cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lanthanide metal polymer complexes. Synthesis, characterization and application

Our recent results on the investigation of lanthanide metal polymer complexes were presented. Luminescence properties of Tb3+ or Eu3+ -polycarboxylate complexes in aqueous solution were investigated. The excitation band near 300 nm for Tb or Eu(polyacrylate) solutions were drastically enhanced by the addition of hydroxy radical generating reagents as well as ultrasonic irradiation. These spectral changes were attributed to the energy transfer from chromophore molecules formed by generated hydroxy radicals in both systems. Since the increase in the luminescence intensity was proportional to the hydroxy radical concentration, the Eu3+ or Tb3+ (PAA) system can provide a convenient method for the determination of hydroxy radical concentration in aqueous solution. We have also utilized lanthanide metal ion complexes as a luminescent emitter in electroluminescence (EL) devices. The configuration of the EL cell and experimental results were discussed.
Ozone treatment of process water from a dry-mill ethanol plant.

Abstract Fuel ethanol production in corn dry milling plants is a rapidly expanding industrial sector. Whole stillage, the residue from the distillation of the fermented corn, is centrifuged and the concentrate, thin stillage, is found to have a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of approximately 75,000 mg/L. This thin stillage is partly recycled, but much of it needs to be evaporated to concentrate the solubles for addition to the animal feed coproduct from corn dry milling. This research is an exploration into lowering COD from thin stillage using ozonation as a simple single-step unit process to facilitate a larger reusable fraction. The ozonation would usually be a pretreatment before additional flocculation or biological treatment. Also, COD removal by ozonation with and without a catalyst has been studied. Three different application rates of ozone O 3,1 = 7 mg/min, O 3,2 = 21 mg/min, and O 3,3 = 33 mg/min were used for 8 h into samples of 2 L each of three dilutions 20×, 30× and 40×. COD removal of 85% was observed with an ozone dosage of 4000 mg/L into a 40×-diluted sample. This would correspond to about 0.5 mg COD removed per mg ozone dosed. However, at lower dosages and smaller dilutions, more than 1 mg COD removal was achieved per mg ozone dosed. Two different catalysts, Fe(II) and Fe(III), were used and the samples were ozonated for 4 h. Five different dosages of each of the two catalysts were used and better COD removal was observed compared to ozonation alone with all 5 dosages. COD removal rate was increased from 45% to 74% with Fe(III) and was increased to 77% with Fe(II). Up to 10 mg/L COD was removed per mg O 3 dosed well below the maximum dosage. Both the catalysts resulted in almost the same improved COD removal rates when compared to ozonation alone.
Rain dances, microstructure and transformations

Ancient people employed witch doctors to perform ritual dances in the hope of inducing favorable phase transformations (rain) when and where they needed them. Cloud seeding with nucleation agents is now considered a slightly superior approach. However, we are still very far away from knowing how to «seed» a material to obtain the optimum transformahon characterishcs and consequent microstructure in many practically important applications. This is partly due to the fact that we do not yet understand how to predict or control the distribution of defects that will be the main agents of nucleation in a transforming material, assuming it is even known which defects are the critical ones in a given case! A survey of possible approaches to becoming a successful modern witch doctor will be presented
Visual imagery selectively reduces vernier acuity.

Mental imagery interferes with perception. This, an example of the ‘Perky effect’, was studied for vernier acuity. Mean accuracy for reporting the offset of vertical line targets declined from 80% ...
Eclampsia as a possible risk factor for persistent trophoblastic disease

Twenty cases of hydatidiform mole complicated by eclampsia with adequate postevacuation follow-up are identified in a review of the literature since 1866. The clinical presentation of each of these patients is reviewed with particular attention to the existence of known risk factors for persistent trophoblastic disease. After excluding 3 women with coexisting fetus and 2 others who were treated initially with a total abdominal hysterectomy, it was discovered that 14 of the remaining 15 women developed persistent trophoblastic disease. This frequency of persistent trophoblastic disease is greater than can be explained based on previously described risk factors and suggests that the occurrence of eclampsia may be an independent risk factor for persistent trophoblastic disease.
Reproductive performance of turkey hens as influenced by hormone implants 1

1. Large White turkey hens were implanted with silicone capsules containing either cholesterol (control), progesterone, 17‐β oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1) or a combination of progesterone and E2. Egg production and fertility were measured. Blood samples were collected weekly for measurement of progesterone by radioimmunoassay. 2. Progesterone alone caused a several‐fold increase in serum progesterone concentrations initially and significantly depressed egg production. Simultaneous administration of E2 significantly decreased progesterone concentration, but did not ameliorate the decrease in egg production. 3. There were significant positive correlations between serum progesterone concentration and egg production in control birds and those receiving E2 and E1. There was no significant correlation between progesterone concentration and fertility. 4. The results indicated that, within the physiological range, higher progesterone concentrations are associated with higher egg production. However, maintenance ...
The Visitation of Sarah Wight: Holy Carnival and the Revolution of the Saints in Civil War London

Historians of English Puritanism concede that by the 1650s the revolution of the saints had run its course. The political activism of the Presbyterians, Independents, and radical sects during the war gave way in the Interregnum period to more private concerns of personal and collective piety. The pattern of changing popular mood in an unstable political environment is clear enough, but the social meanings of religion as devotional practice are more obscure. Lost in the historical analysis is the realization that piety is an expressive form of communication in the politics of social life. In times of militant controversy the public role of piety is more obviously ideological, and devotional literature achieves publicity in the sense of promoting sectarian reformation. From this perspective, I shall focus on Henry Jessey's The Exceeding Riches of Grace Advanced (London, 1647) and will place it in the context of the art of dying (ars moriendi) tradition and of factional pluralism in civil war London. The story of Sarah Wight's illness and conversion experience attempted to unify religious and political divisions in a crucial revolutionary year. Within a traditional framework of devotional literature, Jessey communicated a political message. Sarah Wight herself was not a passive recipient of ministerial advice, but an influential teacher of radical theology. In fact, it was the customary form of the artes moriendi tradition that allowed her conversion to become an occasion for lay preaching.
Turning the tables: learning from students about teaching CS1

Programming has a central role in the computing curriculum, and introductory programming classes have been extensively studied in the computer science education literature. However, most of the studies focus on the effectiveness of various pedagogical approaches on student learning and engagement, and relative little attention is paid to faculty development. The gap in the literature puts CS1 faculty interested in effectively implementing innovative pedagogical approaches in a difficult situation. This article argues that taking a behaviorist approach to the CS1 classroom can provide much-needed feedback. Students provide instructors with one of the best sources of information about effective programming instruction, both with respect to pedagogical approaches and with respect to less formal issues such as classroom management, student-faculty interactions, and course policies. Faculty who choose to listen and learn from the comments made by their CS1 students will find a wealth of information to guide them in their development as instructors.
Prednisone on the threshold of rational use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

This is a review of the evolution of the use prednisone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cortisone was introduced in 1949 and shortly thereafter, the Mayo investigators found that low divided doses with slow tapering were effective and caused fewer side effects. In 1959, a British double blind 2 year study of prednisolone treatment in early RA demonstrated effectiveness and reduced bony erosions. This experience was lost over time and empiricism and efforts to reduce side effects dominated practice for the next 35 years. Since 1995, a number of controlled studies of low single daily doses of prednisone in early RA have been reported by European investigators. They have shown clinical improvement, reduced bony erosions, augmentation of the effect of dmards and few side effects. During the last 25 years, the molecular actions of glucocorticoids have been elucidated. The time relationship of the dose to the biologic and clinical effects has been established. As a result of the information on the diurnal effect of glucocorticoids and the documentation of the effect occurring 5-6 hours after the dose and dissipating by 24 hours, a delayed release preparation of prednisone has been developed. With the rediscovery of the effectiveness of low single daily morning dose of prednisone in early RA by controlled studies and the demonstration of the onset and duration of the clinical effect of low dose of prednisone, it is now possible to use low doses of prednisone rationally and effectively in the treatment of RA. It remains to be determined whether a single morning, single evening or a twice a day low dose is the most effective and safe. It is doubtful if the new delayed release prednisone is any more effective than the usual immediate release prednisone if given at the same time.
Are frequent computer users more satisfied

Abstract Whether increased usage of computer-based information systems (CBIS) results in improved end-user satisfaction is investigated. Data collected from 98 end users in 12 organizations indicate that as an aggregate both the frequency of on-the-job CBIS use and the proportion of total time spent using CBIS on the job are positively correlated with end-user satisfaction. For upper level managers, the higher the frequency of computer use per week, the more satisfied they are with their information systems. However, for lower level managers, it is not the frequency but the amount of time spent using computers that correlates significantly with their satisfaction level. This information in conjunction with the nature of the information systems (monitor, exception, inquiry, and analysis) that an organization provides to its users, could be pivotal in designing improved measures of end-user satisfaction.
Design Of An Obstacle Avoidance System For AIMS

The Advanced Integrated Maintenance System (AIMS) is a remote maintenance system that uses a dual-arm teleoperator to control the Advanced Servomanipulator (ASM). Although, the ASM was designed for nuclear fuel reprocessing, it can provide a testbed for space telerobotics (space servicing and assembly). The objective of this project is to design and implement a generalized capability for automatic path-planning and obstacle avoidance during motion of the manipulator transporter (overhead crane and main manipulator shaft) from one work location in the hotcell to another. The work is to be accomplished in two phases. In the first phase, the transporter will move in a known world. In the second phase, sensor data will be used to update and verify the world model and the system will have the capability to avoid unexpected obstacles. This paper describes the design and initial development of a system for phase one. The phase one system will have three components: operator interface, navigation code, and hardware interface. The operator interface will be the most complex part of the system and will have three components: display, goal editor, and geometry editor. The display will allow the AIMS operator to view a three dimensional representation of the location of the ASM in the hotcell. The goal editor will allow the operator to define a goal for the ASM. The geometry editor will display the geometry of the hotcell and allow the operator to add or remove objects from the geometry. The navigation code will explore the geometry and define a clear path from the current position to the goal. The hardware interface will monitor the position of the ASM and send signals to the existing transporter control system and to the display.
Is there a “hydrophobic effect”?

Abstract This paper presents facts that disagree with the hypothesis of “a hydrophobic effect.”
The zooarchaeology of Bonneville Estates Rockshelter: 13,000 years of Great Basin hunting strategies

Abstract Bonneville Estates Rockshelter (eastern Nevada) preserves a record of changing hunting patterns from the Paleoindian to the ethnohistoric periods. Diachronic changes in hunting patterns at Bonneville Estates, as well as a host of other cave and open-air sites from the Great Basin are compared with eight broad climatic phases recognized in the Great Basin. Recent studies of large-scale artiodactyl trapping structures and projectile point frequencies present a more complete picture of long-term shifts in hunting strategies in the Great Basin. Overall, there is much variability in the hunting of large and small game through time at individual sites, suggesting that local environmental and social conditions exerted considerable influence in micro and macro scale hunting patterns across the Great Basin. Creating an “average” Great Basin hunter by combining all the data analyzed here suggests limited artiodactyl hunting during the Paleoindian period followed by an upward trend in large game hunting through time. There is no significant drop in artiodactyl hunting intensity at any time over the last 5000 to 6000 years, despite major changes in climate and technology.
Ventricular septal defect with the "two-chambered right ventricle".

Abstract Hearts with ventricular septal defect may undergo division of the right ventricle into two chambers. Recent observations indicate that this division can be caused by congenital, aberrant, hypertrophie muscle bundles that cross the main channel of the ventricular cavity. The degree of obstruction presents a continuum of from nil to severe. Clinical, hemodynamic, angiocardiographic and postmortem data are described in a patient who not only had ventricular septal defect with a “two-chambered right ventricle”, but in whom shunt operations apparently permitted survival after complete closure of the pathway connecting the two chambers.
UNANOVA: An unweighted-means analysis of variance program for the Tl-59 programmable calculator

A recent article demonstrated that the usefulness of the Texas Instruments (TI) advanced programmable calculators is not restricted to data analysis, but rather, it extends to data acquisition and control of experimental events (Robinson, 1979). Despite the flexibility and power of these calculators, and although a variety of statistical programs are available via the TI solid state program modules, the flexibility of software to perform analysis of variance (ANOVA) is severely limited. The program described here permits the calculator to be used to conduct an ANOVA on completely randomized factorial designs, with equal or unequal group sizes. The program was written for the TI 59 calculator, and it will print the results.' Program Description. The program performs an unweighted-means analysis of variance (UNANOVA) on any completely randomized singleor multiplefactor design (nonhierarchical). The number of crossed variables is limited in the maximum number of groups that may be entered. Specifically, this maximum is defined by the equation,
Polar-from the top down

Abstract The Polar spacecraft plays a key role in the Inter Agency Solar Terrestrial Physics Program, whose primary objective is to acquire a global understanding of the flow of energy, momentum and mass through the Sun-Earth connected system. With its high apogee over the northern polar region it is positioned to observe many phenomena associated with coupling between the solar wind, the polar magnetosphere, the geomagnetic tail and the ionosphere and atmosphere below. Its full complement of space plasma instruments and three auroral imagers represent the state-of-the-art in experimental capabilities. Participation in the Polar mission is open to all scientists, both to affect the operation of the spacecraft to collect data for particular science problems, and to lead the analysis of data pertaining to identified geophysical events. Considerable information to aid scientific participation is available on the world wide web.
Medication supply chain management through implementation of a hospital pharmacy computerized inventory program in Haiti

Background : In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, St. Luke Hospital was built to help manage the mass casualties and subsequent cholera epidemic. A major problem faced by the hospital system was the lack of an available and sustainable supply of medications. Long-term viability of the hospital system depended largely on developing an uninterrupted medication supply chain. Objective : We hypothesized that the implementation of a new Pharmacy Computerized Inventory Program (PCIP) would optimize medication availability and decrease medication shortages. Design : We conducted the research by examining how medications were being utilized and distributed before and after the implementation of PCIP. We measured the number of documented medication transactions in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 as well as user logins to determine if a computerized inventory system would be beneficial in providing a sustainable, long-term solution to their medication management needs. Results : The PCIP incorporated drug ordering, filling the drug requests, distribution, and dispensing of the medications in multiple settings; inventory of currently shelved medications; and graphic reporting of ‘real-time’ medication usage. During the PCIP initiation and establishment periods, the number of medication transactions increased from 219.6 to 359.5 ( p =0.055), respectively, and the mean logins per day increased from 24.3 to 31.5, p <0.0001, respectively. The PCIP allows the hospital staff to identify and order medications with a critically low supply as well as track usage for future medication needs. The pharmacy and nursing staff found the PCIP to be efficient and a significant improvement in their medication utilization. Conclusions : An efficient, customizable, and cost-sensitive PCIP can improve drug inventory management in a simplified and sustainable manner within a resource-constrained hospital. Keywords : computer program; pharmacy; inventory; medication management system; global health inventory system solution (Published: 22 January 2015) Citation : Glob Health Action 2015, 8 : 26546 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v8.26546
Why Are There So Many Lawyers? Perspectives on a Turbulent Market

The venerable legal profession has emerged, over the past generation, as one of the nation's fastest growing occupations. In this paper, we suggest that this fact is not mere happenstance, but is part and parcel of other fundamental changes in the “legal services industry.” We attempt to define and clarify these changes by presenting time series data on a number of these developments, including the growth of law as an economic sector, the increasing concentration of law firm activity, and income trends among lawyers. We then offer a simplified demand and supply analysis of the market for lawyers, concluding that several interrelated factors fostered the lawyer boom. In the paper's final sections, we speculate about the forces causing a spiraling demand for legal services and a growing inequality of incomes between the elite firms and sole practitioners.
Graphene Oxide Sheets Chemically Cross-Linked by Polyallylamine

We report that a homogeneous aqueous colloidal suspension of chemically cross-linked graphene oxide sheets was generated by addition of polyallylamine to an aqueous suspension of graphene oxide sheets followed by sonication of the mixture. This is the first example for producing a homogeneous colloidal suspension of cross-linked graphene sheets. As a demonstration of the utility of such a colloidal suspension, “paper” material samples made by simple filtration from such a suspension of cross-linked graphene oxide sheets showed excellent mechanical stiffness and strength.
Balloon Valvuloplasty of Aortic Valve Stenosis in Childhood: Midterm Results in a Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Background: Balloon valvuloplasty was established as an alternative to surgery for treatment of aortic valve stenosis in childhood. Acute complications after balloon dilatation including aortic insufficiency or early death were described. Aim of Work: To analyze early outcome and midterm results of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in Children’s Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt. Subjects and Methods: Between April 2005–June 2008, all consecutive patients of age <8 years treated for aortic valve stenosis (AVS) with BAV were analyzed retrospectively. The study included 21 patients; 17 males, and 4 females. Their age ranged from the neonatal period to 10 years (mean age 5.6 ± 3.7 years). Patients with gradient ≥50 mmHg and aortic valve insufficiency (AI) up to grade I were included. All patients had isolated aortic valve stenosis except 3 patients (14.3%) had associated aortic coarctation. Six patients (28.6%) had bicuspid aortic valve. All patients had normal myocardial function except one (4.8%) had FS 15%. The duration of follow up was (mean ± SD: 18.5 ± 11.7 months). Results: Femoral artery approach was used in 20 patients (95.2%) and carotid artery in one neonate (4.8%). Balloon/annulus ratio was 0.83 ± 0.04. Significant reduction in pressure gradient was achieved (mean 66.7 ± 9.8 mmHg to 20.65 ± 2.99 mmHg) (P <0.001). Nine patients (42.8%) developed grade I AI, 2 patients (9.5%) developed grade II AI and 1 patient (4.8%) developed grade III AI. Two early deaths (9.5%); one died due to heart failure caused by grade IV AI and a neonate died because of severely compromised LV function. One patient (4.8%) had femoral artery occlusion necessitating anticoagulation. Patients remained free from re-intervention during follow up. Conclusion: Balloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve stenosis significantly reduces gradient with low morbidity and mortality in children.
Nanokelvin thermometry at temperatures near 2 K

We present a method of temperature measurement based on a liquid3He vapor pressure thermometer with a resolution of one part in 109 of the absolute temperature over the range from 1.6 to 2.2 K. The thermometer, as well as apparatus suitable for the assessment of the resolution and stability of the device, are described in detail. A method for the determination of a fixed point on the temperature scale with a resolution of 2×10−9 is presented. Two different procedures for monitoring the long-term stability of the thermometer are discussed. The present resolution and stability of the thermometer are an improvement by two orders of magnitude over conventional germanium resistance thermometry. Although this performance level is adequate for presently planned phase transition experiments using liquid4He, future improvements by yet another order of magnitude seem feasible and will bring the device within an order of magnitude of the thermal noise limit.
Characterization of salivary proteins in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract Parotid saliva of patients with Sjogren's syndrome was subjected to disc electrophoresis. The protein distribution in the saliva of the patients with Sjogren's syndrome was compared with the protein distribution in the saliva of a control group. More anode-migrating protein was found in the patients with Sjogren's syndrome, as well as less amylase, and these differences were possibly significant. There was no difference in the content of protein remaining near the cathode in the salivas of the two groups. Samples of parotid saliva from a group of patients with Sjogren's syndrome and from a control group were subjected to radial quantitative immunodiffusion. There was no significant difference in the amount of IgG, IgA, and IgM in the two groups.
Predictors of Onset of and Recovery from Mobility Difficulty among Adults Aged 51–61 Years

Relative to information on activities of daily living, information regarding the onset of and recovery from mobility difficulty has been limited. Drawing upon data gathered from 6,376 self-respondents aged 51-61 years at baseline (1992) who were successfully reinterviewed in 1994 as part of the Health and Retirement Survey, the authors were able to build upon and add to knowledge gained from previous studies of the onset of and recovery from mobility difficulty. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to separate the direct and indirect effects of predictors of mobility difficulty onset and recovery at 2-year follow-up. To separate direct and indirect effects, the authors categorized various predictors as being related to sociodemographic factors, economic factors, health behavior, chronic disease, or physical impairment, and the categories were sequentially incorporated into a series of equations. The order in which the predictors were incorporated into the equations followed from a theoretical model of the disability process. In this study of mobility difficulty, the strongest direct predictors of recovery were having little baseline difficulty and the absence of diabetes mellitus, lung disease, and frequent pain. The strongest direct predictors of onset were female sex, less education, low net worth, lack of private health insurance, obesity, and frequent pain. Few indirect predictors for either onset or recovery were identified. Predictors of recovery were few and differed from predictors of onset. Further efforts are needed to identify modifiable predictors among females, persons with few economic resources, and those with frequent pain.
A strategy for establishing mode of action of chemical carcinogens as a guide for approaches to risk assessments.

Abstract The current standard approach for assessing carcinogenic potential is to conduct a near lifetime rodent pathology study with the high dose set to the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the test chemical. The linearized multistage model is then used as the default approach to estimate the potential human cancer risk at environmental levels of the chemical. There is an increasing appreciation in the scientific and regulatory communities that chemical carcinogens differ dramatically in potency, exhibit a high degree of tissue and species specificity, and act through different modes of action. This paper advocates a decision tree strategy for classifying carcinogens that are acting primarily through genotoxic, cytotoxic, or mitogenic pathways. A primary concern is whether the chemical has direct genotoxic potential resulting from DNA reactivity or clastogenicity of the compound or its metabolite(s). Knowledge of the exposure-response curve for cytotoxicity is important because initiation and promotion events may occur secondary to a variety of associated activities such as regenerative cell proliferation. Mitogens induce direct stimulation of growth and may provide a selective growth advantage to spontaneously initiated precancerous cells. Of particular concern is the situation where pathological changes induced during the course of the treatment at high doses near the MTD are absent at lower, environmentally relevant, doses. If the tumor response is coincident with the preceding toxic response, it may not be justified to use the high-dose data in extrapolating to expected responses at low environmental exposures where no induced tissue abnormalities occur. Suggestions are presented for appropriate risk assessment approaches for different modes of action. Examples discussed are formaldehyde, a weakly genotoxic rodent nasal carcinogen; chloroform, a nongenotoxic-cytotoxic rodent liver and kidney carcinogen; and phenobarbital, a nongenotoxicmitogenic rodent liver carcinogen.
Race Trumps Gender?: Women, African Americans, and the Senate Confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas

In this article the authors examine with greater precision the impacts of various constituencies in the struggle over the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Using multivariate logistical regression models, they challenge the conventional interpretation that racial constituency concerns "trumped" gender constituency concerns in the voting decisions of senators. Rather, their findings indicate that senators from states with more professionalized female workforces were more, not less, likely to vote in favor of Thomas's confirmation. In a concluding section, they provide an explanation for these findings and discuss their implications.
Clinical and radiographic degenerative spondylolisthesis (CARDS) classification.

Abstract Background context Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a common, acquired condition leading to disabling back and/or leg pain. Although surgery is common used to treat patients with severe symptoms, there are no universally accepted treatment guidelines. Wide variation in vertebral translation, disc collapse, sagittal alignment, and vertebral mobility suggests this is a heterogeneous disease. A classification scheme would be useful to differentiate homogenous subgroups that may benefit from different treatment strategies. Purpose To develop and test the reliability of a simple, clinically useful classification scheme for lumbar DS. Study design Retrospective case series. Patient sample One hundred twenty-six patients. Outcome measures Proposed radiographic classification system. Methods A classification system is proposed that considers disc space height, sagittal alignment and translation, and the absence or presence of unilateral or bilateral leg pain. Test cases were graded by six observers to establish interobserver reliability and regraded in a different order 1 month later to establish intraobserver reliability using Kappa analysis. To establish the relative prevalence of each subtype, a series of 100 consecutive patients presenting with L4–L5 DS were classified. Results Four radiographic subtypes were identified: Type A: advanced Disc space collapse without kyphosis; Type B: disc partially preserved with translation of 5 mm or less; Type C: disc partially preserved with translation of more than 5 mm; and Type D: kyphotic alignment. The leg pain modifier 0 denotes no leg pain, 1 denotes unilateral leg pain, and 2 represents bilateral leg pain. The Kappa value describing interobserver reliability was 0.82, representing near-perfect agreement. Intraobserver reliability analysis demonstrated Kappa=0.83, representing near-perfect agreement. Grading of the consecutive series of 100 patients revealed the following distribution: 16% Type A, 37% Type B, 33% Type C, and 14% Type D. Conclusions A new radiographic and clinical classification scheme for lumbar DS with high inter- and intraobserver reliabilites is proposed. Use of this classification scheme should facilitate communication to enhance the quality of outcomes research on DS.
Glutamine and glutamic acid uptake by rat renal brushborder membrane vesicles.

Glutamine uptake by rat renal brushborder vesicles occurred via two distinct saturable processes withK m values of 0.145 and 8.5 mM which were stimulated by both ionic and sodium gradients with a pH optimum of 6.8–7.1 Glutamic acid uptake also occurred by a two-component system withK m values of 0.016 and 3.60 mM. Both components were stimulated specifically by a sodium gradient. The lowK m system for glutamic acid had a pH optimum of 7.2–7.4. Glutamine entry at 0.06 mM was inhibited by a variety of amino acids at 3 mM, including dibasic amino acids, glycine, valine, and phenylalanine. Glutamic acid entry at 0.06 mM was inhibited 20–30% by 3 mM phenylalanine, valine, α-aminoisobutyric acid, and glutamine. No metabolic alteration of glutamic acid was observed on incubation with membrane vesicles, but glutamine was significantly hydrolyzed to glutamic acid upon prolonged incubation. Hydrolysis of glutamine was negligible at 15 sec incubation which was employed for measurement of initial rate of entry. These studies provide support for the existence of an uptake system in the brushborder of the renal proximal tubule cell capable of handling the reabsorption of glutamine normally present in glomerular filtrate.
Development of SZ-slotted rod cable with 4-fiber ribbons for access network

The new aerial self-supporting optical cables have been developed. This cables have the excellent structure for the mid span access operation from the installed cable on the aerial environment. New aerial SZ-slotted rod cables including 4-fiber ribbons have been designed, manufactured, and tested. The new cable indicated the stable characteristics in mechanical tests and environmental tests.
Abdominoplasty with Total Abdominal Liposuction for Patients with Massive Weight Loss

Massive weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with significant skin excess, laxity, and ptosis over the abdomen. Good results have been achieved with abdominoplasty and circumferential lipectomy. However, blood transfusions are sometimes needed, and patients may require long hospital stays. Furthermore, morbidity rates are high. Total abdominal liposuction performed with abdominoplasty allows for the preservation of lymphatic vessels below Scarpa’s fascia and eliminates the need for upper flap undermining. This study aimed to evaluate this technique in patients with anterior abdominal redundancy attributable to massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. The charts of 60 patients treated between December 2001 and October 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had undergone previous bariatric surgery as well as subsequent total abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty. The average amount of wetting solution used was 3.1 l, and the average total aspirate was 2.5 l. The mean pannus weight was 3,649 g, and the average dimension was 48 × 25 × 6 cm. No patient required a blood transfusion. The median in-hospital stay was 1 day, with 42% of the patients treated as outpatients. The median follow-up period was 3 months. Morbidity was 22%. Factors associated with the development of complications were weight of the pannus, transverse dimension of the pannus, and body mass index. All the patients were satisfied with the results. Total abdominal liposuction followed by abdominoplasty is adequate treatment for anterior abdominal redundancy for patients with massive weight loss.
WE-C-332-09: Effect of Massive-Training ANNs On the Performance of a CAD System On “missed” Polyps in CT Colonography

Purpose: A major challenge in computer‐aided detection (CAD) of polyps in CT colonography (CTC) is the detection of “difficult” polyps which radiologists are likely to miss. Our purpose was to develop a CAD system incorporating massive‐training artificial neural networks (MTANNs) for the detection of polyps and evaluate its performance on polyps “missed” by radiologists in a large multicenter clinical trial. Method and Materials: Our database consists of CTC scans obtained from a multicenter clinical trial in which 15 leading medical institutions participated nationwide. For testing our CAD system, we randomly selected 14 polyps/masses in 14 patients that were “missed” by radiologists in the trial. Lesion sizes ranged from 6–35 mm, with an average of 10 mm. We developed a CAD system consisting of 1) colon segmentation based on CT value‐based analysis and colon tracing, 2) detection of polyp candidates based on morphologic analysis on the segmented colon, 3) calculation of 3D pattern features of the polyp candidates, and 4) classification of the polyp candidates as polyps or non‐polyps by use of a classifier. We tested two different classifiers for step 4): quadratic discriminant analysis based on the pattern features and our original 3D MTANNs. Results: With our CAD system based on quadratic discriminant analysis, we achieved 43% (6/14) by‐patient sensitivity with 5.6 (78/14) false positive detections (FPs) per patient for the 14 “missed” polyps in a leave‐one‐lesion‐out test. We replaced quadratic discriminant analysis with 3D MTANNs, and obtained 71.4% (10/14) sensitivity with 4.8 (67/14) FPs per patient. Conclusion: The performance of 3D MTANNs was superior to that of quadratic discriminant analysis. With our CAD system based on the 3D MTANNs, 71.4% of polyps “missed” by radiologists in the multicenter clinical trial were detected correctly, with an FP rate of 4.8 FPs per patient.
Students’ sense-making frames in mathematics lectures

Abstract The goal of this study is to describe the various ways students make sense of mathematics lectures. Here, sense-making refers to a process by which people construct personal meanings for phenomena they experience. This study introduces the idea of a sense-making frame and describes three different types of frames: content-, communication-, and situating-oriented. We found that students in an abstract algebra class regularly engaged in sense-making during lectures on equivalence relations, and this sense-making influenced their note-taking practices. We discuss the relationship between the choice of frame, the students’ sense-making practices, and the potential missed opportunities for learning from the lecture. These results show the importance of understanding the ways students make sense of aspects of mathematics lectures and how their sense-making practices influence what they might learn from the lecture.
Influenza A virus infection of primary differentiated airway epithelial cell cultures derived from Syrian golden hamsters

The ability of several different influenza A virus strains to infect and replicate in primary, differentiated airway epithelial cell cultures from Syrian golden hamsters was investigated. All virus strains tested replicated equivalently in the cultures and displayed a preference for infecting nonciliated cells. This tropism correlated with the expression of both alpha2,3- and alpha2,6-linked sialic acid on the nonciliated cells. In contrast, the ciliated cells did not have detectable alpha2,6-linked sialic acid and expressed only low amounts of alpha2,3-linked sialic acid. In contrast to clinical isolates, laboratory strains of influenza A virus infected a limited number of ciliated cells at late times post-infection. The presence of alpha2,3- and alpha2,6-linked sialic acid residues on the same cell type suggests that Syrian golden hamsters and differentiated airway epithelial cell cultures derived from hamsters may provide a system for studying the reassortment of influenza A virus strains which utilize different forms of sialic acid as a primary virus receptor.
Tears of the pectoralis major muscle

Nine athletes (men, 22 to 40 years old) who sustained tears of the pectoralis major muscle are described. Four were treated by the authors and five patients' cases were reviewed from records of orthopaedic surgeons for the National Football League. Eight of the nine patients sustained tears from excessive tension; one was involved in an automobile accident and sustained a direct blow. Five patients were treated conservatively and obtained good results (normal range of motion, mild pain, and weakness). They agreed that they could not return to their previous athletic functional ability. The other four were treated surgically and obtained excellent results (normal range of motion, excellent strength). They were able to return to vigorous athletic performance.
Mechanisms of cell injury and death.

Control of the rate of cell death relative to the rate of cell division maintains organ integrity and physiological homeostasis. Cell death is valuable for the organism because it removes terminally injured or unwanted cells that utilize valuable substrates and nutrients. Likewise, cell death also has value for the species, as it provides a mechanism for eliminating terminally injured individuals who consume necessary societal resources or harbour toxic pathogens. Recent advances in cellular biology have contributed substantially to our understanding of the processes of cell injury and death, and have provided the molecular tools necessary to control it. This paper reviews cell injury and adaptation; mechanisms of cell death; the roles of cell injury and death in the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction; and implications for prevention and therapy of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
Characterization of a C3-like cDNA in a coral: phylogenetic implications

C3, C4, and C5 are thiolester-containing proteins (TEPs) of vertebrate complement. The identification of the molecular origin of the TEP family, and more specifically the ancestor protein of complement components C3, C4, and C5, remains a fundamental question. The prevailing paradigm suggests that duplication and divergence of these proteins occurred after the deuterostome split in phylogeny. It is believed that the ancestor of thiolester-containing complement proteins was alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)-like, a noncomplement-related protein. Here we describe a C3-like cDNA from a gorgonian coral, Swiftia exserta. This study provides evidence for the origins of a complement-related C3-like gene in the Precambrian period, predating both protostomes and deuterostomes. Furthermore, one may speculate that complement-like opsonic reactions were evolving at the earliest stages of metazoan evolution. This calls for a reassessment of the present concepts concerning the origins and evolution of TEPs.
ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC SECRETORY ANTIBODY |[lpar]|Ab|[rpar]| RESPONSE FOLLOWING RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS |[lpar]|RSV|[rpar]| INFECTION IN INFANTS

We examined nasal secretions (NS) of 13 patients (pts) age 1-8 months (mos) hospitalized with acute RSV infection for IgA Ab to the surface glycoproteins (66K and 84K) and nucleocapsid protein (NCP) of RSV. Acute and convalescent (conv) NS (obtained 3-17 days (d) after initial NS) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using individual mouse monoclonal Abs (RSV Long strain) to 66K, 84K, and NCP and RSV hyperimmune horse serum (HARS) as capture Abs. Competition assays demonstrated that the antigens captured in this system were specific for each monoclonal Ab used. Total IgA Ab to RSV measured by HARS showed a ≥ 3-fold rise in Ab titer in 9/13 pts. Ab rise (≥ 3-fold) to 66K (fusion) glycoprotein occurred in 5/13 pts; 84K, 3/13 pts; and NCP, 6/13 pts. Ab rise was most striking in the 7 pts with later conv NS (≥ 6 d after acute NS). All but the youngest (1 mo) of these 7 pts had a ≥ 3-fold rise in total RSV Ab measured by HARS capture. Three, 2, and 4 of these pts had Ab rises to the 66K, 84K, and NCP respectively. Only 2/13 pts, both aged 1 mo, had no detectable RSV-specific Ab in NS. Ab rise in the remaining pts could not be explained by differences in IgA content between acute and conv NS. We conclude that monoclonal Ab capture ELISA can be used to detect class-specific Ab in infant NS and that infants recovering from RSV make IgA Ab to NCP and both surface glycoproteins.
Improving program comprehension by combining code understanding with comment understanding

Existing source code-based program comprehension approaches analyze either the code itself or the comments/identifiers but not both. In this research, we combine code understanding with comment and identifier understanding. This synergistic approach allows much deeper understanding of source code than is possible using either code or comments/identifiers alone. Our approach also allows comparing comments to their associated code to see whether they match or belong to the code. Our combined approach implements both our heuristic code understanding and the comment/identifier understanding within the same knowledge base inferencing engine. This inferencing engine is the same used by an earlier well tested, mature comment/identifier-based program understanding approach.
Obesity-associated systemic interleukin-6 promotes pre-adipocyte aromatase expression via increased breast cancer cell prostaglandin E2 production

Obesity is associated with a worse breast cancer prognosis, particularly in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive, postmenopausal patients. We hypothesized that this is mediated in part by an elevation in breast cancer cell cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production that results in greater local pre-adipocyte aromatase expression. We utilized an in vitro model of the obese patient’s tumor microenvironment in which cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells and pre-adipocytes were exposed to pooled serum from obese (OB; BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) or normal weight (N; BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) postmenopausal women. Exposure to OB versus N sera significantly increased MCF-7 cell COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Pre-adipocyte aromatase expression was 89 % greater following culture in conditioned media (CM) from MCF-7 cells exposed to OB versus N sera (OB-CM and N-CM, respectively), a difference nullified by MCF-7 cell treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Previous analysis of the sera revealed significantly higher interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations in the OB versus N samples. Depletion of IL-6 from the sera neutralized the difference in pre-adipocyte aromatase expression stimulated by OB-CM versus N-CM. Finally, CM from pre-adipocyte/MCF-7 cell co-cultures exposed to OB sera stimulated greater MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell ERα activity and proliferation in comparison to N sera. This study indicates that obesity-associated systemic IL-6 indirectly enhances pre-adipocyte aromatase expression via increased breast cancer cell PGE2 production. Investigation regarding the efficacy of a COX-2 inhibitor/aromatase inhibitor combination therapy in the obese postmenopausal patient population is warranted.
Handling the subclassing anomaly with Object Teams

Existing Java software or libraries can evolve via subclassing. Unfortunately, subclassing may not properly support code adaptation when there are dependencies between classes. More precisely, subclassing in collections of related classes may require reimplementation of otherwise valid classes. This problem is defined as the subclassing anomaly, which is an issue when software evolution or code reuse is a goal of the programmer who is using existing classes. Object Teams offers an implicit fix to this problem and is largely compatible with the existing JVM's. In this paper, we evaluate how well Object Teams succeeds in providing a solution for a complex, real world project. Our results indicate that while Object Teams is a suitable solution for simple examples, it does not meet the requirements for large scale projects. The reasons why Object Teams fails in certain usages may prove useful to those who create linguistic modifications in languages or those who seek new methods for code adaptation.