cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leucine inhibits proteolysis by the mTOR kinase signaling pathway in skeletal muscle

Introduction. The branched-chain amino acids, particularly leucine, appear to activate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle by a signal transduction pathway involving the protein kinase mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). While leucine also inhibits proteolysis in skeletal muscle, the mechanism for this action is poorly understood. Recently it has been found that another important anabolic factor for muscle, insulin, inhibits proteolysis in this tissue by sequential activation of a “nutrient-sensing” pathway requiring PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), Akt kinase, and mTOR. We studied the role of these kinases in mediating the effects of leucine on protein breakdown, and whether leucine or its metabolites are the critical signal for inhibition of proteolysis. Methods. L6 myotubes (a rat skeletal muscle cell line) were incubated with leucine (5 mM) in the presence or absence of wortmannin or rapamycin (100 nM each), inhibitors of PI3K and mTOR, respectively. Rates of protein degradation were measured by the release of acid-soluble 3H-tyrosine from pre-labeled muscle protein. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Results. Leucine caused a significant reduction in proteolysis compared to controls (−8 to 12%, P < 0.001). This effect of leucine was not influenced by wortmannin. Conversely, rapamycin completely blocked the ability of leucine to inhibit proteolysis. Furthermore (data not shown), the transamination product of leucine, α-KIC (ketoisocaproic acid), was equally if not more effective in inhibiting proteolysis in the myotubes than leucine itself (up to 20% inhibition). Conclusions. Leucine or its metabolites appear to inhibit skeletal muscle proteolysis by activation of mTOR signaling, but unlike the known effects of insulin on this process, the upstream kinase PI3K is not required. TABLE—ABSTRACT P16. Effect of Leucine on Proteolysis in Myotubes (%/24hrs) Control + Leucine +Leucine +Wortmannin +Leucine +Rapamycin 29.6 ± 0.5 27.2 ± 0.4 26.7 ± 0.4∗ 31.2 ± 0.3 Note. Shown are means ± SEM; n = 6; ∗ P < 0.001 versus Control. Full-size table Table options View in workspace Download as CSV
Caecum perforation after renal transplantation: a case report and review of literature

Gastrointestinal (GI) complication used to be the second most common complication in renal transplant patients after infection (Bardaxoglou et al. in Transpl Int 6(3):148–152, 1993). Review of transplant registry reveals that GI complication is no longer the second most common type of complication after renal transplant, but that it is still a common cause of significant amount of deaths in renal transplant recipients (De Bartolomeis et al. in Transpl Proc 37(6):2504–2506, 2005). In a study of 1,515 adults with severe GI complication after renal transplant, Sarkio et al. (Transpl Int 17(9):505–510, 2004) reported that gastroduodenal ulcers followed by colon perforation were the two biggest groups of GI complications during the first year after renal transplantation. Colonic perforation is estimated to occur in about 1 % of all cases of renal transplant patients, and it does predispose to potentially fatal complication. About 50 % of all colonic perforation is due to complication of acute inflammation of diverticular disease (Bardaxoglou et al. in Transpl Int 6(3):148–152, 1993; Guice et al. in Am J Surg 138(1):43–48, 1979; Koneru et al. in Arch Surg 125(5):610–613, 1990; Coccolini et al. in Transpl Proc 41(4):1189–1190, 2009). This is particularly so because these patients were previously exposed to uremia before transplantation which alters their protein metabolism hence interfering with tissue healing there after (Carson et al. in Ann Surg 188(1):109–113, 1978). GI complications including colon perforation after renal transplantation have effect on a patient’s long-term survival (Gil-Vernet et al. in Transpl Proc 39(7):2190–2193, 2007). Despite this, the role of renal transplantation medication compared to anatomic anomaly in GI complication has been equivocal.
Progesterone-induced sequential inhibition of copulatory behavior in hysterectomized rats: Relationship to neural cytoplasmic progestin receptors

Abstract The inhibitory effects of progesterone on the copulatory behavior and on neural cytoplasmic progestin receptors were examined in ovariectomized (DV) and ovariectomized-hysterectomized (OH) rats. Ovariectomized and OH rats were given 2.0 μg of estradiol benzoate (EB) followed 24 hr later by 0.1, 0.5, 0.1 or 2.0 mg of progesterone (P) and were tested for lordosis 6 hr later (30 hr). Twenty four hr after the first P treatment, all animals received 0.5 mg of P and were tested again (54 hr). The initial doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg of P significantly reduced lordosis quotients in response to the subsequent P treatment in OV animals but only the 2.0 mg dose of P effectively suppressed lordosis in OH animals. In order to determine whether the priming dose of EB influences the inhibitory effects of progesterone, OV and OH rats were injected with 1.0 μg of EB followed by 1.0 mg of P, or 6.0 μg of EB followed by 2.0 mg of P and were tested for receptivity under the same schedule. Treatment with 1.0 μg of EB permitted, and 6.0 μg of EB prevented sequential inhibition of sexual behavior by progesterone in both OV and OH rats. Hypothalamic cytoplasmic progestin ([ 3 H]R5020) receptors were then measured 48 hr after EB injection in OV or OH rats given the same treatments with EB and P. Hypothalamic progestin receptors were significantly lower in OV animals given 2.0 μg of EB followed by 1.0 or 2.0 mg of P than oil-treated controls, but only the 2.0 mg dose of P significantly reduced receptors in OH rats. The 1.0 mg dose of P significantly depleted hypothalamic progestin receptors in OV and OH animals given just 1.0 μg EB. The result of these experiments indicate a close correlation between the progesterone-induced inhibition of copulatory behavior and the ability of the steroid to deplete its own receptors and suggest that the higher dose of progesterone required to inhibit receptivity in OH animals may be due to the enhanced induction of hypothalamic progestin receptors by EB following hysterectomy. The latter finding is consistant with the generally increased effectiveness of estradiol in OH rats.
Unhealthy Drinking Patterns and Receipt of Preventive Medical Services by Older Adults

Preventive service use among older adults is suboptimal. Unhealthy drinking may constitute a risk factor for failure to receive these services. To determine the relationship between unhealthy drinking and receipt of recommended preventive services among elderly Medicare beneficiaries, applying the framework of current alcohol consumption guidelines. The data source is the nationally representative 2003 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. The sample included community-dwelling, fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older (N = 10,523). Based on self-reported drinking, respondents were categorized as nondrinkers, within-guidelines drinkers, exceeding monthly but not daily limits, or heavy episodic drinkers. Using survey and claims data, influenza vaccination, pneumonia vaccination, glaucoma screening, and mammogram receipt were determined. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Overall, 70.3% received flu vaccination and 49% received glaucoma screening during the year, 66.8% received pneumonia vaccination, and 56.2% of women received a mammogram over 2 years. In logistic regression, heavy episodic drinking was associated with lower likelihood of service receipt compared to drinking within guidelines: flu vaccination (OR 0.75, CI 0.59–0.96), glaucoma screening (OR 0.74, CI 0.58–0.95), and pneumonia vaccination (OR 0.75, CI 0.59–0.96). Nondrinkers when compared with those reporting drinking within guidelines were less likely to receive a mammogram (OR 0.83, CI 0.69–1.00). Heavy episodic drinking is associated with lower likelihood of receiving several preventive services. Practitioners should be encouraged to screen all elders regarding alcohol intake and in addition to appropriate intervention, consider elders reporting heavy episodic drinking at higher risk for non-receipt of preventive services.
Ethnic Consciousness in the Community College Classroom.

This article addresses the influence of White American ethnic consciousness on educators in the community college classroom. In the event that issues of a multicultural nature arise in this setting, educators may find themselves responding to the information with differing attitudes and behaviors. These varied stances may stem from the process of moving from an unresolved to a more integrative stage of ethnic consciousness. White identity stages are presented, and their implications for classroom instruction are discussed.
Comparison of Conventional, Modified Single Seed Descent, and Doubled Haploid Breeding Methods for Maize Inbred Line Development Using Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Breeding Crosses

Breeding crosses from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project between exotic accessions and elite Corn Belt Dent inbreds provide a unique opportunity for broadening the genetic base of the U.S. maize (Zea mays L.) crop by incorporating favorable exotic alleles in elite genetic backgrounds. Genetic gains in the GEM program could be enhanced by identifying more efficient breeding procedures for this purpose. We compared four breeding methods, conventional Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (CG), conventional mass (CM), modified single seed descent (MSSD), and doubled haploid (DH) methods, for their relative capacity to produce superior maize inbred lines and hybrids from three GEM breeding crosses: (ANTIG01 x N16) × DE4, (AR16035 x S02) x S09, and (DKXL212 × S09) x S43b. Testcross evaluations of 50 selected lines from each combination of cross and breeding method were conducted across multiple environments, generally revealing no differences among breeding methods. The MSSD and CM methods had higher proportions of the top 10 lines for grain yield and yield:moisture ratio in the second year testcross reevaluations of about the top 28% of lines. Hybrids from MSSD lines tended to have higher grain moisture, but MSSD hybrids with high yield:moisture ratio could still be identified. The MSSD method may be an effective and efficient alternative to both pedigree and DH methods for developing high performing lines from the GEM breeding crosses as it requires relatively fewer resources.
Anaesthesia for conjoined twins.

Anaesthesia for conjoined twin surgery, whether prior to or for separation, is an enormous challenge to the paediatric anaesthesiologist. The site and complexity of the conjunction will affect airway management, acquisition of vascular access, the extent of blood loss, and the number of surgical specialties involved. Preoperative assessment and planning, with interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, is vital to the success of the operations. These twins require a dedicated team of anaesthetists for each child, and, consequently, duplication of all monitoring and equipment in one operating room is necessary. Meticulous attention to detail, monitoring, and vigilance are mandatory. Planning for the postoperative period in the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as the babies’ reconstruction and rehabilitation, is essential from the time of the initial admission.
Risk management: Time for innovative approaches

Risk management practices under the current environmental regulations is a long, complex process that considers scientific, technologic, and management factors to develop various regulatory standards and pollution control measures. Using the mandatory enforcement approach, sometimes referred to as “command-and-control”, a set of preliminary environmental goals, such as better air and water qualities, were achieved. However, the information-intensive nature of the risk management process and the lack of flexibility in conventional regulatory methods to changing economic and technologic realities of the decade has created interest among risk managers to examine some innovative management approaches. Above all, environmental problems of a global scale require novel management methods while striving to achieve the desired environmental goals.
Rapid HIV testing for developing countries: the challenge of false-negative tests

It is a common practice in resource-constrained countries to accept two positive rapid HIV antibody test results as diagnostic for HIV infection. Because these tests are inexpensive and results are obtained quickly, they are recommended by the WHO to "scale-up" HIV testing to increase the number of people tested. The negative predictive value of rapid HIV tests is so high that negative results are considered conclusive despite the fact that false-negative results can occur in several situations. While the specificity and sensitivity of rapid HIV tests in resource-rich countries is acceptable, there are only limited data about their performance in resource-constrained countries. The challenges of rapid HIV testing in these situations will be discussed.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evolution of structure and electrical properties with lanthanum content in [(Bi1/2Na1/2)0.95Ba0.05]1−xLaxTiO3 ceramics

Abstract Lead-free perovskite [(Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 ) 0.95 Ba 0.05 ] 1− x La x TiO 3 ( x = 0.00–0.10) ceramics were fabricated via the solid state reaction method and their crystal structures and electrical properties were systematically studied. Transmission electron microscopy examination reveals a transition from a rhombohedral R3c phase with micron-sized complex domains to a mixture of rhombohedral R3c and tetragonal P4bm phases with nanodomains as La content was increased. X-ray diffraction analysis on bulk samples, however, indicates a pseudocubic structure in La-doped compositions. Electrical poling seems to transform the pseudocubic structure to a rhombohedral phase in compositions with 0.00 x T d ) is observed to decrease and the dielectric constant ( ɛ r ) within 100–350 °C becomes more temperature independent, promising for applications in high-temperature capacitors. Electric field-induced polarizations and strains display complex changes with respect to La concentration, with the highest strain of 0.35% achieved in the composition x = 0.04 under 70 kV/cm at room temperature. The piezoelectric coefficient d 33 initially increases with La content, reaching a maximum value of 151 pC/N in the composition x = 0.02, and then diminishes.
Comparative sequence stratigraphy of two classic Upper Ordovician successions, Trenton Shelf (New York–Ontario) and Lexington Platform (Kentucky–Ohio): implications for eustasy and local tectonism in eastern Laurentia

Abstract Comparison of the classic Upper Ordovician (Mohawkian to lower Cincinnatian; Caradoc to lower Ashgill) Black River and Trenton Groups in New York State/southern Ontario with the Tyrone–Lexington Formations exposed in the Jessamine Dome (southern Cincinnati Arch) in north-central Kentucky and southern Ohio reveals striking similarities. Previous emphasis on complex local facies mosaic has obscured widespread regional patterns. Biostratigraphy and K-bentonites provide broad constraints on inter-regional correlations; however, an allostratigraphic approach permits higher resolution correlations and a partial test of eustatic vs. strictly local tectonic models to explain stratigraphic patterns. Upper Mohawkian to lower Cincinnatian (∼455–449 Ma) depositional sequences, previously recognized for the Jessamine Dome and Nashville Dome areas, are correlated between the two main study areas and further refined; Chatfieldian (Rocklandian to Shermanian or Cobourgian of traditional terminology) sequences M5 and M6 of previous workers are interpreted to be composite sequences and are each subdivided into three smaller-scale sequences, which also have counterparts in the New York–Ontario strata. In turn, these correlations indicate at least partial allocyclic control on sedimentary cycles. Complex lateral variations within depositional sequences, especially in the late Shermanian to Edenian, indicate that tectonically controlled patterns of basinal subsidence and uplift of crustal blocks (perhaps reflecting forebulge migration) exerted a strong influence on the local facies and motif of depositional sequences. These tectonic features, however, did not obliterate the underlying allocyclic pattern. Indeed, high-resolution sequence stratigraphy enables detailed resolution of shifting patterns of minor uplift and subsidence.
The invasive green crab and Japanese shore crab: behavioral interactions with a native crab species, the blue crab

Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun), are an ecologically and commercially important species along the East coast of North America. Over the past century and a half, blue crabs have been exposed to an expanding set of exotic species, a few of which are potential competitors. To test for interactions with invasive crabs, juvenile C. sapidus males were placed in competition experiments for a food item with two common non-indigenous crabs, the green crab Carcinus maenas (L.) and the Japanese shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus (De Haan). Agonistic interactions were evaluated when they occurred. In addition, each species’ potential to resist predators was examined by testing carapace strength. Results showed that C. maenas was a superior competitor to both C. sapidus and H. sanguineus for obtaining food, while the latter two species were evenly matched against each other. Regarding agonism, C. sapidus, was the “loser” a disproportionate number of times. C. sapidus carapaces also had a significantly lower breaking strength. These experiments suggest that both as a competitor, and as potential prey, juvenile blue crabs have some disadvantages compared with these common sympatric exotic crab species, and in areas where these exotics are common, juvenile native blue crabs may be forced to expend more energy in conflict that could be spent foraging, and may be forced away from prime food items toward less optimum prey.
Multiple differentiation potentials of neonatal dura mater-derived cells.

Objective The involvement of the dura mater in calvarial development and bone healing lead to a hypothesis that progenitor cells with multiple differentiation potentials exist within this tissue. The present study investigated the differentiation potentials of dura mater-derived cells by driving them into several cell-restricted lineages. Methods Dissected dura mater tissue of neonatal rats was washed, finely minced, and enzymatically digested. The harvested cells were exposed to different differentiation (osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic) and basic media. Results At defined time points, dura mater-derived cells were observed to differentiate into osteoblastic, adipoblastic, and chondroblastic cells, evidenced by specific biochemical staining. In addition, gene expressions of osteogenesis (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin), chondrogenesis (collagen Type II and aggrecan core protein) and adipogenesis (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma-2) were up-regulated in the differentiated dura mater-derived cells, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion Preliminarily, it was concluded that a subpopulation of multiple potential mesenchymal cells exists in neonatal dura mater, which explains the function of the dura mater on neurocranium development and calvarial bone healing.
A computational investigation of supersonic axisymmetric flow over boattails containing a centered propulsive jet

The influence of underexpanded jets on a supersonic afterbody flow field is investigated using computational techniques. The thin-shear-layer formulation of the compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations is solved using a time-dependent, implicit numerical algorithm. Solutions are obtained for supersonic flow over an axisymmetric conical afterbody containing a centered propulsive jet where the free-stream Mach number is 2.0 and the jet exit Mach number is 2.5. Exhaust-jet static pressures are considered in the range of 2 to 9 times the free-stream static pressure and with nozzle-exit half-angles from 15 deg to 43 deg. Comparisons are made with experimental results for base pressure, separation distance, afterbody pressure distribution, anf flow-field structure. Although good quantitative agreement with experimental separation distance and base pressure level is not observed, the parametric trends induced by exhaust-jet pressure level and nozzle-exit angle are well predicted, as are the flow-field details in the vicinity of the afterbody and in the exhaust plume.
An examination of the coupling of vinyl and aryl triflates with stannyl cuprates for the purpose of providing regioselective access to vinyl lithiums

Abstract The coupling reaction of vinyl triflates with higher-order stannyl cuprates was found to provide a convenient method for the preparation of vinyl stannanes. Since vinyl triflates can be regioselectively prepared from ketones this then provides overall regioselective entry to vinyl lithiums from vinyl triflates via their corresponding stannanes. This is an improvement on a previous method for the preparation of vinyl stannanes from the palladium catalyzed coupling of vinyl triflates and distannanes.
Unconventional venous access

Venous access is commonly thought of as the bread and butter of interventional radiologic procedures. However, in those patients who have undergone multiple previous central venous catheter placements, venous access can be a technical challenge for even the most seasoned interventional radiologist. Conventional access sites include the internal jugular veins (IJV) and subclavian veins (SCV). The former should be considered as the primary access site for all patients who will be catheter dependent for whatever reason. Before utilization of the SCV, the external jugular veins (EJV) should be used, especially in the dialysis population. Only after surgical hemodialysis access is no longer an option in the upper extremity should cannulation of the SCV be entertained. Once these usual access sites are no longer available, it may necessary to use an unconventional access method, including catheterization of the common femoral vein, catheterization of enlarged collateral vessels, recanalization of occluded veins, translumbar inferior vena cava (IVC) catheter placement, and transhepatic catheter placement. This chapter serves as a review of these techniques.
Optimal algorithms for finding the symmetries of a planar point set

Abstract We present an asymptotically optimal algorithm to locate all the axes of mirror symmetry of a planar point set. The algorithm was derived by reducing the 2-D symmetry problem to linear pattern-matching. Optimal algorithms for finding rotational symmetries and deciding whether a point symmetry exists are also presented.
Uptake and metabolism of lipid vesicles from seawater by juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Abstract Ingestion and metabolism of liposomes by juvenile Pacific oysters ( Crassostrea gigas ) were studied by several methods in order to assess their potential as encapsulating agents. Liposomes composed of egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/stearylamine formed readily and appeared stable in synthetic seawater. Radiotracer studies with liposomes containing [4- 14 C]cholesterol or [1- 14 C]dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) showed uptake of up to 40% of the available dose in 24 h. Most label appeared in epithelial cells of ducts and tubules of the digestive diverticula as shown by autoradiography. Fluorescence microscopic examination of oysters fed fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled liposomes or liposomes with encapsulated FITC-albumin revealed tissue distribution similar to that observed with radiotracer studies. Label from [1- 14 C]DPPC was redistributed into triplycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and in a tentatively identified choline phosphonolipid, and appeared to involve transacylation rather than de novo synthesis. Radioactivity from encapsulated 14 C-glucose or amino acids appeared predominantly in solvent-insoluble and acid-precipitable materials, indicating incorporation into polysaccharides or protein. The uptake of liposomes followed by redistribution and metabolism of liposomal lipids and encapsuled materials indicate the potential for liposomes as a nutrient delivery system for filter-feeding organisms.
The Emerging Role of Vitamin D3 in Protecting Ischemic Tissues

Shih and colleagues present their findings regarding pretreatment with intravenous Vitamin D3 in a bilateral rat hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion model (1). In this study, bilateral femoral arteries were occluded for 3 hours, followed by 3 hours of reperfusion, which was selected based on prior studies (2). The intravenous dose was chosen appropriately, based on prior studies. Lung tissue and tibialis anterior muscle from each leg were harvested for wet/dry weight ratio and microscopic analysis. Blood was analyzed to determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), liver transaminases, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels. Preischemic treatment with vitamin D3 reduced muscle and lung edema, which was associated with a reduction in serum IL-6 levels. No differences were detected in serum TNF-α, BUN, Cr or liver transaminases. These data support accumulating early evidence that vitamin D3 may be able to protect ischemic tissues (3, 4). Patients awaiting elective surgery requiring an element of ischemia-reperfusion could potentially be protected from reperfusion injury by a preoperative vitamin D3 regimen. Also, one might envision a situation in which chronic vitamin D3 supplementation could reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States (5). Although these are interesting possibilities, more animal studies need to be performed. Whether vitamin D3 can protect the heart and brain from ischemic injury has not been determined, but seems promising. The protective mechanisms also need to be defined; it is unclear whether the observed benefit is due to modulation of calcium metabolism or effects on other pathways. As with any study, this manuscript does have some limitations. The bilateral hindlimb ischemia model is not an ideal model of peripheral vascular disease. Certainly bilateral lower extremity ischemia can occur secondary to aortoiliac occlusive disease, but in clinical practice the more common situation is acute unilateral lower extremity ischemia. Use of a unilateral hindlimb ischemia model also would have permitted direct comparison of injured muscle to the unaffected contralateral limb. Also, the authors assessed remote lung injury as a consequence of hindlimb ischemia, but pulmonary inflammatory complications following limb reperfusion are not a relevant clinical entity. Additionally, it would be helpful to perform further analysis of molecular pathways to begin to determine the mechanism of action of vitamin D3. Despite its minor limitations, this manuscript by Shih and colleagues has certainly advanced our understanding of the emerging role of vitamin D3 in ischemic tissue protection.
Ground-state properties of small iron clusters.

Ground-state structures of small iron clusters, N\ensuremath{\le}18, are determined from simulated-annealing calculations. Total energies are calculated using the effective-medium theory, and the d-band energy is included using the tight-binding approximation. The main effects of the partially filled d band are a higher symmetry of the ground-state structures than those assumed by simple metals such as Na and Cu and a tendency to produce hollow structures. We find a correlation between the presence of unscreened atoms in the iron-cluster ground states and measured ionization potentials and reactivities with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$.
Mechanical Properties of Actin Stress Fibers in Living Cells

Actin stress fibers (SFs) play an important role in many cellular functions, including morphological stability, adhesion, and motility. Because of their central role in force transmission, it is important to characterize the mechanical properties of SFs. However, most of the existing studies focus on properties of whole cells or of actin filaments isolated outside cells. In this study, we explored the mechanical properties of individual SFs in living endothelial cells by nanoindentation using an atomic force microscope. Our results demonstrate the pivotal role of SF actomyosin contractile level on mechanical properties. In the same SF, decreasing contractile level with 10 μM blebbistatin decreased stiffness, whereas increasing contractile level with 2 nM calyculin A increased stiffness. Incrementally stretching and indenting SFs made it possible to determine stiffness as a function of strain level and demonstrated that SFs have nearly linear stress-stain properties in the baseline state but nonlinear properties at a lower contractile level. The stiffnesses of peripheral and central portions of the same SF, which were nearly the same in the baseline state, became markedly different after contractile level was increased with calyculin A. Because these results pertain to effects of interventions in the same SF in a living cell, they provide important new understanding about cell mechanics.
Experimental Demonstration of Flexible Bandwidth Optical Data Center Core Network With All-to-All Interconnectivity

This paper proposes and demonstrates a flexible-bandwidth optical interconnect architecture for data centers exploiting wavelength routing in arrayed waveguide grating routers and fast tunable lasers. The proposed architecture provides hierarchical all-to-all connectivity with low contention and dynamic interconnection reconfiguration for higher bandwidth provisioning between hot spots. An eight-cluster core network experiment testbed with hierarchical all-to-all interconnection shows 1.77× throughput increase and 1.19× network energy efficiency improvement in the case of intercluster hot-spot traffic, while guaranteeing more than 97% throughput for the portion of the traffic with uniform random distribution.
PARENTAL DEATH IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS.

Nearly a fourth (22%) of the participants within a research sample of 148 individuals with serious mental illness reported the death of a loved one as a significant loss, and two thirds of these deaths involved the loss of one or both parents. The key determinant of the severity and duration of grief in response to the death of a parent was whether or not there were extenuating circumstances that complicated the death event, such as co-residence with the deceased at the time of death or a lack of regular social contact with anyone other than the deceased. In all instances of severe or prolonged grief, there was no preparation for the parental death, either through preparatory counseling or practical plans for funeral arrangements, financial repercussions, life-style changes, or residential relocation. Mental health agencies serving people with serious mental illness should being to incorporate financial and emotional preparation for parental deaths and bereavement counseling as essential services.
Comparison of open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy outcomes from a surgeon's early experience

OBJECTIVES The comparative safety and efficacy of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) performed by a newly trained surgeon have not been well documented. METHODS Data were prospectively collected from the first 75 cases each of RRP and LRP performed contemporaneously after urologic training. Urologic complications, pathologic outcomes, and health-related quality-of-life outcomes were assessed, the latter by validated questionnaire at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS A selection bias was evident, because the RRP patients had a greater prostate-specific antigen level, body mass index, and pathologic stage than did the LRP patients. Nevertheless, the positive margin rates were low overall (19% RRP and 9% LRP, P = 0.18) and for those with pT2 disease (4% RRP and 6% LRP). With a mean follow-up of just longer than 2 years, 19 (25%) of 75 RRP patients required 32 subsequent procedures and 8 (11%) of 75 LRP patients required 10 procedures (P = 0.02). The bladder neck contracture rate was 16% for RRP and 3% for LRP (P = 0.02), and artificial urinary sphincters were placed in 7 RRP and 0 LRP patients. At 12 months, 47% and 64% of the RRP and LRP patients were fully continent, respectively (P = 0.046), and the LRP cohort used fewer pads (P = 0.022). Of the preoperatively potent patients who underwent a nerve-sparing procedure, 44% of the RRP and 41% of the LRP group were potent at 12 months (P = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS In one surgeon's initial experience, LRP resulted in fewer urologic complications and more reliable continence outcomes than did RRP without compromising potency or cancer control. Both procedures require experience to achieve acceptable health-related quality-of-life outcomes.
Validation of High-Speed Turbulent Boundary Layer and Shock-Boundary Layer Interaction Computations with the OVERFLOW Code

The capability of the OVERFLOW code to accurately compute high-speed turbulent boundary layers and turbulent shock-boundary layer interactions is being evaluated. Configurations being investigated include a Mach 2.87 flat plate to compare experimental velocity profiles and boundary layer growth, a Mach 6 flat plate to compare experimental surface heat transfer,a direct numerical simulation (DNS) at Mach 2.25 for turbulent quantities, and several Mach 3 compression ramps to compare computations of shock-boundary layer interactions to experimental laser doppler velocimetry (LDV) data and hot-wire data. The present paper describes outlines the study and presents preliminary results for two of the flat plate cases and two small-angle compression corner test cases.
Social Studies on the Back Burner: Views from the Field.

Elementary social studies is “on the back burner.” Heavy competition for resources, low student interest and teacher concern, and a highly sanitized and uneven curriculum are among the conditions underlying its under representation. Among the various effects of this back burner status, limited opportunity for substantive social development is perhaps the most important. Moving social studies to the forefront of the curriculum will require an understanding of the interrelated nature of the underlying conditions and an appreciation of the classroom practitioners' considerable influence upon curriculum and instruction.
How does infiltration behavior modify the composition of ambient PM2,5 in indoor spaces? An analysis of RIOPA data

The indoor environment is an important venue for exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of ambient (outdoor) origin. In this work, paired indoor and outdoor PM2.5 species concentrations from t...
Social Institutions, Imperfect Information, and the Distribution of Income: A Comment

In a recent article in this Journal,1 David Starrett notes that, in addition to the traditional marginal productivity theories of neoclassical economists, there has recently emerged a quite distinct theory of income distribution as presented by radical economists. In particular, Starrett refers to the work of Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis.2 As a neoclassical economist, Starrett claims that he understands the radical viewpoint and that there is sufficient common ground between the neoclassical and radical theories to justify an attempt at synthesizing the two. "An important conclusion to be drawn from this attempt," says Starrett, "is that very minor changes in the neoclassical framework are sufficient to imply quite radicalsounding conclusions" (p. 262). As a Marxist economist, I find this attempt at synthesis interesting; there is all too little intellectual communication between neoclassical economists and radical economists. Moreover, Starrett is not communicating from a position of ignorance. It seems that Starrett did make a sincere and genuine attempt to familiarize himself with the radical point of view.3 The general conclusion of Starrett's article is that the key to understanding income inequality is the relation between different types of workers, and not that between capitalists and workers as Marxists argue (p. 284). He bases this conclusion on a number of hypotheses about distortions in the nonproperty income distribution due to unequal access to jobs and misperceptions about job opportunities. Starrett agrees with the radicals "that marginal productivity theory tells us very little about the distribution of income" (p. 282), and that social institutions play a crucial role in determining income distribution. However, his basic assumptions about the operation of social institutions are very different from, and in some ways diametrically opposed to, the radical analysis. The economic role of education is the main issue on which Starrett actually makes an explicit attempt to utilize the radical analysis. Yet he distorts the essential point of Bowles and Gintis' work on education when he states that, "Radical economists have ... been arguing ... that the educational system is responsible for much of the inequity in the system" (p. 264). The whole thrust of Bowles and
Formation of continuous collagen fibres: Evaluation of biocompatibilily and mechanical properties

Abstract Reconstituted collagen fibres have potential applications in repair of soft and hard tissues. Preliminary studies conducted in our laboratory suggest that discontinuous reconstituted type I fibres have strengths similar to those of fibres teased from tendons. The purpose of this paper is to report a method for continuous collagen fibre production and the properties of fibres produced. Ultimate tensile mechanical properties and biocompatibility of continuous type I collagen fibres were studied and compared with the properties of fibres produced manually (discontinuous fibres). In general, continuously made cyanamide cross-linked fibres show slightly inferior mechanical properties and faster biodegradation rates compared with manually made fibres because of minor differences in the fibre-formation protocol introduced by design constraints. However, continuous and discontinuous fibres cross-linked with glutaraldehyde had comparable properties. These results demonstrate that production of 50 μm diameter continuous collagen fibre is possible.
Cracks Emanating From Slipping Inclusions Near a Bone-Implant Interface

It has been hypothesized that mechanical fracture at the bone-cement-implant interface is the initial cause for loosening of orthopedic implants. Previous investigators have observed cracks to emanate from methacrylate beads, apparently acting as inclusions within the cement. It is believed that the bond between these inclusions and the surrounding matrix breaks prior to emanation of radial cracks from the inclusion. An analytical model is developed for radial cracks emanating from circular inclusions that allow slip along their interface. The solution to the interaction of a single dislocation and a slipping inclusion is used as a Green's Function to model the crack. The Mode I stress intensity factors are calculated for arbitrary orientations of the crack and for varying relative stiffness of the matrix and the inclusion to test feasibility of crack growth.
Electron-Hole-Pair Creation Energies in Semiconductors

The rule that the electron-hole-pair creation energy is 3 times the semiconductor band gap is extended to include a large group of insulators. It is used, together with the free-particle approximation, to describe cathodoluminescent phosphor efficiencies and the escape probabilities of secondary electrons.
New optical approach to decontamination technologies based on photoinduced running gratings

A basic phenomenological model for photoinduced conductiv- ity suitable for a wide variety of photosensitive and photoconductive ma- terials is developed. The modulation of photoconductivity and creation of an internal electric field by spatially modulated light patterns in different materials are described. The moving gratings of photoconductivity and electric fields can be used for optical tweezing of harmful impurities in the liquid solutions. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(98)02309-5)
Influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitors

Neuraminidase promotes influenza virus release from infected cells and facilitates virus spread within the respiratory tract. Several potent and specific inhibitors of this enzyme have been developed, and two (zanamivir and oseltamivir) have been approved for human use. Unlike amantadine and rimantadine that target the M2 protein of influenza A viruses, these drugs inhibit replication of both influenza A and B viruses. Zanamivir is delivered by inhalation because of its low oral bioavailability whereas oseltamivir is administered by mouth. Early treatment with either drug reduces the severity and duration of influenza symptoms and associated complications. Both agents are effective for chemoprophylaxis. Because of a broader antiviral spectrum, better tolerance, and less potential for emergence of resistance than is seen with the M2 inhibitors, the neuraminidase inhibitors represent an important advance in the treatment of influenza.
Peace Operations: From Short-Term to Long-Term Commitment

By developing a strategic approach to the implementation of peace accords in civil war, the United Nations can better the odds for ending a war and fostering development in the long run. Recent attempts at implementation have suffered from recurring difficulties: incomplete, vague and expedient agreements; lack of coordination between mediators and those who have to implement an agreement; lack of co‐ordination between implementing agencies; lack of sustained attention by the international community; incomplete fulfilment of agreements by warring parties; and the presence of ‘spoilers’ who seek to destroy any incipient peace. To overcome these difficulties, the UN must encourage the parties to choose political, cultural, social and economic security‐building measures during the negotiation phase and systematically apply confidence‐building measures to the military components of implementation. This demands a reconsideration of peace making in a civil war to include a long‐term international commitment to ...
Oral Accutane® (13-cis-retinoic acid) has no effects on spatial learning and memory in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats

Descriptions of psychiatric effects with Accutane (13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA)) use prompted a series of studies in a rodent model to ascertain its cognitive effects. Previously, we reported no effects on measures of anhedonia and depression in rats treated with 7.5, 22.5, or 30 mg/kg 13-cis-RA [S.A. Ferguson, F.J. Cisneros, B. Gough, J.P. Hanig, K.J. Berry, Chronic oral treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) or all-trans-retinoic acid does not alter depression-like behaviors in rats, Toxicol. Sci. 87 (2005) 451-459 [16]; S.A. Ferguson, F.J., Cisneros, J.P. Hanig, K.J. Berry, Chronic oral treatment with Accutane (13-cis-retinoic acid) does not increase measures of anhedonia or depression in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, (in preparation) [19]]. Here, we assessed spatial learning and memory in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats gavaged daily beginning on postnatal day (PND) 59 with vehicle control (soybean oil), 7.5 or 30 mg/kg of 13-cis-RA. We have reported that 7.5 mg/kg produces serum levels of 13-cis-RA comparable to those of humans prescribed Accutane [S.A. Ferguson, P.H. Siitonen, F.J. Cisneros, B. Gough, J.F. Young, Steady state pharmacokinetics of oral treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid or all- trans-retinoic acid in male and female adult rats, Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 98 (2006) 582-587 [18]]. Three behavioral tasks assessed spatial learning and memory after chronic 13-cis-RA treatment: the escape-reinforced Morris water maze (PNDs 111-115), the food-reinforced 8-arm radial maze (PNDs 132-136), and the water-reinforced NCTR complex maze (PNDs 153-157). Behaviors were measured after a minimum of 52 and maximum of 94 days of 13-cis-RA treatment. 13-cis-RA treatment had no effects on performance of the 8-arm radial maze or the NCTR complex maze. Treatment effects on Morris water maze performance were negligible and neither dose-related nor consistent. Performances of the control group were quite similar to those previously described in this laboratory. These results indicate that chronic 13-cis-RA treatment in male and female rats has few effects on measures of spatial learning and memory.
Predictive value of margins in diagnostic biopsies of nonmelanoma skin cancers

Background With geographic regional variation, nonmelanoma skin cancer biopsy reports include assessment of margins. When margins are reported as negative, clinical dilemmas may emerge concerning the necessity of additional treatment. Objective To evaluate the predictive value of biopsy margins with regard to residual tumor present in subsequent excisions of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Methods This is a retrospective review of 235 diagnostic nonmelanoma skin cancer biopsies and their corresponding excisions for margin status at biopsy, and the presence of residual tumor in subsequent excisions. Results Twelve of 148 squamous cell carcinomas (8.1%) had negative biopsy margins and all of the subsequent excisions were free of residual tumor. The squamous cell carcinomas with negative biopsy margins consisted predominantly of nonfacial, superficial tumors of the well-differentiated and keratoacanthoma subtype. Nine of 87 basal cell carcinomas (10.3%) had negative biopsy margins. Seven of those 9 (77.8%) had residual tumor present in subsequent excisions. Limitations Statistical analysis performed reached significance, but with small sample size as only 21 of the biopsy specimens had negative margins. Also, residual tumor was determined via standard bread-loafing technique on excisions, which is known to examine only a proportion of the tissue and can lead to false-negative results. Conclusions The results of this small pilot study suggest that negative-margin diagnostic biopsies may be therapeutic for well-differentiated or keratoacanthoma subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma because all subsequent excisions were devoid of tumor. Negative biopsy margins from basal cell carcinomas were not predictive of tumor removal.
Dendritic arrays of [Re6(μ3-Se)8] 2+ core-containing clusters: Exploratory synthesis and electrochemical studies

The reaction between the previously reported site-differentiated cluster solvate [Re6(μ3-Se)8(PEt3)5(MeCN)](SbF6)2 (1) with pyridyl-based ditopic ligands 4,4‘-trimethylenedipyridine (2), 1,2-bis(4-...
IBM secure enterprise desktop

Using software-only approaches makes it is practically impossible to completely secure software applications, as well as corporate information, against determined cyber-criminals. Therefore, in an era where any general-purpose operating system (OS) with end-user access can be hacked, we propose using dedicated security hardware to ensure that only authorized people obtain access to sensitive information. The fundamental principle involves booting the end-user computer from such a trusted mobile device without trusting any software installed on the computer. The device establishes a secure connection to the back-end infrastructure to provide access to the user's OS, e.g., through a remote terminal access or provisioned on the local computer. The solution is very simple to operate, as many corporate employees are not necessarily IT (information technology) savvy. In this paper, we discuss the combination of our dedicated tamper-resistant security boot-token operating user credentials with known defense mechanisms, such as OS virtualization, trusted boot, establishment of client-side and server-side authenticated secure channels to trustworthy back-ends, and client-side storage encryption. This novel combination forms an easy-to-use and highly mobile security solution that addresses security challenges of the BYOD (bring-your-own-device) approach. As a proof point for the latter claims, we report on initial real-world usability tests.