cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-Plasmid Packaging System for Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus

A number of packaging systems are available for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAVs). Among these, the use of a two-plasmid cotransfection system, in which Rep and Cap genes and Ad helper genes are on the same plasmid, has not been frequently employed for good manufacturing practices (GMP) production, even though it presents some practical advantages over the common three-plasmid (triple) transfection method. To confirm and expand the utility of the two-plasmid system, we generated GMP-compatible versions of this system and used those package reporter genes in multiple capsid variants in direct comparison with triple transfection. Vector yields, purity, and empty-to-full ratios were comparable between double and triple transfection methods for all capsid variants tested. We performed an in vivo side-by-side comparison of double and triple transfection vectors following both intravenous injection and intramuscular injection in mice. Expression and transduction were evaluated in muscle and liver 4 weeks after injection. Additional studies of bioactivity were conducted in vivo using packaged vectors carrying a variety of cargos, including the therapeutic transgene, microRNA, and single- or double-stranded vector. Results showed that cargos packaged using double transfection were equivalently bioactive to those packaged using a triple transfection system. In conclusion, these data suggest the utility of midrange (1E12-1E16) GMP-compatible packaging of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for several AAV capsids.
Ocular adnexal lymphoma: long-term outcome, patterns of failure and prognostic factors in 174 patients

Detailed information regarding follow-up of ocular adnexal lymphoma and of the frequency of large cell transformation of low-grade ocular adnexal lymphoma is limited. We studied 174 patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) to evaluate long-term clinical outcome and patterns of failure. All lymphomas presenting with involvement of the ocular adnexa diagnosed at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) between 1974 and 2007, in which at least 6 months of follow-up was available, were included in this study. There were 106 extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (MALT lymphomas, MZL), 40 follicular lymphomas (FL), 16 diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL), 5 mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), 3 small lymphocytic lymphomas/chronic lymphocytic leukemias, 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, 2 B lymphoblastic lymphomas, and 1 extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. Relapses occurred in 42 of 106 MZL patients (40%) and in 14 of 40 FL patients (35%). Two MZL and one FL progressed to DLBCL. Five and 10-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and five and 10-year overall survival (OS) respectively were: MZL 67%, 36%, 93%, 88%; FL: 54%, 32%, 90%, 82%; DLBCL: 79%, 79% 88%, 88% MCL: 20%, 0%, 100%, 25%. MZL and FL patients often developed relapses but had long survival; progression to DLBCL was uncommon. DLBCL had a favorable prognosis. MCL had a poor prognosis.
Use of electrochemical current noise method to monitor carbon steel corrosion under mineral wool insulation

Corrosion of carbon steel under mineral wool insulation was studied using the electrochemical current noise (ECN) method. Intensities of corrosion were validated using gravimetry, and the form of corrosion confirmed using optical microscopy. The standard deviation of the current noise signal agreed with weight loss results and was demonstrated as a reliable indicator of the degree of corrosion under mineral wool insulation. Recurrence quantification analysis was used to extract feature variables from ECN signals, which were later used to develop a random forest model to identify the type of corrosion, i.e., uniform or localised corrosion. The trained model was successfully applied to predict the extent of localised corrosion associated with mineral wool insulation.
School Choice, School Quality and Postsecondary Attainment

We study the impact of a public school choice lottery in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools on college enrollment and degree completion. We find a significant overall increase in college attainment among lottery winners who attend their first choice school. Using rich administrative data on peers, teachers, course offerings and other inputs, we show that the impacts of choice are strongly predicted by gains on several measures of school quality. Gains in attainment are concentrated among girls. Girls respond to attending a better school with higher grades and increases in college-preparatory course-taking, while boys do not.
Case 4-2021: A 70-Year-Old Woman with Dyspnea on Exertion and Abnormal Findings on Chest Imaging.

A Woman with Dyspnea on Exertion and Abnormal Findings on Chest Imaging A 70-year-old woman was evaluated because of increasing dyspnea on exertion and abnormal findings on chest imaging. Eleven ye...
Impeachment Trials after Trump: More Trial and Less Politics

Many historians treated the impeachment trials of US Presidents in the Senate both as a trial and at the same time they insisted that the trial was a political proceeding. It was political since the Senate determines for itself the meaning given to what will constitute a “high crime and misdemeanor.” Yet, it was still a trial because, like jurors in criminal trials, the Senators take an oath to try the President fairly. Presumably this at least means that Senators are finally responsible to their constituents for making factual findings that support whether a President has committed a “high crime and misdemeanor.” While conducting a political trial has always been a difficult balancing act for the world’s “most famous deliberative body,” following the two Trump impeachment trials, the Senate’s processes for impeachment are now in shambles, and its integrity has been substantially damaged. The Senate impeachment process has always been a hybrid proceeding that has both political and adjudicatory characteristics. It is time now between impeachments, and before any mid-term take over by the Republicans that may give rise to new impeachment articles against Biden, for the Senate to clarify its trial procedures and to define its jurisdictional scope. It should to set up rules that it can apply going forward concerning 1) who will preside (regardless of the timing of the Presidential impeachment), 2) the judicial role the presiding officer will play in the trial, 3) the rules the presiding officer will apply for deciding questions of evidence and witnesses, and 4) the ethical rules prescribing conduct of counsel. Clarifying these processes should go a long way in resetting the Senate’s balance between politics and an adjudicatory aspect of the proceeding. In doing so it will increase the integrity of it process, and better conform the Senate to its intended Constitutional role.
Probabilistic Analysis of Debris Motion in Steady-State Currents for Varying Initial Debris Orientation and Flow Velocity Conditions

AbstractFloodborne debris impact loads depend on several factors, including debris orientation and velocity. Due to the random nature of turbulent flood flows, debris motions are inherently random....
A quantitative PCR screening method for adeno-associated viral vector 2-mediated gene doping

Gene therapy is currently prohibited in human and equine athletes and novel analytical methods are needed for its detection. Most in vivo products use non-integrating, recombinant viral vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver transgenes into cells, where they are transcribed and translated into functional proteins. Although the majority of wild-type AAV (WTAAV) DNA is removed from recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors, some sequences are conserved. The goal of this study was to develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) screening test targeting conserved AAV sequences to enable theoretical detection of all rAAV gene therapy products, regardless of encoded transgenes while excluding the presence of WTAAV DNA in horses. Primer sets were developed and validated to target an AAV2 sequence highly conserved across rAAV viral vectors and a sequence only found in wild type AAV2 (WTAAV2). Six horses were administered an intra-articular injection of rAAV. Plasma and synovial fluid were collected on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84. Using QPCR, rAAV was detected in plasma for up to 2-4 days in all horses. rAAV DNA was detected for 28 days in synovial fluid from two horses for which synovial fluid samples were available. No WTAAV2 DNA was detected in any sample. This is the first study to develop a QPCR test capable of screening for rAAV vectors that may be used for gene doping in horses.
Sparse-stimulation and Wiener Kernels

Wiener and Volterra kernel analysis is useful for analyzing nonlinear neural systems. In order to obtain kernels with good signal to noise properties one must optimize the stimulus characteristics. This optimization has been hampered by the lack of simple expressions for kernel variance. We not only have found simple expressions for the kernel variance but also propose a new technique that we call “sparse-stimulation” that greatly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of higher order kernel estimates. The technique involves using a slower sampling rate for the stimulus than for the response.
Labor market organization and professional regulation: A historical analysis of nursing licensure.

Economic models of regulation suggest that the introduction of regulation is closely linked to the magnitude and distribution of costs and benefits anticipated by various groups and their costs of action. This paper draws on economic models to examine the development of systems of professional regulation in nursing since the end of the 19th century. It concludes that changes in supply and demand conditions and labor market organization have played a major role in the introduction of voluntary and mandatory licensure laws for registered and practical nurses.
A case of primary sclerosing cholangitis in childhood

Abstract A 4-yr-old male presented with hepatosplenomegaly. Surgical exploration and cholangiography demonstrated sclerosing cholangitis with histologic evidence of cirrhosis. Cholecystojejunostomy proximal to an area of marked ductal stenosis did not prevent progression of the liver disease. This is the first reported pediatric case of primary sclerosing cholangitis without associated inflammatory bowel disease.
Latent Variable Growth Modeling with Multilevel Data

Growth modeling of multilevel data is presented within a latent variable framework that allows analysis with conventional structural equation modeling software. Latent variable modeling of growth considers a vector of observations over time for an individual, reducing the two-level problem to a one-level problem Analogous to this, three-level data on students, time points, and schools can be modeled by a two-level growth model. An interesting feature of this two-level model is that contrary to recent applications of multilevel latent variable modeling, a mean structure is imposed in addition to the covariance structure. An example using educational achievement data illustrates the methodology.
Glycopeptides from Earthworm Cuticle Collagen

Abstract Earthworm cuticle is composed of collagenous material which can be extracted nearly completely with NaCl or dilute acetic acid solutions. The salt- and acid-extracted collagens differ little in their chemical composition, and produce galactobiitol and galactotriitol in the same ratio upon alkaline borohydride treatment. These oligosaccharide chains appear to be linked directly to threonine and serine residues.
Characteristics, Affect, and Stock Returns

Why were the returns of stocks with low book-to-market ratios and high market capitalizations lower, on average, than the returns of stocks with high book-to-market ratios and low market capitalizations? In this paper we pit the characteristics hypothesis against the affect hypothesis. The characteristics hypothesis says that some characteristics, such as low book-to-market ratio and high market capitalization, are associated with high future stock returns in typical investors’ minds. The affect hypothesis says that the names of some companies elicit positive affect which is associated with high future stock returns in typical investors’ minds. We find, through experiments, that the evidence is more consistent with the affect hypothesis than with the characteristics hypothesis.
EFFECT OF THERMAL CONTRACTION OF SAMPLE-HOLDER MATERIAL ON CRITICAL CURRENT*

The critical current (I c) characteristic is one of the fundamental parameters of superconductors, but no standard method of measuring I c has been established. Thus, many methods have been used for I c determination and different results are often found depending on which method is used. The problems related to I c measurements are (1) definition of Ic, (2) current transfer, (3) solder-joint length, (4) sample-holder material, and (5) sample-mounting method. This paper reports results of I c measurements using different sample-holder materials. The results are interpreted in terms of two additional experiments: thermal expansion measurements of Nb3Sn and V3Ga wires and measurements of uniaxial tensile strain effects in Nb3Sn and V3Ga wires. This is one of a series of experiments made under the superconducting standards program at the National Bureau of Standards [1–8].
CP violation in the decays B0--> Psi KS and B0--> pi + pi -: A probe for new physics.

We point out the strong correlation between the $\mathrm{CP}$-violating asymmetries in the decays ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Psi}{K}_{s}$ and ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ that is predicted by the Kobayashi-Maskawa model. This results in a very restricted allowed region for the asymmetries, and so their measurement will provide a powerful test of the standard model. To show how new physics may give very different results, we look at the predictions of a simple model where both the standard model and superweak contributions to the ${K}^{0}$ and ${B}^{0}$ mass matrices coexist. We find that, for possible values of the parameters, practically any values are allowed for the asymmetries.
Water Residence Time

Water residence time provides a fundamental characterization to a hydrologic system and conceptually describes storage. Residence time is often used to supplement or validate hydrologic models of catchments and groundwater systems. Water residence time also has important implications for water quality because many chemical reactions in the environment are time-dependent. In this chapter, lumped parameter modeling approaches are described to estimate water residence times using environmental tracers. Environmental tracer methods for stable isotopes (18O and 2H) and radioactive isotopes (3H) of water and dissolved gas tracers (3He, CFCs, and 85Kr) are introduced for residence time determination in aquifers and catchments. Keywords: residence time distributions; transit time; age dating; environmental tracers; lumped parameter models
The double helix of activity and scholarship: building a medical education career with limited resources

CONTEXT Creating respected scholarship from educational and clinical activities is challenging for medical school faculty members. In the USA and Europe, criteria for 'scholarship' has broadened and enriched. However, in developing countries, promotion systems generally continue to emphasise traditional laboratory or clinical research. OBJECTIVE This paper sets forth a broad conception of scholarship and provides international distribution venues that reinforce the importance of scholarly activity corresponding to clinical and educational work. METHODS Information sources about non-traditional scholarship included 50 medical school faculty from 20 economically developing nations plus senior faculty from throughout the USA. Resources for distribution venues were drawn from a citation index search, a literature search and Google. RESULTS The authors provide resources for faculty advancement, including examples of non-traditional scholarship that meet rigorous criteria, and a comprehensive list of venues for the dissemination of educational materials and studies. They give a relative value process for academic work to assist faculty in developing educational scholarship. Finally, they propose a double helix model for academic advancement, consisting of 2 congruent helices with the same axis, 1 representing educational, service or clinical activity and the other scholarly achievement. CONCLUSIONS These materials and the double helix model will support faculty and promotion committees, especially those from schools that have not yet broadened their view of scholarship, to envisage a realistic starting point and see how educational and clinical activities can generate internationally recognised, high-quality scholarship.
To Change Answers or Not to Change Answers: That is the Question

Are there any questions?" asked Ms. Tobias after giving her seventh grade class the directions for taking a science test. Tom asked, "If you change your mind after answering a multiple-choice question, is it better to change your answer or to let your first one stand?" "It's usually wiser to go with your first reaction to an objective question than to change your answer," Amy Tobias responded. "But there are exceptions," she added thoughtfully. "For example, if you found that you had misread an item, then it would be better for you to change your answer. Or if you remembered a key fact you had previously overlooked, it would be sensible for you to use this fact to reconsider the question. But, in general, first impressions are best." During the test, Amy pondered the answer she had given. She realized that she had no hard data on which to base her advice. She was disturbed to realize that her answer had been based on unsubstantiated folklore. "And I teach science!" she chastised herself. At lunch, Amy shared her concern with several colleagues. Opinions differed. Of the eight other teachers present, three thought that her response should have more strongly discouraged answer changing, four thought that her response had been about right, and one thought that her response should have more strongly encouraged answer changing. The conversation started John McAlpine thinking. I have to come up with a topic for a master's thesis. Wonder if this topic might work? I could hand out indelible pencils to my students for marking their answer sheets, he thought. I'd explain that if they wanted to change an answer, they should cross out the old answer and mark the new one. Then I'd score each answer sheet twice-once for original answers and once for final answers. I'd then compute the average of each set of scores. If the original answers yielded a significantly higher mean score, our majority opinion that students should let their first answers stand would be confirmed. If the final answers produced a significantly higher mean score, then students would be better advised to change their answers when they feel inclined. On Saturday morning, John was off to the university library to see if there was research literature on the topic. There was.
Posing the Hair against the Head: Global Experiences and Gu Wenda’s Installations of a Utopia

The Chinese artist Gu Wenda’s installation art series United Nations and Odepus Refound were created after the artist moved to the USA in 1987. In these two art projects, Gu used the human hair and other bodily materials, which marked a big difference and departure from some of his most famous art works using (faked) traditional Chinese writings. This turn to the human body had a lot to do with the artist’s global experiences and his newly gained sense of identity. This paper examined some of the art projects in the two installation series and analyzed how the artist used the human bodily materials—especially the human hair—to challenge the established identities of nation and culture formed in the modern world. In the process, it also endeavored to stake out ideologically what kind of utopia behind the artist’s heroic challenges.
Radiofrequency Ablation, Cryotherapy, and Microwave Ablation for Renal Tumors

Renal tumor ablation is a technique that has rapidly developed over the last decade. Although some questions remain regarding the long-term efficacy and the most appropriate target patient population, the technique has been shown to have excellent short- and midterm results that are comparable to surgery [1–10]. The purpose of this chapter is to briefly discuss the major factors that determine the role and outcome for radiofrequency (RF), microwave, and cryoablations.
Cloning and sequencing of isoform-specific regions of human Ca2+-independent protein kinase C (PKC)-encoding genes

Abstract The cloning and sequencing of the isoform-specific regions of the human Ca2+ -independent protein kinase C-encoding genes is described. These clones will serve as correct size probes for screening human genomic or cDNA libraries and isolating full-length clones.
Spinal antagonism of tolerance and dependence induced by systemically administered morphine.

Abstract We observed that the spinal cord of rats was involved in development of tolerance and dependence to morphine that was administered systemically by s.c. morphine-pellet implantation. Rats, surgically fitted with intrathecal catheters, were injected intrathecally (i.t.) with saline or 2.4 nmol β-chlornaltrexamine (β-CNA), an irreversible opiate antagonist. Twenty-four h later, animals were implanted s.c. with either placebo or morphine pellets. Seventy-two h after implanting pellets, development of tolerance or dependence was assessed. Control animals implanted with morphine pellets became tolerant to analgesia induced by i.p. injections of morphine as determined by the use of tail click and hot plate analgesic assays. β-CNA pretreatment antagonized the effects of i.p. injections of morphine and blocked development of tolerance in morphine-implanted animals. Dependence was assessed by observing several characteristic signs of precipitated withdrawal. Treatment with β-CNA before morphine treatment antagonized naloxone-induced expression of withdrawal for all signs observed, except weight loss. We conclude that the spinal cord plays a significant role in development of tolerance and dependence induced by systemically administered opiates.
Integrated chemiresistor array for small sensor platforms

Chemiresistors are fabricated from materials that change their electrical resistance when exposed to certain chemical species. Composites of soluble polymers with metallic particles have shown remarkable sensitivity to many volatile organic chemicals, depending on the ability of the analyte molecules to swell the polymer matrix. These sensors can be made extremely small (< 100 square microns), operate at ambient temperatures, and require almost no power to read-out. However, the chemiresistor itself is only a part of a more complex sensor system that delivers chemical information to a user who can act on the information. The authors present the design, fabrication and performance of a chemiresistor array chip with four different chemiresistor materials, heaters and a temperature sensor. They also show the design and fabrication of an integrated chemiresistor array, where the electronics to read-out the chemiresistors is on the same chip with the electrodes for the chemiresistors. The circuit was designed to perform several functions to make the sensor data more useful. This low-power, integrated chemiresistor array is small enough to be deployed on a Sandia-developed microrobot platform.
New mission paradigms and the encounter with Islam: Fusing voluntarism, tourism and evangelism in short-term missions in the USA

This paper concerns U.S. evangelical Christian mission practice in the Muslim world. Interests in and support for mission work among Muslims have increased – shifts that evangelical church leaders and missiologists attribute to the impacts of 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed – and the short-term segment, which fuses voluntarism, tourism and evangelism, represents the newest paradigm in these undertakings. While the overall popularity of short-term mission is recognised by scholars and church leaders, its role in mediating interactions between Christians and Muslims has received little attention. This paper documents short-term mission engagement with Islam by showing how Islam is represented by agencies and how volunteers interact with Muslims. I argue that styles of representing and engaging with Islam, while arising from a range of theological orientations, are also products of changing contexts and practices of mission, both the routinisation of short-term mission and the expande...
Genetic Mechanism Accounting for Precise Immunoglobulin Domain Deletion in a Variant of MPC 11 Myeloma Cells

A variant of the MPC 11 cell line, M 311, produces a short immunoglobulin heavy chain. When compared with the parental gamma 2b heavy chain, M 311 was found to have a carboxyl terminal deletion comprising the CH3 domain. The COOH-terminal cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleavage fragment of M 311 is identical to a corresponding segment ofa parental heavy chain CNBr fragment, with the exception of a substitution of asparagine for lysine at the COOH-terminal residue. This observation enabled prediction of both the parental DNA sequence in this region and the genetic mechanism which generated the variant, a frameshift followed by premature termination. This hypothesis is supported by studies of the DNA sequence of the MPC 11 gamma 2b constant region gene.
1α,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3, a novel vitamin D-related compound with potential therapeutic activity

1α,25-Dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D3 has been synthesized via oxidative degradation of the 1α-hydroxycylcovitamin intermediate. Preliminary studies indicate that the new analog induces the differentiation of human leukemia HL-60 cells, with little or no calcemic activity.
Teratogenic effects of the fungicide benomyl on posterior segmental regeneration in the earthworm, Eisenia fetida

Earthworms, Eisenia fetida, were treated by surface exposure to the fungicide benomyl at various stages of posterior segmental regeneration. Teratogenic effects of benomyl were observed when worms were treated 7–11 days after amputation (i.e. during the normal period of segmental replication), but not during days 1–5, 13–17, or 19–23. Teratogenic effects included a reduction in the number of regenerated segments, an increased frequency of segmental groove anomalies, and a variety of monstrosities. The effects of benomyl treatment on the number of regenerated segments and frequency of anomalies were dose-dependent within a narrow concentration range (approximately 0.2–5.0 mg litre−1); at higher concentrations (e.g. 25 mg litre−1) teratogenic effects were less frequent because the onset of segmental delineation was delayed until well after exposure. Non-invasive electrophysiological recordings from treated worms indicated that functional integrity of giant nerve fibre conduction pathways was established in all anomalously regenerated tail segments, except in a two-tailed monstrosity. The evidence supports the hypothesis that these teratogenic effects derive from an antimitotic mode of action of benomyl on segmental regeneration.
THE PARATHYROID HORMONE-RELATED PROTEIN STIMULATES HUMAN OSTEOBLAST-LIKE CELLS TO SECRETE A 9,000 DALTON BONERESORBING PROTEIN

The mechanism by which parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-RP) stimulates bone resorption is not known. Like certain other resorbing agents it may act to release bone-resorbing cytokines from the osteoblast. To examine this hypothesis, we used serum-free conditioned media (CM) from SAOS II cells incubated with 10(-8) M h(1-74) PTH-RP for 48 h. Treated CM contained substantially more bone-resorbing activity (BRA) in the fetal-rat long-bone assay than CM from untreated cells (2.17 +/- 0.21 vs 1.38 +/- 0.16 fold stimulation over basal [f]; p less than 0.05]. After centrifugation and dialysis, 1 liter of treated CM contained a total BRA of 7102 ngeq b(1-34) PTH with a specific activity (SA) of 447 ngeq b(1-34) PTH/mg protein. Treated CM did not stimulate the ROS assay and the cytokines PGE2, TGF-alpha, EGF, GM-CSF and IL-1 were present in low concentrations. The BRA was heat sensitive. Ultrafiltration revealed that 97% of the BRA was in a 3-30 kD fraction. Further purification was achieved by sequential reverse phase HPLC and size exclusion-HPLC (SE-HPLC). A single fraction containing BRA from SE-HPLC was purified 277-fold to a SA of 123,810 ngeq b(1-34) PTH/mg protein and had an apparent MW of 9 kD. SDS-PAGE revealed 4 bands in this SE-HPLC fraction with 1 band at 9 kD unique to that fraction. PTH-RP may cause bone resorption in part by stimulating the release of a 9 kD protein from osteoblasts which is responsible for activating osteoclasts.
Cost--benefit concepts in health: examination of some prevention efforts.

Abstract As expenditures on health continue to increase it becomes important to determine the effectiveness of health care programs. In this paper we outline an approach to evaluating health care programs with particular emphasis on preventive programs. We argue that the most important and most difficult step in the process is assessing the differential impact a measure has on health status. Some specific programs including environmental control, the search for healthful life-styles, and screening programs are briefly considered.
Update on the MEN 2A c804 RET mutation: is prophylactic thyroidectomy indicated?

Abstract Background. Mutations of the RET proto-oncogene co-segregate with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A. A rare sequence abnormality at codon 804 (c804) has been reported in 6 kindreds and linked to mild C-cell disease, which raises the question of the appropriateness of thyroidectomy in childhood. The purpose of this study was to (1) report the clinical correlates of 5 additional c804 kindreds, and (2) clarify therapeutic options in children. Methods. Thirty-eight members from five c804 kindreds underwent genetic analysis. Biochemical, operative, and pathology reports were reviewed. Results. Twenty-three gene carriers were identified, of whom 14 had thyroidectomy. Medullary thyroid carcinoma was found in 7 patients (aged 5-56 years), C-cell hyperplasia in 6 patients (aged 13-40 years), and normal histology in a single patient (aged 27 years). One patient with medullary thyroid carcinoma died of metastases (aged 12 years). Nine of the 23 gene carriers delayed operation, 4 of whom had calcitonin testing. Three of the 4 patients had abnormal calcitonin levels and a single patient was negative (aged 40 years). Of the remaining 9 patients, 2 await thyroidectomy, and 3 have refused evaluation. Conclusions. Penetrance of the c804 mutation is highly variable. Medullary thyroid carcinoma associated with this genotype has aggressive potential. Prophylactic thyroidectomy in childhood is a viable approach. (Surgery 2000;128:1052-8.)
Coping mediates the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol use in homeless, ethnically diverse women: A preliminary study.

Homeless women are at increased risk for problematic alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While coping motives have been shown to mediate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and alcohol problems in victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, it is unknown whether this relationship is evident in other trauma-exposed populations. The focus of this study was to examine whether drinking to cope mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and current alcohol use in a group of homeless, ethnically diverse women. Twenty-three women were recruited from local shelters in a southwestern community and asked to complete measures assessing their current alcohol use, drinking motives, and PTSD symptoms. Results revealed that drinking to cope mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and current alcohol use. This finding supports the theory that homeless women may benefit from treatment interventions that address both their substance use and trauma issues.
A Striking Effect of Ionic‐Liquid Anions in the Extraction of Sr2+ and Cs+ by Dicyclohexano‐18‐Crown‐6

Abstract The nature of the ionic‐liquid (IL) anion has been found to have a remarkable effect on the solvent extraction of Sr2+ and Cs+ by dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 dissolved in ionic liquids. In particular, the extraction efficiency increases with the hydrophobicity of the IL anion as reflected by the solubility in water of ILs having a common cation. Since a cation‐exchange mechanism is operating in these systems, the influence of the IL anion is in large part attributable to an expected Le Chatelier effect in which a greater aqueous concentration of IL cation, obtained when using an IL anion of lower hydrophobicity, opposes cation exchange. This dependence is opposite to that found for IL cations, indicating a significant advantage of using ILs with hydrophobic anions for cation extraction. Furthermore, the extraction selectivity for Sr2+ over Na+, K+, and Cs+ can be significantly improved through the use of hydrophobic anions for the ILs containing 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium or 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazo...
The Obama Presidency and the Great Recession: Political Economy, Ideology, and Public Policy

Barack Obama campaigned for and was elected president amidst an economic and financial crisis many called the worst since the 1930s and during a dramatic drop in support for the incumbent Bush administration. Many liberal and progressive voters hoped that the crisis of capitalism would lead to a sharp break with neoliberal public policies on the domestic front, perhaps in the form of a “New New Deal.” What have been the results as we move towards the presidential campaign of 2012? This article explores the distinct nature of Obama's political economy and how it has shaped his approach to the economic stimulus, banking and financial regulation, and health care reform. It is argued that Obama's centrist approach, his quest for “business confidence,” and the clout of powerful private economic interests (“capital”) have resulted in as much continuity with, rather than departure from, neoliberalism.
Three-dimensional GPR study of a prehistoric site in Barbados, West Indies

Abstract Prior results of surface artifact collecting, test excavations, and auger sampling on an archaeological site in Barbados suggested that we experiment with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a method to target areas for future study. The site is associated with village occupations of Amerindians that are dated to between ∼2000 and 500 years ago. Archaeological features include burials, hearths, ceramic lined wells and postholes. Artifact middens contain pottery sherds, conch shells, and other marine resource debris. The site selected was located at the southern tip of Barbados and is situated on a deep stabilized surface behind a large active dune system. The soil layer consists of dry, clean quartz sand. We obtained limited ground truth at the site by hand auguring in areas of field-identified anomalies, and by auguring control holes away from anomalies. Anomalies were usually large diffractors such as conch shells and rocks. We used 3D visualisation software to perform standard processing enhancements and to assemble the parallel lines into three-dimensional volumes. The dimensions, distribution, and shapes of time-sliced amplitude anomalies were consistent with those of previously excavated burials, poles, and pit structures. In particular, we interpret the data as indicating the presence of a circular house structure with four center posts; this structure was previously unknown at this site. The work presented here builds upon and extends earlier excavation-based findings at this site, and will allow for better-focused excavations in the future.
Behavioral and biochemical effects of chronic administration of bromide in the rat.

Oglesby, Rosenberg, Winter: Behavioral and biochemical effects of chronic administration of bromide in the rat. Bromide, a sedative in low doses and a psychotogen in high doses in man, was tested for behavioral and biochemical effects in the rat. The kinetics of bromide excretion following chronic administration were studied in the rat to determine drug regimens necessary to achieve stable, non-lethal levels of blood bromide. When administered daily to animals performing on a variable-interval schedule of positive reinforcement (VI 44), a low dose of bromide increased rates of responding while a high dose depressed response rates. Following withdrawal of the drug after six weeks of administration, response rates returned to previously determined control levels. Chlorpromazine failed to antagonize bromide-induced rate depression. No change in the concentration of norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine was seen with any dose of bromide studied.
Magnetron reactive sputtering of copper-indium-selenide

Abstract D.c. magnetron reactive sputtering appears to have great potential for providing the large production volumes that will be required if CuInSe 2 based photovoltaic devices are to make a significant contribution to terrestrial electric power generation. Accordingly we are investigating CuInSe 2 deposition by reactive co-sputtering from Cu and In planar magnetron sources in an ArH 2 Se working gas. This paper reviews our work thus far with particular emphasis on the implications of two well-known aspects of the reactive sputtering process to CuInH 2 Se sputtering: (1) the formation of surface layers of modified composition on the sputtering target surfaces and (2) the role of substrate reactions in determining the compositions and properties of the resultant films.
Single Microjet Heat Transfer

An investigation of the stagnation point heat transfer coefficient of such a single-phase, microscale impinging jet is discussed. Standard MEMS processes were used to fabricate a heat transfer measurement device. In this device, a water jet issued from a 67-μm orifice and impinged on an 80-μm square heated normal surface 200 μm from the orifice. Heat transfer coefficients up to 80,000 W/m2 -K were measured. This heat transfer coefficient results in a heat flux greater than 400 W/cm2 given a 50°C temperature difference. However, this heat transfer coefficient is an order-of-magnitude less than that predicted by correlations developed from larger jets. In addition, the heat transfer coefficients were relatively insensitive to Reynolds number. Further investigation of microjet heat transfer is needed to explain this deviation from expected behavior. The pressure drop across the jet orifice was measured, and the calculated pressure loss coefficients agree well with available correlations. Curve fits for the Nusselt number and pressure loss coefficient are given.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Reaching out to aid in retention: empowering undergraduate women

Creating programs that engage undergraduate women with the broader community and encourage them to take an active role in changing the underrepresentation of women in computer science can effectively address both retention and recruitment of women in the discipline.This paper is an experience report describing the creation and outcomes of an outreach program for K-12 girls run entirely by undergraduate women.The contributions of this paper are the description of the creation of a successful student-led outreach program and a set of active-learning modules for K-12 students that illustrate advanced topics.
Antagonists of cholinergic and serotonergic responses of Aplysia buccal muscle.

Abstract Cholinergic and serotonergic receptors of Aplysia californica buccal muscles were characterized pharmacologically by determining compounds that effectively inhibited contractile responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and modulatory effects of serotonin (5-HT), respectively. pA50 for ACh to elicit contraction averaged 4.7 ± 0.1 (mean ± SE, equivalent to 2 × 10−5 M). Both hexamethonium bromide and atropine inhibited ACh-elicited contractions, but neither inhibited the response completely, nor were the two together able to antagonize the response completely. Curare caused inhibition only at low ACh doses, and muscarinic antagonists pirenzapine and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide caused partial inhibition. The most effective blocker of ACh-elicited contractions was the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. 10−4M mecamylamine completely blocked the cholinergic response. ACh contractions were inhibited 90% within 10 min and took >40 min to recover from mecamylamine. Specificity was indicated by the lack of effect of mecamylamine on potassium-elicited contraction. NAN-190 blocked the potentiating effect of 5-HT without having inhibitory or potentiating effects by itself on ACh-elicited contractions. NAN-190 blocked the potentiating effect of 8-OH-DPAT. Cholinergic receptors on Aplysia buccal muscles are most effectively inhibited by mecamylamine and may have mixed nicotinic/muscarinic character. Serotonergic receptors have pharmacological similarities to vertebrate 5-HT1A receptors and may be closely related to the gastropod 5-HTlym receptor.
A cross-sectional study of Krukenberg spindles and pigmented lens striae in a predominately black population: two highly associated clinical signs of anterior segment pigment dispersal

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship of Krukenberg spindles (KS) and pigmented lens striae (PLS), clinical signs related to iris pigment dispersal and possibly glaucoma. METHODS During a 31-month period, 5 practitioners in an urban, primary eye care setting examined consecutive patients for KS and PLS. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships among KS, PLS, and other variables. RESULTS Krukenberg spindles were present in 65 patients (52 females), comprised of 57 of 2647 (2.2%) blacks, 5 of 303 (1.7%) whites, 2 of 121 (1.7%) Hispanics, and 1 of 55 (1.8%) Asians. PLS were present in 64 subjects (56 females), comprised of 59 (2.2%) blacks, 3 (1.0%) whites, and 2 (3.6%) Asians. KS and PLS were coexistent in 27 subjects. Mean age +/- SD (range) of the KS and PLS subjects was 63.1 +/- 15.0 years (24-88 years) and 67.0 +/- 10.4 years (33-88 years), respectively. Mean refractive error +/- SD (range) of KS and PLS right eyes was +0.55 +/- 2.32D (-6.50 to +5.50D) and +1.34 +/- 2.18D (-6.50 to +7.25D), respectively. Controlling for other variables, PLS were highly predictive (OR = 30.2, P < 0.0001) of KS, and KS were highly predictive (OR = 29.5, P < 0.0001) of PLS. Ignoring presence or absence of PLS, increasing age (in decades) (OR = 1.60, P < 0.0001) was strongly associated with KS. Ignoring presence or absence of KS, age (OR = 1.74, P < 0.0001), female gender (OR = 2.96, P = 0.009), and increasing hyperopic refractive error (OR = 1.30, P < 0.0001) were strongly associated with PLS. CONCLUSIONS Krukenberg spindles and PLS were strongly associated in our patient population, and the likelihood of both increased with increasing age. Female gender and increasing hyperopic refractive error were highly significant predictors of PLS.
Predicates whose maximal length functions increase periodically

Abstract Let P be a predicate defined on finite sets of positive integers and define LP(n) to be the Largest cardinality of subsets of {1, 2, …, n} for which P is false. We exhibit conditions on P which force the existence of integers N, M, and K so that LP(n + M) = LP(n) + K whenever n>N. For such predicates we say that LP increases periodically. In particular, we show that if D is a finite set of tuples of positive integers, then LP increases periodically for the predicate P=“X contains as s-tuple {ai}s1 with {ai + 1 − ai}s − 11 in D”. This extends the main result in [2], as well as results of Erdős, Hemminger and McKay, Liu, and Wagstaff.
Victorian Studies and its Publics

In reflecting on Victorian studies and its publics, we must remember the peculiar history of the term Victorian—a historical characterization that emerged even while the queen still reigned, a derisive caricature on the part of early twentieth-century writers, and an academic definition of a field of study. Because the Victorians were the first to experience many of the changes fundamental to modern society, Victorian studies has a particular resonance for its many publics.
Separation Characteristics Study on Hydrocyclone-Filter

In order to improve the oilfield waste water treatment efficiency, a new type separation equipment hydrocyclone-filter is developed. With the main separating structure manufactured with PE-X series capillary material, the hydrocyclone-filter’s separating capability and the relationship between the oil concentration in the filtered water and the filtering speed are all discussed in detail. The tests in lab indicate that the top separating efficiency 99.5% can be gained when the split-ratio is 15% on the PE-8 capillary material cyclone body, and the value 15% is the optimal split-ratio to all type cyclone separating body (PE-X series).The new equipment hydrocyclone-filter offers a new measure to the sewage treatment in oil field.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas. A clinicopathologic, prognostic, and flow cytometric study of 51 patients

Background. Supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas are uncommon tumors, the prognosis and management of which have been controversial. Methods. The authors retrospectively studied the clinical and pathologic aspects of 51 patients with supratentorial pilocytic astrocytomas, with particular reference to their response to treatment. Results. The study group consisted of 25 male and 26 female patients (median age, 15 years). The extent of surgical removal was gross total or radical subtotal in 16 patients and subtotal removal or biopsy in 35. At a median follow-up of 14.9 years, 41 patients were alive. Overall survival was 82% at 10 and 20 years; 89% of surviving patients were fully active
Focusing into a Lossy Medium From an Annular Slot Array

Focusing the electromagnetic fields within a lossy half-space is analyzed for a symmetrical annular slotted antenna array. The excitation for focusing the vertical electric field component is speci...
Extracting Synchronous Grammar Rules From Word-Level Alignments in Linear Time

We generalize Uno and Yagiura's algorithm for finding all common intervals of two permutations to the setting of two sequences with many-to-many alignment links across the two sides. We show how to maximally decompose a word-aligned sentence pair in linear time, which can be used to generate all possible phrase pairs or a Synchronous Context-Free Grammar (SCFG) with the simplest rules possible. We also use the algorithm to precisely analyze the maximum SCFG rule length needed to cover hand-aligned data from various language pairs.
Evidence that endothelial dysfunction in patients with hypercholesterolemia is not due to increased extracellular nitric oxide breakdown by superoxide anions

Abstract Patients with hypercholesterolemia have impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation due to decreased nitric oxide activity. The present study aimed to determine whether this form of endothelial dysfunction is related to enhanced extracellular breakdown of nitric oxide by superoxide anions. To this end, the vascular responses to acetylcholine (an endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (a direct smooth muscle dilator) were studied before and after combined administration of copper-zinc Superoxide dismutase (a scavenger of superoxide onions with poor intracellular penetrance; 6,000 U/min) in 20 normal controls (11 men and 9 women, age 50 ± 6 years) and in 20 hyper-cholesterolemic patients (10 men and 10 women, age 49 ± 9 years). Drugs were infused into the brachial artery and the response of the forearm vasculature was measured by plethysmography. The vasodilator response to acetylcholine was significantly blunted in hypercholesterolemic patients compared with normal controls (maximal flow 8.8 ± 2 vs 12.7 ± 3 ml/min/100 ml, respectively; p