cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geophysical Detection of Features and Community Plan at New Philadelphia, Illinois

Geophysical surveys, including magnetic field gradient and electrical resistance techniques, were conducted at New Philadelphia to identify productive locations for excavation, investigate the community plan, and present students with training in these techniques. Excavation of a sample of the most promising anomalies identified foundations, stone-lined and pit cellars, wells, a privy, and other features. Archival records available during the fieldwork provided no evidence for the presence of four features constructed in the 1840s and 1850s. Features directly associated with houses, such as foundations and cellars, are located very near the platted locations of streets, alleys, and corners, whereas many of the non-residential features occur in the middle portions of lots.
Experience in colon sparing surgery in North America: advanced endoscopic approaches for complex colorectal lesions

Need for colon sparing interventions for premalignant lesions not amenable to conventional endoscopic excision has stimulated interest in advanced endoscopic approaches. The aim of this study was to report a single institution’s experience with these techniques. A retrospective review was conducted of a prospectively collected database of all patients referred between 2011 and 2015 for colorectal resection of benign appearing deemed endoscopically unresectable by conventional endoscopic techniques. Patients were counseled for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with possible combined endoscopic–laparoscopic surgery (CELS) or alternatively colorectal resection if unable to resect endoscopically or suspicion for cancer. Lesion characteristic, resection rate, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. 110 patients were analyzed [mean age 64 years, female gender 55 (50%), median body mass index 29.4 kg/m2]. Indications for interventions were large polyp median endoscopic size 3 cm (range 1.5–6.5) and/or difficult location [cecum (34.9%), ascending colon (22.7%), transverse colon (14.5%), hepatic flexure (11.8%), descending colon (6.3%), sigmoid colon (3.6%), rectum (3.6%), and splenic flexure (2.6%)]. Lesion morphology was sessile (N = 98, 93%) and pedunculated (N = 12, 7%). Successful endoscopic resection rate was 88.2% (N = 97): ESD in 69 patients and CELS in 28 patients. Complication rate was 11.8% (13/110) [delayed bleeding (N = 4), perforation (N = 3), organ-space surgical site infection (SSI) (N = 2), superficial SSI (N = 1), and postoperative ileus (N = 3)]. Out of 110 patients, 13 patients (11.8%) required colectomy for technical failure (7 patients) or carcinoma (6 patients). During a median follow-up of 16 months (range 6–41 months), 2 patients had adenoma recurrence. Advanced endoscopic surgery appears to be a safe and effective alternative to colectomy for patients with complex premalignant lesions deemed unresectable with conventional endoscopic techniques.
Effect of Hilbert space truncation on Anderson localization

The 1D Anderson model possesses a completely localized spectrum of eigenstates for all values of the disorder. We consider the effect of projecting the Hamiltonian to a truncated Hilbert space, destroying time-reversal symmetry. We analyze the ensuing eigenstates using different measures such as inverse participation ratio and sample-averaged moments of the position operator. In addition, we examine amplitude fluctuations in detail to detect the possibility of multifractal behavior (characteristic of mobility edges) that may arise as a result of the truncation procedure.
Solutions of Generic Linear Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the notion of a generic matrix and discusses Malgrange's theorem, and symmetric matrices.
An update on the contribution of hot-melt extrusion technology to novel drug delivery in the twenty-first century: part I

Introduction: Currently, hot melt extrusion (HME) is a promising technology in the pharmaceutical industry, as evidenced by its application to manufacture various FDA-approved commercial products i...
Embedding LFHQCD in Worldsheet String Theory

Light-front holographic quantum chromodynamics (LFHQCD) has been proposed as an approximation to QCD which is non-perturbative and at the same time analytically tractable. It can be derived from the holographic light-cone Hamiltonian and effectively corresponds to a one-dimensional superconformal quantum theory. It is proposed in this paper to extend the underlying quantum group to N = 2 SCFT. This provides an avenue for bottom-up string theory model-building which is firmly grounded in phenomenology. Moreover, the peculiar properties of the model carry over to provide novel solutions to string theory problems, including supersymmetry without predicting superpartners as well as the breaking of the conformal symmetry and the introduction of a low-energy scale such that the massive Virasoro modes correspond to hadronic states reminiscent of what was once envisioned in the Veneziano model.
Informed Agents, Information Channels, and Stock Returns

Prior research has suggested that analysts (insiders) have relative advantages in collecting industry (firm) level information, and are incentivized to disseminate that information over near (distant)-term horizons. Given that these agents signal distinct types of future information over varying horizons, I examine future return patterns associated with their signals. Analyses reveal that (1) the period over which these signals reflect future returns is directly related to the horizon of each agent’s private information, and (2) each agent’s signal is associated with future returns only when asymmetries exist with respect to that agent’s informational advantage. For example, the insider signal appears incapable of correcting industry-level mispricing, and reflects long-term future returns only when prices do not fully capture firm-specific information.
Artificial intelligence methods in computer-aided diagnostic tools and decision support analytics for clinical informatics

Abstract The massive amount of health data acquired from electronic health records (EHRs), gives us unprecedented opportunities to build clinical infrastructures for clinical informatics (CI), research-based studies, and precision medicine. However, a significant part of the patients’ treatment data is stored in an unstructured format, such as free-text clinical notes. Machine learning (ML) methods and natural language processing (NLP) techniques are popular computational strategies used to extract information from these data silos. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods can be applied to deduce clinically significant inferences and assist the treatment workflow. In this chapter, we present the underpinnings, mathematical background, and relevant applications for ML methods and natural language processing techniques that are used in computer-aided diagnostics and clinical decision support analytics. We present several case studies within the healthcare domain. Finally, as a practical application, we present the design and details of an informatics-driven clinical platform powered with ML algorithms and NLP techniques for the domain of radiation oncology.
Mobile Spaced Education in Surgical Education Settings and Specialties: A Scoping Review

Mobile computing devices provide an appealing platform to support the learning needs of busy medical students, surgery trainees, and professionals in practice. This report discusses the application of mobile spaced education in surgical specialties and highlights key findings to date across the surgical education continuum. Scoping review methods were used to identify all mobile spaced surgical education evaluation studies published through mid-February 2020. Among 31 eligible studies reviewed, mobile spaced education has been applied and evaluated in many general and subspecialty surgical settings covering a variety of topics. Most of the studies have been done in graduate medical education settings, whereas far fewer were identified in medical school or continuing medical education settings. The majority of studies reviewed showed significant improvements in medical knowledge and learner satisfaction with mobile spaced educational methods. Several studies also demonstrated improved clinical skills or behaviors. Although practical research and practice considerations exist in implementing and evaluating mobile spaced education strategies, the multiple benefits identified in this review suggest a substantial return on investment.
Impact of mechanical circulatory support on pediatric heart transplant candidates with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance

With the new era of increasing use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in children, seemingly more patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) are having positive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to define the effect of MCS on pediatric patients listed for heart transplant with an elevated PVR. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to identify patients aged 0-18 at the time of listing for heart transplant between 2010 and 2019 who had PVR documented (n = 2081). Patients were divided into MCS (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD, and TAH) and No MCS groups, then divided by PVR (PVR) at the time of listing: 6 Wood units (WU). MCS was used in 20% overall (n = 426); 57% of those with PVR 6. MCS, PVR 6, P 6, P 6 patients had a higher chance of positive waitlist outcome than No MCS, PVR >6 patients (P = .012). Within the No MCS group, patients with a PVR >6 had a higher incidence of negative waitlist outcome compared to PVR 50% (43% vs. 73%, P < .001). No significant differences in post-transplant survival were found in pairwise comparisons of MCS and No MCS PVR subgroups. Patients supported with MCS had a significantly higher chance of a positive waitlist outcome than those without such support regardless of PVR status. This was most pronounced with a PVR greater than 6 WU. MCS compared to No MCS patients had better waitlist survival and equivalent post-transplant survival. MCS patients, despite being more ill, had better overall survival regardless of PVR.
Machine learning to identify variables in thermodynamically small systems

Abstract Thermodynamically small systems, with a number N of interacting particles in the range of 1–1000, are increasingly of interest in science and engineering. While the thermodynamic formalism for bulk systems, where N approaches infinity, was established long ago, the thermodynamics of small systems is currently approached by adding new variables in a somewhat ad hoc fashion. We propose a more rigorous approach based on machine learning (ML), which we demonstrate by applying both unsupervised (diffusion maps, autoencoders) and supervised (classical neural networks) ML methods to large data sets from Monte Carlo simulations of systems comprising N = 3 Lennard-Jones particles at fixed temperature. The ML methods clearly identify structural and energetic changes that occur in this model system and suggest that the data may be collapsed from the original nine dimensions to two. Using intuition and screening, we identified two simple geometric properties of the system as a useful variable set.
Advocating with Accountability for Social Justice

In this chapter, I propose a conceptual approach to accountability that advocates for social justice. Accountability refers to the importance of informed and engaged decision-making, building on critical approaches to research and on dialogic approaches to listening and learning, understanding the value of voice. Advocacy in this framework references a comprehensive and critical approach to inquiry. Advocating with accountability for social justice is grounded in perspectives of development that privilege social justice, of accountability that focuses on critical inquiry, and of advocacy that highlights the politics of intervention. Given this conceptual framework, I propose building a Social Justice Institute for Critical Engagement (Just-ICE) as a way to engage learning and addressing significant social problems.
Decreasing Racial Bias Through A Facilitated Game and Workshop: The Case of Fair Play:

Introduction. Fair Play is an avatar-based role-playing video game in which Jamal Davis, a Black graduate student at a research university, navigates implicit forms of racial bias to reach the win-...
The economics of residential solid waste management

Contents: Part I: Theoretical Aspects of Policy Alternatives: Dynamics of waste accumulation: disposal versus recycling, Vernon L. Smith Fundamental economic comparisons of solid waste policy options, Allen K. Miedema International trade in waste products in the presence of illegal disposal, Brian R. Copeland Economic efficiency effects of alternative policies for reducing waste disposal, Terry M. Dinan Garbage, recycling, and illicit burning or dumping, Don Fullerton and Thomas C. Kinnaman Optimal policies for solid waste disposal taxes, subsidies, and standards, Karen Palmer and Margaret Walls Policies for green design, Don Fullerton and Wenbo Wu Can downstream waste disposal policies encourage upstream "Design for Environment"?, Paul Calcott and Margaret Walls Spatially and intertemporally efficient waste management: the costs of interstate trade restrictions, Eduardo Ley, Molly K. Macauley and Stephen W. Salant. Part II: Empirical Aspects of Policy Alternatives: Scale, market structure, and the cost of refuse collection, Barbara J. Stevens Economic analysis of the composition of household solid wastes, Robert A. Richardson and Joseph Havlicek, Jr. Pay-by-the-bag household collection charges to manage municipal solid waste, Robin Jenkins An economic analysis of household recycling of solid wastes: the case of Portland, Oregon, Seonghoon Hong, Richard M. Adams and H. Alan Love Motivating recycling: a marginal cost analysis, Rebecca Judge and Anthony Becker Market incentives to encourage household waste recycling: paying for what you throw away, James D. Reschovsky and Sarah E. Stone Packaging taxes and recycling incentives: the German green dot program, Ada S. Rousso and Shvetank P. Shah The organization and efficiency of residential recycling services, Wayne Carroll The demand for solid waste disposal, James G. Strathman, Anthony M. Rufolo and Gerard C. S. Mildner Household responses to pricing garbage by the bag, Don Fullerton and Thomas C. Kinnaman The impact of state and local policies on the recycling effort, Scott J. Callan and Janet M. Thomas The cost of reducing municipal solid waste, Karen Palmer, Hilary Sigman and Margaret Walls Household willingness to pay for dropoff recycling, Kelly H.Tiller, Paul M. Jakus and William M. Park Assessing incentive-based environmental policies for reducing household waste disposal, Deborah Vaughn Nestor and Michael J. Podolsky Municipal waste disposal: unit-pricing and recycling opportunities, Michael J. Podolsky and Menahem Spiegel Flow control and rent capture in solid waste management, Natalie Tawil Garbage and recycling with endogenous local policy, Thomas C. Kinnaman and Don Fullerton Name index.
Refractory Gait Freezing Following GPi Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease (P1.8-036)

Objective: To describe the management of stimulation-refractory gait freezing in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). Background: Gait freezing gait is a recognized stimulation-induced phenomenon with DBS of the subthalamic nucleus for PD and GPi for dystonia; however, limited reports exist of this complication following GPi DBS for PD. Design/Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who experienced freezing of gait after programming of bilateral GPi DBS for idiopathic PD. We collected demographic, and phenotypic data, exam findings, stimulation parameters and total electrical energy delivered from each visit since time of stimulator placement to the last follow-up. We then classified the etiology of gait symptoms. Results: 6 subjects (3M) met inclusion criteria, 3 tremor-dominant, 3 postural instability gait disorder subtype. Mean MDS-UPDRS-III (n=5) before stimulator placement was 69 +/− 13 on medication, 27 +/− 7 SD off medication. 5 subjects experienced gait freezing before DBS, 1 with on-period freezing, and all showed initial improvement after programming. Subjects underwent DBS surgery an average of 12 +/− 4 years after initial PD diagnosis, and refractory gait freezing began an average of 358 +/− 295 days after first DBS calibration. Freezing in 3 subjects was stimulation-induced, 2 due to disease progression and 1 due to suboptimal lead position with stimulation-limiting capsular effects. Medication and stimulator adjustments (higher and lower) were tried in all patients. Physical therapy helped 2/4 patients. In the three patients with stimulation-induced freezing, gait improved with reduced TEED (mean TEED 168.2 +/− 90.0 with gait freezing vs. 61.6 +/− 19.8 after re-programming). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates three patterns of gait freezing following GPi DBS for PD: stimulation-induced, disease progression, and suboptimal lead position. Diagnostic strategies include stimulator and medication adjustment, assessment on/off meds and stim, and assessment of lead position. Disclosure: Dr. Sketchler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez Shahed has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with St. Jude Medical/Abbott, Medtronic, Teva, Bracket, Nuvelution, Sunovion,. Dr. Jimenez Shahed has received research support from Biotie/Accorda, Medtronic, St. Jude Medical/Abbott, Eli Lilly & Company, Wilsons Therapeutics.
Ginway, M. Elizabeth. Cyborgs, Sexuality, and the Undead: The Body in Mexican and Brazilian Speculative Fiction. Vanderbilt UP, 2020.

In this study of speculative fiction from two literary heavyweights in Latin America, Brazil and Mexico, M. Elizabeth Ginway focuses on the representation of one icon, the human body, across different historical periods in these two countries. The author has chosen Mexico and Brazil for their many literary, cultural, and historical similarities.
The university and the community hospital: An experiment in resident education in obstetrics-gynecology

Abstract In 1947, the Department of Postgraduate Medicine of the University of Michigan established a new system of resident education which made the facilities of the Medical Center available to selected community hospitals. The intent of the affiliations was to supplement the clinical teaching in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery by offering additional work in specially designed courses at the University. Since 1965, a planning committee of representatives from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospitals and the University Hospital and the Directors of Medical Education has met regularly to discuss problems of residencies in general and to develop a combined program designed to improve resident education in our own institutions. The functions of the committee include the identification of inadequacies, the implementation of corrective measures, and the development of experimental programs. The results of our first 32 months of operation are described.
Microorganisms in Soil: Factors Influencing Their Activity

Microhabitats in Soil Factors Keywords: activity of microorganisms in soils; soil microorganisms; soils
Dynamics and Coordination of Multiple Robot Arms Moving a Common Task Object

This paper presents one phase of some of our recent work in the area of cooperative dual arm control. The focus is on the fundamental properties of closed chain systems that represent multiple robot arms manipulating a commonly held task object, together with some of the control and dynamics issues that arise as a consequence of these properties.
Results and Applications of a Space Suit Range-of-Motion Study

The range of motion of space suits has traditionally been described using limited 2-D mapping of limb, torso, or arm movements performed in front of an orthogonal grid. A new technique for recovering extra-vehicular (EVA) space suit range-of-motion data during underwater testing was described in a paper presented by the author at the 1988 conference. The new technique uses digitized data which is automatically acquired from video images of the subject. Three-dimensional trajectories are recovered from these data, and can be displayed using 2-D computer graphics. Results of using this technique for the current shuttle EVA suit during underwater simulated weightlessness testing are discussed. Application of the data for use in animating anthropometric computer models is highlighted.
Purification and characteristics of porcine growth hormone.

A simple procedure is described for the isolation of porcine growth hormone from the filtrate remaining after the adsorption of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) onto oxidized cellulose during the commercial manufacture of ACTH. Growth hormone is purified by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethylcellulose. The purified hormone has a specific biological activity nearly twice that of the international standard of growth hormone (bovine, for bioassay), and is essentially free of other activities of the anterior pituitary. Its isoelectric point is at pH 6.3. The molecule appears to be a single polypeptide chain with phenylalanine at both the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal residues. The amino acid composition resembles that of bovine, canine, and human growth hormone.
Adaptive engine cold start emission control

Reduction of hydrocarbon emissions during the engine cold start process is a major design and control goal in the automotive industry in recent years, with considerable impact on not only the vehicle's fuel economy, but the environment as well. The key to producing the most emission efficient powertrain system is the ability to drive the engine variables to operate under certain behavioral parameters, that is, to drive the engine states to follow ideal desired trajectories. Therefore, the control target of driving down tracking error to produce ideal engine behavior is an important consideration in the control design process. Due to the highly nonlinear and transient nature of the engine cold start process, the choice was made in this work to employ a scalar sliding control technique. Additionally, in order to mitigate possible model uncertainty in real time, an adaptation update algorithm was incorporated. The combined algorithm was implemented on an engine test cell and experimentally validated. The work was inspired by the Verification & Validation procedure used in standard industry practice to reduce errors and uncertainties early on in the control design phase so as to produce desired engine behavior as soon as possible.
Participation of Lymphocytes in Viral Infections

Publisher Summary There are many aspects of virus–lymphocyte interactions which occur both in vitro and in vivo. This chapter presents an overview of the possible roles lymphocytes play, both in production of and defense against viral disease. It also discusses the effects of viral infections on cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Theoretically, lymphocytes can act in the host defense in two additional ways. Immune lymphocytes have been shown to carry immunoglobulins on their surface membranes, but a cytophilic virus-specific antibody has not yet been demonstrated. Such an antibody on the surface of lymphocytes, which infiltrate infected foci, could neutralize the virus and eradicate the infection. In addition, lymphocytes could take up and inactivate infective viruses. The analysis of the roles of interferon, CMI, and antibody in the defense against viral diseases reveals that these three responses often occur as a sequence following infection. Viruses vary in their sensitivity to each response. Any attempt to utilize these host defenses in the treatment of viral infections must take the specific sensitivities of viruses into account.
Differential effects of lipoic acid stereoisomers on glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle

The racemic mixture of the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) enhances insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant humans and animals. We determined the individual effects of the pure R-(+) and S-(-) enantiomers of ALA on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle of an animal model of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia: the obese Zucker (fa/fa) rat. Obese rats were treated intraperitoneally acutely (100 mg/kg body wt for 1 h) or chronically [10 days with 30 mg/kg of R-(+)-ALA or 50 mg/kg of S-(-)-ALA]. Glucose transport [2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake], glycogen synthesis, and glucose oxidation were determined in the epitrochlearis muscles in the absence or presence of insulin (13.3 nM). Acutely, R-(+)-ALA increased insulin-mediated 2-DG-uptake by 64% (P < 0.05), whereas S-(-)-ALA had no significant effect. Although chronic R-(+)-ALA treatment significantly reduced plasma insulin (17%) and free fatty acids (FFA; 35%) relative to vehicle-treated obese animals, S-(-)-ALA treatment further increased insulin (15%) and had no effect on FFA. Insulin-stimulated 2-DG uptake was increased by 65% by chronic R-(+)-ALA treatment, whereas S-(-)-ALA administration resulted in only a 29% improvement. Chronic R-(+)-ALA treatment elicited a 26% increase in insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and a 33% enhancement of insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation. No significant increase in these parameters was observed after S-(-)-ALA treatment. Glucose transporter (GLUT-4) protein was unchanged after chronic R-(+)-ALA treatment but was reduced to 81 +/- 6% of obese control with S-(-)-ALA treatment. Therefore, chronic parenteral treatment with the antioxidant ALA enhances insulin-stimulated glucose transport and non-oxidative and oxidative glucose metabolism in insulin-resistant rat skeletal muscle, with the R-(+) enantiomer being much more effective than the S-(-) enantiomer.
Embedded diagnostics and prognostics synchronization for army transformation

The US Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics (DCS, G-4) tasked the US Army Logistics Transformation Agency (USALTA) - as the Army's integrator of logistics processes - to develop an overarching synchronization approach for current and future embedded diagnostics and prognostics (ED/EP) initiatives, to identify gaps and redundancies, and to redesign business processes from the platform through the retail and into the wholesale system. The embedded diagnostics and prognostics synchronization (EDAPS) effort is occurring concurrently with the ongoing fielding of the initial Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and the development of the future combat system for the future force. As part of the EDAPS effort, LTA established a Stryker Brigade Combat Team (BCT) proof of enablers demonstration to integrate and test the key enablers required to initiate implementation of the common logistics operating environment (CLOE). This paper describes the vision and implementing actions for an ED/EP-enabled common logistics operating environment.
Structural Apperception in the Absence of Syntactic Constraints

Twenty-eight subjects were presented with computer generated grammatically deviant strings and asked to carry out two tasks on each of two experimental days. Task 1 was a forced-choice experiment in which 50 pairs of strings were presented aurally to each subject, and he had to select that member of the pair which he felt was the best approximation to a good English sentence. In Task 2, subjects were required to read and rank each string on a scale running from 1 (completely unacceptable) to 5 (completely acceptable). A different order of stimulus presentation was employed on each experimental day; 14 subjects were assigned to one order on the first day and received the other order on the second day.Results show that subjects tend to prefer the same statement over orders and that rank and preference are highly correlated. There are considerable differences in preference among the 50 pairs of stimulus items. Analysis of the data suggests that this task yields information relevant to the linguistic and in p...
Comparison of measured parameters from a 24-keV and a broad spectrum epithermal neutron beam for neutron capture therapy: an identification of consequential parameters.

Epithermal neutron beams are under development in a number of locations in the U.S. and abroad. The increased penetration in tissue provided by these neurons should circumvent problems associated with the rapid attenuation of thermal neutron beams encountered in previous clinical trials of neutron capture therapy (NCT). Physical and radiobiological experiments with two "intermediate energy" or "epithermal" beams have been reported. A comparison is made here between the 24-keV iron-filtered beam at Harwell, England, and the broad-spectrum Al2 O3 moderated beam at the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor (BMRR). In addition, parameters which are relevant for NCT, and which are best suited for evaluation and comparison of beams, are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the mean neutron energy which can be tolerated without significant reduction of therapeutic gain (TG), where TG is the ratio of tumor dose to maximum normal tissue dose. It is suggested that the simplest and most meaningful parameters for comparison of beam intensity and purity are the epithermal neutron fluence rate, and the fast neutron dose per epithermal neutron (4.2 X 10(-11) rad/neutron for the broad-spectrum beam and 29 X 10(-11) rad/neutron for the 24-keV beam). While the Al2O3 beam is close to optimal, the 24-keV beam produces a significant fast neutron dose which results in a lower TG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Immunomodulation as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of multiple myeloma

Growth and survival of multiple myeloma (MM) cells depend on intrinsic, cell-autonomous parameters, such as the genetic lesions harboured by the MM cells, as well as extracellular, cell-non-autonomous factors, including the interaction between MM cells and bone-marrow stromal cells and the suppression of the host's anticancer immune responses. Thalidomide and the immunomodulatory agents lenalidomide and pomalidomide have pleiotropic effects on MM cells and their microenvironment, including promotion of direct mechanisms of MM-cell apoptosis, as well as indirect mechanisms mediated by perturbation of cell adhesion, modulation of cytokine production, and inhibition of tumor-associated angiogenesis. The immunomodulatory properties of these agents are mediated by effects on T-cell proliferation and function, stimulation of natural killer cells, and inhibition of regulatory T cells. Thalidomide and lenalidomide have established roles in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed MM and those with relapsed/refractory disease. Pomalidomide is currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and preliminary clinical data suggest that it is active in patients with MM that is refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib treatment. This article provides an overview of the current and potential future roles of immunomodulation in the management of MM, and how improved anticancer immune responses may improve treatment outcomes.
The early embryology of the basket star Gorgonocephalus caryi (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea)

The changes in morphology of Gorgonocephalus caryi embryos over the 8 1/2 day period of their survival are described. Fertilized eggs are 220 μ in diameter. Division is equal and holoblastic, and the blastula stage is reached within 24 h. Gastrulation begins at about 40 h. At 68 h, the anterior end of the embryo begins to elongate. The embryos are pear-shaped at 72 h. At about 84 h the anterior end begins to bend towards one side. By 98 h the entire embryo has flattened perpendicular to the anterior-posterior axis, and the embryo is a flattened, trilobed structure. At 4 1/2 days the anterior tip twists around to lie with its axis in a plane perpendicular to the other 2 lobes. They, meanwhile, shift in position so that the resulting embryo resembles an umbrella which is flat on top and has a curved handle. Meanwhile, the hydrocoel forms as an out-pouching from the archenteron in the anterior lobe. The general coelom develops by schizocoely. Between 5 and 5 1/2 days, the anterior lobe coelesces with the flattened area as it becomes pentagonal. By 5 1/2 days, many embryos are starshaped. At 6 1/2 days the mouth begins to form. By 8 days the embryos were dying, and none lived beyond 10 1/2 days. At no time did cilia or other locomotory structures develop. The development of G. caryi does not resemble that of any other ophiuroid studied. There is not trace of a pluteus, and it is postulated that the pluteus evolved after the Phrynophiurida and the Ophiurida were differentiated.
DESIGNING USER INTERFACES FOR OLDER ADULTS

As the computer industry puts more emphasis on software interface design, the average user has found today's applications more powerful and easier to use. However, many older adults still find the technology awkward and confusing. The physical and behavioral characteristics of seniors that prevent them from using popular applications are examined to identify possible software solutions. The results of a survey of older adults also are presented. This survey was conducted to help determine the effect these characteristics have on older adults’ computer skills. Finally, several software solutions are proposed, and a prototype implementation of these solutions is given.
Trinitrophenylation of smooth muscle myosin

The reaction of trinitrobenzenesulfonate with gizzard myosin was studied. The initial phase of the reaction involved two residues and at this level of modification the following was observed: the Mg2+-ATPase of myosin, the actin-activated ATPase of phosphorylated myosin and the phosphorylation kinetics of myosin were not affected. However, trinitrophenylation did induce an activation of the actin-activated ATPase of dephosphorylated myosin and in this respect mimicked the effect of light chain phosphorylation. The Mg2+-dependence of actin-activated ATPase also is altered on trinitrophenylation. These alterations of enzymatic properties could be at least partly explained by the finding that trinitrophenylation favored the 6S conformation of myosin.
Representation of blacks in Brazil on prime‐time commercial television

Commercial television dominates prime‐time broadcasting in Brazil, and Rede Globo is the pre‐eminent broadcaster, capturing 60–80% of the nightly viewing audience. This analysis compares the content of prime‐time programming in Brazil to the real world of Brazilian society, using a constructed week of prime‐time and Saturday morning children's programming on Rede Globo as a case in point. It shows the divergence between the content of Rede Globo and the demographics of the Brazilian population, and suggests that Globo's commercial preoccupations result in programming content that conflicts with the economic, political, cultural, and social reality of the black and brown Brazilian population. The findings are discussed and analyzed in terms of their implications for socialization, intergroup relations, and television programming policy for Brazil. Suggestions are made as to how commercial television in Brazil can be made more responsible and accountable to all of Brazilian society.
A comparison of hepatic p450 induction in rat and trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Delineation of the site of resistance of fish to phenobarbital-type inducers

1. A comprehensive approach was taken to delineate the site of refractivity of trout to phenobarbital-type (PB-type) hepatic monoxygenase (MO) inducers. 2. Model inducers β-naphthoflavone (BNF; 3-MC-type), and PB as well as the polychlorinated biphenyl isomers, 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (3,4,5-HCB; 3-MC-type) and 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (2,4,5-HCB; PB-type) were used to assess MO activities, total cytochromes P450, and [35S]-methionine incorporation into de novo synthesized microsomal protein in both trout and rats. 3. In rainbow trout immunodetection of P450§ isozymes and nucleic acid hybridization of rainbow trout P1450 mRNA using pfP1450-3' (trout 3-MC-inducible, P450IA1 gene) and genomic DNA using pfP1450-3' or pSP450-oligo (rat PB-inducible, P450IIB1 gene) cDNAs were carried out. 4. In rainbow trout, PB and 2,4,5-HCB do not increase hepatic MO activities, total cytochromes P450, de novo synthesis of microsomal protein, levels of P450 isozymes, or levels of P1450 mRNA. 5. Rainbow trout have, within their genome, DNA with sequence(s) similar to rat P450IIB1, but inducibility of this P450 in trout by PB-type inducers is lacking.
Local and deep‐ocean forcing contributions to anomalous water properties on the West Florida Shelf

[1] Material property distributions on continental shelves result from the mixing and modifications of estuarine and deep-ocean source waters. How this occurs depends on the momentum and buoyancy that are input either locally on the shelf or from the deep-ocean at the shelf break. We address this question of local versus deep-ocean forcing for the West Florida Shelf (WFS) using in situ data and a numerical circulation model. The spring and summer seasons of 1998 and 1999 show distinctively different water properties on the shelf and at the shelf break. We account for these differences by a combination of local forcing, independent of the adjacent Gulf of Mexico Loop Current, and interactions of the Loop Current with the shelf. The primary role of the deep ocean is to set the height of material isopleths along the shelf slope. Whether or not these material isopleths broach the shelf break is then a consequence of local, shelf-wide wind and buoyancy forcing. The subsequent along- and across-shelf distributions are accomplished through a combination of local and deep-ocean effects, with the bottom Ekman layer being the major conduit for the across-shelf transport of ecologically important materials.
Surface curvatures and diffraction profiles of sagittally bent Laue crystals

The performance of a bent Laue crystal monochromator crucially depends on the sagittal and meridional bending curvatures of the crystal. To optimize the design of monochromator crystals, the surface curvatures and diffraction profiles of a set of sagittally bent Laue crystals with different aspect ratios have been studied experimentally by optical metrology and X-ray measurements. The results were confirmed with finite-element analysis using large-deformation theory. The nonlinear relationship between the curvatures necessitates an experimentally determined parameter in the theoretical modeling of the diffraction profiles. By taking into account the local stress and the aspect ratio of the sagittally bent Laue crystal, the modified analytical approach successfully predicts the rocking-curve width and the integrated reflecting power. The effect of extreme sagittal bending on the rocking curve is also discussed. To retain high reflectivity, the bending curvature should not exceed its critical value for the specified crystal geometry. Furthermore, the uniformity of the bending curvatures across the crystal surface has been examined, which suggests that the minimum crystal dimension should be approximately twice the size of the beam footprint.
Rice‐roots democracy and popular rebellion in Meiji Japan∗

The central concern of the paper is to suggest how the development of capitalism in the Japanese countryside produced agrarian rebellions which challenged the Meiji absolutist regime in the name of liberal‐democratic principles. The first part of the paper examines two so‐called gekka jiken (incident of intensified[violence]), the Fukushima Incident of 1882 and the Chichibu Incident of 1884. The second section attempts to pinpoint the economic bases of these two rebellions, and a third discusses the ideology of liberalism which the participants used in justifying their rebellions. The paper concludes with a statement about the historical and political import of the rebellions with regard to the classic relationship existing between capitalism and liberalism.
Laparoscopic assisted fusion of the lumbosacral spine. A biomechanical and histologic analysis of the open versus laparoscopic technique in an animal model

Study Design. An animal model for laparoscopic lumbosacral fusion. Objectives. To compare the biomechanical and histologic results of open to laparoscopic lumbosacral discectomy and fusion in an animal model. Background Data. Early clinical reports of laparoscopic lumbosacral fusions are encouraging, but animal experiments have not been reported. Methods. Ten pigs (50-80 kg) were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent an open anterior lumbosacral discectomy and fusion at L7-S1 using autologous bone graft and a titanium MOSS (DePuY Motech) cage. Group 2 was identical to Group 1 except that a laparoscopic technique was used. The animals were killed at 3 months, and the lumbosacrai spines were harvested for biomechanical and histologic testing. Results. Estimated blood loss and average length of operation, respectively, for the two groups were: Group 1, 50 mL, 2 hours 50 minutes; and Group 2, 40 mL, 3 hours 40 minutes. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications in either group. Motion analysis results showed less motion in lateral bending, flexion, and extension than in the intact specimen in both groups. Tensile testing showed that the stiffness was significantly greater in the open group than in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.004). Histologic examination showed a less extensive discectomy and less bone growth in the implant in the laparoscopic group. Inadequate decortication of end-plates occurred in two animals who underwent laparoscopy. Conclusions. Altnough lumbosacral discectomY and implant insertion can be performed using the laparoscopic technique, the construct may not have the same biomechanical strength as that attained with the open Procedure. Laparoscopic-assisted lumbosacral fusion surgery requires additional investigation before it is widely used in clinical situations.
Tissue response at the bone-implant interface in a hydroxylapatite augmented mandibular ridge

This case demonstrates that new bone formation can occur in human HA augmented mandibular ridges. However, patient age at the time of the procedure and the length of time the implant is in place may be determining factors in the degree of osteogenesis that occurs.
733-1 Improved Early Myocardial Function with Bicaval Versus Standard Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

The technique of standard orthotopic heart transplantation (SOHT) has changed little since it was first described by Shumway and Lower. SOHT requires anastomoses between the posterior remnants of the recipient left and right atria and the donor heart. Although many transplants have been performed with excellent results. echocardiographic studies have shown that the large capacitance chambers created by combining the recipient and donor atria prevent the augmentation of myocardial function by properly timed atrial contraction. If the recipient and donor atria are synchronized. mitral valve flow velocity and hemodynamics are improved. Bicaval OHT (BOHT) involves complete excision of the right atrium and near total excision of the left atrium in recipients. The donor right atrium is left intact and bicaval anastomoses performed; the left atrium is anastomosed back to the pulmonary veins. We studied the effect of both techniques on immediate post-transplantation myocardial function. Twenty four transplants between 9/93 to 3/94 were studied; twelve patients received SOHT (group A) and twelve consecutive subsequent patients received BOHT (group B). Inotropes were adjusted to maintain HR g 100 bpm, CI g 2.5 I/min/m2and mean BP g 75 mmHg. All patients received standard triple immunosuppression. The two groups were similar with regard to 1) recipient weight. sex. age, pretransplant hemodynamics; 2) donor ischemic times, preharvest donor inotropes. donor 1recipient weight ratios; 3) post transplantation hemodynamics and dopamine requirements. Significant differences at p l 0.05 include (group A vs. group B): time for implantation (38.6 ± 10.6 vs. 50.2 ± 12.2 minutes), isuprel requirements at POD 1 (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 μg/min), epinephrine requirements at POD 1 (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 0.4 ± 0 1 μg/min), need for temporary external pacing before POD 7 (67% vs. 4%). intrinsic heart rate at one week (67.4 ± 10.2 vs. 85.4 ± 12.1 bpm) and incidence of echocardiographic tricuspid regurgitation at one week (50% vs. 0%). All patients survived. This study demonstrates similar hemodynamics with significantly less inotropic requirements. especially of epinephrine and isupre!. Furthermore. chronotropy is improved and tricuspid regurgitation is eliminated. Although BOHT adds an anastomosis and requires longer for completion. the improved myocardial and sinus node function suggest that it can be considered a superior alternative to SOHT.
Refolding of the isolated extracellular domain of the erythropoietin receptor.

Abstract Refolding of the soluble recombinant binding-active extracellular domain of the murine erythropoietin receptor (sEPO-R) was achieved with greater than 90% recovery either from urea/NaCl (1.5/0.5 M) or guanidine HCl (1 M). An expression plasmid encoding the extracellular plasma region of the human EPO-R (sEPO-R) was transfected into COS cells, and the sEPO-R so produced was labelled with [35S]methionine and purified by EPO-affinity chromatography on a EAH-Sepharose 4B-EPO column. Rapid rates of refolding were required for recovery of the native proteins. Refolding was evaluated by rebinding of the sEPO-R to the EPO affinity column.
Functional Clustering of L-Type CaV1.3 Channels

CaV1.3 channels play a critical role in pace-making of sinoatrial node cells and in the repetitive firing of neurons. We investigated the function and spatial organization of CaV1.3 channels in tsA-201 cells and in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) using patch-clamp, TIRF and super resolution GSD microscopy. The activation of CaV1.3 channels in these cells produced local Ca2+ signals called “CaV1.3 sparklets”. Sparklet activity varied regionally with some regions of the surface membrane showing higher activity than others. The amplitude of the elementary CaV1.3 sparklet was about 40 nM. Sparklets with discrete amplitudes of 80, 120 and 160 nM were frequently observed, suggesting the simultaneous opening of 1-4 CaV1.3 channels. We used GSD super resolution imaging, with a spatial resolution of approximately 30 nm, to determine the organization of CaV1.3 channels. As shown in the super resolution map in Fig. 1, we found that CaV1.3 channels were expressed in clusters, of variable sizes and geometry, distributed at irregular intervals throughout the cell membrane. Our data suggest that CaV1.3 channels organize in clusters and that the simultaneous activation of channels within these clusters can produce high-amplitude Ca2+ signals. (NIH Grants HL085870, HL085686, NS077863)View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Clinical techniques for diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease in the horse.

Abstract It is almost universally accepted that respiratory disease can limit athletic performance. Because of significant respiratory reserve capacity, horses can often compete successfully in low-level competitions or during recreation even with considerable inflammatory changes within the lungs. However, such lung changes can reduce maximal aerobic exercise and have considerable impact on those horses competing in upper-level events or as racehorses. Clinical observations and physical examination findings related to the respiratory system often do not clearly indicate disease; therefore, ancillary tests are frequently required to adequately diagnose inflammatory airway dysfunction. This review will detail techniques that can provide useful diagnostic information regarding pulmonary function and outline suitable treatment modalities.