cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Trends in Arthroscopic Hip Surgery using a Large National Database

Purpose To assess the practice trends in hip arthroscopy, including femoroplasty, acetabuloplasty, and labral repair Current Procedure Terminology, 4th edition (CPT-4), codes that have been implemented since many of the previous studies were published, without concerns for Hawthorne or observer effect as can be seen during a board collection window, and in a larger volume of patients with a more comprehensive database than previous published data. Methods The MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database was searched using CPT-4 codes to identify patients who underwent any arthroscopic hip procedure from 2008 to 2013. Patients identified were characterized by gender, age group, and year of the initial procedure. Regression analysis was used to evaluate differences in surgical trends between individual patient groups delineated by age and gender. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to identify significant differences in surgical trends seen yearly. Results A total of 62,782 arthroscopic hip procedures in 31,569 surgeries in 27,997 patients were identified and included from 2008 through 2013. The number of surgeries in the database increased every year. After changes to CPT coding in 2011, femoroplasty became the most common procedure in 2012, comprising 28% of all procedures performed in 2013. Patients ages 40 to 49 underwent the most procedures (7,467, 27%). Females were more likely to undergo any arthroscopic procedure during the study period (.068% vs .041%, P Conclusions Arthroscopic hip procedures continue to increase, with femoroplasty, labral repair, and acetabuloplasty being the 3 most common procedures performed. Females are more likely to undergo any procedure, and labral repair is now performed more commonly than labral debridement. Level of Evidence Level IV, cross-sectional study.
Breast cancer stem cell autoantibodies to identify women with advanced breast cancer.

1079Background: Cancer stem cells have properties of self-renewal, inducing drug resistance, and metastases. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) are associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transforma...
Altruism and the Endurance of the Good

Egoism is a pervasive trait in modern market societies that encourages people to focus upon their own self-interest above all else. Third-sector organizations, by contrast, are frequently termed “altruistic.” This essay elucidates the meaning of “altruism” as it applies to these organizations. Moral altruism means direct concern for another's well being—whoever that person might be. This study rejects psychological egoism as a meaningful psychological theory, and ethical egoism as a coherent moral position; it discusses empirical studies of altruism in rescuers of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe as proof against the former form of egoism and Kant's moral theory against the latter. The essay then argues that altruism is a form of public action in Hannah Arendt's sense of this term. The essay concludes that third-sector organizations are altruistic insofar as they engage in public action, thereby, treating beneficiaries with respect for their individuality.
Using citizen notification to interrupt near-repeat residential burglary patterns: the micro-level near-repeat experiment

Test the efficacy of swift resident notification for preventing subsequent burglaries within near-repeat high-risk zones (NR-HRZ). The experiment was conducted in Baltimore County, Maryland and Redlands, California. As residential burglaries came to the attention of the police, a trickle randomization process was used to assign each micro-level NR-HRZ (measured 800 ft, 244 m from the burglary location) and associated buffer (400 ft, 122 m) to treatment or control. Treatment was performed by uniform agency volunteers and consisted of swift notification to residents in the area of increased risk of burglary victimization. Treatment and control zones were compared for differences in the mean count of residential burglary using independent samples t tests. Two surveys were administered to gauge the impact of the program: one targeted residents and one targeted at the treatment providers. There was limited evidence that the treatment reduced follow-on burglaries. The effectiveness of the intervention varied depending on the post-intervention time period being considered. The results of the community survey suggested that: (1) the most frequent crime prevention actions taken by residents were relatively low-cost and low-effort and (2) notification did not increase resident fear of burglary. The treatment provider survey found that the program was effective at increasing the level of engagement between volunteers and the agency and had positive impacts on community perception. This research demonstrated that law enforcement volunteers can be used to undertake programs that have positive impacts on police-community relations. Limitations included low near-repeat counts, delays in discovering/reporting burglary, and staffing constraints.
JavaStrike: a Java programming engine embedded in virtual worlds

In this paper, we describe JavaStrike1. JavaStrike is a Java development and execution environment that was developed from scratch inside Unity. The engine currently supports classes, functions, inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, key-value stores, and much more. JavaStrike allows code to be displayed, executed, and debugged in the virtual world. We then create a third-person shooter game called CodeBreakers, which leverages the JavaStrike engine. CodeBreakers covers basic programming concepts such as variable types, intermediate programming concepts such as stacks, queues, and hashmaps, and advanced programming concepts such as inheritance, interfaces, and method overriding. JavaStrike is a first step towards general purpose programming engines embedded in virtual worlds.
Leveraging crowdsourcing methods to collect qualitative data in addiction science: Narratives of non-medical prescription opioid, heroin, and fentanyl use

Abstract Background Online crowdsourcing methods have proved useful for studies of diverse designs in the behavioral and addiction sciences. The remote and online setting of crowdsourcing research may provide easier access to unique participant populations and improved comfort for these participants in sharing sensitive health or behavioral information. To date, few studies have evaluated the use of qualitative research methods on crowdsourcing platforms and even fewer have evaluated the quality of data gathered. The purpose of the present analysis was to document the feasibility and validity of using crowdsourcing techniques for collecting qualitative data among people who use drugs. Methods Participants (N = 60) with a history of non-medical prescription opioid use with transition to heroin or fentanyl use were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk). A battery of qualitative questions was included indexing beliefs and behaviors surrounding opioid use, transition pathways to heroin and/or fentanyl use, and drug-related contacts with structural institutions (e.g., health care, criminal justice). Results Qualitative data recruitment was feasible as evidenced by the rapid sampling of a relatively large number of participants from diverse geographic regions. Computerized text analysis indicated high ratings of authenticity for the provided narratives. These authenticity percentiles were higher than the average of general normative writing samples as well as than those collected in experimental settings. Conclusions These findings support the feasibility and quality of qualitative data collected in online settings, broadly, and crowdsourced settings, specifically. Future work among people who use drugs may leverage crowdsourcing methods and the access to hard-to-sample populations to complement existing studies in the human laboratory and clinic as well as those using other digital technology methods.
Operational, Prophylactic, and Interdictive Technologies for Algal Crop Protection

Both open and closed algal mass culture systems, for aquaculture, biofuel, and biotechnology applications, are subject to contamination with deleterious species such as grazers, parasites, and pathogens. In open cultivation systems, pond crashes due to infection with deleterious species can result in the loss of 30% of annualized production. More expensive closed photobioreactors are less prone to infection but nonetheless do fail and can be more difficult to decontaminate than open systems. The development of effective methodologies and technologies to interdict or prevent crashes of algal mass culture systems is necessary to increase biomass production, drive down costs, reduce the risk involved with algal cultivation, and ultimately make it more favorable for investment by entrepreneurs and biotechnology companies. A variety of chemical, biological, and technological controls have been proposed and developed for algae crop protection. We review these previously developed crop protection strategies, along with examining novel strategies and areas of ongoing research and development.
Educational Software for Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL).

This educational software was developed to aid teachers and students in their understanding of how the process of identifying the most likely quantitative trait loci (QTL) position is determined between two flanking DNA markers. The objective of the software that we developed was to: (1) show how a QTL is mapped to a position on a chromosome using a hands-on approach; (2) show how varying the guessed position of the QTL changes the mixture of QTL genotypes within each marker class. A least squares approach was used to determine the F statistic associated with each guessed QTL position between the flanking DNA markers. When the F statistic reaches a maximum value, the correct position of the QTL has been identified. The instructor identifies the true position of the QTL, while the students enter a guess as to the QTL position between flanking markers. The histograms generated by the software show the discrepancy between the true and guessed mixture of QTL genotypes within each of the nine marker classes. The output also shows how the design matrix and test statistic change as the guessed QTL position is altered. This software will aid the instructor in explaining how a QTL is mapped. Students will learn to associate the degree of recombination between markers and the QTL with resulting magnitude of the F statistic.
The creative economy, innovation and entrepreneurship: an empirical examination

We analyze the interrelationships among entrepreneurship, innovation and the creative economy. Ordinarily the word ‘entrepreneurship’ implies financial (or commercial) enterprise undertaken with a ...
Immune phenotype and response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

509Background: In TNBC patients (pts) receiving NAST, increasing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is associated with higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates. However, since the presenc...
Student-Inspired Project-Based Learning in an Embedded Systems Course

This paper presents the experience of the author from a senior embedded systems course at an engineering college. The course is primarily made up of lecture and laboratory components. Besides those two components the course also includes a peer-teaching component and a final-project. In the peer-teaching component the students are expected to choose a topic related to the course material, perform thorough research, and then present the material to teach it to the whole class. The goal of the final project component is to challenge the students to come up with a problem of their own that can be solved using the material learned in the course. The students are encouraged to dig deep into their creative minds and come up with practical projects that address real problems. They spend time to brainstorm ideas for their projects and present their proposals to the whole class for comments and approval, before they actually start to implement their work. The main take away from the experiences of these projects is that the students felt ownership of their projects and spent every effort to bring their ideas to fruition. Most of the project teams involved two or three students from different disciplines so they bring their expertise from their respective fields to the project. Overall, based on the grade performance of the students in the course and feedbacks received at the end of the course, this student-inspired project-based-learning approach was found to be successful in enhancing the learning experiences of the students.
Maternal proximity to Central Appalachia surface mining and birth outcomes.

Maternal residency in Central Appalachia counties with coal production has been previously associated with increased rates of low birth weight (LBW). To refine the relationship between surface mining and birth outcomes, this study employs finer spatiotemporal estimates of exposure. Methods We developed characterizations of annual surface mining boundaries in Central Appalachia between 1986 and 2015 using Landsat data. Maternal address on birth records was geocoded and assigned amount of surface mining within a 5 km radius of residence (street-level). Births were also assigned the amount of surface mining within residential ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA). Associations between exposure to active mining during gestation year and birth weight, LBW, preterm birth (PTB), and term low birth weight (tLBW) were determined, adjusting for outcome rates before active mining and available covariates. Results The percent of land actively mined within a 5 km buffer of residence (or ZCTA) was negatively associated with birth weight (5 km: β = -14.07 g; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -19.35, -8.79, P = 1.79 × 10-7; ZCTA: β = -9.93 g; 95% CI = -12.54, -7.33, P = 7.94 × 10-14). We also found positive associations between PTB and active mining within 5 km (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.09, P = 1.43 × 10-4) and within ZCTA (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.06, P = 9.21 × 10-8). Positive relationships were also found between amount of active mining within 5 km or ZIP code of residence and LBW and tLBW outcomes. Conclusions Maternal residency near active surface mining during gestation may increase risk of PTB and LBW.
Field Evaluation of Wattle and Silt Fence Ditch Checks

Erosion and sediment control practices are implemented during construction activities to mitigate downstream effects, but limited field-performance data exists. Field assessments were conducted to ...
Visualization and quantification of biochemical markers of atherosclerotic plaque progression using intravascular fluorescence lifetime (Conference Presentation)

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIm) is a label-free technique that provides biochemical information from biological samples derived from tissue autofluorescence. Using a custom multispectral FLIm/IVUS catheter system, fluorescence lifetime data (n=33,980 locations) was collected from ex vivo human artery segments (n=32 samples). Our findings indicate that intravascular spectroscopy with FLIm supports the identification of early progression-prone lesions, characterized by the accumulation of extracellular lipids, as well as the quantification of inflammatory activity, characterized by macrophage foam cells accumulation. This information improves our understanding of plaque development, which may ultimately be used to improve risk assessment of acute coronary events.
Changes in psychological distress after first vaginal intercourse in late adolescence.

Abstract Introduction Although early sexual intercourse may be associated with increased depressive symptoms, little research has examined whether first intercourse in late adolescence is associated with changes in mental health. Methods This paper uses 3 years of longitudinal data from previously sexually abstinent late adolescent students at a large state university in the northeastern United States (N = 144, 53.5% male, M age = 18.5 years old, 47.2% White, 26.4% Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 20.1% Hispanic/Latino, 18.1% Black/African American) to examine whether levels of psychological distress changed after first intercourse. Results Students’ distress decreased after first intercourse, although this effect was only significant two or more semesters after first intercourse. There were no gender differences in these associations. Conclusions Findings suggest first intercourse was, on average, associated with decreased psychological distress for both male and female late adolescents.
Identification of Prognostic and Chemopredictive microRNAs for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Integrating SEER-Medicare Data

This study developed a novel methodology to correlate genome-scale microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in a lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) cohort (n = 57) with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare LUSC patients (n = 33,897) as a function of composite tumor progression indicators of T, N, and M cancer stage and tumor grade. The selected prognostic and chemopredictive miRNAs were extensively validated with miRNA expression profiles of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient samples collected from US hospitals (n = 156) and public consortia including NCI-60, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n = 1016), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE; n = 117). Hsa-miR-142-3p was associated with good prognosis and chemosensitivity in all the studied datasets. Hsa-miRNA-142-3p target genes (NUP205, RAN, CSE1L, SNRPD1, RPS11, SF3B1, COPA, ARCN1, and SNRNP200) had a significant impact on proliferation in 100% of the tested NSCLC cell lines in CRISPR-Cas9 (n = 78) and RNA interference (RNAi) screening (n = 92). Hsa-miR-142-3p-mediated pathways and functional networks in NSCLC short-term survivors were elucidated. Overall, the approach integrating SEER-Medicare data with comprehensive external validation can identify miRNAs with consistent expression patterns in tumor progression, with potential implications for prognosis and prediction of chemoresponse in large NSCLC patient populations.
The Vitamin K-Dependent Bone Protein and the Action of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on Bone

This chapter considers the evidence that the vitamin K-dependent bone protein [bone Gla protein (BGP)] mediates an aspect of the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on bone. BGP is a 49-residue protein of known structure [1] which contains three residues of the vitamin Independent Ca2 +-binding amino acid, γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla). A general review on BGP has recently been published [2], so only the most salient of its properties will be described here. BGP is one of the most abundant bone proteins [3,4] and has been detected in all vertebrates examined to date. It is also present in serum [5]. Its structure is highly conserved [6], with over 50% of the amino acid residues unchanged in BGP from swordfish and calf bone, species which diverged about 400 million years ago. The most prominent in vitro properties of BGP are its high affinity for hydroxyapatite and its ability to retard the crystallization of hydroxyapatite from supersaturated solutions of calcium phosphate [4]. Both of these properties are lost upon thermal decarboxylation of - γ -carboxyglutamic acid to glutamic acid [7], a specific chemical modification which yields an abnormal BGP apparently identical to that produced in animals treated with a vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin [8]. BGP is synthesized in bone [9] and by cultured osteosarcoma cells with an osteoblastic phenotype [10].
Regulation in Response to Environmental Conditions

This chapter discusses what is currently known regarding how and why a few of the most important human respiratory pathogens control gene expression in response to environmental conditions. Even less well characterized is the ability of Haemophilus influenzae to control gene expression in response to environmental conditions. Like Neisseria meningitidis and H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae expresses a polysaccharide capsule that plays a major role in pathogenesis. Understanding how these regulators coordinate to mediate precise control of capsule and other virulence factors in response to specific environmental conditions awaits further study. Comparative analyses between S. pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes should facilitate understanding the structure and function of the Mga/MgrA regulons of these two streptococcal species. Roles for the other two, or for the C-terminal domain of the protein, remain to be determined, but there is presently no evidence that Mga protein activity is controlled in response to environmental conditions. Bordetella pertussis does not cause severe invasive or systemic disease, although serious complications, including pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and even death, sometimes occur. Natural-host animal models were recently developed to allow the study of the entire infectious cycle in the laboratory. Comparison of mutants altered in signal transduction and/or in Bvg-mediated control of specific factors in these models is expected to allow one to gain a better understanding of the importance of precise control of gene expression in the establishment, maintenance, and transmission of Bordetella infection.
Platinum Compounds: The Culmination of the Era of Cancer Chemotherapy

The history of cancer chemotherapy is considered part of a chapter of empiricism that is coming to a close. However, the effect of cisplatin on germ cell tumors and, to a lesser extent, on epithelial ovarian cancer has captivated scientists and oncologists, and continues to expand its therapeutic horizons as more is learned. This is the Tenth Symposium on Platinum and Other Metal Coordination Compounds in Cancer Chemotherapy, and its highlights provide further confirmation of the value of scientific investment in this area of therapeutic research.
Finite element method for modeling nonreciprocal magnetic photonic crystals in 3D

This paper studies electromagnetic wave propagation within nonreciprocal magnetic photonic crystal (MPC) structures. The primitive cell of the MPC consists of three layers an it is found through the transfer matrix of the layered medium that a so-called "frozen mode" exists within such an MPC structure. Subsequently, for electromagnetic waves propagating through the MPC in the vicinity of the frozen mode frequency, the group velocity of the wave can be slowed significantly. FEA is presented to model this phenomena. Finally, a numerical example applied to a rectangular waveguide is given as illustration of the modeling technique.
Light-dependent inhibition of photophosphorylation by N-ethylmaleimide.

Abstract The treatment of chloroplasts with 1 mm N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) in the light, but not in the dark, resulted in a partial, permanent inhibition of photophosphorylation. Noncyclic electron flow coupled to phosphorylation was also inhibited on incubation of chloroplasts with NEM in the light, but this inhibition was reversed by ammonium chloride. The uncouplers, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and ammonium chloride, largely prevented the inhibition. Adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate partially protected phosphorylation from inhibition by light and NEM. Light-induced hydrogen ion uptake was unaffected by NEM except that the uptake stimulated by adenosine triphosphate was inhibited. The calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase of coupling factor 1 was also inhibited in chloroplasts treated with NEM in the light prior to extraction of the coupling factor. It is suggested that light causes a conformational change in the membrane-bound coupling factor, allowing the reaction of a group (or groups) with NEM. The sensitivity of the inhibition to adenine nucleotides suggests that these nucleotides modify the conformation of coupling factor 1 in the light.
Real Maps, Virtual Maps and Interactive Cartography

In the last decade, numerical and analytical approaches to cartography have been growing at a rapid rate (Robinson et al., 1977). This trend was recognized some time ago by Morrison (Morrison, 1974) in a perceptive article in which he discussed the changing philosophical and technical aspects of thematic cartography. The first aspect which is important here is the expansion of the definition of the concept of a map which includes the newer cartographic products and a recognition of the new strategies for mapping methodology. The second is a perception of the field of cartography as an independent scientific discipline. Many of the trends recognized by Morrison also apply to general cartography as well. One can see development taking place in numerical processing (see for example Aangeenbrug (1980)), analytical cartography (Tobler, 1979), cartographic data base development (Nyerges, 1980), geographic information systems (Tomlinson et al., 1976), and cartographic systems design and operation (Aangeenbrug, 1980). These prodigious efforts, as well as many others, have resulted in a large number of new cartographic products and systems which go far beyond the conventional definition of a map. Morrison clearly recognized this need as did Riffe (1970). As this work in cartography has accelerated, so has the need for specifying an expanded model for what constitutes a map. From this need, Moellering (1980a) has developed the concepts of real and virtual maps.
Grinding of quartz in amine solutions

Abstract This study, initiated to investigate the effect of additions of surface active reagents on the wet-grinding of ores, has shown that improved grinding can be obtained at certain levels of amine concentration and pH. At some other levels, amine addition can also produce deleterious effects. The observed effects are discussed with the help of data obtained for flocculation and zeta potential of corresponding quartz/amine systems and those normally obtained for flotation. In addition, results of a photographic study of the milling process has been helpful in the study of the above effects. Most importantly, microscopic examination of the ground product (treated with dispersant and sieved) has clearly shown the possibilities for the existence of major experimental artifacts in the past works. Examination of the product under microscope is necessary to guarantee dispersion, especially if the system has been contacted with a surfactant or polymer.
Finite element modeling of shell shape in the freshwater turtle Pseudemys concinna reveals a trade-off between mechanical strength and hydrodynamic efficiency.

Aquatic species can experience different selective pressures on morphology in different flow regimes. Species inhabiting lotic regimes often adapt to these conditions by evolving low-drag (i.e., streamlined) morphologies that reduce the likelihood of dislodgment or displacement. However, hydrodynamic factors are not the only selective pressures influencing organismal morphology and shapes well suited to flow conditions may compromise performance in other roles. We investigated the possibility of morphological trade-offs in the turtle Pseudemys concinna. Individuals living in lotic environments have flatter, more streamlined shells than those living in lentic environments; however, this flatter shape may also make the shells less capable of resisting predator-induced loads. We tested the idea that “lotic” shell shapes are weaker than “lentic” shell shapes, concomitantly examining effects of sex. Geometric morphometric data were used to transform an existing finite element shell model into a series of models corresponding to the shapes of individual turtles. Models were assigned identical material properties and loaded under identical conditions, and the stresses produced by a series of eight loads were extracted to describe the strength of the shells. “Lotic” shell shapes produced significantly higher stresses than “lentic” shell shapes, indicating that the former is weaker than the latter. Females had significantly stronger shell shapes than males, although these differences were less consistent than differences between flow regimes. We conclude that, despite the potential for many-to-one mapping of shell shape onto strength, P. concinna experiences a trade-off in shell shape between hydrodynamic and mechanical performance. This trade-off may be evident in many other turtle species or any other aquatic species that also depend on a shell for defense. However, evolution of body size may provide an avenue of escape from this trade-off in some cases, as changes in size can drastically affect mechanical performance while having little effect on hydrodynamic performance. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reading mathematics for understanding—From novice to expert

Abstract As students progress through the college mathematics curriculum, enter graduate school and eventually become practicing mathematicians, reading mathematics textbooks and journal articles appears to become easier and leads to increased proficiency and understanding. This study was designed to begin to understand how mathematically more advanced readers read for understanding in mathematical exposition as it appears in textbooks compared to first-year undergraduate students. Three faculty members and three graduate students participated in this study and read from a first-year graduate textbook in an area of mathematics unfamiliar to each of them. The observed reading strategies of these more mathematically advanced readers are compared to observed reading strategies of first-year undergraduate students from an earlier study. The reading methods of the faculty level mathematicians were all quite similar and were markedly different from those that have been identified for undergraduate students, as well as from those used by the graduate students in this study. A Mathematics Reading Framework is proposed based on this study and previous research documenting the strategies that first-year undergraduate students use for reading exposition in their mathematics textbooks.
Orientation and directed growth of Mauthner's cell axons from duplicated vestibular nerve roots

Abstract The axons of duplicated Mauthner's cells, associated with extra auditory and vestibular nerve roots grafted into the medulla in amphibians, show consistent growth tendencies apparently related to axial gradients within the surrounding tissues. In cases in which the grafted segment is correctly oriented with reference to the long axis of the host, the Mauthner's-cell axons decussate immediately and grow directly back into the spinal cord like normal Mauthner's-cell axons. If the grafted segment is in reversed anteroposterior orientation, however, the axons first grow forward, then recurve and grow caudally into the cord. The level at which the axons recurve corresponds approximately to the anterior junction of graft with host tissues. These results indicate that the axons not only have a very strong affinity for their normal terminations in the spinal cord, but also that their orientation may be influenced by localized cytochemical interactions with other cell types.
Antenatal Dexamethasone Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression in Hypoplastic Lung in Nitrofen-Induced Diaphragmatic Hernia in Rats

The hypoplastic lung in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has both a quantitative and qualitative reduction in surfactant. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) drastically decreases surfactant phospholipids synthesis by isolated human type II pneumocytes. Recently, it was shown that TNF-α mRNA expression is increased in human hypoplastic CDH lung. Antenatal glucocorticoid therapy demonstrates improved surfactant biochemical immaturity in an animal CDH model. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antenatal dexamethasone (Dex) on TNF-α protein and gene expression in nitrofen-induced CDH hypoplastic lung in rats. A CDH model was induced in pregnant rats after the administration of nitrofen on d 9.5 of gestation. Dex was given intraperitoneally on d 18.5 and 19.5. Cesarean section was performed on d 21. In situ hybridization was performed with a rat TNF-α-specific and digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotide probe. TNF-α level was measured in solubilized lung tissue extracts by ELISA. In control lung, TNF-α mRNA expression was weak or absent. In contrast, strong TNF-α mRNA expression was demonstrated in type II pneumocytes and bronchiolar epithelium in CDH lung. In Dex-treated CDH lung, TNF-α mRNA expression was weak in both type II pneumocytes and the bronchiolar epithelium. The level of TNF-α was elevated significantly in CDH lung compared with levels in control lung extracts (p< 0.01). In Dex-treated CDH lung, TNF-α protein was significantly decreased compared with CDH lung (p< 0.05). Our findings suggest that the reduction in the local production of TNF-α may be one contributing mechanism by which antenatal glucocorticoid therapy improves pulmonary parenchymal immaturity, including surfactant.
1790 Use of a Spreadsheet Program to Calculate Pediatric Pulmonary Function Normal Values

The Spreadsheet program Multiplan was used to configure a worksheet for calculating pulmonary function normals on a Fortune 32:16 computer. The worksheet used linear and multiple regression formulas found in the pediatric literature to calculate pulmonary function normal values based on patient sex, race, weight, and height. The program output inculded: Forced Vital Capacity, Residual Volume, Total Lung Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume, Maximum Midexpiratory Flow Rate, Wright peak Flow Rate, peak Expiratory Flow Rate Maximum Expiratory Flow Capacities, Airway Resistance, and Airway Conductance. The worksheet consisted of a block for used input of patient parameters, a calculation block that calculated normal values using meters, a calculation block for user input of patient parameters, a calculation block that calculated normal values using the regression equations, and an output block that yielded specific normal values for the patient usine the Boolean logic functions of the spreadsheet program. The user cab enter patient pulmonary function test results into the output block to obtain a percentage comparison with the calculated normal values. Since the multiple regression formulas contained complex mathematical constructs of the normal values consumed 20 minutes of technician time; using this spreadsheet the time is reduced to 1 – 2 minutes. Development of the spreadsheet took approximately 1.5 hours, and development of a program in Applesoft BASIC that performed the same calculations took nearly 6 hours. Spreadsheet programs such as Multiplan can reduce development time for calculation intense clinical applications.
Analysis of polybrominated biphenyls by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

Abstract The structure-sensitivity relationship of polybrominated biphenyls analyzed by an electron-capture detector was investigated. The greates variations i n sensitivity with positional isomerism occurred for the least brominated isomers and for polybrominated biphenyls with bromine substituents on only one ring. The ratio of sensitivity (on a molar basis) of decabromobiphenyl to 2-bromobiphenyl was ca. 50, with response increasing approximately linearly with degreed of bromination. Increased detector temperature resulted in improved sensitivity. The presence of oxygen in the carrier gas resulted in slightly decreased sensitivity.
An Experimental and Theoretical Study of Temperature Regulation in the Immersed Dog

An experimental and theoretical study of the canine thermoregulatory system is described in order to obtain a better understanding of how the heat exchange network is employed by the canine to control brain temperature. Particular attention is paid to the nasal heat exchange system.
The Americas before and after 1492: An Introduction to Current Geographical Research

Abstract The controversy over the Columbian Quincentenary identifies two broad issues of fundamental interest to geography: (a) the decimation and displacement of indigenous peoples, leading to creation of new human and cultural landscapes; and (b) the relative ecological impacts of indigenous and Colonial land use, as a prelude to the global environmental transformation introduced by the Industrial Revolution. This introductory essay outlines the contributions of ten critical or synthetic reviews, setting them in a wider context of contemporary research, as a web of related themes focused on the Americas before and after 1492. These themes include: (a) pre-Columbian population densities, environmental impact, and the myth of the Indian as Ecologist; (b) the labor intensity and technological sophistication of pre-Columbian agriculture in many areas; (c) the human implications and landscape impact of catastrophic indigenous depopulation; (d) the process of Spanish settlement and landscape transformation; (...
GRAY, HARDWICKE, BUCHANAN-HAMILTON, and Drawings of Indian Softshell Turtles (Family Trionychidae)

Each of the original water-color drawings of trionychid turtles of HARDWICKE and BUCHANAN-HAMILTON is discussed. Some of these drawings were published by GRAY and serve as types for four available names (two are valid, Chitra indica and Trionyx hurum) and one occupied name. Taxonomic data concerning all illustrations is provided. The type-locality of Trionyx hurum is restricted to Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. Emyda dura ANDERSON, 1876 is regarded as a nomen nudum.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations and aging: a case closed?

Recent reports of premature aging in mutant mice with greatly increased rates of mitochondrial DNA mutagenesis (so-called 'mitochondrial mutator mice') appeared to confirm that accumulation of mtDNA mutations is a key mechanism of normal aging. Now, in a dramatic turnaround, a new study reports that levels of point mutations in tissues of aged normal mice are much lower than in the mutator mice, apparently ruling out a causal role in normal aging.
Experiential pluralism: gains from short-term study abroad programmes in the business curriculum

An increasing number of academic institutions provide short-term international study opportunities for their business students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some institutions even provide such experiences for faculty, to enhance their international background and to facilitate research and broader perspectives for the classroom. Since “the essence of pluralism is the recognition of the legitimate existence of alternative ideologies, frameworks, and references” [Reardon, (2009), p.2], the goals of the international study tour, the exposure to alternative perspectives it provides, and the dynamics it creates fit particularly well with the philosophy of diverse perspectives found in pluralism. We review the literature on short-term study abroad programmes and make the case for the value of short-term study tours as an experiential learning tool for international business students and faculty, noting the range of content and process gains in which such study tours enhance a pluralist view of the world, the global economy, the business curriculum, and even the student cohort.
Dumping and Subsidy Cases at the ITC: Voting Discretion and Commissioner Attributes

In antidumping and countervailing duty cases, why do commissioners of the International Trade Commission vote as they do? Commissioners are presented with the same petitions, listen to the same oral arguments, have access to the same economic data, and operate under the same trade laws. Yet there is variability in voting behavior. Political economy models have left an incomplete understanding of ITC voting and recent literature suggests there may be attributes of the commissioners that explain their voting behavior. This study of votes on antidumping and countervailing duty cases between 1992 and 1999 looks at five such attributes: political party, party of the appointing president, prior employment on Capitol Hill, profession as lawyers, and prior employment in business and labor organizations. Applying a statistical analysis reveals that, of these five variables, only prior affiliation with business and labor organizations and political party appear related to ITC Commissioners'voting pat terns.
Reflection Spectromicroscopy for the Design of Nanopillar Optical Antenna Detectors

Abstract : Semiconductor nanowires have proven to be a viable path towards nanoscale photodetectors, however the dramatic reduction in semiconductor absorption volume can have a negative effect on responsivity. In order to overcome the reduced absorption volume, incident light must be focused within the nanopillar and surface reflections must be minimized. The ability to lithographically define the position and diameter of individual nanowires makes surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonances an attractive option, as regular metal scattering centers can overcome the momentum mismatch between the incident wavevector and the SPP mode and scattering center size can influence optical aborption enhancement. In this work we demonstrate a 3-dimensional plasmonic antenna and show enhanced spectral response within the nanopillars.
Racial differences in acquisition of syringes from pharmacies under conditions of legal but restricted sales

Background Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other bloodborne pathogens through the multi-person use of syringes. Although research has shown that increased access to syringes through syringe exchange programs (SEPs) is an effective strategy to reduce risky injection practices many areas of the United States still do not have SEPs. In the absence of SEPs, legislation allowing pharmacies over-the-counter sales of syringes has also been shown to reduce syringe sharing. The success of pharmacy sales however is limited by other legal stipulations, such as drug paraphernalia laws, which in turn may contribute to fear among IDUs about being caught purchasing and carrying syringes.
Land seismic processing for subtle stratigraphic targets

Summary The imaging of stratigraphic targets generally requires careful attenuation of noise, preservation of bandwidth and accurate amplitude control. This is particularly true of land seismic data in which noise often overlaps the signal in the frequency domain and can be high amplitude. The noise comprises source generated, random and cultural noise. Amplitude variations, which are also of concern, can arise from differences in source and receiver coupling and near surface conditions. Sorting or transforming the data into various domains to take advantage of any differences in frequency content or move out characteristics between the noise and signal can work to not only effectively remove the noise but also preserve signal bandwidth. Amplitude control can be achieved through surface consistent processes such as amplitude balancing and deconvolution. This paper will review the processing of a land seismic dataset from the Panhandle area of Texas and Oklahoma.
Clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease and kidney function decline in the elderly.

Objective Kidney function decline in elderly persons may be the result of microvascular atherosclerosis. As a proxy for the renovascular system, we evaluated the association of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) with kidney function decline.
Potential Effect of Geometry on Wall Shear Stress Distribution Across Scaffold Surfaces

Bioreactors are used as cell culture systems for growth and maintenance of tissue-engineered scaffolds that serve as three-dimensional (3D) templates for initial cell attachment and subsequent tissue formation. The bioreactors’ fluid dynamic environment is known to play a crucial role in the synthesis of cellular components via flow-mediated mechanical stimuli. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in the slow turning lateral vessel (STLV® Synthecon, Inc.) were simulated under Couette flow conditions. Systematic research of the wall shear stress (WSS) effects on the scaffold’s geometry has been limited. Therefore, direct qualitative and quantitative correlations for WSS values were performed by analyzing and comparing WSS value distributions of two scaffold shapes. Under experimental flow conditions, the disc and prolate spheroid shapes exhibited dissimilar WSS distribution. Nonetheless, when compared to the disc models, the high pressure stagnation region of the spheroid was reduced between 60% and 95%. In the spheroid shape, approximately 40% increase in the shear stress surface exposure to flow ranged from 2 to 3 dyn/cm2. These values suggest that WSSs are likely affected by scaffold shape and vary little with location within the Synthecon® STLV. The proposed simulation studies evidenced the CFD model’s flexibility to characterize and quantify forces affecting tissue-engineered scaffold design.
Tropical Wave Instabilities: Convective Interaction with Dynamics Using the Emanuel Convective Parameterization

Abstract Wave-CISK and evaporation-wind feedback modes, also known as WISHE (wind-induced surface heat exchange) modes, are investigated using a two-dimensional (x−p), hydrostatic, nonrotational model linearized about a basic state in radiative-convective equilibrium with no vertical shear. Cumulus convection is parameterized using version 1.22 of the Emanuel convective parameterization scheme, a mass flux scheme that includes the effects of evaporatively driven unsaturated downdrafts. It is found that the only unstable modes are long-wavelength WISHE modes. All wave–CISK modes are damped, though the longest-wavelength modes have nearly neutral growth rates. It is demonstrated that the presence of evaporatively driven unsaturated downdrafts plays a major role in damping both short-wave WISHE and wave-CISK modes in the model. The model favors approximately the same horizontal scale as observed for the Madden–Julian oscillation (40–60 day wave), but the phase speed is too large by a factor of ∼4–5. A genera...
Monolithic photonic and optoelectronic switching technology for high-speed switching networks and reconfigurable optical interconnections

An optoelectronic switching technology based on the monolithic integration of arrays of binary optical switch nodes containing vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and heterojunction phototransistors (HPTs) has been developed. It can be used in multi-stage optical switching networks, and provides a reconfigurable 2D architecture for parallel optical interconnections. The VCSELs can also be integrated with heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology on the same wafer to provide a high speed optoelectronic interface between the optical switch fabric and the external electronic processing elements. Since these switches can be optically or electrically addressed and detected, they permit the direct communication and transmission of data between distributed electronic processors through a reconfigurable optical switching fabric and optical data link. The experimental demonstration of integrated photonic HPT/VCSEL routing switches and optoelectronic HBT/VCSEL switches that combine GaAs/AlGaAs VCSELs with HPTs and HBTs, respectively, are described below.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The identity and perfect state of colletotrichum graminicola

Several monoconidial isolates of Colletotrichum graminicola from naturally infected corn leaves with typical anthracnose lesions produced fertile, erumpent, rostrate perithecia when grown on steam-...
Use of adhesive sealants over occlusal carious lesions: radiographic evaluation.

108 carious and noncarious first permanent molar teeth were sealed with Nuva-Seal®. Presealant and the latest postsealant radiographs were rated for occlusal caries penetration for time intervals from 2 to 5 years. With sealants that were sound at the most recent recall visit, there was a significant decrease in the rating of caries penetration. With sealants evaluated as being defective, there was a slight increase in caries penetration.