cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitude and Perceptions of the Other Underrepresented Minority in Surgery

Objective To perform a national climate survey of general surgery residents regarding attitudes and perceptions of the influence of sexual orientation on the training experience. Methods A cross-sectional voluntary online survey was distributed to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited general surgery programs. Residents self-identified as heterosexual, lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Descriptive statistics were performed. For the purposes of further analysis, respondents were classified as heterosexual or LGBT. Demographic characteristics and survey responses were examined by sexual orientation using the Fisher exact test. Results Of 388 resident respondents, 10 identified as lesbian (2.6%), 24 as gay (6.3%), and 9 as bisexual (2.4%). More than 30% of LGBT residents did not reveal their sexual orientation when applying for general surgery residency owing to fear of not being accepted. No statistical differences were found between LGBT and heterosexual residents regarding future career plans, happiness at work, good program fit, and rapport with fellow residents. Although no differences were found in relationship status between LGBT and heterosexual residents, more LGBT residents reported feeling uncomfortable openly discussing their spouse/partner with fellow residents (36% vs 3.0%, p n = 206) witnessed homophobic remarks by nurses and residents and 30% ( n = 114) by surgical attending physicians. Of LGBT residents, 57% reported actively concealing their sexual orientation from fellow residents owing to fear of rejection and 52% from surgical attending physicians owing to fear of poor evaluations. LGBT residents reported experiencing targeted homophobic remarks by fellow residents (21%) and by surgical attending physicians (12%). None of the surgical residents who experienced directed homophobic remarks reported the event to their supervisors for reasons including fear of reprisal (13%-17%), not wanting to create more "trouble" (25%-50%), and a belief that nothing would be done about the event (17%-25%). Conclusion Now, more than ever, issues related to sexual orientation have been at the forefront of political and public attention. No data exist that explore how these issues affect the training experience of general surgery residents. Our study showed that although there was no difference overall in reported work happiness or program fit, LGBT residents reported a greater need to conceal their personal lives from their surgery program peers and attending physicians. Whether these differences affect patient care, team work, career satisfaction, and personal cost of surgical training warrants further study.
Doing well by doing good? A supermarket shuttle feasibility study.

Abstract Objective Creating a more healthful food environment requires a new line of research that examines the impact of healthful changes on business's bottom line. This study investigates whether supermarket-sponsored shuttles can be self-supporting or make a profit in low-income urban areas. Design 2000 Census data were used to identify zip codes in California with low income, low vehicle ownership, and high population density to identify potential markets for shuttle programs. The breakeven point was calculated for a hypothetical shuttle program operating in these zip codes. Main Outcome Measures Breakeven point in the number of months of shuttle operation. Analysis Breakeven analysis. Results Sixty-seven zip codes met the criteria for inclusion in the study. A supermarket shuttle program would break even in most zip codes if 10% of households without a car used the shuttle. If 15% used the shuttle, shuttle programs in all zip codes would make a profit. Conclusions A shuttle program could be self-supporting in all 67 zip codes. Implications Those interested in changing the food environment to support a healthful diet could use this information to share with supermarket executives and other key decision makers.
Reduction Of Critical Dimension Variability In A High Mix Environment

The need to control and reduce the variability and to center the mean of certain critical parametric device properties in a mulitple product manufacturing line is directly dependent on identifying and controlling the sources of variability in critical dimensions (CD's) in wafer processing. This requires the development of a low cost, statistically valid, simple, and flexible system for data collection, analysis, and real time feedback. Of particular interest in a CMOS process is the sensitivity of the effective channel lengths (Leff) to the post-etch polysilicon linewidth. This paper describes the application of a statistical process control based measurement and response system at four points in the polysilicon photolithography and etch process. The system monitors and directs processing through photo and etch using multiple pieces of coat, projection align, develop, measurement, and etch equipment. With the ability to identify variability contributions from independent process steps, designed statistical experiments (using Design of Experiment (DOX) and Response Surface Method (RSM) techniques) were performed to provide optimization of measurement, coat, develop, exposure, and etch processes. Use of this system has resulted in greatly reduced photoresist rework rate, higher throughput at both align/expose and etch due to reduced set-up time, lower inventory levels (thus reduced cycle times), tighter control of the distribution of post-etch CD's and the ability to position that distribution (resulting in lower scrap rates at this point and tighter speed distributions), and ultimately die yield increases. Equipment and personnel requirements have been reduced. Initial implementation resulted in a 40% reduction in post CD variability for the polysilicon process. These techniques have now been expanded to cover all process levels where critical dimension control is strongly related to product performance.
New photomask patterning method based on KrF stepper

To solve very low throughput of e-beam writer, a new patterning method based on stepper, photomask repeater has been developed. For the KrF photomask repeater development we have modified a wafer-exposing stepper to expose photomasks. In this paper, we intended to clarify the feasibility of 0.15 micrometers generation mask fabrication with KrF photomask repeater. Interfield registration almost satisfied the 28 micrometers specification. Intra-field mis- registration was 10 nm in 18 mm by 18 mm field area and so we have to use a small field size and basically improve this intra-field mis-registration. CD uniformity could not meet the 13 nm specification. Though the evaluated results of KrF photomask repeater process have not satisfied the specification of 0.15 micrometers generation mask, we have found the mask fabrication with KrF photomask repeater is feasible with optimization of field and process, we have found the mask fabrication with KrF photomask repeater is feasible with optimization of field and process.
Excimer laser surface processing of Ti-6Al-4V

We have examined the effect of surface processing in air, using excimer laser light at 248 nm wavelength, on the oxygen content, microstructure, and surface hardness of Ti-6Al-4V. Processing with a single pulse results in the transformation of theα +β material toα′ martensite. Multiple pulse processing results in rapid incorporation of oxygen in the material. Oxygen initially dissolves in the material in the liquid phase. As the concentration exceeds the solid solubility limit during solidification, TiO particles precipitate. In contrast to equilibrium oxidation processes in Ti, only TiO is observed as an oxidation product; further processing results in increased oxygen incorporation and an increased volume fraction of TiO but no other oxides of Ti. The TiO particle size is a function of the oxygen concentration and the number of pulses, with some grain growth occurring after many pulses. The effects of solution hardening by dissolved oxygen and precipitation hardening by the TiO are identifiable as functions of oxygen concentration and mean free path between particles, respectively. A maximum surface hardness almost twice that of electropolished Ti-6Al-4V is observed.
Convex turbulent boundary layers with zero and favorable pressure gradients

A turbulent boundary layer subjected to multiple, additional strain rates, namely convex curvature coupled with streamwise pressure gradients (zero and favorable, ZPG and FPG) was investigated experimentally using laser Doppler velocimetry. The inapplicability of the universal flat-plate log-law to curved flows is discussed. However, a logarithmic region is found in the curved and accelerated turbulent boundary layer examined here. Similarity of the mean velocity and Reynolds stress profiles was achieved by 45 deg of curvature even in the presence of the strongest FPG investigated (k = 1.01 x 10 -6 ). The Reynolds stresses were suppressed (with respect to flat plate values) due primarily to the effects of strong convex curvature (δ o /R = 0.10 ). In curved boundary layers subjected to different favorable pressure gradients, the mean velocity and normal Reynolds stress profiles collapsed in the inner region, but deviated in the outer region (y + ≥ 100). Thus, inner scaling accounted for the impact of the extra strain rates on these profiles in the near-wall region.
SU-C-224-04: Effect of Refraction on Dose Reconstruction in Optical-CT Gel Dosimetry

Purpose: Optical‐CT gel/radiochromic dosimetry has emerged as a promising candidate for 3D dose verification. One factor that affects the accuracy of dose reconstruction in this technique is the refractive index mismatch between the gel phantom and the matching liquid that prevents the full width of the phantom from being used for dose mapping. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the refractive artifact on dose reconstruction, and to identify optimal designs for accurate gel dosimeters. Methods: Numerical experiments were carried out for a series of modelattenuation coefficients of the gel phantom and various degrees of refraction resulting in situations where only projections through certain central sections of the sample are detected. Measured data was obtained as the Radon transform of the modelattenuation coefficient. The attenuation coefficient was then reconstructed using the filtered backprojection algorithm. A mathematical study was performed in the framework of the so‐called interior problem of Radon transform inversion. The variation of the amount of data accessible experimentally with the refractive index mismatch was investigated using geometrical optics. Results: It was demonstrated that the reconstruction of the attenuation coefficient within 3% is possible in the central part of the phantom even if only 82.5% of the optical projections are detected. This fraction of available data results from a 1.5% refractive index mismatch between the gel and liquid. Using a priori knowledge of the value of the absorption coefficient at a given point in the sample, it is possible to calculate the correct value at all points. Conclusions: Optical attenuation and dose in an optical CT gel dosimeter can be reconstructed accurately in the central part of the dosimeter even if only limited data are available. A priori knowledge of the attenuation coefficient at a point in the sample enables almost exact reconstruction.
Incised Meanders in Mason County, Texas

Ingrown meanders incised into a limestone plateau on four streams in the western half of Mason County are described. The meanders of Bluff Creek and its West Branch are notably angular, and appear to have developed from round meanders under the influence of two sets of vertical minor faults and joints. Faults of larger displacement do not affect the stream9s course. A small unnamed creek west of Bluff Creek shows well-developed ingrown meanders where it crosses a folded structure, but not where it flows parallel to the strike. Various authors have challenged the classical concept that incised meanders are inherited from free meanders developed on a flood plain, but there is as yet no satisfactory explanation of how meanders can be initiated in hard rock. Other evidence suggests uplift and rejuvenation for the Central Texas region. Although it seems difficult to assign such a long history to such a small stream as the unnamed creek described, the presence of a meander core suggests a considerable age. Large incised meanders occurring on Bluff Creek and on the James River just above their confluences with the Llano River, which does not meander, are difficult to explain. Backwater in the early history of these tributaries is suggested as a possible cause.
Gradient phonotactics and the Complexity Hypothesis

Lexical items can be more or less well-formed depending on the phoneme combinations they contain. This phenomenon is called gradient phonotactics. We propose an approach to gradient phonotactics based on Optimality Theory (Prince and Smolensky 1993/2004). At the heart of the proposal is the Complexity Hypothesis that attributes the relative well-formedness of a lexical item to its relative grammatical complexity measured in terms of ranking information: the more complex the lexical item, the less well-formed it is. The theory orders linguistic structures in an implicational hierarchy that reflects their relative well-formedness. Some implications are universal; others depend on language-specific rankings. The Complexity Hypothesis is supported by phonotactic data from Muna (Austronesian) as recently analyzed by Coetzee and Pater (2008).
Reciprocal Effects of Work Stressors and Counterproductive Work Behavior: A Five-Wave Longitudinal Study

Previous research has clearly shown that work stressors are positively related to counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Most of these studies, however, used cross-sectional designs, which limits insight into the direction of effects. Nevertheless, it has been assumed that work stressors have a causal effect on CWB, but the role of CWB as an antecedent of work stressors has been neglected. The present study examined lagged reciprocal relationships between work stressors and CWB. We assumed that work stressors (organizational constraints and experienced incivility) are prospectively and positively related to CWB (interpersonal and organizational CWB) and that conversely CWB is prospectively and positively related to work stressors. We tested our hypotheses with a longitudinal study of 663 individuals who were assessed 5 times over an 8-month period. The results supported the possibility of a reciprocal relationship. Organizational constraints (but not experienced incivility) predicted subsequent CWB, and CWB predicted subsequent organizational constraints and experienced incivility. Because reciprocal effects point to a vicious cycle with detrimental effects of CWB to both actors and targets, the findings are not only of theoretical but also of practical importance.
The use of tolerization in the production of monoclonal antibodies against minor antigenic determinants.

Abstract An initial attempt to prepare monoclonal antibodies specific for the Dictyostelium discoideum lysosomal enzyme β-glucosidase was unsuccessful. All of the antibodies resulting from this fusion recognized an extremely immunogenic epitope that is present on all of the lysosomal enzymes of Dictyostelium. In two succeeding fusions, changes in the immunization schedule intended to increase the immune response to enzyme-specific epitopes were not entirely successful. Although nine hybridomas producing antibodies specific for β-glucosidase resulted from these two fusions, most (70%) of the cell lines isolated secrete antibodies that recognize the shared, immunodominant epitope. Moreover, the nine β-glucosidase-specific antibodies proved to be of limited utility since none recognize the native enzyme. Therefore, we attempted to tolerize a BALB c mouse to the common epitope by injecting the lysosomal enzyme, N-acetylglucosaminidase, within 40 h after birth. As an adult, this animal was immunized with β-glucosidase. Fusion of the spleen cells from this mouse with myeloma cells resulted in the isolation of nine hybridoma lines that produce antibodies specific for β-glucosidase. No antibodies reactive with the common epitope were detected. These results suggest that tolerization may provide a means whereby an undesired class of antibody-producing cell lines can be selectively eliminated from the products of a fusion.
Disabled-1 Interacts with a Novel Developmentally Regulated Protocadherin

Disabled-1 (Dab1) is an intracellular adapter protein that mediates the effect of Reelin on neuronal migration and cell positioning during mammalian brain development. To identify components of the Reelin-Dab1 signaling pathway, we searched for proteins that interact with Dab1 using a yeast two-hybrid strategy. We found that the Dab1 phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain interacts with a novel protocadherin, orthologous to human protocadherin 18. Mouse Pcdh18 (mPcdh18), which consists of four exons similar to other protocadherin family members, maps to chromosome 3. The deduced amino acid sequence of mPcdh18 contains six extracellular cadherin motifs, a single transmembrane region, and a large intracellular domain. The site of Dab1 interaction was localized to the C-terminal 243 residues of mPcdh18. Expression analyses revealed that mPcdh18 is present in a variety of tissues in the embryo, but in adult mice it is primarily expressed in lung and kidney. In embryonic brain, mPcdh18 expression is temporally and spatially regulated. Our results indicate that mPcdh18 participates in signaling pathways involving PTB-containing proteins and suggest that it may play a role during brain development.
Studies of the laser photodissociation of CO3− and CO3−-water complexes

Abstract Experiments were made in our laboratory to elucidate the mechanisms of the photodissociation of CO 3 − , and of several of its hydrates. Present results taken at low electric field energies show excellent agreement with spectral data reported by Moseley and coworkers (1), and establish that O − is the product ion in the energy range 1.95 to 2.2 eV. However, the intensities of the various photodissociation peaks were found to be greatly influenced by the electric field parameters existing within the ion source. At a high field (anode plasma) condition, the cross sections suddenly increased more than ten-fold, and virtually all structure was lost. In the case of CO 3 − (H 2 O 1,2 the major photodissociation pathway yields CO 3 − as the product ion. Photodissociation cross-sections over the energy range 1.95 to 2.2 eV are reported which show an ever increasing red shift in the optical spectra as a function of the degree of clustering, but with features similar to the spectra obtained for the bare ion.
Postsplenectomy gastric deformity

Mass- or polyplike defects of the gastric fundus were found on upper gastrointestinal examination in five patients, representing 7% of those who had undergone splenectomy. In four cases, the splenectomies were performed 1--5 months earlier, and, in one, the splenectomy was performed 10 years before. Dense adhesions were the cause of the defects in two patients. Plication deformity was thought to be a possible cause in the others. Recognition of the nonneoplastic nature of such defects is important in preventing unnecessary surgery. Computed tomography and endoscopy may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.
Active sand dunes are largest dust source in the Sahara Desert

Dried up lakebeds and playas in the Sahara Desert of North Africa are large sources of dust in the atmosphere. The Bodele Depression at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, for example, is the single largest source of dust in the world; on average, 100 dust storms a year originate from the Bodele Depression. A new study by Crouvi et al., however, finds that active sand dunes could be even bigger sources of desert dust in the atmosphere. Atmospheric dust plays active roles in climate and biological processes in the ocean: It regulates heating at the surface of the Earth; modifies cloud properties that affect rainfall; and acts as the only source of iron, a critical nutrient for microorganisms in the ocean. Little is known about types of dust sources in the Sahara Desert, which alone accounts for more than 50% of the dust in the atmosphere.
Scale modeling of hypervelocity impact

Abstract The significance of different Pi terms which result from a dimensional analysis of the parameters involved in hypervelocity impact is discussed. The consequences of distorting some physical phenomena in models are analyzed, and experimental verification is presented for the use of replica and dissimilar material models.
A time series of urban forestry in Los Angeles.

There has been an increasing interest in the evolution of urban forests. This research uses historic and digital aerial photography to quantify changes in tree density in Los Angeles, California since the 1920’s. High-resolution geographic information system analysis (4 to 6 time periods) of three regions (San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Los Angeles Basin) of Los Angeles reveals that there has not always been an increase in tree density with time. Tree densities on public and private land were highest in the 1940’s in Hollywood, while the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Basin experienced a near linear increase in tree density on both private and public land since the 1920’s. When historic tree density reconstructions were examined for the 15 Los Angeles city council districts from the 1920’s, 1950’s and 2006, most districts in Los Angeles have experienced a significant increase in tree density, however, there has been wide variation in tree densities among city council districts. Trees densities have generally been higher on private land since the 1920’s and currently tree densities on private land are significantly higher than on public land. Results suggest the evolution of urban forests in Los Angeles mirrors the dynamics of urban forests in desert and grassland cities. It is possible to reconstruct the development of urban forests in sections of cities using historic and contemporary aerial photography. We estimated that Los Angeles averages approximately 104 trees per hectare (82 private land, 22 public land) based on 2006 imagery at 0.3 m resolution, however, field validation suggests that we identified only 73% of trees. Although there is still space to plant trees on public land, private land owners will need to be heavily involved in order to achieve the goals of Los Angeles’ Million Tree Initiative.
Absolute cross sections for deuteron-induced reactions on Li-6 at energies below 1 MeV

Absolute cross sections for ($d,n$), ($d,p$), and ($d,\ensuremath{\alpha}$) reactions initiated by \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 to \ensuremath{\sim}1.0 MeV deuterons on $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ have been obtained. Total reaction cross sections, with absolute accuracies of 8-13%, as well as measured differential cross sections are presented. The experimental procedures are discussed and a comparison with previous results is given.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{6}\mathrm{Li}(d,p)$, ($d,\ensuremath{\alpha}$), ${E}_{d}=0.1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\sim}1.0$ MeV; $^{6}\mathrm{Li}(d,n)$, ${E}_{d}=0.2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\sim}0.9$ MeV; enriched target; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{d},\ensuremath{\theta})$, $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{d})$.
Predicting future asthma morbidity in preschool inner-city children.

Background and aims: Children living in the inner city are particularly vulnerable to asthma. While we know much about factors that affect near-term outcomes in inner-city children, there is little evidence to guide clinicians on what to expect in the coming years, especially in preschool children. The purpose of our study was to determine which clinical and environmental factors are predictive of poor long-term asthma control in preschool inner-city children. Materials and methods: Baseline characteristics determined to be potential predictors of asthma severity were examined: demographics, asthma symptoms, medication use, healthcare utilization, early life medical history, family history, allergen exposure and allergic disease, and pollutant exposure. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to examine the association of predictors of asthma severity with healthcare utilization at 2 years. Results: Of the 150 children at baseline, the follow-up rate was 83% at 2 years...
Fabrication of suction-cup electrodes for electromyography.

Abstract The fabrication of an inexpensive surface suction-cup electrode for use in EMG has been described. It has proven to be a useful tool in preliminary investigations of muscle action potentials of various muscles or muscle groups. The simplicity of application to the skin, as well as ease of removal and/or replacement, is one of the outstanding attributes of this type of electrode.
The Alchemists: How the Policies of Brazil and the United States Turned Base Commodities into Black Gold, but at What Cost?

As the world attempts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, new energy alternatives are being explored to replace fossil fuels. One major fuel alternative that is subsidized and now comprises 10–15 percent of the fuel stock used for vehicles is biofuels. Despite lower GHG emissions from biofuels, there is still significant environmental degradation that can result from the production and refinement of biofuels, especially given the insufficiency of the water regulatory regime to manage water depletion and degradation that are occurring in the two largest producers of the feedstock for these fuels—the United States and Brazil.
SYN-MAC: a distributed medium access control protocol for synchronized wireless networks

In this paper, we propose a novel medium access control (MAC) protocol, called SYN-MAC (for SYNchronized MAC), based on a binary countdown approach tailored for wireless networks. SYN-MAC has several attractive features such as simplicity, robustness, high efficiency, fairness, and quality of service capability. We evaluate SYN-MAC in terms of collision probability, system throughput, and packet delay, via both analysis and simulation. Our results show that, with properly chosen parameters, SYN-MAC can achieve a very low collision probability, packet delay tolerance, and extremely high channel efficiency (of >90%) under a wide range of traffic load. As a result, SYN-MAC may serve as an alternative to IEEE 802.11 for the wireless stations in synchronized networks.
Long-run regional employment changes in nine U.S. Industries

This empirical study is based on U.S. Census data, adjusted to facilitate comparisons between the years 1910, 1940, and 1970. Changes in employment for nine leading industries are compared, region by region, for the nine geographic divisions of the U.S. as classified by the Census. A region's high rate of employment growth in one or two industries is not usually found to be cancelled by low growth in another industry, and so the net result for the region is a relatively large increase in total employment. A region's growth in total employment appears to be affected more by its relative growth in the moderate-growth industries, however, than by its rate of growth In the high-growth industries. One or two regions sometimes experience an employment decrease in an industry while the other regions are growing in that industry, and the reverse situation has also occurred in declining industries.
Studies on the labelling patterns of RNA from cerebral cortex nuclei.

— RNA labelling patterns in nuclei from rat cerebral cortex were investigated subsequent to intracerebral injection of [3H]uridine. Although there was a rapid uptake of label into the ‘heavy’ regions when nuclear RNA was analysed in density gradients, it was not possible to show conclusive evidence for 455 ribosomal precursor RNA. Methyl-ation of 18S and 28S nuclear RNA became evident only after 2 hr and did not appear to involve the intermediacy of RNA species of higher molecular weight.
Resonant sweeping of alfven waves in divergent solar wind: Simulation study

Summary form only given. Sweeping mechanism of absorption of Alfven wave energy in the divergent solar wind is modeled using a scale-separation approach1. MHD waves are excited through reconnection at the sun with frequencies below the local ion cyclotron frequency. The fluctuations with highest frequencies will be absorbed by heavy ions as the wave packet propagates within the lower corona in the outward direction in decreasing magnetic field. At larger distances smaller frequencies will fall in cyclotron resonance with heavy ions but the wave absorption can eventually stop as the heavy ions form the shell-like distribution. Amplitude at these frequencies can even grow due to secondary cyclotron instability2. Part of the wave spectrum can reach at some distance the cyclotron frequency of ?-particles where the same picture will take place. The remaining low frequency part of the spectrum that falls in cyclotron resonance with protons at larger distances from the sun will be responsible for the solar wind heating and acceleration. We answer the questions: “Will the wave spectrum be completely absorbed by minor heavy ions and α-particles?” and “Do we need some additional mechanism of generation of the MHD waves interacting with protons?”
Cassiavellia galtarae, New Species, New Genus: A New Permian Bivalve and its Significance for Pterioidean Systematics

An exceptionally well-preserved silicified bivalve from the Upper Permian of Texas is described and assigned to a new genus and species, Cassiavellia galtarae, placed in the family Bakevelliidae. The species represents one of the earliest and best characterized unequivocal occurrences of the multivincular ligament in the superfamily Pterioidea. The silicified material provides a wealth of information on the morphology of inadequately known Paleozoic pterioideans, including hitherto undescribed aspects of the larval shell, auricular sulcus, muscle scars, and dental ontogeny. The discovery of the condyle-fossa complex on the anteroventral shell margin, a feature previously undescibed in Bivalvia, raises the question of the homology and taxonomic significance of the problematic subumbonal ridge-like structures in Pterioidea. In life, C. galtarae was probably an epifaunal right-pleurothetic bivalve, byssally attached to hard or raised flexible substrata. In addition to C. galtarae, another new species, C. nadkevnae, is placed in Cassiavellia.
Increased in vitro tetraploidy in dermal monolayer cultures derived from normals

Increased in vitro tetraploidy has been considered an in vitro expression of some cancer-prone genes in dermal monolayer cultures. (Danes BS, Alm T, Scand J Gastroenterol 16, 421-427, 1981; Danes BS, Cancer 48, 1596-1601, 1981). Its occurrence was determined in cultures established from skin biopsies from 112 normals (university students and personnel) whose family cancer histories were known to ascertain its relevance to cancer occurrence based on pedigree data. Of the 40 who gave no family cancer history, one showed increased in vitro tetraploidy (1% of the total studied; 2.5% of those without a family cancer history). Of the 72 with one or more first- or second-degree relatives with a family cancer history, 14 showed this alteration (12.5% of the total studied; 19% of those with a family cancer history). Increased in vitro tetraploidy was found in some normals from families with lung, breast, genital system, and gastrointestinal tract cancers. It may prove ultimately to be relevant to include such in vitro information in medical surveillance and cancer management programs.
Interpreting the Ethicality of Corporate Governance Decisions in Russia: Utilizing Integrative Social Contracts Theory to Evaluate the Relevance of Agency Theory Norms

We argue that the norms underlying agency theory can be inappropriate for interpreting the ethicality of corporate governance decisions and behaviors of Russians because they were developed in countries with mature market-oriented economies. We posit that integrative social contracts theory has more explanatory power, taking into account two sets of often-conflicting values: traditional Russian values and market-oriented values. We describe three examples of ethical conflict in Russian corporate governance arising from these two sets of values and discuss implications for Western managers interacting with Russians in this crucial area of business activity.
Expedient pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism: improved outcomes

Indications regarding surgical pulmonary embolectomy for treatment of submassive/massive acute pulmonary embolism remain controversial. An institutional experience with pulmonary embolectomy for acute pulmonary embolism (APE) was reviewed. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing pulmonary embolectomy for APE from September 2004 to January 2007 was conducted. Demographic data, clinical presentation and outcomes were analyzed. Fifteen patients underwent surgery for APE over a period of 27 months [average age 59.6 (range 35-89) years, (seven male, eight female)]. Six (40%) patients were admitted with known APE and nine patients exhibited post admission APE (seven - after surgical procedures, two - after cerebrovascular accident). Clinical presentation included dyspnea (86.67%), hemodynamic instability requiring continuous vasopressor support (40%), echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dilatation (80%). Ten patients undergoing early/expedient embolectomy all survived while delayed surgery in the other five patients (>24 h) was associated with 60% mortality. Expanding indications for early surgical pulmonary embolectomy has stemmed from reliable echocardiographic identification of right ventricular compromise and recognition of these findings as harbingers of subsequent hemodynamic embarrassment. Our series underscores the benefit of early consideration and performance of pulmonary embolectomy in these critically ill patients.
Isotopic fractionation of helium during solution: a probe for the liquid state

The isotopic fractionation of 3 He/ 4 He has been determined in pure H 2 O, D 2 O, seawater and two alcohols. The measurements have revealed the temperature dependence of the isotopic fractionation in each liquid. Substitution of D 2 O for H 2 O decreases the fractionation by a small but measurable amount. The fractionation varies with salinity and an equation is given for equilibrium values in seawater. The effect in ethanol is approximately 25% less than in water. Interpretation of the experimental results in terms of a zero-point-energy argument suggests that gas molecules dissolved in the different liquids occupy cavities with different sizes. In pure water the cavity size seems to be independent of the solute and is approximately 6 A.
Progress toward a novel C-terminal helix capping principle: Synthesis and properties of (S)-α-(2-aminoethyl)-methionine

Abstract (S)-α-(2-aminoethyl)-methionine 9 ((s)-2,4-diamino-2-(3-thiabutyl)-butanoic acid) is synthesized in three steps from 1-benzoyl-2-tert--butyl-5-(3-thiabutryl)-oxazolidin-4-one. Neighboring group reactions of peptide derivatives of 9 are described.
A least-squares cross-validation bandwidth selection approach in pair correlation function estimations

The pair correlation function is a useful tool to analyze spatial point patterns. It is often estimated nonparametrically by a procedure such as kernel smoothing. This article develops a data-driven method for the selection of the bandwidth involved in the estimation. The proposed method uses the idea of least-squares cross-validation which has been often applied for bandwidth selection in density estimation and many other nonparametric estimations. The asymptotic property of the proposed approach will be investigated under an increasing-domain setting in this paper.
Calcium channels as therapeutic targets in neuropathic pain.

Abstract Injury to the nerve can produce changes in dorsal horn function and pain. This facilitated processing may be mediated in part by voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Activation of these channels increases intracellular calcium, thereby mediating transmitter release and activating cascades serving to alter membrane excitability and initiate protein transcription. Molecular techniques reveal the complexity and multiplicity of these channels. At the spinal level, blocking of several of these calcium channels, notably those of the N type, can prominently alter pain behavior. These effects are consistent with the high levels of expression on primary afferents and dorsal horn neurons of these channels. More recently, agents binding to auxiliary subunits such as the α2δ of these calcium channels diminish excitability of the membrane without completely blocking channel function. Drugs that bind to this site, highly expressed in the superficial dorsal horn, will diminish neuropathic pain states. Continuing developments in our understanding of these channel functions promises to advance the control of aberrant spinal functions initiated by nerve injury. Perspective Pharmacologic studies showing the role of spinal voltage-sensitive calcium channels in neuropathic pain models provide evidence suggesting their applicability in human pain states.
Chapter 41 Geology and petroleum potential of the West Greenland–East Canada Province

Abstract The US Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources of the West Greenland–East Canada Province as part of the USGS Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal programme. The province lies in the offshore area between western Greenland and eastern Canada and includes Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Lancaster Sound and Nares Strait west of and including part of Kane Basin. A series of major tectonic events led to the formation of several distinct structural domains that are the geological basis for defining five assessment units (AU) in the province, all of which are within the Mesozoic–Cenozoic Composite Petroleum System. Potential petroleum source rocks include strata of Ordovician, Lower and Upper Cretaceous, and Palaeogene ages. The five AUs defined for this study – the Eurekan Structures AU, NW Greenland Rifted Margin AU, NE Canada Rifted Margin AU, Baffin Bay Basin AU and the Greater Ungava Fault Zone AU – encompass the entire province and were assessed for undiscovered technically recoverable resources. The mean volumes of undiscovered resources for the West Greenland–East Canada Province are 10.7×10 9 barrels of oil, 75×10 12 cubic feet of gas, and 1.7×10 9 barrels of natural gas liquids. For the part of the province that is north of the Arctic Circle, the estimated mean volumes of these undiscovered resources are 7.3×10 9 barrels of oil, 52×10 12 cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.1×10 9 barrels of natural gas liquids. Supplementary material: Supplementary Appendices 1–5 are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18476
Myocardial ischaemia and cardiopulmonary bypass.

The effects of intermittent and continuous myocardial ischaemia for a total duration of 45 min during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass were investigated by ventricular function curves and tension—velocity relations. On the basis of retention of left ventricular hydraulic output power capacity, intermittent myocardial anoxia provided a significant advantage in preservation of function.
Elasticity properties and kernel singularities of liquid crystal polymers

We examine the stability of flows of liquid crystal polymer materials under shearing perturbations. We apply the Laplace transform method to study the well-posedness of the resulting initial-boundary value problem and interpret the singularities of the transformed fields in terms of the elasticity properties of the material.
Contact with fibronectin enhances preservation of normal but not chronic myelogenous leukemia primitive hematopoietic progenitors

Abstract Objective Coculture with stromal cells enhances preservation and self-renewal of primitive progenitor potential in hematopoietic cells during ex vivo culture with growth factors (GF). However, the respective roles of growth factors, stromal contact, and extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands in this effect are not clear. Here we investigated the role of direct contact with stroma and the ECM protein fibronectin (FN) in these effects, and investigated whether abnormal integrin receptor function in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) progenitors was associated with perturbation in these responses. Methods. Normal bone marrow CD34+ cells were cultured in GF-containing medium with or without contact with stromal layers, glutaraldehyde-fixed stromal layers (stroma-contact), or integrin-binding FN fragments for 7 days. Progeny cells were assayed for primitive progenitors in week-6 long-term culture-initiating cell (LTC-IC) and week-10 extended LTC-IC (ELTC-IC) assays. Results. Increased LTC-IC and ELTC-IC preservation was seen following coculture with stroma, and was also observed after culture in contact with fixed stromal layers and FN. Both α4β1 and α5β1-integrin binding FN fragments enhanced LTC-IC preservation. Analysis of single CD34+CD38− cells showed that coculture with FN resulted in significantly reduced cell division, but enhanced retention of LTC-IC capacity in divided cells. FN also increased LTC-IC frequency in undivided cells. CML progenitors demonstrate deficient integrin-mediated adhesion, migration, and signaling. Coculture of CML CD34+ cells with stroma and FN failed to enhance LTC-IC preservation. Conclusion. We conclude that β1 integrin-FN interactions enhance normal primitive progenitor preservation with or without cell division, and that these mechanisms are impaired in CML primitive progenitors.
Financial aid tipping points: an analysis of aid and academic achievement at a California community college

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore relationships between financial aid awards and measures of student academic achievement. Financial aid and academic records for 11,956 students attending an urban California community college were examined and analyzed using simultaneous linear regression and two-way factorial ANOVAs. Findings revealed a small inverse relationship between the amount of aid received; thus, students with higher levels of need had slightly lower levels of academic achievement. Further analysis suggests that financial aid awards were able to minimize the negative effects of low income for approximately 70% of financial aid recipients. However, significant differences in grades and the percentage of units completed emerged for the 30% students with the highest demonstrated levels of financial need, suggesting that these students have large levels of unmet need. Implications for institutional and state-level policy as well as for institutional practice are discussed.
Role of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in host defence.

Abstract Much has been learned recently about the structure and function of 55 kDa bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), a member of a genomically conserved lipid-interactive protein family. Analysis of BPI fragments and the crystal structure of human BPI have established that BPI consists of two functionally distinct domains: a potently antibacterial and anti-endotoxin amino-terminal domain (∼20 kDa) and a carboxy-terminal portion that imparts opsonic activity to BPI. A recombinant amino-terminal fragment (rBPI 21 ) protects animals against the effects of Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin. In man, rBPI 21 is nontoxic and non-immunogenic and is in Phase II/III clinical trials with apparent therapeutic benefit.
D/H and18O/16O ratios of minerals of possible mantle or lower crustal origin

Abstract D/H and18O/16O analyses are reported for 16 phlogopites from 11 alkalic intrusions in the USA, Canada, South Africa, India and Australia. The D/H ratio of unaltered phlogopite of possible mantle or lower crustal origin is−58 ± 18per mil, with no significant variation through space or time over the last 1140 my. Phlogopites and calcites from Bachelor Lake, Quebec, and hornblendes and a serpentine from St. Paul's Rocks have undergone some isotopic exchange, possibly with ocean water at the latter locality. The D/H ratio in “juvenile water” is estimated to be−48 ± 20per mil.
Effect of the Desirability of Outcomes on Decision Making

This experiment was designed as a direct test of the descriptiveness of an axiom first stated by Rubin. The axiom implies that adding a constant to any column of a payoff matrix will not alter S's choice of action. An auxiliary aim was to determine whether the effect of desirability of outcomes of events on frequency of prediction of the events would be observed when S was motivated by a small monetary incentive to make accurate predictions. S drew one card from each of a number of 10-card decks. On half the trials he won 50¢ if a marked card was drawn; on the other half he lost 50¢. In one condition S bet 10¢ on the type of card he would draw. In the other condition S predicted what he would draw after inspecting a payoff matrix in which the value of drawing a marked card and the value of the 10¢ bet were combined. The same pattern of results appeared in each condition: more predictions were made for drawing a marked card when S stood to win 50¢ than when he stood to lose 50¢ with objective probability c...
Macrophages, Oxysterols and Atherosclerosis

Macrophages play central roles in immunity and homeostasis, and contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through their accumulation of cholesterol and the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Recent studies indicate that oxysterols influence diverse aspects of macrophage biology. Rather than simply being intermediates of cholesterol catabolism, oxysterols are also potent bioactive lipids that regulate lipid metabolism, immune function, and cytotoxicity. These functions are mediated by specific oxysterol sensors, including liver X receptors (LXR), Insigs, and members of the oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) and OSBP-related protein family. The mechanisms of oxysterol-induced functions and their physiological roles in macrophages are reviewed.
Cytoskeleton of human embryonal carcinoma cells

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies to cytoskeletal proteins were used to study the intermediate filament proteins of human embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell lines, tumors produced in nude mice from these cell lines, and surgically removed testicular germ cell tumors. It was found that all cells of tumor lines 2102Ep, 1156 and Tera 1 react with antibodies to low molecular weight keratin proteins. By immunoblotting of SDS gels it was found that these lines expressed three keratin polypeptides (40K, 45K and 52K). Clonal line NTera-2 derived from Tera-2 differed from the above listed cell lines in that only 10% of the cells expressed the 40K keratin polypeptide. Upon treatment with retinoic acid 70% of NTera-2 cells became reactive with the antibody to the 40K keratin polypeptide. All cell lines contained a small population of vimentin-positive cells. The number of vimentin-positive cells could be increased by retinoic acid treatment of NTera-2 cells or by seeding the 2102Ep cells at low cell density. Neurofilament-positive cells could be induced in the cell line NTera-2 by retinoic acid treatment. Tumors produced from NTera-2 cells injected into nude mice contained cells reacting with antibodies to keratin, vimentin, neurofilament proteins and desmin. Keratin polypeptides were immuno-histochemically demonstrated in embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma and trophoblastic components of solid human germ cell tumors. A typical intratubular cells (‘carcinoma in situ’) also reacted with antibodies to keratin.