cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early undergraduate research experiences lead to similar learning gains for STEM and Non-STEM undergraduates

Undergraduate research is touted as a high-impact educational practice yielding important benefits such as increased retention and notable learning gains. Large-scale studies describing benefits of mentored research programs have focused primarily on outcomes for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates. The Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholars Program at Drexel University provides research experiences to freshman undergraduates in STEM and Non-STEM disciplines. In the 12 years since its establishment, the STAR Scholars Program has paired over 900 students with nearly 300 faculty mentors. Program outcomes were assessed using the URSSA (Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment) tool. Here the program structure, participant demographics and student outcomes are described. In addition to observing expected increases in retention and learning gains, very few statistically significant differences in learning gains and motivations for conducting research among ...
Abundance and reproduction of toads (Bufo) along a regulated river in the southwestern United States: Importance of flooding in riparian ecosystems

Abstract Abundance and size of toads (Bufo woodhousii and B. cognatus) were related to precipitation, river flow, and groundwater over 7 years along the Middle Rio Grande, a regulated river in the semi-arid southwestern United States. Toads were monitored in riparian areas at 12 sites spanning 140 km of river during summers 2000–2006. Regional precipitation varied between years, with occurrence of both drought and record high precipitation. Abundance of toads was low during most of the study (mean=11 captures/month/site). However, two sites flooded in spring 2005, resulting in a dramatic increase in captures at those sites (mean=214 captures/month/site). Most individuals captured in 2005 were small (median body mass 0.6 g), suggesting that toads used the floodplain for breeding during the flood. Only river flows that exceeded 100 m3/s brought groundwater close enough to the surface to create pools used by toads for reproduction and development. Such flows were once common along the Middle Rio Grande but are rare following regulation. Our results demonstrate that small, managed floods can positively affect abundance of toads by providing off-channel, aquatic habitats along regulated rivers.
Preparation of homogeneous NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase from rat hepatoma.

Abstract NADPH-cytochrome P -450 reductase was purified to homogeneity from hepatoma 5123t.c.(H) microsomes from phenobarbital and hydrocortisone-treated rats by detergent solubilization and affinity chromatography with an overall 8% recovery. The purified enzyme has a minimum subunit molecular weight of 79000 and contains one molecule each of FMN and FAD per 79000 molecular weight. The purified hepatoma cytochrome P -450 reductase catalyzes electron transfer to artificial electron acceptors with K m . values similar to those of purified liver reductase. The K m value of the hepatoma reductase for NADPH, 13 μM, is also similar to that of purified liver reductase. The tumor reductase appears immunochemically identical to liver reductase by Ouchterlony double-diffusion analysis and inhibition of activity. Peptide maps of the hepatoma and hepatic enzymes after proteolysis demonstrate the identity of the two proteins.
A weakly mixing tiling dynamical system with a smooth model

We describe a weakly mixing one-dimensional tiling dynamical system in which the tiling space is modeled by a surface M of genus 2. The tiling system satisfies an inflation, and the inflation map is modeled by a pseudo-Anosov diffeomorphism D on M. The expansion coefficient θ for D is a non-Pisot number. In particular, the leaves of the expanding foliation for D are tiled by their visits to the elements of a Markov partition for D. The tiling dynamical system is an almost 1:1 extension of the unit speed flow along these leaves.
SU‐D‐9A‐04: Brain PET/CT Imaging On a Scanner with a Large Axial Field‐Of‐View

Purpose: Large axial field-of-view (FOV) PET/CT scanners are valued for high sensitivity. Brain PET image quality may depend on the head position within the FOV. We investigated the precision of activity estimation for brain PET imaging when the brain was positioned at the end (END) and in the middle (CEN) of the FOV. The additional CT dose for the CEN position was recorded. Methods: An image quality (Jaszczak) phantom and a striatal phantom were filled with F-18 and positioned in END and CEN locations. For each phantom and each location, we acquired a ∼1-hr listmode PET, rebinned the data into 10 frames with equal number of coincidence events, and reconstructed each frame using an iterative algorithm. For the striatal phantom, END and CEN were compared by drawing on each image three regions of interest (ROI) in axially separated uniform areas. The standard deviation of the activity estimation within each ROI was averaged over the 10 images. The coefficient of variation (CV) for activity estimation was calculated at each position. Image quality was assessed by inspecting the resolution bar pattern in the Jaszczak phantom at two different head positions. Results: The CV was the lowest for ROIs near the center ofmore » the FOV. For slices near the end, not only was the CV highest, but also the resolution pattern was degraded. CTDIvol summarized in the dose report indicated that the CT dose was ∼ 10% higher for CEN as compared to END position. Conclusion: Positioning the brain in the middle of the FOV in a large FOV PET/CT scanner allows more precise measurement of tracer uptake and better image quality at the cost of increased CT dose. For the end location longer scan times may minimize image quality degradation without any additional CT dose.« less
Stability of bismuth molybdate catalysts at elevated temperatures in air and under reaction conditions

The stability of bismuth molybdate catalysts during use for the partial oxidation of propylene has been investigated in situ using Raman spectroscopy and a novel reactor cell. These studies were supplemented by X-ray diffraction analyses. A phase change of 5% was detectable via Raman spectroscopy at 400°C, and a phase change of 2% could be seen at room temperature. Evidence has previously been reported for the occurrence of alterations in the structure of bismuth molybdate catalysts which were seen only under reaction conditions. In this study it was found that the alpha, beta, and gamma phases of bismuth molybdate were all completely stable under the conditions normally employed for the catalytic partial oxidation reaction. The reasons underlying conflicting opinions concerning the thermodynamic stability of beta bismuth molybdate have been discovered and the conflict resolved. This in situ investigation of the stability of bismuth molybdates is the first to have been conducted under conditions normally employed for the catalytic partial oxidation of propylene.
Control of roof plate formation by Lmx1a in the developing spinal cord

Numerous studies have identified the roof plate as an embryonic signaling center critical for dorsal central nervous system patterning, but little is known about mechanisms that control its formation and its separation from clonally related neural crest cells and dI1 sensory interneurons. We demonstrate that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor, Lmx1a , mutated in the dreher mouse, acts to withdraw dorsal spinal cord progenitors from the cell cycle and simultaneously direct their differentiation into functional roof plate cells. Lmx1a cell-autonomously represses the dI1 progenitor fate, distinguishing the roof plate and dI1 interneuron programs, two major developmental programs of the dorsal neural tube. Lmx1a is not directly involved in neural crest development. We establish that Bmp signaling from epidermal ectoderm is necessary and sufficient for inducing Lmx1a and other co-factors that also regulate the extent of roof plate induction. We conclude that Lmx1a controls multiple aspects of dorsal midline patterning and is a major mediator of early Bmp signaling in the developing spinal cord.
Investigations of different trajectories of X-rays in capillaries

Using the methods of geometrical optics, different cases for allowed X-ray trajectories in single capillaries are studied and it is proved that they cannot be described by the same sets of equations. Three main cases should be considered. In two cases, the test X-rays strike both sides of the capillary upon passing, be the second wall convex or concave. In the third case, called the whispering gallery mode, the path is allowed along the single, external wall of the capillary. This case is realistic for some off-axis, close to the wall, trajectories. A trajectory along the capillary with the curved main axis is the particular case, joining the features of the cases mentioned earlier. The separate consideration of different kinds of trajectories has important implications. The first case corresponds to the ideal trajectory in single capillaries, whereas the second and third describe realistic trajectories in the compound polycapillary systems. The transformation of the polycapillary systems into the coaxial polycylindrical systems is considered. In the third case, which constitutes a transition to trajectories of X-rays on the curved mirror surfaces, the removal of the opposite wall of the capillary can be allowed. Surprisingly, very simple angular relationships lead to the differential equations, describing capillary optics in the terms of geometrical parameters of capillary. The equations describing the surfaces on which the X-rays behave in isoreflective way, i.e. they have the same angle of incidence all along the trajectory, are derived. The proposed approach is widened for modeling of surfaces in order to enable the reflections with continuously changing and controlled reflection angle.
TWO CONSECUTIVE SETS OF TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND GUIDED SEXTANT BIOPSIES OF THE PROSTATE FOR THE DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER

AbstractPurpose: We investigated the role of performing 2 consecutive sets of transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsies of the prostate in a single office visit as the protocol for detecting prostate cancer in men presenting for the first time with an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA).Materials and Methods: A total of 137 consecutive men presenting for the first time with a clinically localized prostate nodule on digital rectal examination and/or elevated serum PSA based upon age specific reference ranges underwent 2 consecutive sets of sextant prostate biopsies under transrectal ultrasound guidance in a single office visit. The 2 sets of biopsies were processed and analyzed separately by pathologists.Results: Adenocarcinoma of the prostate was diagnosed in 43 of the patients (31%) undergoing biopsy. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate was diagnosed in only the second set of biopsies in 13 cases (10%). High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia w...
Huntington disease in a nonagenarian mistakenly diagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus

In the absence of family history or overt chorea, the protean manifestations (cognitive, motor and behavioral) of Huntington disease (HD) may suggest alternative disease processes, particularly in elderly patients. Herein, we report on a nonagenarian with HD who did not manifest overt chorea until 91 years of age and was mistakenly diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus at 89 years of age. The gait abnormalities seen in early HD should be readily distinguished from those of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Adrenal failure associated with hypothalamic and adrenal metastases: A case report and review of the literature

A 59-year-old black man with adrenocortical failure was found at autopsy to have metastatic destruction of the pituitary infundibulum and of one adrenal gland. A review of the literature indicates that on the average 22% of patients dying with cancer have metastases to the adrenals, and 5% have metastases to the pituitary-hypothalamic region. Much higher incidences have been reported in some studies. By comparison, clinical hypopituitarism and hypoadrenalism due to such metastases have been reported very infrequently. This discrepancy may derive partly from failure to diagnose hypopituitarism and hypoadrenalism in the presence of disseminated cancer.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering in Ag-pyridine sols

The coupled system of an adsorbed atom and a spherical surface plasmon is considered. Application to surface-enhanced Raman scattering is shown by regarding the coupled system's eigenstates as intermediate states in the scattering process.
Acylcoenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity: Solubilization and reconstitution in liposomes☆

Abstract Acylcoenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) has been solubilized from Ehrlich ascites cell microsomes by extraction with 2% Triton X-100. Activity was obtained with the solubilized material after removal of the detergent, and it was enhanced when the extract was incorporated into liposomes. The activity of the reconstituted system was dependent upon the amount of cholesterol present in the liposomes. It reached a maximum when the molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid was 0.074 and decreased when larger amounts of cholesterol were added. The increase in ACAT activity appears to be a substrate effect of cholesterol, whereas the reduction at higher cholesterol contents probably is due to changes in the physical properties of the liposomes.
Does this patient have primary progressive aphasia

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a distinct clinical entity in which the patient develops language deficits while other cognitive domains remain relatively preserved until late in the course of the illness. The diagnosis can be relatively clear through an appropriate diagnostic approach based on the history and physical examination. There is no cure, but speech therapy is beneficial in this illness.
Measurements of Excess Enthalpy in Ultrafine-Grained Titanium Dioxide

Differential scanning calorimetry has been used to make direct measurements of the excess enthalpy of TiO{sub 2} (rutile) with an initial grain size of 30--70 nm. When the heat released during grain growth is normalized to the change in grain boundary area, the specific excess enthalpy at low temperature sn the fine grain sizes (600--780 C, 30--200 nm) is found to be 0.5--1 J/m{sup 2}, while values averaged over a larger temperature and size range (600--1,300 C, 30 nm-{approximately} 2 {micro}m) are 1.3--1.7 J/m{sup 2}. After exclusion of extraneous contributions from other heat-dissipating processes, origins of a specific grain boundary enthalpy that increases with grain size or temperature are considered, including solute segregation, changes in grain boundary structure, and contributions from grain boundary triple junctions. It is concluded that the most plausible explanation is a size-dependent nonstoichiometry of TiO{sub 2} due to the impingement of space charge layers in the temperature and grain size range of the experiments.
Toward genome-enabled mycology

Genome-enabled mycology is a rapidly expanding field that is characterized by the pervasive use of genome-scale data and associated computa- tional tools in all aspects of fungal biology. Genome- enabled mycology is integrative and often requires teams of researchers with diverse skills in organismal mycology, bioinformatics and molecular biology. This issue of Mycologia presents the first complete fungal genomes in the history of the journal, reflecting the ongoing transformation of mycology into a genome- enabled science. Here, we consider the prospects for genome-enabled mycology and the technical and social challenges that will need to be overcome to grow the database of complete fungal genomes and enable all fungal biologists to make use of the new data.
Enhancement of tumor radioresponse by docetaxel: Involvement of immune system.

Docetaxel, a potent chemotherapeutic drug and a strong enhancer of tumor radioresponse, possesses immunomodulating properties. We previously reported that 40% of murine tumors responding to docetaxel by growth delay showed heavy infiltration with macrophages or lymphocytes. The present study explored the effect of whole body irradiation on antitumor action of docetaxel alone or docetaxel plus tumor irradiation. Mice bearing 8-mm MCa-K mammary carcinoma in the leg received 33 mg/kg docetaxel i.v., 5 to 65 Gy tumor irradiation, or both (radiation given 24 h after docetaxel). Docetaxel delayed tumor growth and enhanced the efficacy of radiation: it dramatically reduced TCD50 (radiation dose yielding 50% tumor cure) from the control value of 38.6 Gy to 11.8 Gy, for an enhancement factor of 3.27. In addition to enhancing tumor radioresponse, docetaxel decreased the lung metastatic rate in mice with local tumor control from 26% in mice receiving radiation alone to 11% in mice receiving docetaxel plus radiation. Docetaxel induced heavy infiltration of tumors with lymphocytes, determined 2-4 days after treatment: the percentage of lymphocytes increased from the control value of <2% to 27% in mice that received docetaxel 3 days earlier. This increase was due to the influx of helper/inducer T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Immunosuppression of tumor-bearing mice with 6 Gy whole-body irradiation prior to tumor isotransplantation reduced docetaxel-induced lymphocyte infiltration of tumors, antitumor and anti-metastatic action of docetaxel, and docetaxel-induced enhancement of tumor radioresponse. Thus, our results showed that docetaxel stimulates tumor infiltration with immune cells, which then participate in antitumor action of docetaxel alone or when combined with radiotherapy.
Cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with aeroallergen sensitization in children from Tucson, Arizona

Background The association between vitamin D status at birth and childhood allergic outcomes is uncertain. The desert climate of Tucson offers a unique setting for studying the health effects of higher exposure to vitamin D. Objective To assess the relationship between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and allergic outcomes through age 5 years. Methods Cord blood 25(OH)D levels were measured in 219 participants in the Tucson Infant Immune Study, a population-based birth cohort. Plasma total IgE and specific IgE levels to 6 aeroallergens were measured at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. Skin prick test (SPT) positivity (wheal diameter ≥3 mm) and physician-diagnosed active allergic rhinitis and asthma were assessed at age 5 years. Longitudinal models were used to assess the relationship between 25(OH)D and IgE levels. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of 25(OH)D level with SPT positivity, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Results The median cord blood 25(OH)D level was 64 nmol/L (interquartile range, 49-81 nmol/L). Relative to the reference group (50-74.9 nmol/L), both low ( P = .006 and coefficient = 0.27, P = .04, respectively) and detectable inhalant allergen-specific IgE (odds ratio = 2.4, P = .03 and odds ratio = 4.0, P = .01, respectively) through age 5 years. High 25(OH)D levels were also associated with increased SPT positivity (odds ratio = 4.0, P = .02). By contrast, the 25(OH)D level was not significantly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma. Conclusion Both low and high levels of cord blood 25(OH)D were associated with increased aeroallergen sensitization. The association between vitamin D status and actual allergic diseases merits further study.
Acute effects of phenobarbital upon a locomotor response

Abstract Rats were trained to run in a straight alley for a water reward. Once trained they were injected with phenobarbital in doses up to 60 mg/kg about 1 hr before running. Low doses of phenobarbital, up to approximately 30 mg/kg, enhanced running slightly while higher doses retarded it. Additionally, the rats ran faster on the second trial than on the first. Later trials had only negligible effects with respect to the second trial. The trial effect was greater with increased dosage of phenobarbital such that the first trial yielded maximum retardation of running at high doses of phenobarbital and considerable flattening of the curves was observed on the later trials. A subsidiary experiment suggested that the enhanced performance on the second trial was a result of the running response not the reinforcement.
Sounding board. "Code" or "no code": a nonlegal opinion.

THE widespread familiarity with cardiopulmonary-resuscitation technics and the prompt availability of portable defibrillators and "crash carts "in most modern hospitals have made it possible to att...
Making rational treatment decisions in rheumatoid arthritis when methotrexate fails.

Advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in recent years have profoundly muted the destructive potential of this disease. The safety profile of methotrexate has made earlier treatment possible, and biologic therapies have opened the door to combination rather than sequential therapy, with the result that treatment recommendations now aim for disease remission.1,2 However, the evidence base guiding the treatment that should be given after a patient has an inadequate response to methotrexate monotherapy is weak, despite the armamentarium of efficacious agents. O'Dell et al. now report in the Journal the results of their randomized clinical trial evaluating the . . .
Nonhuman primates and psychoses.

Studies using nonhuman primates have facilitated our understanding of human psychopathology and in particular have provided some models of abnormal behavior occurring in the young, developing organism. The theoretical linkages between abnormal behavior in rhesus monkeys and in human beings are discussed. Two research areas are cited as examples where experiments with monkeys have provided some reasonable models for human psychopathology. These two areas are total social isolation and disruption of affectional bonds between mothers and infants or between peers. Finally, the philosophical issues concerning the production of experimental psychopathology in animals are discussed and criteria presented to guide future research in this area.
Multiphoton ionization photoelectron spectroscopy study of OCS: Rydberg vibronic structure and ion state selection

Multiphoton ionization (MPI) in conjunction with photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) has been used to examine Rydberg states of OCS in the energy range from 70 547 to 75 472 cm−1. The combination of techniques allows us to correct previous assignments for several vibronic bands, and to probe vibronic mixing in the Rydberg levels. In the course of this study we have found routes for preparing OCS+ with control over both vibrational mode and fine structure state.
Measurement of self‐perception in multi‐racial context: psychometric properties of a modified Self‐Description Questionnaire

The Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ) has been applied in a relatively large variety of cultural settings to measure the components and structure of academic and non-academic self-perception among youth. The present report examines the applicability of a modified and short form of that instrument among African American and white middle school students in the US. A modified and short form of the instrument was developed by shortening the instrument to 32 items, and extending its content to reflect self-perceptions in academic areas of science and social studies. Exploratory factor analysis and latent structural equation modelling were used to investigate the psychometric properties of the scale among racial and gender groups of middle school students. The results indicated that the factorial structure of the instrument was consistent with theoretical predictions and empirical findings across other cultures. Within both racial groups, the various subscales yielded reliability estimates typically above .80, which is quite satisfactory for short subscales. However, additional analysis indicated that relationships among the subscales of the instrument varied considerably across racial and gender groups. It was concluded that in multi-racial and/or multicultural applications of the SDQ comparisons between groups should be done on the components (rather than overall measure) of self construct.
Comparison of Inferolateral Early Repolarization and Its Electrocardiographic Phenotypes in Pre- and Postadolescent Populations

Inferolateral early repolarization (ER) patterns on standard electrocardiogram (ECG) are associated with increased risk for cardiac and arrhythmic death in general adult population cohorts. We sought to determine the prevalence of inferolateral ER on surface ECG in multiracial pre- and postadolescent populations and to analyze its association with age, race, gender, and ST-segment patterns. A retrospective review was conducted of all ECGs recorded from preadolescent (aged 8–12 years, n = 719) and postadolescent (aged 21–25 years, n = 755) patients seen at a large academic medical center between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. The overall prevalence of inferolateral ER was similar in the preadolescent and postadolescent populations (17% vs 16%, NS). The prevalence of ER increased after puberty in male patients (16% to 25%, p
Delayed versus delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction: A blinded evaluation of aesthetic outcomes

BACKGROUND The technique of delayed-immediate breast reconstruction includes immediate insertion of a tissue expander, post-mastectomy radiation, followed by reconstruction. The aesthetic benefits of delayed-immediate reconstruction compared to delayed reconstruction are postulated but remain unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients following delayed and delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent delayed or delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2005 to 2011. Postoperative photographs were used to evaluate aesthetic outcomes: skin quality, scar formation, superior pole contour, inferior pole contour, and overall aesthetic outcome. Ten non-biased reviewers assessed outcomes using a 5-point Likert scale. Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparative analysis. RESULTS Patient age and body mass index were similar between delayed (n=20) and delayed-immediate (n=20) cohorts (P>0.05). Skin and scar quality was rated significantly higher in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.74 vs. 3.05, P<0.001 and 3.41 vs. 2.79, P<0.001; respectively). Assessment of contour-related parameters, superior pole and inferior pole, found significantly improved outcomes in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.67 vs. 2.96, P<0.001 and 3.84 vs. 3.06, P<0.001; respectively). Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction had a significantly higher overall score compared to delayed breast reconstructions (3.84 vs. 2.94, P<0.001). Smoking and the time interval from radiation to reconstruction were found to affect aesthetic outcomes (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Preservation of native mastectomy skin may allow for improved skin/scar quality, breast contour, and overall aesthetic outcomes following a delayed-immediate reconstructive algorithm as compared to delayed breast reconstruction.
A Systematic Review to Assess Comparative Effectiveness Studies in Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and to Estimate Reimbursement Amounts

Objective To systematically appraise published comparative effectiveness evidence (clinical and economic) of epidural steroid injections (ESI) for lumbar spinal stenosis and to estimate Medicare reimbursement amounts for ESI procedures. Type Systematic review. Literature Survey PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched through August 2012 for key words that pertain to low back pain, spinal stenosis or sciatica, and epidural steroid injection. We used institutional and Medicare reimbursement amounts for our cost estimation. Articles published in English that assessed ESIs for adults with lumbar spinal stenosis versus a comparison intervention were included. Our search identified 146 unique articles, and 138 were excluded due to noncomparative study design, not having a study population with lumbar spinal stenosis, not having an appropriate outcome, or not being in English. We fully summarized 6 randomized controlled trials and 2 large observational studies. Methodology Randomized controlled trial articles were reviewed, and the study population, sample size, treatment groups, ESI dosage, ESI approaches, concomitant interventions, outcomes, and follow-up time were reported. Descriptive resource use estimates for ESIs were calculated with use of data from our institution during 2010 and Medicare-based reimbursement amounts. Synthesis ESIs or anesthetic injections alone resulted in better short-term improvement in walking distance compared with control injections. However, there were no longer-term differences. No differences between ESIs versus anesthetic in self-reported improvement in pain were reported. Transforaminal approaches had better improvement in pain scores (≤4 months) compared with interlaminar injections. Two observational studies indicated increased rates of lumbar ESI in Medicare beneficiaries. Our sample included 279 patients who received at least 1 ESI during 2010, with an estimated mean total outpatient reimbursement for one ESI procedure "event" to be $637, based on 2010 Medicare reimbursement amounts ($505 technical and $132 professional payments). Conclusion This systematic review of ESI for treating lumbar spinal stenosis found a limited amount of data that suggest that ESI is effective in some patients for improving select short-term outcomes, but results differed depending on study design, outcome measures used, and comparison groups evaluated. Overall, there are relatively few comparative clinical or economic studies for ESI procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis in adults, which indicated a need for additional evidence.
The effect of various drugs upon the antibacterial activity of erythromycin in ointments.

The effect of various medicinal agents and various ointment base constituents upon the antibacterial activity of erythromycin in petrolatum-type bases has been determined. Clinical trial of mixtures of erythromycin and other medicinal agents in ointments, appears to be warranted on the basis of in vitro tests.
Reactivation of neuronal ensembles in hippocampal dentate gyrus during sleep after spatial experience

Patterns of neuronal activity recorded in CA1 of the hippocampus and in neocortex during waking-behavior, are reactivated during subsequent slow-wave sleep (SWS). It has been suggested that this reactivation may originate in the hippocampal CA3 region, where modifiable excitatory recurrent connections are abundant and where sharp-waves, in which the reactivation is most robust, appear to arise. The present experiment investigated whether ensemble firing patterns of granule cells in the fascia dentata (FD), an area ‘upstream’ from CA3, are also reactivated during sleep. Populations of FD granule cells were recorded from during spatial behavior and during prior and subsequent SWS. Firing rate correlations between cell-pairs with overlapping place fields were significantly enhanced during post behavioral sleep compared to pre behavioral sleep. Correlations between cells with non-overlapping place fields or which were silent during maze behavior, were not changed. Thus, reactivation of experience-specific correlation states also occurs in granule cells during sleep. Because these cells do not have excitatory interconnections, but form a major input to CA3 pyramidal cells, current models predicted that sleep reactivation would appear first in CA3. There are, however, both extensive polysynaptic excitatory interactions among granule cells and feedback from CA3 pyramidal cells. Granule cells also receive indirect input from neocortical regions known to undergo trace reactivation. Although a simple model for a CA3 origin of the reactivation phenomenon cannot be confirmed, the present results extend our understanding of the generality of this phenomenon.
Relations between global and local topology in multiple nanotube junctions

General topological rules determine the carbon ring structures in arbitrary ${\mathrm{sp}}^{2}$-bonded structures, particularly nanotube junctions.
Antimetastatic role of Smad4 signaling in colorectal cancer.

Background & Aims Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling occurs through Smads 2/3/4, which translocate to the nucleus to regulate transcription; TGF-β has tumor-suppressive effects in some tumor models and pro-metastatic effects in others. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), mutations or reduced levels of Smad4 have been correlated with reduced survival. However, the function of Smad signaling and the effects of TGF-β–receptor kinase inhibitors have not been analyzed during CRC metastasis. We investigated the role of TGF-β/Smad signaling in CRC progression. Methods We evaluated the role of TGF-β/Smad signaling on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity, and metastasis in Smad4-null colon carcinoma cell lines (MC38 and SW620) and in those that transgenically express Smad4. We also determined the effects of a TGF-β–receptor kinase inhibitor (LY2109761) in CRC tumor progression and metastasis in mice. Results TGF-β induced migration/invasion, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of Smad4-null MC38 and SW620 cells; incubation with LY2109761 reversed these effects. In mice, LY2109761 blocked metastasis of CRC cells to liver, inducing cancer cell expression of E-cadherin and reducing the expression of the tumorigenic proteins matrix metalloproteinase-9, nm23, urokinase plasminogen activator, and cyclooxygenase-2. Transgenic expression of Smad4 significantly reduced the oncogenic potential of MC38 and SW620 cells; in these transgenic cells, TGF-β had tumor suppressor, rather than tumorigenic, effects. Conclusions TGF-β/Smad signaling suppresses progression and metastasis of CRC cells and tumors in mice. Loss of Smad4 might underlie the functional shift of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter; inhibitors of TGF-β signaling might be developed as CRC therapeutics.
Technology Transfer as Development Aid: Discussion

I will focus my remarks on Falcon's paper, as agreed with the organizers, but first would like to record that I deeply believe in the principal reasons offered by Brady for U.S. commitment to agricultural development assistance: it is the right thing to do, and it will help further world peace and security. There are many other points in Brady's paper with which I agree, including that the development of low income countries is in the long-run interest of U.S. agriculture. However, the many constituents of U.S. agriculture have conflicting interests; so this is, as Falcon mentions, an empirical question, not one of values or beliefs. Falcon concentrates his remarks on food policy reform, asking two basic questions: Is food policy reform and agricultural growth in the developing world in the interest of U.S. agriculture; and, if so, does foreign aid assist countries in achieving desired reform? In his view food policy embraces production, consumption, marketing, and trade; and, although he uses the term "food policy reform" or "real reform" many times in the paper, the reader seeks in vain for his definition of that concept. The closest he comes is the implication that it may mean using world or border prices as the pricing norm, and that it involves infrastructure, incentives, and institutions. Falcon believes that aid has been relatively ineffective in promoting food policy reform because of the scale and mode of such efforts. He also identifies shortcomings in the donor community, including too extensive use of "consultants, a series of three-week country missions, and a set of traveling algorithms.. . the lack of individuals with long-term country perspectives . . . use of border prices . . . privatization . . . and other aspects of the prevailing development theology." Falcon cautions against too direct an extrapolation of past experience into the future. He correctly points out that a number of the countries contributing to the rapid growth in demand for world food exports in the 1970s and early 1980s were riding the oil boom, and that we do not know how growth will be generated in the coming decades. Closer examination of likely future scenarios can help illuminate these issues, perhaps more clearly than econometric analysis of the past. I would emphasize two points made by Falcon: (a) contrary to many opinions, the developing countries have been the main destination and source
AN ASSIMILATION THEORY PERSPECTIVE OF COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION

In this study, both the dynamic and stable qualities of communication apprehension are examined from an assimilation theory perspective. Based upon assimilation theory, PRC A scores obtained after an intervening speech performance are predicted from initial levels of communication apprehension and discrepancies between those initial levels and the levels of state anxiety experienced during speech performance. The results of multiple regression analysis indicate that both initial apprehension levels and the discrepancy variable contributed significantly to the prediction of post-intervention PRCA scores, a finding that supports an assimilation theory perspective of communication apprehension.
Dispersal, not Understory Light Competition, Limits Restoration of Iowa Woodland Understory Herbs

Plant community restoration may be limited by the inability of target species to disperse to a restoration site (i.e. dispersal limitation) or by the failure of species to establish once seeds do arrive (i.e. establishment limitation). Seed additions attempt to overcome dispersal limitations; however, seed additions may fail due to establishment limitations resulting from competition with pre-existing vegetation. We tested whether dispersal and/or competition with the pre-existing understory limited restoration of 22 native deciduous woodland herbs in Iowa, United States. We employed an experiment that varied seed mix composition to contain either high densities of forbs or graminoids, coupled with clipping of pre-existing understory vegetation to reduce competition for light during establishment. We found strong support for dispersal limitations, as seed additions increased understory richness by 4–8 species/m 2 . This was due to the addition of species from the seed mix, not modification to the naturally occurring plant community, which suggests the existence of an open (unsaturated) plant community. Most species in our seed mix established at high rates and there was no effect of seed mix (high vs. low density of graminoid vs. forb seeds) on the richness or persistence of species added by seed. Light competition with the pre-existing understory vegetation did not limit establishment. We recommend simple seed sowing to restore the majority of species in our study; 19/22 species readily established. Our results support the use of less expensive seed mixes containing high density of gramoids, relative to forbs.
The Corn Belt Route: A History of the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company

The Chicago Great Western Railroad was a spunky midwestern carrier that contributed mightily to the transportation industry. The 1,500-mile CGW, built by the iconoclastic and ambitious A. B. Stickney, proved to be exceptionally innovative as it developed new ways to compete with larger railroads. Pitted against tough, determined competitors, the CGW during its eighty-five years made innovations that changed the history of American transportation. Among the pioneering activities for which the Great Western is remembered are the early use of internal combustion equipment, the hauling of truck trailers atop flatcars ("piggy-backs"), and the use of extremely long freight trains. Indeed, much of the railroad's past supports the notion that smaller, less-established carriers like the CGW frequently stimulated changes in industry thinking and practices. In spite of its innovations, the path of the Great Western, sometimes called the "Great Weedy," did not always run smoothly. In the 1930s, John W. Barriger III quipped, "The Chicago Great Western is a mountain railroad in a prairie country serving a traffic vacuum." Such a negative assessment was not uncommon for this Granger pike, which in fact climbed some steep grades and owned a long tunnel. And while the road did not operate in a "traffic vacuum," its competitors were well entrenched and robust. By 1903, the CGW served the strategic gateways of Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Joseph, and Omaha. Between Chicago and the Twin Cities alone, the company competed with six other roads. When the Chicago & North Western acquired the Great Western in 1968, one of America's most imaginative railroads disappeared. "The Corn Belt Route" is the first scholarly treatment of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, a company that has long intrigued the railfan, whether collector, modeler, photographer, or historian. Richly illustrated, this book tells the lively story of one of the great small railroads that once served the Midwest.
An investigation of reporting violence to the police: A focus on Hispanic victims

Using conjunctive analysis of case configurations and the National Crime Victimization Survey this research explores the situational contexts of violence against Hispanics most and least often reported to the police and compares situational contexts of violence reported to the police among Hispanic, non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black victims. Results indicate that Hispanic victimization most often reported varies greatly across situational context. Almost all violence reported involves a female victim, and almost all that is reported infrequently involves a never-married, uninjured male victim. Beyond those patterns, the role of all other situational factors is contingent on the specific situational context. Findings reveal wide-spread differences in situational contexts associated with the reporting of violent victimization against Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. Future research should continue to focus on Hispanics, with a focus on with-in group differences and longitudinal research.
A novel laparoscopic mesh placement part task trainer.

Background We present a surgical simulator, developed for the training of a laparoscopic surgery and in particular for mesh placement during an inguinal herniorrhaphy. Methods Major technical issues related to virtual surgery training systems include virtual patient modelling, collision detection and collision response, haptic and graphic rendering, 3-D motion tracking and some special effects, such as bleeding, cauterizing and so on. Among these problems, real-time deformation modelling and collision detection are the most challenging research topics. Results In this paper, we describe novel approaches addressing the above issues, which have been successfully adopted in our bimanual hernia repair simulator. Conclusion The implementations of our new collision detection and deformation appear to work well, even at haptic rates for the limited scope of mesh placement training. More sophisticated techniques are needed for full organ deformation especially for blunt dissection simulation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Pt-Polysilicon Thin-Film Thermopiles: A Preliminary Study

A preliminary study is proposed aimed at developing a novel process for thin film thermopile detectors based on Pt-polysilicon thermoelements realized on a silicon substrate. Good contacts between Pt and heavily doped n and p-polysilicon have been achieved by using a Ti/TiN/Pt barrier structure. Step coverage of Pt on 300 nm high polysilicon steps obtained by RIE etching has been evaluated by wafer level measurements. The experimentally estimated process yield turns out to be higher than 90%. Mechanical stability of suspended dielectric structures covered with platinum has been evaluated by front-side micromachined test devices and the expected performance has been estimated by sensitivity tests on realized devices
Genesis of Evolved Ocean Island Magmas by Deep- and Shallow-Level Basement Recycling, Socorro Island, Mexico: Constraints from Th and other Isotope Signatures

Postcaldera (Ζ180 ka) peralkaline trachytes and rhyolites from coupled with correlations between Sr and Nd isotopes and indices of differentiation within the silicic suite suggest that rhyolites are Socorro Island, Mexico, have relatively restricted ranges of ( Th)/ ( Th)o (0·99–1·14) and ( U)/(Th) (0·91–0·98). Most related to trachytes by assimilation–fractional crystallization. The most likely assimilant is basement that formed during the silicic of the samples exhibit U–Th disequilibria, with initial ( Th) enrichments of up to 21%. In general, ( Th)/( Th)o values phases of magmatism on Socorro. Our results indicate that volcanic basement may be an important component in the genesis of evolved are lower in the rhyolites than in the trachytes. ( Th)/( Th)o of postcaldera alkalic basalts may also have a relatively restricted ocean island magmas. range (0·94–0·96), although ratios as low as 0·84 and as high as 1·04 are permitted by uncertainties in some of the ages. These values are also lower than those of the trachytes. Sr and Nd isotopic ratios of the basaltic and silicic suites have fairly restricted ranges
Jamming user interfaces: programmable particle stiffness and sensing for malleable and shape-changing devices

Malleable and organic user interfaces have the potential to enable radically new forms of interactions and expressiveness through flexible, free-form and computationally controlled shapes and displays. This work, specifically focuses on particle jamming as a simple, effective method for flexible, shape-changing user interfaces where programmatic control of material stiffness enables haptic feedback, deformation, tunable affordances and control gain. We introduce a compact, low-power pneumatic jamming system suitable for mobile devices, and a new hydraulic-based technique with fast, silent actuation and optical shape sensing. We enable jamming structures to sense input and function as interaction devices through two contributed methods for high-resolution shape sensing using: 1) index-matched particles and fluids, and 2) capacitive and electric field sensing. We explore the design space of malleable and organic user interfaces enabled by jamming through four motivational prototypes that highlight jamming's potential in HCI, including applications for tabletops, tablets and for portable shape-changing mobile devices.
Comparison of Models of Acculturation The Case of Korean Americans

This study examined whether a unidimensional model or a bidimensional model better explained acculturation of Korean Americans on two levels: (a) separate domains of acculturation and (b) “overall” acculturation. Also, the study examined whether there were meaningfully different forms of acculturation in Korean Americans. Additionally, associations between the acculturation forms and exogenous variables were investigated. On both domain and overall levels, a bidimensional model appeared to more completely explain acculturation of Korean Americans. Three distinct forms of acculturation (assimilation, integration, and segregation) were identified. The three forms were different in acculturation domains as well as in exogenous variables. More research is needed to compare the unidimensional model and the multidimensional model on domain and overall acculturation level.
Relationship Between Limonin Concentration and Naringin Concentration in Commercial Single Strength Grapefruit Juice

The limonin and naringin content of commercial single strength grapefruit juice (Citrus puradisi) samples was measured by immunoassay. Results obtained from a Linear Regression Analysis of Variance showed that there was no correlation between limonin and naringin concentration. Therefore, to determine the total bitterness potential of the product, each of these two compounds would have to be determined.