cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Techniques Of Tissue Harvest In Head And Neck Reconstruction

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a revolutionary method of performing complex invasive procedures with minimal direct surgical exposure. This type of surgery requires specially designed instruments and video imaging of the surgical field. A variety of surgical specialties are developing MIS procedures with anticipated decreased morbidity and cost of surgery. At the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, we have explored the use of these techniques to harvest jejunal segments and the rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi muscles, donor tissues useful in head and neck reconstruction. It is possible to successfully harvest these flaps using MIS, thus making available the potential benefits of MIS to head and neck cancer patients.
Response to Letter by Dr. Lipetz

Dear Editor, We appreciate the points made by Dr. Lipetz. In fact, we are in agreement with Dr. Lipetz in that we feel moderate sedation is generally not required and may indeed be over utilized for these procedures. Large studies have demonstrated high patient satisfaction despite not using sedation. [1] In our study only a minority of patients actually received sedation (214/6,364 or 3.36%), and we believe this is further evidence that the vast majority of patients do not require any form of sedation for the majority of these procedures. We are also in agreement that the decision to use moderate sedation should not be made without careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, both of which must be understood. Fortunately there were no serious complications involved in any of the 214 cases that utilized moderate sedation, however, the use …
Making Music in the Polish Tatras: Tourists, Ethnographers, and Mountain Musicians

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Timothy J. Cooley Year: 2005 Pages: 320 Publisher: Indiana University Press ISBN: 978-0-253-34489-2 (hard cover). Prices: $45.00 USD(hard cover).
Fusion welding of age-hardenable superalloys.

Wrought superalloys fusion welding behavior, discussing hot cracking, hot microfissuring and strain age cracking
RNAseq-ing a more integrative understanding of animal behavior

Burgeoning sequencing technologies are driving a genomic revolution that provides the potential for a deeper and more integrative understanding of animal behavior. Behavioral traits are likely to result from epistatic relationships among genes, and techniques like RNA sequencing (RNAseq) can bring us closer to understanding these systems. RNAseq can reveal all mRNA produced at a specific sampling point, exposing correlations between genes or genetic networks and behavioral phenotypes. This technology is becoming increasingly available to biologists studying nontraditional model organisms and can unearth important species-specific genetic regulators and interactions that may have been previously overlooked with only candidate gene investigations. Initial description of gene expression associated with a given behavior, followed by hypothesis-driven approaches and experimental manipulations, can now provide one of the most in-depth explorations of bidirectional interactions between genes and animal behavior.
VLSI implementation of rotations in pseudo-Euclidean spaces

Digital feedback is at the heart of implementations of many functions and can be used for the evaluation and application of rotations in definite and indefinite metrics. The CORDIC algorithms exploit this concept to perform rotations in two dimensions. These algorithms are analyzed as a first step before extending them to higher dimensions. A side result of this analysis is the simultaneous reduction of the number of steps and the enlargement of the domain of convergence of the algorithms. A few guidelines for their extension and a worked out three-dimensional example are then presented.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA replication and gene expression during explant-induced reactivation of latently infected murine sensory ganglia.

Abstract Infectious virus assays and PCR amplification of DNA and RNA were used to investigate herpes simplex virus DNA replication and gene expression in two murine in vitro models for virus reactivation. We examined latent infections with wild-type (wt), precisely defined latency-associated transcript-negative (LAT-) mutants, and LAT+ rescuants of these mutants of the 17syn+ strain of virus in both murine trigeminal and lumbosacral ganglia and of the KOS(M) strain in the latter. In explants of ganglia latently infected with the LAT- mutant of strain 17syn+ virus, a reduction in number of cultures exhibiting cytopathic effects due to virus reactivation and measurable delays in virus recovery were observed compared with wt or the LAT+ rescuant. This LAT-specific effect was not seen in explants of lumbosacral ganglia latently infected with mutants derived from the KOS(M) strain of virus. Although there was appreciable variation between individual animals, no significant difference between LAT+ and LAT- virus in time of onset of viral DNA replication in explanted ganglia was seen with use of either virus strain. There was a slight decrease in the relative amount of viral DNA recovered compared with internal cellular controls in latently infected ganglia harboring the LAT- mutant of 17syn+ compared with the wt virus or the LAT+ rescuant. This reduced relative amount ranged from 0 to as much as 50% but averaged 20%. Such differences were not seen in infections with KOS(M)-derived mutants. In contrast, although expression of productive-cycle transcripts could be detected within 4 h following explant cultivation of latently infected ganglia, no differences between LAT+ and LAT- viruses could be seen. As discussed, these data place specific constraints on possible models for the role of LAT expression in in vitro reactivation systems.
In vivo biotinylation and capture of HIV-1 matrix and integrase proteins.

Abstract This report describes the adaptation of the biotin ligase BirA—biotin acceptor sequence (BAS) labeling system to biotinylate specific human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) proteins in vivo. Two HIV-1 clones were constructed, with the BAS introduced into the matrix region of gag or the integrase region of pol . Specific biotinylation of target proteins in virions was observed when molecular clones were co-expressed with BirA. Both BAS-containing viruses propagated in SupT1 T-cells although replication of the integrase clone was delayed. Further studies demonstrated that the integrase insertion yielded an approximate 40% reduction in single-round infectivity as assessed on MAGI-5 indicator cells, as well as in the in vitro integration activity of preintegration complexes extracted from acutely infected C8166-45 T-cells. Biotinylation of the integrase BAS tag furthermore rendered this virus non-infectious. The matrix viral clone by contrast displayed wild-type behavior under all conditions tested. These results therefore establish a system whereby biotinylated matrix protein in the context of replication-competent virus could be used to label and capture viral protein complexes in vivo.
In vivo distribution of surface-modified PLGA nanoparticles following intravaginal delivery

Intravaginal (ivag) delivery, which is a proven way to confer local protection against STDs contracted via the reproductive tract, is complicated by the mucus gel barrier, the hormone cycle, and the harsh mucosal environment that leads to low residence-time for administered agents. Polymer delivery vehicles may be useful in overcoming these barriers. In this study, we explored the fate of nanoparticles (NP) made from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) in the mouse reproductive tract after ivag delivery. The nanoparticles were modified to display avidin (Avid-NP) or 2 kDa PEG (PEG-NP) on their surface. Vaginal retention fractions for both muco-adhesive Avid-NP and stealthy PEG-NP were 5× higher than unmodified PLGA particles (NP). The amount of particles associated with mucus differed across formulations (Avid-NP>NP>PEG-NP). PEG-NP was found at higher concentration in the tissue than Avid-NP and NP up to 6h after delivery, and particles were found within epithelial cells, the underlying submucosal stromal and fibroblast cells of the vaginal tissue. Our results demonstrate that surface properties of nanoparticles can impact their fates following ivag delivery. Moreover, we show that the muco-evasive PEG-modified nanoparticles are the most effective among the delivery vehicles tested for this application.
Memory for truths and falsehoods

Three experiments were carried out to determine whether recognition memory was more efficient for true statements (on the basis of the subjects’ stable body of knowledge) than for false statements. The first two experiments did not show any difference. In a third experiment, the distractors were structured to prevent subjects from responding on the basis of the familiarity of individual component words rather than on the basis of the complete sentences. This experiment showed a clear difference between sentence classes, with true sentences remembered more accurately and faster than false sentences. The data fit, in general, the hypothesis that true sentences are doubly represented in memory. The relation of these findings to the findings on the effects of encoding tasks is also noted.
National HPCC Software Exchange (NHSE): Uniting the High PerformanceComputing and Communications Community

The National HPCC Software Exchange (NHSE) is a Web-based resource for promoting software sharing and reuse within and between the High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) community including the HPCC agencies. The NHSE also facilitates the development of discipline-oriented, software repositories while promoting contributions to, and use of, such repositories by the HPCC. As part of the sharing process, the NHSE provides information about software and software-related artifacts, which include algorithms, specifications, designs, and software documentation. This paper describes the methods being utilized to achieve such promotion and sharing of software. The NHSE's goal is to decrease the development time of high performance applications while simultaneously reducing software duplication as well as time spent locating relevant software information.
Minimally invasive resynchronization pacemaker: a pediatric animal model.

Purpose We developed a minimally invasive epicardial pacemaker implantation method for infants and congenital heart disease patients for whom a transvenous approach is contraindicated. The piglet is an ideal model for technical development. Description In 5 piglets we introduced a needle through subxiphoid approach under thoracoscopic guidance, inserting a wire into the pericardial space. Pacing leads were affixed to the left ventricular free wall and left atrial appendage. After verifying functionality with atrial and ventricular pacing and sensing, animals were euthanized. Pacemaker monitoring occurred daily for 4 days in the fifth animal. Evaluation Through minimally invasive pericardial access, we directly visualized and fixated pacing leads to the left ventricle and left atrial appendage, successfully pacing atrium and ventricle. Epicardial structures were visualized. One piglet had contralateral pneumothorax, which resolved with needle decompression. No other adverse events occurred. Conclusions Minimally invasive epicardial pacemaker implantation in an infant model is feasible and effective. This innovation may be of value for pacing and resynchronization in infants and congenital heart disease patients. Survival studies with permanent generator implantation are under way.
Oxidative coupling of porphyrins using copper(II) salts

A method for radical coupling of porphyrins using copper(II) salts as one-electron oxidants was developed. A Zn(II)-porphyrin bearing an aminophenyl group yielded porphyrin oligomers, and two tri-arylporphyrins were oxidized to form doubly and triply linked dimers. Bromination of doubly linked dimers gave macrocycles with twisted skeletons.
Deduction of arbitrary excitation temperatures for various analyte species in inductively coupled plasmas from vertically-resolved emission profiles

Abstract Vertically resolved profiles of excitation temperature (Texc) are derived using emission profiles from Fe I, Cr I, Mn I, Ba II and Ca II lines from an argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP). A calculation method is described with which the spatial behavior of Texc and the adherence of excited state populations to a Boltzmann distribution can be studied without transition probabilities for the lines monitored. In general, the various species all yield a hump-shaped Texc profile with maximum Texc at or near the peak of the intensity profile for “hard” lines. However, the Texc values obtained vary between species and also between energetically-different excited states of the same species, which indicates that the excited state populations deviate from a Boltzmann distribution.
Carbonate-Melt Oxidized Iridium Wire for pH Sensing

A new approach to the preparation of an iridium oxide film for pH sensing is demonstrated. A thick, uniform and dense ceramic oxide layer was grown on the surface of an iridium wire by oxidizing the wire in a molten alkali metal carbonate at high temperature. The alkali metal ion from the carbonate melt was incorporated into the oxide, resulting in a highly stable oxide compound. After treated in acid solution, the oxide layer became hydrated. SEM, XRD, TGA and element analysis were carried out to characterize the oxide film, and a possible formula of the oxide was computed as Li0.86IrO2.34(OH)0.76⋅0.39H2O. The electrode made with this new type of oxide film exhibited good pH sensitivity and stability, even in strong acid/base solutions, or in strong corrosive solution such as hydrofluoric acid. Furthermore, the electrode showed excellent long-term stability over the test period of two and a half years. In addition, individual electrodes prepared from the same batch exhibited remarkable agreement with respect to potential/pH slopes and apparent standard electrode potentials. The performance of the electrodes depends on the properties of the oxide film, such as composition, hydration state and oxidation state.
A Dynamic Algorithm for Distributed Feedback Control for Manufacturing Production, Capacity, and Maintenance

We propose a dynamic algorithm for distributed feedback control which unifies the functions of production and maintenance scheduling at the shop floor level, and machinery capacity control at the CNC level, which are usually considered in isolation in practice. A continuous-time control theoretic approach is used to model dynamics of these three functions in a unified manner, considering stochastic machine failures and a corresponding maintenance interval. Theories of nonlinear control and discontinuous differential equations are used to analytically predict the system dynamics including the resulting discontinuous dynamics.
Smoking is Good for You: Absence, Presence, and the Ecumenical Appeal of Indian Islamic Healing Centers

Fans of the 1977 Indian film Amar Akbar Anthony will perhaps recall the scene in which the blind mother of the three separated-in-childhood sons miraculously regains her vision in a S?? B?b? shrine while her Muslim son, Akbar, leads a remarkably unanimated crowd in a song in praise of the B?b?.2 While the devotees' general lack of interest in the miracle is a bit surprising, it is not surprising that this healing happened in an ambiguously Muslim space. Ambiguously Muslim places of healing?darg?hs, rauz?s, and im?mb?r?s?are ubiquitous features of the Indian landscape, and they attract pilgrims from every major religious tradition of the subcontinent. The ambiguously Muslim space of healing analyzed in this article is a place named Husain Tekr?, which commands a fairly wide-ranging reputation in the healing circuit of northern India, attracting Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Jain pilgrims from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Maharashtra,
Ossification of the human stylohyoid ligament: A longitudinal study

We report the results of a longitudinal radiographic study of ossification of the stylohyoid ligament in a sample of patients treated for minor malocclusions. The results suggest that the vast majority of ossified sites in the stylohyoid ligaments are established during childhood and adolescence. The mean length of the sites shows a fairly rapid, linear increase with age until the end of adolescence; any further increase is nonlinear and occurs at a much slower rate. In young individuals the ossified sites were predominant in the superior part of the ligament. With increasing age ossified sites became prevalent also in other parts of the ligament. Ossified sites in the inferior part close to the hyoid bone were more common than previously reported.
DETERMINATION, BY KOHONEN NETWORK, OF THE GENERATOR COHERENCY IN DYNAMIC STUDIES

ABSTRACT For on-line security assessment, mere is a need for a tool which, during a disturbance, will quickly recognize impacted system components. A Kohonen artificial neural network is described which can be used for coherency identification among generators. Additional information provided by this method makes it better than the conventional approach used to identify coherency for dynamic equivalencing. The method is tested on two representative power systems.
Precise and imprecise somatic excision of the transposon Tc1 in the nematode C. elegans.

Abstract Eleven chromosomal products of somatic excision of Tc1 transposable elements have been cloned and sequenced. The cloning method did not involve genetic reversion; therefore the products analyzed should be representative. Six empty religated target sites were from excision of one Tc1 element inserted near actin genes on linkage group V; five were from a second Tc1 element inserted elsewhere on the same linkage group. All six products from the first element were identical in sequence to an empty target site from a second strain, indicating excision had been precise. Two of the products from the second element were also precise, whereas the other three contained four extra nucleotides at the point of excision, indicating an imprecise excision. The four nucleotides are the same in all cases and could represent two terminal nucleotides of the transposon plus a two-nucleotide target site duplication. The difference in the ratio of precise to imprecise excision at the two insertion sites suggests a possible chromosomal position effect on the pathway of Tc1 somatic excision.
Keeping quiet: microRNAs in HIV-1 latency

MicroRNAs contribute to HIV-1 latency in resting T cells. This finding could potentially be used in the development of therapies targeted to purge the latent reservoir in an effort to clear the body of virus (pages 1241–1247).
How important is rigid proctosigmoidoscopy in localizing rectal cancer

Abstract Background Colonoscopic localization of rectal and rectosigmoid tumors may be inaccurate. Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy has been suggested as an adjunctive technique to accurately localize rectal tumors as it may alter treatment options. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with rectal and rectosigmoid cancer from 2001 to 2006. Patients were stratified into 1 of 4 anatomic regions based on colonoscopic localization of the tumor. The distances of the tumor from the anal verge by colonoscopy were compared with distances obtained via rigid proctosigmoidoscopy. Results Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy localization likely changed the treatment options in 21% of lower rectal tumors, 14% of middle rectal tumors, 38% of upper rectal tumors, and 29% of rectosigmoid tumors. Overall, this modality impacted 25% of patients. Conclusions Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy localization of rectal tumors can significantly change treatment options and should be performed on all patients with colonoscopic localization of a cancer thought to be in the rectosigmoid or rectum.
Retardation of shoot growth and promotion of tuber growth of potato plants by paclobutrazol

The relationship between shoot growth and tuber yield in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Russet Burbank) was studied under greenhouse conditions using paclobutrazol [(2R,3R + 2S,3S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(l,2-4-triazol-l-yl)-pentan-3-ol), PP333], a growth retardant. Concurrent with reduction of stem elongation by the application of paclobutrazol to base of the main stem was a decrease in the dry weight of the shoot and an increase in the dry weight of the tuber. The inhibitory effect of paclobutrazol on stem elongation was reversed by gibberellic acid A3 (GA3). Leaf content of raffinose sugar and chlorophyll increased upon paclobutrazol treatment.
Aluminum oxide tunnel barriers for single electron memory devices

We report measurements on single electron memory devices where the memory island, a floating gate, is charged through aluminum oxide tunnel barriers, fabricated through plasma oxidation of aluminum and atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide. These devices are characterized at 300 mK and show a definite threshold for tunneling through the oxide barriers indicating a potential for nonvolatile memory.
Metabolic and endocrine alterations in osteosarcoma patients.

Eighteen patients with primary osteosarcoma were studied for abnormal endocrinologic functions. Oral glucose tolerance tests revealed abnormal glucose, insulin, or growth hormone response curves in 78% of the study population. Elevated somatomedin values were noted in 72% of the patients tested. No significant deviations were observed in serum cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels. Likewise, lipid screening and 24 hour 17-hydroxy and 17-keto steroid excretion levels were normal. Statistically these derangements were unrelated, leading to the hypothesis that some additional factor or factors are present and responsible for the abnormalities noted. These deviations, found in association with primary osteosarcoma, constitute a new "paraneoplastic syndrome."
Working Memory Capacity and Fluid Intelligence Are Strongly Related Constructs: Comment on Ackerman, Beier, and Boyle (2005)

The authors agree with P. L. Ackerman, M. E. Beier, and M. O. Boyle (2005; see record 2004-22408-002) that working memory capacity (WMC) is not isomorphic with general fluid intelligence (Gf) or reasoning ability. However, the WMC and Gf/reasoning constructs are more strongly associated than Ackerman et al. (2005) indicate, particularly when considering the outcomes of latent-variable studies. The authors' reanalysis of 14 such data sets from 10 published studies, representing more than 3,100 young-adult subjects, suggests a strong correlation between WMC and Gf/reasoning factors (median r=.72), indicating that the WMC and Gf constructs share approximately 50% of their variance. This comment also clarifies the authors' "executive attention" view of WMC, it demonstrates that WMC has greater discriminant validity than Ackerman et al. (2005) implied, and it suggests some future directions and challenges for the scientific study of the convergence of WMC, attention control, and intelligence.
Singular factorial designs resulting from missing pairs of design points

Abstract In industry, experiments are often conducted sequentially due to equipment limitations dictating that only one or two simultaneous runs may be made. In this situation, early termination of the experiment results in missing points, leading to a loss in efficiency or, worse, to a singular subdesign with nonestimable model parameters. We investigate the specific problem of singularity when two points are lost from a factorial design based on n two-level factors. The method is based on the inner products of the coordinate vectors of the omitted design points and leads to some results on the nonexistence of fractional factorial designs.
Evaluation of the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe. Part III: Time Response and Laser Inhomogeneity Limitations

Abstract The electronic response time of the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe (FSSP) has been evaluated and is shown to affect the measurement of droplet size. The size of droplets are underestimated when airspeeds exceed 50 m s−1 and size distributions are broadened as a result of nonuniformities in the laser beam of the probe. A processing scheme that requires a detailed knowledge of a probe's optical and electronic characteristics is described that compensates for the measurement errors caused by the probe's electronic and optical limitations.
Molecular studies on trypanothione reductase, a target for antiparasitic drugs.

Abstract Trypanosoma and Leishmnia are parasitic protozoa that cause a variety of diseases, which include African sleeping sickness and oriental sore. Attempts to determine pharmaceutically exploitable differences between host and parasite biochemistry have identified the unique trypanothione pathway as a possible target. This pathway includes the enzyme trypanothione reductase, the parasite analogue of glutathione reductase.
Pharmacological Promotion of Autophagy Alleviates Steatosis and Injury in Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Conditions in Mice

Background & Aims Pharmacological approaches can potentially improve fatty liver condition in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. The salutary effects of reducing lipid synthesis or promoting lipid oxidation have been well reported, but the benefits of increasing lipid degradation have yet to be well explored. Macroautophagy is a cellular degradation process that can remove subcellular organelles including lipid droplets. We thus investigated whether pharmacological modulation of macroautophagy could be an effective approach to alleviate fatty liver condition and liver injury. Methods C57BL/6 mice were given ethanol via intraperitoneal injection (acute) or by a 4-week oral feeding regime (chronic), or high fat diet for 12weeks. An autophagy enhancer, carbamazepine or rapamycin, or an autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, was given before sacrifice. Activation of autophagy, level of hepatic steatosis, and blood levels of triglycerides, liver enzyme, glucose and insulin were measured. Results In both acute and chronic ethanol condition, macroautophagy was activated. Carbamazepine, as well as rapamycin, enhanced ethanol-induced macroautophagy in hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo . Hepatic steatosis and liver injury were exacerbated by chloroquine, but alleviated by carbamazepine. The protective effects of carbamazepine and rapamycin in reducing steatosis and in improving insulin sensitivity were also demonstrated in high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver condition. Conclusions These findings indicate that pharmacological modulation of macroautophagy in the liver can be an effective strategy for reducing fatty liver condition and liver injury.
The Current State of Mental Health Research on Asian Americans

Summary A review of research reveals that the prevalence rates of depression, somatization, and posttraumatic stress disorder among Asian Americans are at least as high as those for White Americans, and, in many cases, higher rates are exhibited. Findings with respect to anxiety have been equivocal. The conclusion that is best supported by research at this time is that Asian Americans are not extraordinarily well adjusted, in contrast to their stereotype as a model ethnic minority group. What has hindered researchers in determining the rates and distributions of mental disorders among Asian Americans has been methodological and conceptual problems. These problems involve (a) making cross-cultural comparisons using assessment instruments that have been standardized on one group and applied to another and (b) phenomena unique to Asian Americans, including their population size, heterogeneity, and rapid demographic changes. Suggestions for research directions are given.
Teachers’ use of linguistic scaffolding to support the academic language development of first-grade emergent bilingual students

Research suggests that teachers need to scaffold emergent bilingual students as they develop the complex language associated with school success. This may especially be true in dual language settings, where children are learning two languages simultaneously. In this study, therefore, I investigate the linguistic scaffolding practices of first-grade dual language teachers as they support academic language development for their Spanish-dominant students. Academic language is viewed not only as a set of linguistic components but also as a way of accomplishing certain functions and participating in context-reduced communication. Findings indicate that teachers engage in scaffolding both within and across lessons, providing insights into ways teachers can support academic language development for emergent bilingual students in general.
A revolution for aging research

In the year 1992, two publications on age-specific mortality rates revealed a cessation of demographic aging at later ages in very large cohorts of two dipteran species reared under a variety of conditions. Despite some initial concerns about possible artifacts, these findings have now been amply corroborated in the experimental literature. The eventual cessation of aging undermines the credibility of simple Gompertzian aging models based on a protracted acceleration in age-specific mortality during adulthood. The first attempt to explain the apparent cessation of aging was extreme lifelong heterogeneity among groups with respect to frailty. This lifelong heterogeneity theory assumes an underlying Gompertzian aging affecting every member of an adult cohort, with a merely apparent cessation of aging explained in terms of the increasing domination of a slowly aging group among the survivors to late ages. This theory has received several experimental refutations. The second attempt to explain the cessation of aging applied force of natural selection theory. This explanation of the cessation of aging has been corroborated in several Drosophila experiments. In particular, this theory requires that both age-specific survival and age-specific fecundity cease declining in late life, which has now been experimentally established. This theory also predicts that the timing of the cessation of aging should depend on the last age of reproduction in a population's evolutionary history, a prediction that has been corroborated. While lifelong heterogeneity should reduce average age-specific mortality in late life whenever it is pronounced, the cessation of aging in late life can be explained by plateaus in the forces of natural selection whether lifelong heterogeneity is present or not. The discovery that aging ceases is one of the most significant discoveries in recent aging research, with potentially revolutionary scientific implications.
Muscle sympathetic responses during orthostasis in heat-stressed individuals

Purpose Whole-body heat stress compromises the control of blood pressure during an orthostatic challenge, although the extent to which this occurs can vary greatly between individuals. The mechanism(s) responsible for these varying responses remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the individuals who are best able to tolerate an orthostatic challenge while heat stressed are the ones with the largest increase in sympathetic activity during orthostasis, indexed from recordings of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA).
HLH proteins, fly neurogenesis, and vertebrate myogenesis

Yuh Nung Jan and Lily Yeh Jan Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Departments of Physiology and Biochemistry University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, California 94143-0724 Remarkable similarities between the molecular mecha- nisms underlying Drosophila neurogenesis and vertebrate myogenesis have surfaced in recent studies. Transcription regulators that contain the helix-loop-helix (HLH) motif have been implicated in determining cell fate in both verte- brate and invertebrate development. For example, MyoD and related HLH proteins specify muscles in vertebrates, whereas achaete, scute, and other HLH gene products regulate the first steps of neural development in Dro- sophila. Specification of Neural Precursors in the Drosophila Wing imaginal Disc The early events of Drosophila neurogenesis are illus- trated in Figure 1. First, proneural genes are expressed in undifferentiated ectodermal cells (proneural clusters) (Cubas et al., 1991; Skeath and Carroll, 1991). These proneural genes are so named because they endow the cells that express them with the potential of developing into neural precursors (Ghysen and Dambly-Chaudiere, 1989); the location where proneural genes are expressed determines where the nervous system forms. Then, a sin- gle cell (or a subset of cells) from the proneural cluster expresses the proneural gene at a much higher level than the surrounding cells and becomes a neural precursor (Cubas et al., 1991; Skeath and Carroll, 1991). Other cells from the cluster are prevented from taking on the neural precursor fate, via a process of lateral inhibition that re- quires the function of neurogenic genes (reviewed by Ghysen et al., 1993). The proneural gene expression is transient; all neural precursors then show exclusive ex- pression of a panel of genes called neural precursor genes, which probably control differentiation of neural pre- cursors, their progeny, or both. Neural precursor specification has been characterized extensively in the wing imaginal disc, which gives rise to the wing and the thorax of the fruit fly. achaete and scute are proneural genes expressed in proneural clusters of the wing disc and are required for the formation of macro- chaetae (large sensory bristles) on the thorax. achaete and scute can each regulate the expression of the other. initially, some proneural clusters of the wing disc express achaete and others express scure. However, eventually both achaete and scufe are expressed in all proneural clusters of the wing disc (Martinez and Modolell, 1991). A subset of macrochaetae arises from proneural clusters that express achaete first; loss of achaete function re- moves both achaete and scute expression in these proneural clusters, leading to the elimination of precursors for those macrochaetae. A different subset of macrochae- tae arises from proneural clusters that express scute first
A Geospatial Approach for Assessing Groundwater Vulnerability to Nitrate Contamination in Agricultural Settings

Groundwater is the principal source of drinking water for at least one third of Earth’s human inhabitants. Thus, protection of groundwater is a critical issue in many locales. Nitrates and other contaminants that impact human health are of particular concern. Mapping of aquifer vulnerability to pollution is a critical first step in implementing groundwater management protection programs; however, mapping is often constrained by generalizations inherent in model formulation and availability of data. In this study, a groundwater vulnerability model, which employs data extracted from widely available national and statewide geospatial datasets, is used to evaluate regional groundwater pollution risk in the Elkhorn River Basin, Nebraska, USA. The model, implemented in a geographic information system (GIS), is specifically structured to address risks of nitrate contamination in agricultural landscapes; thus, land use is a key factor. Modeled groundwater vulnerability was found to be positively correlated with nitrate concentrations obtained from sampled wells. The results suggest that the approach documented here could be used effectively to model regional groundwater pollution risk in other areas.
Gelatin sponge in therapeutic neuroradiology: a subject review

Gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) has been used extensively in transcatheter vascular occlusions. Its main disadvantage has been its biodegradable characteristics. In the present era of multiple and various embolic agents, the use of Gelfoam in therapeutic transvascular embolization is reevaluated. Its use as microparticles to obtain occlusion at the precapillary or capillary level in neoplastic conditions, or as a temporary block to protect normal territory, and its use in the control of hemorrhage are discussed.
Internationalizing the Marketing Curriculum: The Professional Marketer's Perspective

The authors surveyed professional members of a national marketing association who had designated international marketing as a field of interest. Respondents rated the skills and knowledge areas that a student should possess to be successful as an international marketing executive. In addition, the respondents also indicated those regions of the world, cultural differences, and languages that a student should study in order to function effectively as an international marketing manager. A case is made for using the impact approach for international curriculum development, and an illustration is given of its use in designing a major international business program.
Trust and Obligation-Ascription

This paper defends the view that trust is a moral attitude, by putting forward the Obligation-Ascription Thesis: If E trusts F to do X, this implies that E ascribes an obligation to F to do X. I explicate the idea of obligation-ascription in terms of requirement and the appropriateness of blame. Then, drawing a distinction between attitude and ground, I argue that this account of the attitude of trust is compatible with the possibility of amoral trust, that is, trust held among amoral persons on the basis of amoral grounds. It is also compatible with trust adopted on purely predictive grounds. Then, defending the thesis against a challenge of motivational inefficacy, I argue that obligation-ascription can motivate people to act even in the absence of definite, mutually-known agreements. I end by explaining, briefly, the advantages of this sort of moral account of trust over a view based on reactive attitudes such as resentment.
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in E-Markets: A PLS Path Modeling Approach

This research investigates the factors that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty in e-markets. Employing qualitative interviews and field research, we identify key factors that drive customer satisfaction in e-businesses and use the partial least squares path modeling technique to evaluate their effect. Six factors are found to significantly affect satisfaction in e-businesses: adaptation, commitment, network, assortment, transaction ease, and engagement. Further, we discover that the positive effect of satisfaction on loyalty is moderated by customer trust and inertia. At lower levels of inertia and trust, customer satisfaction has a greater effect on loyalty. Actionable recommendations are provided for e-business managers to enhance customer satisfaction.
Critical factors for the long-term management of child abuse

Successful treatment of abusive parents and their children requires accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, the well-coordinated combinations of innovative treatment modalities, and special skills and qualities in the therapist. Unless all three of these critical factors are present, the long-term management of child abuse within a particular family will be less than optimal. TOday, I will address the first two factors: that is, diagnosis and treatment modalities, rather briefly, for these topics will be more thoroughly discussed by others of you later in this conference. Instead, I will concentrate on the special skills and qualities of the therapist and also some of the very personal problems that the therapist must face when dealing with these families. Once a country or community gets past its denial that child abuse and neglect could occur among its people (for it is always someone else's problem), the diagnosis of child abuse is not exceedingly difficult to make. If a multidisciplinary team thoroughly evaluates a family and their total situation, they will know what is wrong. What to do with the family is a more serious dilemma most places. Innovative treatment programs for parents ind children have been found to be successful whether the family be in Denver, Colorado; rural Iowa; London, or Amsterdam. It has been demonstrated that abusive parents can benefit from casework services, lay therapy, individual psychotherapy, marital counseling, visiting nurse services, group treatment (including self-help groups), parent counseling, and crisis hotlines. Abused children can benefit from specialized pediatric services, therapeutic day care and playschool programs, individual and group psychotherapy and crisis nurseries. The family can be treated as a unit with family therapy, residential family therapy, or interventions directed at parentchild interactions. These modalities are most successful when utilized in combinations.
The potential of optical coherence tomography for diagnosing meniscal pathology

Meniscal tears are often associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and may lead to pain and discomfort in humans. Maximal preservation of meniscal tissue is highly desirable to mitigate the progression of osteoarthritis. Guidelines of which meniscal tears are amenable to repair and what part of damaged tissues should be removed are elusive and lacking consensus. Images of microstructural changes in meniscus would potentially guide the surgeons to manage the meniscal tears better, but the resolution of current diagnostic techniques is limited for this application. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the diagnosis of meniscal pathology. Torn medial menisci were collected from dogs with ACL insufficiency. The torn meniscus was divided into three tissue samples and scanned by OCT and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). OCT and SEM images of torn menisci were compared. Each sample was evaluated for gross and microstructural abnormalities and reduction or loss of birefringence from the OCT images. The abnormalities detected with OCT were described for each type of tear. OCT holds promise in non-destructive and fast assessment of microstructural changes and tissue birefringence of meniscal tears. Future development of intraoperative OCT may help surgeons in the decision making of meniscal treatment.
Identifying Substance Abuse Issues in High Schools: A National Survey of High School Counselors

High school students consistently report the use of substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. One of the people they would talk to about a substance use problem is their school counselor. A survey study was conducted with a national sample of 289 high school counselors. Results indicated that participants were clearly able to identify their practice limitations and future training needs in this area. Implications for training and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Effect of acute L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine and electrolyte ingestion on cognitive function and reaction time following endurance exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine dipeptide (AG) on cognitive function and reaction time (RT) following endurance exercise. Twelve male endurance athletes (23.5 ± 3.7 y; 175.5 ± 5.4 cm; 70.7 ± 7.6 kg) performed four trials, each consisting of running on a treadmill at 70% of VO2max for 1h, then at 90% of VO2max until exhaustion. One trial consisted of no hydration (DHY), another required ingestion of only a sports electrolyte drink (ED) and two trials required ingestion of a low dose (LD; 300 mg·500 ml −1 ) and high dose (HD) of AG (1 g·500ml −1 ) added to the ED. Cognitive function and reaction tests were administered pre- and post-exercise. Magnitude based inferences were used to analyze Δ cognitive function and Δ reaction test data. Results indicated that DHY had a possible negative effect on number of hits in a 60-sec reaction test compared to LD and HD, while ED appeared to have a negative effect compared to HD. Analysis of lower body quickness indicated that LD and HD were likely improved in comparison to DHY. Performance on the serial subtraction test appeared to be possibly better in ED than DHY, while other comparisons between groups regarding cognitive function were unclear. In conclusion, rehydrating with AG during submaximal exercise may maintain or enhance subsequent RT in upper and lower body activities compared to DHY. These same effects were not apparent when participants consumed ED.
The Use of Acoustic Emission in a Test for Beam Lead Bond Integrity

The use of Acoustic Emission (AE) in a test for beam lead bond integrity has been investigated. AE refers to emission of broad band stress waves when materials are broken, cracked, or deformed. A major problem in the present work was to develop means of nondestructively stressing the delicate, irregularly extending beam leads. The most promising of the methods developed are a silicone rubber (SR) pull test, a push down test on SR encapsulated devices, and various probe methods of applying force to the beams without contacting the chip. AE bursts from weak bonds or beam anchors are detected with a substrate detector operating at 375 kHz or a probe detector operating at 1.1 MHz or both. The study has revealed considerable differences in the mechanical integrity of beam lead bond-anchor systems. General deterioration of the beam-anchor system begins at pull forces per beam of from approximately 1.0 to 2.5 gf, depending on the manufacturer's procedure. The forces applied to the beam-anchor system for all methods of stressing, except the pull test, are dependent upon the shape of the individual beams as they extend from the chip, as well as the uniformity of the bugging height. There are many other potential uses of AE in electronics, such as to insure the bonding integrity of flip chips, capacitor chips in hybrids, and bonds on automated tape-bonded integrated circuits. The latter two uses were experimentally demonstrated in the present work.
Relationship between river size and nutrient removal

[1] We present a conceptual approach for evaluating the biological and hydrological controls of nutrient removal in different sized rivers within an entire river network. We emphasize a per unit area biological parameter, the nutrient uptake velocity (nf), which is mathematically independent of river size in benthic dominated systems. Standardization of biological parameters from previous river network models to nf reveals the nature of river size dependant biological activity in these models. We explore how geomorphic, hydraulic, and biological factors control the distribution of nutrient removal in an idealized river network, finding that larger rivers within a basin potentially exert considerable influence over nutrient exports. Citation: Wollheim, W. M.,
Amorphization and crystallization processes of the ball-milled Al–Y–Fe–TM alloys (TM = Ni, Co, Cu, and Fe)

High-energy ball milling was used to synthesize aluminum-based alloys containing amorphous and nanocrystalline phases to investigate the compositional effects of transition metals (TM) on the amorphization and crystallization processes of the ball-milled Al{sub 85}Y{sub 7}Fe{sub 5}TM{sub 3} alloys (TM = Ni, Co, Cu, and Fe) were investigated. The crystallization kinetics of the ball-milled Al-Y-Fe-TM nanocomposite powders were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC results of Al{sub 83}Y{sub 7}Fe{sub 5}Ni{sub 5} show that the crystallization temperature and the activation energy of crystallization are 668 K and 310 kJ/mol, respectively. In-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction showed that the crystallization was a complex process involving growth of the nanocrystalline phase along with crystallization of the amorphous matrix phase.