H + = Na + + Al 3 + + H 4 SiO 4 ( aq ) + 2.25 H 2 O ( l ) can be expressed as follows (3) log K 1 = 7963 ± 327 T - 16.46 ± 0.96 and (4) log K 2 = 12971 ± 160 T - 30.80 ± 0.50 where T is temperature in Kelvin. The enthalpy of formation from elements, Gibbs free energy of formation from elements, and standard entropy derived for zeolite A and the amorphous form of zeolite A with the chemical formulas mentioned above at 25 °C and 1 bar are −2738 ± 5 kJ/mol, −2541 ± 2 kJ/mol, 373 ± 10 J/(K·mol); and −2642 ± 3 kJ/mol, −2527 ± 2 kJ/mol, and 648 ± 10 J/(K·mol), respectively. The enthalpy of formation from elements for zeolite A derived in this study based on solubility experiments in hydrothermal solutions agrees well with those obtained by calorimetric measurements and by theoretical calculations.
On the multiplication of solutions of homogeneous linear differential systems

Y’(x) = P(x) * IT(X) Y(a) = E, (A-0) (A.1) where P is a summable function from the number interval X : a < .v < b to the n x n matrices, E is the n x n indentity matrix, and the absolutely continuous function Y from X to the n x n matrices satisfies (A.0) for almost every x in X. It is well known that IV is nonsingular on X, and that if 2 is absolutely continuous and satisfies (A.0) and (A.l), then Y = 2, (cf. [l]). The purpose of the paper is to derive formulas for the products of the solution of A with the solution of B:
Comparison of high-dose melphalan with a more intensive regimen of thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide for patients with multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as part of the initial treatment regimen improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with multiple myeloma. The optimal preparative regimen for patients with multiple myeloma has yet to be defined. In the current study, the authors compared the outcomes associated with high-dose melphalan (HDM) and a more intensive regimen of thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide (TBC) in patients with multiple myeloma. METHODS One hundred eighty-six patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (median age, 51 years) received HDC with ASCT for consolidation of first remission (n = 108) or for treatment of primary refractory disease (n = 78). Seventy patients had a large tumor mass at the time of diagnosis. The preparative regimen consisted of TBC for 97 patients and HDM for 89 patients. Patients in the TBC group were younger and had more advanced disease stage at diagnosis and at the time of ASCT compared with patients in the HDM group. RESULTS The response rates (complete response [CR] and partial response [PR]) were similar in the TBC group (overall response rate, 66%; CR rate, 17%; PR rate, 49%) and the HDM group (overall response rate, 69%; CR rate, 28%; PR rate, 41%). PFS and OS were similar in both groups. A proportional hazards regression model revealed that Durie–Salmon disease stage at diagnosis and having received three or more previous treatment regimens were the only factors that predicted PFS; the type of preparative regimen did not influence outcome. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study indicate that the use of a more intensive regimen did not improve results compared with HDM in patients with multiple myeloma. HDM should continue to be considered the standard preparative regimen for patients with myeloma. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
MON: management overlay networks for distributed systems

The recent deployment of large distributed computing systems such as content distribution networks and the Planet-Lab has made it possible for researchers and practitioners to experiment with real world, large scale distributed applications. However, running an application in such an environment is difficult, due to the scale and frequent node failures of such systems. Thus, an important tool is needed that helps application developers/deployers to manage their applications. Our goal in this work is to develop MON, an extremely lightweight and failure resilient system for managing distributed applications. MON allows users to execute instant management commands on the distributed computing nodes, such as query the current status of the application, or start/stop a process on the distributed nodes. The commands are propagated to all the nodes and executed on each node, and the results are aggregated and returned back. We believe the ability to execute such instant commands is especially useful for the initial deployment of a distributed application, or for the monitoring and diagnoistics of (unexpected) application failures.
Vortex-flux anomalies in MgB2 polycrystals

Abstract For two MgB 2 polycrystalline samples prepared differently, magnetic hysteresis loops at 4.2 K revealed some striking magnetization ( M ) anomalies at low magnetic fields ( H ). In one sample, M drops abruptly by an amount that diminishes to zero as the maximum M , reached just before the drop, is reduced below a critical value (by reducing the slowly cycled H ). The remanent magnetization ( M rem ), measured as the temperature ( T ) was slowly raised from 4.2 K to T c (39 K), was seen to decrease very rapidly just above 4.2 K and then remain constant up to ∼20 K, where it starts to descend gradually to zero at T c . A similar set of anomalies was observed with the second sample, but where the hysteretic drop of M is rapid but not abrupt. However, both samples showed that the vortex-flux component of M remains nearly constant over a range of H just before the rapid drop of M , indicating that the vortices in the sample stay fairly constant in number before many of them exit the sample rapidly. For both MgB 2 samples, this whole set of anomalous properties disappears at temperatures above 5 K, where the slow steady descent of M rem as T increases to T c indicates that the size distribution of vortex pinning forces extends up to very high values.
Possible octupole bands in the N=66 region

Abstract The suggestion that the lowest-lying negative-parity states observed in the even- A Xe isotopes near N =66 are members of bands built on octupole states is tested via the study of the systematic behavior of 5 1 − and 7 1 − states in even- A Te, Xe and Ba isotopes. It is concluded that the behavior of 5 1 − and 7 1 − states of most of the lighter ( N ⩽72) Te, Xe and Ba isotopes is consistent with an octupole origin, and is quite distinct from the behavior of isotopes closer to stability. Measurements of B (E2; 7 1 − →5 1 − are suggested in order to test the nature of these bands.
A simple and efficient procedure for the rapid homogenization of cultured animal cells grown in monolayer.

Abstract Cell swelling takes place rapidly when animal cells in monolayer culture are treated with hypotonic buffer in situ; scraping of the swollen cells causes virtually 100% cell lysis. Because this procedure avoids the use of scraping and centrifugation to collect the cells and the use of Dounce homogenizers for cell disruption, recovery of the cell extract is very high. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activities of cell extracts prepared by this method are virtually identical to those prepared by the conventional procedure involving Dounce homogenization.
Onyalai: A review

Abstract 1. 1. The nomenclature and previous literature relating to onyalai and allied diseases are briefly reviewed. 2. 2. The aetiology and clinical features of onyalai are discussed. 3. 3. The treatment of the disease is reviewed and an account given of Morris's method of treating the condition by intramuscular injections of whole blood from a healthy donor. 4. 4. Prognosis is discussed and is shown to depend to a great extent on prompt treatment with whole-blood injections. No definite statement can be made on the question of relapses and recurrences. 5. 5. A general account of the postmortem findings in onyalai is given. 6. 6. The laboratory findings are discussed, the important points being (a) thrombocytopenia, (b) prolonged bleeding time, (c) normal coagulation time, (d) a positive capillary resistance test. 7. 7. The suggestion is made, based on laboratory and clinical findings, that onyalai is an acute form of essential thrombocytopenia due to defective maturation of the megakaryocytes of the marrow with an associated modification of the capillary endothelium as a contributory cause in the production of the haemorthagic bullae.
Exploring Transmedia: The Rip-Mix-Learn Classroom

Google Docs was used to create the rip-mix-learn (RML) classroom in two, first-year undergraduate introductory chemistry and biology courses, a second-semester introductory chemistry course, and an upper-level developmental biology course. This “transmedia” approach assigned students to create sets of collaborative lecture notes into which they inserted student-generated, Web-based media annotations. Students felt this helped them to reinforce concepts and create connections between content and topics with which they could personally relate. Grading of the annotations was accomplished simply by examining the revision history in Google Docs. Student-annotated lecture notes became part of the required material covered on exams.
Trade Liberalisation and the Australian Labor Party

The three most substantial decisions to reduce Australia’s trade barriers — in 1973, 1988 and 1991 — were made by Labor Governments. Labor’s policy shift preceded the conversion of social democratic parties in other countries to trade liberalisation. To understand why this was so, it is necessary to consider trade policy as being shaped by more than interest groups and political institutions. Drawing on interviews with the main political figures, including Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and John Button, this article explores why the intellectual arguments for free trade had such a powerful impact on Labor’s leadership, and how those leaders managed to implement major tariff cuts, while largely maintaining party unity.
Is the Future Hair

Now that Hair: The American Tribal-Love Rock Musical is playing to capacity audiences on Broadway and has spawned additional companies in Los Angeles, London, and elsewhere, it is perhaps time to ask what makes Hair grow? The question is worth considering if for no other reason than the standard cynical answers do not explain either its success or impact For example, Hair can not be cut short as mere sensationalism; nudity there is but it is selective, functional, even discrete. It is not the new drama of assault or insult, although the audience is never immune from incursions into its midst. It is not the latest underground thing; the co-authors, George Ragni and James Rado, are unforgiveably not that young and first put together what they accurately call their "non-book" nearly four years ago. In short, the success of Hair is the result of adjustment. It is radical but not violent; eclectic but not chaotic; sexually free wheeling but not perverse. In other words, by bridging off-broadway and Broadway, Hair has about it the transparency of something in transition. And if we are in the midst of a generation revolution, then Hair may serve as one of those rare cultural mid-points for staking out an arc that seems to be pointing to new notions of morality, community and life-art styles. I
A role for planar cell polarity signaling in angiogenesis

The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is a highly conserved signaling cascade that coordinates both epithelial and axonal morphogenic movements during development. Angiogenesis also involves the growth and migration of polarized cells, although the mechanisms underlying their intercellular communication are poorly understood. Here, using cell culture assays, we demonstrate that inhibition of PCP signaling disrupts endothelial cell growth, polarity, and migration, all of which can be rescued through downstream activation of this pathway by expression of either Daam-1, Diversin or Inversin. Silencing of either Dvl2 or Prickle suppressed endothelial cell proliferation. Moreover, loss of p53 rescues endothelial cell growth arrest but not the migration inhibition caused by PCP disruption. In addition, we show that the zebrafish Wnt5 mutant (pipetail (ppt)), which has impaired PCP signaling, displays vascular developmental defects. These findings reveal a potential role for PCP signaling in the coordinated assembly of endothelial cells into vascular structures and have important implications for vascular remodeling in development and disease.
DNA damage and repair in rat tissues following administration of azaserine.

Summary The mechanism of action of azaserine as a carcinogen in rats was investigated. Alkaline sucrose gradients were used to determine ( a ) whether pancreatic DNA is damaged by azaserine as indicated by decreased sedimentation, ( b ) whether the DNA of liver and kidney are similarly affected, and ( c ) the relative rates of DNA repair in pancreas, liver, and kidney following azaserine administration. Wistar rats, sacrificed 1 hr after azaserine at 30 mg/kg i.p., had damaged DNA in pancreas, liver, and kidney. Partial repair of DNA was apparent at 1 week. At 4 weeks the DNA sedimentation profiles were unchanged from 1 week, indicating persistent damage in all three tissues. Variable damage was observed in pancreatic DNA from animals treated with 3 and 10 mg/kg, with less damage at 3 mg/kg. Azaserine, 1 mg/kg, had a minimal effect on the pancreatic DNA of Wistar rats. All Wistar/Lewis rats given injections at 3 or 10 mg/kg and sacrificed 1 hr later exhibited a uniform response to azaserine. Damage to pancreatic DNA was extensive and similar at the two dose levels and resembled that observed in Wistar rats 1 hr after azaserine, 30 mg/kg. The extent of DNA repair in pancreas, liver, and kidney in Wistar/Lewis rats 1 or 4 weeks after azaserine, 10 mg/kg, was equivalent among the tissues and comparable to that detected in Wistar rats at the same intervals following a 30-mg/kg dose. Pancreatic, liver, and kidney DNA from animals treated at 10 mg/kg and sacrificed at 9 weeks sedimented like DNA from corresponding controls, as did pancreatic and liver DNA from animals treated at 3 mg/kg and sacrificed at 4 weeks. Thus, azaserine damage in pancreas, liver, and kidney cells can be detected by sedimentation of their DNA on alkaline sucrose gradients shortly after administration of the drug. No difference in either the amount of damage sustained after a given azaserine dose or in the relative rates or extent of repair of this damage in these three tissues was detectable from their DNA sedimentation profiles obtained on alkaline sucrose gradients.
Out of the Woods: Emerging Traditions in the Teaching of Writing

Twenty-five years ago, writing instruction was characterized by an approach that focused on linguistic and rhetorical form. Since then, we have gone into the woods in search of new approaches, focusing in turn on the writer and the writer's processes, on academic content, and on the reader's expectations. In our search for a new approach, we have come up against some thorny issues, five of which are described in detail: the topics for writing, the issue of "real" writing, the nature of the academic discourse community, contrastive rhetoric, and responding to writing. The difficulty of negotiating our way also makes us susceptible to false trails. The paper ends with a discussion of emerging traditions that reflect shared recognitions rather than provide new methodologies.
Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: surgery without a visible scar.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been recognized since 1992 as the gold standard procedure for gallbladder surgery. The authors propose a single-incision laparoscopic (SILS) cholecystectomy as a step toward less invasive surgical procedures. A single intraumbilical 12-mm incision is made, and the umbilicus is pulled out, exposing the fascia. Pneumoperitoneum is induced with the Versastep Veress access needle. A 5-mm trocar then is introduced, and the abdominal cavity is explored with a 5-mm 30° optic. Second and third trocars are introduced respectively at the left and right sides, near the first trocar. Two sutures are used to suspend the gallblabber and to ensure optimal exposure of the Triangle of Calot. Dissection is performed as a normal retrograde cholecystectomy using an Endoshear roticulator in the left trocar and an Endograsp roticulator in the right hand. The cystic artery and cystic duct are clipped separately with a standard 5-mm clip applier and then excised. The gallbladder is removed through the umbilical incision. Of the 12 patients who underwent SILS cholecystectomy without major complications, 8 had previously undergone other laparoscopic surgeries. The body mass index (BMI) exceeded 35 in three cases. Operative time decreased and stabilized from the first 3-h SILS cholecystectomy to approximately 50 min after the first five cases. At this writing, the authors find SILS cholecystectomy to be feasible, safe, and effective.
Psychosocial Distress Screening Implementation in Cancer Care: An Analysis of Adherence, Responsiveness, and Acceptability

Purpose The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has mandated implementation of a systematic protocol for psychosocial distress screening and referral as a condition for cancer center accreditation beginning in 2015. Compliance with standards requires evidence that distress screening protocols are carried out as intended and result in appropriate referral and follow-up when indicated. The purpose of this study was to examine the fidelity of distress screening protocols at two tertiary cancer treatment centers. Methods A retrospective review and analysis of electronic medical records over a 12-week period examined clinic adherence to a prescribed distress screening protocol and responsiveness to patients whose scores on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) indicated clinically significant levels of distress requiring subsequent psychosocial contact. A weekly online survey assessed clinician perspectives on the acceptability of the protocol. Results Across clinics...
Phosphorescent OLEDs: Enabling energy‐efficient lighting with improved uniformity and longer lifetime

— In this paper, the design criteria for scaling up from small-area organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) pixels to large-area OLED light panels is described. Particular focus is placed on using phosphorescent OLEDs (PHOLEDs) to maximize panel efficacy and uniformity and minimize operating temperature. Data for a pair of all-phosphorescent 15 × 15 cm OLED light panels are also presented: Panel 1 has 62-lm/W efficacy, CRI = 81, CCT = 3180K, and lifetime to LT70 = 18,000 hours at 1000 cd/m2 and Panel 2 has 58-lm/W efficacy, CRI = 82, CCT = 2640K, and lifetime to LT70 = 30,000 hours at 1000 cd/m2. Operating at a 3000 cd/m2 (7740 lm/m2), Panel 2 has 49-lm/W efficacy with lifetime to LT70 = 4000 hours. Excellent panel lifetime is enabled by a stable light-blue phosphorescent materials system and by the use of efficient phosphorescent emitters that ensure very low panel temperature without any additional thermal management.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Enhancer Regulates Bmp4 Expression in Developing Incisor and Limb Bud

To elucidate the transcriptional regulation of Bmp4 expression during organogenesis, we used phylogenetic footprinting and transgenic reporter analyses to identify Bmp4 cis-regulatory modules (CRMs). These analyses identified a regulatory region located ,46 kb upstream of the mouse Bmp4 transcription start site that had previously been shown to direct expression in lateral plate mesoderm. We refined this regulatory region to a 396-bp minimal enhancer, and show that it recapitulates features of endogenous Bmp4 expression in developing mandibular arch ectoderm and incisor epithelium during the initiation-stage of tooth development. In addition, this enhancer directs expression in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) of the developing limb and in anterior and posterior limb mesenchyme. Transcript profiling of E11.5 mouse incisor dental lamina, together with protein binding microarray (PBM) analyses, allowed identification of a conserved DNA binding motif in the Bmp4 enhancer for Pitx homeoproteins, which are also expressed in the developing mandibular and incisor epithelium. In vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and in vivo transgenic reporter mutational analyses revealed that this site supports Pitx binding and that the site is necessary to recapitulate aspects of endogenous Bmp4 expression in developing craniofacial and limb tissues. Finally, Pitx2 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated direct binding of Pitx2 to this Bmp4 enhancer site in a dental epithelial cell line. These results establish a direct molecular regulatory link between Pitx family members and Bmp4 gene expression in developing incisor epithelium.
Development of a single strontium ion frequency standard at 445 THz at Hz level accuracy and low systematic shift

We describe our refinement and simplification of a 445-THz (674-nm) reference, which uses a single, cooled strontium ion. A value of 444779044095477 /spl plusmn/ 7 Hz was obtained limited by the current realization of NRC atomic time.
Quantization effects in the plasma universe

It is suggested that a unification of the morphology of the solar system, anomalous intrinsic red shifts of quasars and galaxies, the structure of the hydrogen atom, the Einstein equations of general relativity, and Maxwell's equations can be accomplished by a basic consideration of the minimum-action states of cosmic and/or virtual vacuum field plasmas. A formalism of planetary formation theory leads naturally to a generalization which describes relativistic gravitational field theory in terms of a 'pregeometry'. A virtual plasma associated with the vacuum state is postulated. It is demonstrated that the relaxed state of the virtual plasma underlies Einstein's field equation and predicts the proper form for the effective gravitational potential generated by the Schwarzschild solution of those equations. A further extension of the theory demonstrates that it also predicts the structure of the hydrogen atom described in terms of the Schrodinger equation of quantum mechanics. These concepts are applied in an attempt to explain the quantized anomalous red shifts in related galaxies as observed by H. Arp and J.H. Sulentic (1985). A possible unified field theory is suggested based on the above-mentioned concepts. >
Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence for the origin of whitings: A biologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation mechanism

We propose that Bahamian whitings, floating patches of lime mud, are in part the result of biological precipitation of calcium carbonate induced by picoplankton and cellular components. The cells may act as nucleation sites for crystallization from seawater supersaturated with CaCO3. Our model represents a new hypothesis concerning Bahamian whiting formation and is based on several lines of evidence. Biochemical data suggest that the macromolecules from carbonate suspended in Bahama Banks whitings are distinct from those found in the lime mud sediment producer Penicillus and from bottom sediment. Direct ultrastructural evidence indicates that mineralization occurs on the surfaces of picoplankton cells and degrading organic cellular components. The organic constituents include, but are not restricted to, whole and fragmented algal cells and composite structures ∼20-30 μm in diameter. The observed calcium carbonate crystals are distinct from skeletal debris. Because of the magnitude of the whiting phenomenon, calculations of carbonate sediment production budgets should include the potential contribution of calcium carbonate produced by epicefular precipitation. Knowledge of carbonate mud genesis is critical to interpretation of ancient occurrences of lime mud as well as to understanding ancient and global carbon cycles.
Noncontact distance sensor using spatial signal processing

To the best of our knowledge, proposed is the first distance-measurement sensor using direct spatial signal processing. The sensor is implemented using a laser beam engaged in target-dependent spatial beam processing using an electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). Specifically, the target-reflected beam is observed by an optical detector while electronically scanning the focal length of the ECVFL in the path of the laser beam. A received-beam minimum spatial size corresponds to a specific ECVFL focal length that in turn is used to compute the sensed target distance. Experiments have been conducted using a 633 nm He-Ne laser and a liquid ECVFL, giving target distance measurements from 6to109 cm with a <1.7% sensor resolution. Various noncontact applications for the sensor include sensing of object measurement parameters of distance, motion displacement, three-dimensional structure, spatial profile, and levels.
Integrating Gender into the Political Science Core Curriculum

The New Research on Gender in Political Psychology Conference brought together new and experienced teachers with interests in gender politics. The conference session “Teaching Gender throughout the Curriculum” generated a great deal of discussion concerning the pedagogical practice of gender mainstreaming. Gender mainstreaming—the integration of gendered content into courses required for a major—was recognized as one of 11 recommendations for reforming the undergraduate political science curriculum in the 1991 APSA report “Liberal Learning an The Political Science Major: A Report to the Profession” (popularly referred to as the Wahlke Report). Little information is available on the prevalence of gender courses in the undergraduate curriculum, but the data that does exist suggest such courses are uncommon (Brandes et al. 2001). We found virtually no data on the practice of gender mainstreaming in political science and little data in the way of assessing the impact of gendered content when students are exposed to it. This absence of data suggests gender mainstreaming has not emerged as a serious priority for curricular reform.
Dual-band isotropic radiation patterns from a printed electrically small loop-loaded dipole antenna

A printed electrically small loop-loaded dipole antenna is upgraded to radiate dual-band isotropic patterns with compelling compactness. The proposed technique can be easily extended for multi-band or reconfigurable designs. Simulation of a 0.1λ antenna shows peak deviations of radiation power density pattern in the full space are below 4.0 dB for both bands.
Agonizing questioning: experiences of survivors of suicide victims.

Adult survivors were asked about their perceived life experiences 3 to 9 months after the suicide death of a family member. Thirty-five subjects participated in in-depth interviews. A constant comparative method of analysis yielded a core variable of "agonizing questioning". Subjects' questioning behavior was evident through their-descriptions of emotional turmoil, cognitive dissonance, physical disturbances, and altered socialization. Evidence of beginning to resolve the loss was apparent among subjects who had achieved some understanding of why the suicide had occurred or recognized that there were no answers to their questions. Language: en
A Century of Clover Breeding Developments in the United States

The perennial clovers, red (Trifolium pratense L.) and white clover (T. repens L.), have been important legumes for livestock feeding in the United States during the past century, par- ticularly in the eastern United States. Recently, sustainable agriculture, organic farming, inte- grated crop-livestock systems, and high nitro- gen prices have stimulated interest in forage legumes. This paper describes the present status of clover improvement programs—their objectives, successes, short falls, and chal- lenges for the future. One goal of most clover breeding programs is increased persistence (longevity of individual plants) because of its association with general adaptability and yield. Persistence, which limits life of clovers to about three to four years, is largely governed by pro- grammed senescence but can be infl uenced somewhat by breeding for general adaptation to the area of use. New, more-adapted red clo- ver cultivars have been bred in Wisconsin for use in the northern states, in Kentucky for the middle states, and in Florida for the southern states. For white clover, researchers in several states in the southeast have cooperated in the development of improved cultivars. The unique qualities of these improved species along with high seedling vigor, ease of establishment, and general competitiveness ensure that red and white clover will continue to be the major forage legumes of the United States and justify contin- ued breeding efforts.
Influence of Hydrostatic Pressure and Humidity on Superplastic Ductility of Two β‐Spodumene Glass‐Ceramics

The extent of superplastic deformation in two lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramics was found to be limited either by intergranular cavitation or by the initiation and growth of surface cracks. Tensile tests were performed under a superimposed hydrostatic pressure to distinguish between the two failure mechanisms. Two materials, one with a high flow stress and the other with a low flow stress, were studied. Cavitation was substantially suppressed by hydrostatic pressure in both materials. The strain-to-fracture, however, was enhanced only in the material with the lower flow stress. (In at least one instance the tensile ductility became almost infinite.) In the material with the higher flow stress, failure was caused by the initiation and propagation of cracks from the surface. The crack-propagation mode of failure was found to be sensitive to humidity, raising the possibility of stress-corrosion cracking at high temperatures in glass-ceramic materials.
Broadband microwave generation by beam-plasma turbulence

A potentially powerful new mechanism for microwave radiation appears in relativistic beam-plasma experiments when beam density approaches plasma density, n/sub b//n/sub p/ >0.1. Recent theory and experiment are reviewed. Emission was observed up to seven times the background plasma frequency, at power levels 100 times the radiation seen in the plasma line alone. Some controversy surrounds both theory and experiment, which may reflect differing responses of the beam to the plasma turbulence which it has itself produced. The effect may be important in astrophysics as well. >
SIRT1 and energy metabolism

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is the most conserved mammalian NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase that has emerged as a key metabolic sensor in various metabolic tissues. In response to different environmental stimuli, SIRT1 directly links the cellular metabolic status to the chromatin structure and the regulation of gene expression, thereby modulating a variety of cellular processes such as energy metabolism and stress response. Recent studies have shown that SIRT1 controls both glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, promotes fat mobilization and stimulates brown remodeling of the white fat in white adipose tissue, controls insulin secretion in the pancreas, senses nutrient availability in the hypothalamus, influences obesity-induced inflammation in macrophages, and modulates the activity of circadian clock in metabolic tissues. This review focuses on the role of SIRT1 in regulating energy metabolism at different metabolic tissues.
Measurement of Cholesterol A Patient Perspective

What is cholesterol, and what does it have to do with disease of the blood vessels and heart? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is present in all the cells in your body. Cholesterol travels in your blood in particles called lipoproteins. Three of the common lipoproteins are low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Medical studies have shown that elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of developing blockages in the coronary arteries, whereas elevated levels of HDL cholesterol reduce that risk. Thus, doctors sometimes refer to LDL as “bad cholesterol” and to HDL as “good cholesterol.” Cholesterol comes from 2 sources. Your body makes some cholesterol, and you also get cholesterol in foods that come from an animal (meat, milk, eggs, or anything made from these). Eating too much of these foods may increase the total amount of cholesterol in your body. Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. However, excess cholesterol can deposit in your arteries and promote formation of a deposit known as a plaque, which can grow larger over time; this process is called atherosclerosis. A piece of the plaque may break off and a blood clot may form on the …
The Role of White Blood Cells in the Control of Blood Rheology

The rheological behavior of blood cells plays an important role in governing blood flow dynamics in the microcirculation [5]. Although the white blood cells (WBCs) exist in a much lower volume concentration than the red blood cells (RBCs), the WBCs may exert significant rheological influences on microcirculatory flow [4], because of their larger volume and lower deformability [16, 19].
Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution by an iron complex containing a nitro-functionalized polypyridyl ligand

Abstract Iron polypyridyl complexes have recently been reported to electrocatalytically reduce protons to hydrogen gas at −1.57 V versus Fc+/Fc. A new iron catalyst with a nitro-functionalized polypyridyl ligand has been synthesized and found to be active for proton reduction. Interestingly, catalysis occurs at −1.18 V versus Fc+/Fc for the nitro-functionalized complex, resulting in an overpotential of 300 mV. Additionally, the complex is active with a turnover frequency of 550 s−1. Catalysis is also observed in the presence of water with a 12% enhancement in activity.