cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endorectal ultrasound detection of focal carcinoma within rectal adenomas.

Abstract Background The misdiagnosis of a rectal adenoma by biopsy and subsequent finding of invasive cancer after transanal excision is associated with a number of pitfalls. Problems include suboptimal therapy for a potentially curable cancerous lesion, potential tumor transgression of the local site with increased chance for local recurrence, and increased potential for more radical surgery or adjuvant chemoradiation. The utility of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) in guiding treatment decisions of rectal villous adenomas has been reported, but series are small and are from single institutions. To determine the utility of ERUS in the diagnosis of rectal adenomas, we compared diagnosis made by biopsy alone to diagnosis made by a combination of biopsy and ERUS. Methods A systematic literature review was performed by way of a PubMed search to find articles with the following terms: “biopsy-negative rectal adenomas,” “preoperative ERUS diagnosis,” and “surgical histopathology.” Five studies met the criteria, thus providing data for 258 adenomas. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed on the data. Results Among the 258 biopsy-negative rectal adenomas, 24% had focal carcinoma on histopathology. ERUS correctly established a cancer diagnosis in 81% (95% confidence interval 69 to 90) of these misdiagnosed lesions. Thus, ERUS diagnosis of biopsy-negative rectal adenomas could be expected to decrease the need for additional surgery and other associated problems caused by misdiagnosis from 24% to 5%. Conclusions ERUS is a useful adjunct to biopsy in the preoperative workup of rectal villous adenomas, and we recommend its routine use. Accurate preoperative assessment allows the surgeon to counsel the patient appropriately regarding the best operation, the perioperative risks, and the chances of local recurrence.
Odor Threshold and Gas-Chromatographic Assays of Vaginal Odors: Changes with Nitrofurazone Treatment

Although vaginal disorders are frequently accompanied by malodors, the efficiency of drugs to reduce the malodors by reducing the infection has been difficult to estimate. Recently, techniques have become available for combining sensory and gaschromatographic approaches to compare odor intensities of complex vapor mixtures. These techniques were applied to vaginal odors. An apparatus was devised to collect vaginal vapors in a form suitable for odor-revelant gas-chromatographic analyses, as well as for odor-threshold determinations. Odor changes in vaginal vapors upon treatment with nitrofurazone vaginal suppositories were studied on five patients with several types of disorders (hematuria, endometritis, and stress incontinence). The distribution of odorous components in the gas chromatograms reflected, through disappearance of many malodorous peaks, a significant reduction in the content of the malodorous volatile compounds in the vaginal vapors. Odor-threshold measurements were conducted in an apparatus where nonodorous methane tracer and a hydrogen-flame ionization detector were used to measure the degree of vapor dilution needed to reach the threshold, using the ASTM odor-threshold test design combined with ED50 statistics. These measurements similarly indicated that odors were reduced by the drug.
Sensory neuroanatomy of a skin-penetrating nematode parasite: Strongyloides stercoralis. I. Amphidial neurons

The Strongyloides stercoralis infective larva resumes feeding and development on receipt of signals, presumably chemical, from a host. Only two of the anterior sense organs of this larva are open to the external environment. These large, paired goblet-shaped sensilla, known as amphids, are presumably, therefore, the only chemoreceptors. Using three-dimensional reconstructions made from serial electron micrographs, amphidial structure was investigated. In each amphid, cilialike dendritic processes of 11 neurons extend nearly to the amphidial pore; a twelfth terminates at the base of the amphidial channel, behind an array of lateral projections on the other processes. A specialized dendritic process leaves the amphidial channel and forms a complex of lamellae that interdigitate with lamellae of the amphidial sheath cell. This "lamellar cell" is similar to one of the "wing cells" or possibly the "finger cell" of Caenorhabditis elegans. Each of the 13 amphidial neurons was traced to its cell body. Ten neurons, including the lamellar cell, connect to cell bodies in the lateral ganglion, posterior to the nerve ring. The positions of these cell bodies were similar to those of the amphidial cell bodies in C.elegans. Therefore, they were named by using C. elegans nomenclature. Three other amphidial processes connect to cell bodies anterior to the nerve ring; these have no homologs in C. elegans. A map allowing identification of the amphidial cell bodies in the living worm was prepared. Consequently, laser ablation studies can be conducted to determine which neurons are involved in the infective process.
Discussion of integrated circuit (IC), multichip module (MCM), and MEMS applications fabricated through MOSIS

Since inception 16 years ago, the MOSIS Service at the Information Sciences Institute of the University of Southern California has processed over thirty thousand (30 K) IC Designs. Three years ago, it added access to commercial multichip module (MCM) fabrication through MIDAS. To the list of standard offerings, MOSIS now introduces back end processing of MOSIS custom VLSI circuits for both suspended structure and diaphragm style MEMS. MOSIS presents an array of high-end VLSI technologies from various domestic foundries' standard processes for prototype and small volume quantities. Thus designers can develop low-cost ICs, MCMs and (now) MEMS with a one-stop-shopping electronic commerce style service. MOSIS functions as a 'transparent' third party interface between design and fabrication. The service offers ease of use through supported standard cell libraries and design tools, and with Internet design submission. Sharing the costs of NRE, masks and fabrication provides a low cost environment for users. MOSIS handles the front-end foundry tasks of data preparation and mask fabrication with fixed domestic and international price lists. MOSIS utilizes volume production lines at AMI, HP, Orbit, Vitesse, and MicroModule Systems (MMS). This paper discusses what MOSIS offers to the VLSI design community, various applications fabricated through the service, as well as a conceptual design that draws from the various technologies discussed.
MULTI-DESTINATION, MULTI-PURPOSE TRIP CHAINING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR LOCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY: A SIMULATION APPROACH

A trip-chaining model is described and demonstrated. Based upon a distinction between fixed and discretionary travel destinations, a typology of chains is used to construct a set of available and likely trip chains. These chains are weighted—according to cost per trip, frequency of selection, and quality of destination opportunities—to produce a chain-based measure of locational accessibility. Simulations demonstrate the relationship between chaining behavior, urban land use organization, and site-specific locational advantage.
Reassessing Karnic: A Reply to Breen (2007)

The Karnic subgroup of Pama-Nyungan has had a complex history and despite 6 classifications there is little agreement about its internal composition beyond the lowestlevel groupings. Here I respond to Breen's (2007) criticisms of earlier classifications and discussion of subgrouping of ‘border’ languages such as Arabana-Wangkangurru and Garlali. I further make some methodological points regarding reconstruction and subgrouping.
Programmable bi-quad active filters for bio signal processing

The basic properties of the biquad active filters, are discussed along with the programmable features. Computer simulations and interactive software have been developed to help design the filter with given constraints and responses. The most important aspect of the variation of the filter response, as a function of the component variations, is presented. The practical aspects of a cascaded filter chain are analyzed. >
A double blind randomized placebo control trial of levetiracetam in tourette syndrome

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of levetiracetam for the treatment of tics in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). Levetiracetam, an atypical anticonvulsant, has been suggested in open-label protocols to be an effective tic-suppressing agent in individuals with TS. A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was performed to investigate this medication in children with moderate to moderately-severe tics. Subjects received, in a randomized sequence, 4-weeks of levetiracetam (maximum dose 30 mg/kg/day) or placebo, with a 2-week intervening washout period between cycles. Primary outcome measures included two separate scales from the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale; the Total Tic score and the Total overall score. Measures were assessed at baseline, prior to randomization, on Day 28 (end of Phase 1), on Day 42 (baseline for second phase) and on Day 70 (end of Phase 2). Twenty-two subjects (21 boys and 1 girl) with TS, mean age 12.2 +/- 2.3 years, range 8 to 16 years, participated. A mild reduction in tics occurred during both the levetiracetam and placebo treatment phases. There was no significant difference between treatments and no evidence of sequence or cross-over effects. In conclusion, Levetiracetam is not more beneficial than placebo in suppressing tics in children with TS.
A Proven Approach to Licensure

This article is about how counselor licensure is moving ahead slowly, and those who wish to promote licensure bills in the states need specific and workable “guidelines” for successful efforts.
Strain and species effects on the inhibition of hepatocyte intercellular communication by liver tumor promoters.

Abstract The effect of the liver tumor promoters phenobarbital (PB), 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichlorethane (DDT), and dieldrin on gap junction-mediated intercellular communication between primary cultured hepatocytes from male mice (B6C3F1), C3H, C57BL, and Balb c strains) and male F344 rats was determined. Intercellular communication was detected autoradiographically as the passage and incorporation of [5-3H]uridine nucleotides from prelabelled donor hepatocytes to donor-contacting recipient hepatocytes. At non-toxic concentrations, PB (20–500 μg/ml) inhibited intercellular communication between B6C3F1, C3H, and Balb c mouse hepatocytes and F344 rat hepatocytes, but not between C57BL mouse hepatocytes. DDT (1–10 μg/ml) inhibited intercellular communication between hepatocytes from all 4 strains of mice and the F344 rat. Dieldrin (1–10 μg/ml) inhibited intercellular communication between hepatocytes from the 4 strains of mice but not between rat hepatocytes. These findings showed a good correlation with the in vivo liver tumor promoting/hepatocarcinogenic actions of PB, DDT and dieldrin in the 4 mouse strains and the F344 rat strain.
Electron microscopic study on the epiplexus (Kolmer) cells of the cat choroid plexus

A light and electron microscopic study was made of the epiplexus (Kolmer) cells of the cat choroid plexus. These polymorphic, motile cells were typically found juxtaposed to the ventricular surface of the choroidal epithelium. They have many ultrastructural features in common with free macrophages of other systems, namely, an indented nucleus with condensed chromatin, sparse mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, multiple Golgi elements, microtubules, coated surface invaginations and microvesicles, and numerous membrane-limited vacuoles and lysosomal dense bodies. A unique feature of epiplexus cells is the manner in which they are anchored to the choroidal epithelium by the invagination of their surfaces by epithelial cell microvilli and cilia. Electron dense tracer particles (biological India ink, Thorotrast, ferritin) injected into the cerebral ventricles were ingested rapidly by epiplexus cells. Uptake of the particles was by way of coated surface invaginations which produced coated cytoplasmic microvesicles. Particle-containing microvesicles subsequently fused with each other and presumably also with pre-existent cytoplasmic vacuoles and lysosomal dense bodies to form storage vacuoles (phagosomes phagolysosomes and residual bodies). Present evidence suggests that epiplexus cells are of hematogenous origin. Under certain conditions these cells may detach from the surface of the choroid plexus to become free-floating cells in the various cerebrospinal fluid compartments of the brain.
1/f noise in HEMT-type GaAs FETs at low drain bias

Abstract The 1/f noise in HEMT-type GaAs FETs is calculated for low drain bias. It comes from 1/f type fluctuations in the series resistances RS and RD on the source and drain side of the channel, respectively, and 1/f type fluctuations in the device resistance RA. It is assumed that the latter is due to mobility fluctuation noise and that the former may either be due to number fluctuations or mobility fluctuations. It is demonstrated how one can experimentally discriminate between the two noise sources.
The Structural Gene for Tetanus Neurotoxin Is on a Plasmid

A pool of synthetic oligonucleotides was prepared based on the amino terminal amino acid sequence of tetanus toxin. This probe hybridized to plasmid DNA isolated from three toxigenic strains of Clostridium tetani but not to plasmid DNA from a nontoxigenic strain. These results show that the structural gene for the toxin is on the plasmid. The pCL1 plasmid from one of the toxigenic strains spontaneously deleted 22 kilobase pairs of DNA to form pCL2. Strains harboring this deleted plasmid are nontoxigenic. However, the probe mixture hybridized to pCL2, indicating that the DNA encoding the amino terminus of the toxin had not been deleted. Restriction endonuclease cleavage maps of pCL1 and pCL2 were constructed and indicate the approximate location and orientation of the structural gene for tetanus toxin.
The price of free software: Labor, ethics, and context in distance education

Abstract The use, development, and dissemination of open-source software (OSS) appears to be more in line with the liberatory, collaborative, epistemological ideals of institutions of higher learning than does commercial software. However, our primary and secondary research reveals that due largely to institutional pressures and labor issues, open source software options are often not explored or considered when teaching distance-learning writing courses. In this article, we compare open source and commercial content/course management options and demonstrate the benefits and problems of specific applications. Additionally, we discuss our results from case studies of four instructors who teach distance-learning writing courses. We detail what types of applications they use, the level of institutional support they receive, and the motivations for their choices of applications.
A high-performance explanation-based learning algorithm

Abstract The main contribution of this paper is a new domain-independent explanation-based learning (EBL) algorithm. The new EBL∗DI algorithm significantly outperforms traditional EBL algorithms both by learning in situations where traditional algorithms cannot learn as well as by providing greater problem-solving performance improvement in general. The superiority of the EBL∗DI algorithm is demonstrated with experiments in three different application domains. The EBL∗DI algorithm is developed using a novel formal framework in which traditional EBL techniques are reconstructed as the structured application of three explanation-transformation operators. We extend this basic framework by introducing two additional operators that, when combined with the first three operators, allow us to prove a completeness result: in the formal framework, every EBL algorithm is equivalent to the application of the five transformation operators according to some control strategy. The EBL∗DI algorithm employs all five proof-transformation operators guided by five domain-independent control heuristics.
5,5‘-Bridged Bis(1,2,3-dithiazoles): Spin States and Charge-Transfer Chemistry

Bifunctional 1,2,3-dithiazoles bridged with azine and phenylenediamine spacers have been prepared, with a view to determining the extent of communication between the two dithiazole rings as a function of the electronic and steric demands of the bridge. The crystal structure of the closed-shell diazine derivative [S2NClC2NNC2ClNS2] is rigorously planar. Cyclic voltammetry on this compound indicates two reversible one-electron oxidations. The radical cation state has been characterized by EPR spectroscopy and by crystal structure determination of its 1:1 PF6- salt. The latter reveals little interaction between neighboring radical cations; consistently, the material exhibits a conductivity of σ < 10-5 S cm-1. Insertion of a phenylene group into the diazine bridge to afford [S2NClC2NC6H4NC2ClNS2] leads to significant torsional motion between the phenylene ring and the two end groups, as a result of which the two DTA rings are electronically independent; no radical cation state has been observed for this speci...
UV Raman analysis of the C:H network formed by compression of benzene

A continuing challenge in understanding the linkage of unsaturated molecules to produce novel networks has been the analysis of the reaction products. Here we report a UV Raman spectroscopic analysis of the amorphous C:H (a-C:H) network formed by compression of benzene. The network contains both sp 2 - and sp 3 -bonded carbon, indicating that the aromaticity of some of the benzene rings must have been destroyed during the formation of the network. The Raman spectrum of the network resembles that of hydrogen-rich polymeric a-C:H. Analysis by means of UV Raman spectroscopy of a wide range of novel networks produced by compression of unsaturated molecules should be possible.
Stent-Graft Arteriovenous Fistula: An Endovascular Technique in Hemodialysis Access

Purpose To determine the feasibility and safety of a new endovascular technique for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula utilizing catheter-directed techniques and stents. Methods Stent-graft AV fistulas were offered on an experimental basis to 8 patients who had a history of multiple failed access procedures or very small arm veins unsuitable for standard vascular access techniques. The device consisted of a balloon-expandable Palmaz stent attached to the designated venous end of a polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The balloon-mounted stent-graft was inserted into the brachial vein through an arteriotomy and advanced over a guidewire into the axillary vein. After the stent-graft was deployed, the arterial anastomosis was completed in standard surgical fashion using an end-to-side anastomosis of the graft to the brachial artery. Results The stent-graft was inserted successfully in all patients, but there were two early failures. The first resulted from a steal phenomenon secondary to high flows through the stent-graft, necessitating ligation of the fistula. Another stent-graft was placed too peripherally in the upper arm, and the stainless steel stent was crushed by external compression. Three of the 6 remaining grafts were patent for over 1 year, and 2 grafts are still functioning at 22 and 13 months. Conclusions Endoluminal stent-grafts can be successfully inserted into the axillary vein for creation of an AV fistula and remain patent for 2 years or more. This method may be most useful in patients with very small, unusable arm veins or multiple failed AV grafts.
Dental sealants and restorations and urinary bisphenol A concentrations in children in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background Resin-based dental sealants and composites contain bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate, a bisphenol A (BPA) derivative. The authors hypothesized that a greater number of sealants or restorations would be associated with higher urinary BPA concentrations.
On the bound of $$d_2$$

In June 2010, we have the honor of seeing Prof Hironaka at Kyoto. He conjectures that the number \(d_2\) is bounded under permissible blow-ups (see below). The next step is certainly to show that the number \(d_2\) will drop under permissible blow-ups. Implicitly, the further conjectures about \(d_3,d_4,\ldots \) will clarify the types of singularities under permissible blow-ups and produce a local version of resolution of singularities. We were unable to prove the Conjecture in its entirety. What we can prove is that in a sequence of permissible blow-ups, the number \(d_2\) may have a bounded increase, if the jumping reach the bound, then it may be stationary for a few steps and then must have a decrease. However, it can not be eliminated by our result that if the increase does not reach the bound or after the decrease, the resulting number \(d_2\) will not again increase beyond the old bound. Finally, we have no counter-example to Hironaka’s conjecture.
Effects of heat release in a reacting vortex ring

Flame-vortex interactions provide a carefully controllable environment in which fundamental processes relevant to turbulent diffusion flames can be investigated. Here we present microgravity experiments and numerical simulations of a reacting vortex ring that reveal the dominant effects of heat release on the flow, mixing, and combustion processes. Hydrodynamically scaled ring trajectories showed an initial increase in ring speed due to heat release, followed by a large reduction in speed. The enhanced diffusivities due to heat release do not suffice to explain these observations, which appear to be directly connected with dilatation effects. The observed dependence on the fuel volume introduced in the ring during the initial roll-up phase suggests a simple model that reconciles these observations. Numerical simulations of mixture fraction fields and equilibrium temperatures showed that, consistent with this, volume dilatation due to heat release is the primary mechanism that alters the flow and mixing processes in reacting rings over those in isothermal rings. These simulations support the experimentally observed effects but do not explain differences in flame shape and height that appear to be due to radiative heat losses.
Enhancement of ion intensity in time-of-flight secondary-ionization mass spectrometry.

Enhancement of ion intensity in static secondary-ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS) has been achieved by using a matrix-assisted sample preparation technique. Previous investigations of polymers and biomolecules by SIMS indicated that secondary-ion (SI) yield is dependent on substrate coverage. Recently we discovered a sample preparation technique that enhanced the SI yield of cyclosporin A (CsA) in an allograft patient sample and neat samples of CsA (1202 u) and polystyrene (Mw = 2650 u). The preparation technique involves deposition of a submonolayer of cocaine hydrochloride (5 μL of a 20-μg/mL MeOH solution) on an etched silver substrate, solvent evaporation, and subsequent deposition of the analyte. This preparation method resulted in ~ 300% increase in the SI yield of CsA and polystyrene when deposited from neat solutions. The original discovery was observed when a blood extract that contained CsA was deposited on an etched Ag substrate that had been soaking in a dilute cocaine solution for ~ 2 months. In these initial experiments, the SI yield of CsA was enhanced by over 1 order of magnitude.
Revisiting an Old Friend: The Practice and Promise of Cooperative Learning for the Twenty-First Century

Cooperative learning has long been at the disposal of school teachers. However, it is often misunderstood by some teachers as just another form of collaborative group work. This article revisits cooperative learning, including a sampling of its popular variations, with practical approaches toward effectively integrating it into classroom instruction. Moreover, this article highlights the promise that cooperative learning holds for democratic education in the twenty-first century with special attention paid to its social implications.
Investigation of free radicals produced during coal liquefaction using ESR

Abstract Coal liquefaction experiments are described which were carried out to dissolve a subbituminous coal in low and high hydrogen content solvents, in which liquid samples were periodically withdrawn and examined by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The objectives of this study were to gain information on the free radical processes involved in coal liquefaction, to determine the relative effectiveness of two solvents (H-donor and non-donor) in influencing the radical processes involved in coal liquefaction and to investigate changes in radical concentration on storage.
Suprasellar tumors in children. A review of clinical manifestations and managements

The records of 98 children with suprasellar tumors treated between 1950 and 1975, at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, were reviewed. Most of the children with germ cell tumors or posterior chiasmal gliomas irradiated with 5000 rad in six weeks using extended field, children with craniopharyngiomas treated with total resection when the tumor was limited to the suprasellar area, and children with craniopharyngiomas treated with combined surgery and postoperative irradiation when the lesions could not be resected totally, have generally survived long with reasonably good quality of life. More passive dependent immature responses were noted in most children with anterior chiasmal gliomas due to persistent residual mass after irradiation, although they have survived long. An attention to details of the clinical picture, the age at presentation, the finding of diabetes insipidus, and the presence of calcification and intrasellar extension of the tumor, should help with the selection of the appropriate treatment technique and, thus, influence the probability of tumor control as well as of complications.
Exploring the Role of Individual and Socially Constructed Knowledge Mobilization Tasks in Revealing Preservice Elementary Teachers' Understandings of a Triangle Fraction Task

This study compares the effectiveness of two forms of a knowledge mobilization task on preservice elementary teachers' (n= 65) performance in solving a triangle fraction problem. The study then identifies the source of the successful solutions by linking solutions to earlier activities. One group worked with the triangle fraction task individually; a second worked with the triangle fraction task in a social constructivist setting; a control group had no knowledge mobilization pretask. Although there was no significant difference in the frequency of successful solutions among treatment groups, a chi-square analysis found that the social-constructivist pretask group applied fewer ideas from the manipulative lessons as solutions to the posttask than did the comparison groups. The social constructivist group was, however, most successful at generating novel solutions to the triangle problem. The potential benefits of individual and socially constructed knowledge mobilization tasks are discussed.
Specificity of deoxyribonucleic Acid intercalating compounds in the control of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and pisatin levels.

Compounds with planar triple ring systems such as acridine orange, 9-amino acridine, 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (tacrine), 6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine lactate monohydrate (DE-acridine), 6-chloro-9-(3′-diethylamino-2′-hydroxypropylamino) -2-methoxyacridine·2 HCl (CDM-acridine), quinacrine, 6-chloro-9-(4′-diethylamino-1′-methylbutylamino) -2-methoxy-1,10-diazaanthracene (CDM 1,10-diazaanthracene), thionine, azure A, methylene blue, and pyronine Y when applied to excised pea pods were potent inducers of phenylalanine ammonia lyase or of pisatin, or of both. Compounds with an array of structural variation around the planar three-ring system were tested for their ability to induce these responses in pea tissue. In general, dimethylamino, diethylamino, or amino substitutions at position 2 and 6 or an amino (with or without an aliphatic side chain) substitution at position 9 of the three-ring system augmented induction potential. Methyl green, methylene blue, 2,7-diaminofluorene, nile blue, neutral red, pyrogallol red, ethidium bromide, nogalamycin, quinine, chloroquine, spermine, 8-azaguanine, gliotoxin, chromomycin A3, actinomycin D, and mitomycin C were also potent inducers. The inhibition of phenylalanine ammonia lyase induction by the application of actinomycin D (300 micrograms per milliliter) or 6-methylpurine (1 milligram per milliliter) within 1 hour after inducer application indicated that newly synthesized RNA is necessary for induction. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase induction was also inhibited by cycloheximide (150 micrograms per milliliter).
Effect of Mannitol on Acute Amphotericin B Nephrotoxicity

This study was undertaken to examine the value of mannitol as protection against the acute nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B under controlled conditions in a reproducible model of toxicity in the dog. Eleven dogs received amphotericin B, 2.5 mg · kg−1 b. wt. by i.v. infusion over a 4-h period. Six dogs were treated with mannitol, 6.25 g, i.v. every hour and five served as controls. Urinary volume (V), inulin clearance (CIn), p-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH), and Na excretion (UNaV) were measured every hour throughout the experiment. Although a higher urinary output was maintained in mannitoltreated dogs, a progressive decline in renal function was observed in treated and in control dogs. During the 4th h, mannitol-treated dogs showed higher CIn (37.4 vs. 19.7 ml · min−1 and CPAH (95 vs.54 ml · min−1 than controls. However, statistically the differences were barely significant. The results fail to show that mannitol offers a definite protection against amphotericin B nephrotoxicity.
Reversal of the circadian expression of tyrosine-hydroxylase but not nitric oxide synthase levels in the spinal cord of dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice

Circadian rhythms have been described for numerous transmitter synthesizing enzymes in the brain but rarely in spinal cord. We measured spinal tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in the thoracic intermediolateral nucleus, the location of sympathetic preganglionic neurons, in male wild type (WT) and dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice (D3KO). TH and NOS levels both displayed circadian patterns in WT and D3KO animals with overall reduced TH and increased NOS expression in the D3KO mice. The circadian pattern of NOS expression was similar in WT and D3KO mice. In contrast, TH expression was inverted in D3KO mice, with TH levels consistently lower than in WT throughout the day, but strongly increased temporarily 1 h prior to daylight. TH is the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of dopamine. Spinal dopamine dysfunction is implicated in a sleep disorder called restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS follows a circadian rhythm and is relieved clinically by dopamine D3 receptor agonists. Our observations of an altered circadian pattern in spinal dopamine synthesis in D3KO animals may provide insight into putative dopaminergic mechanisms contributing to RLS.
Relative importance of pico-, nano-, and microplankton to the productivity of Mountain Lake, Virginia

Studies of the relative importance of various phytoplankton size classes (pico-, nano-, micro-, and macro-) during thermal stratification at oligomesotrophic Mountain Lake, Giles County, Virginia were conducted from March through October 1994. A detailed time- and depth-series study was conducted to compare 14C-fixation rates in these phytoplankton size fractions. Data indicated that on average the microplankton were the most important size class in cell number and cell volume and contributed ≈95% of the total primary productivity. The picoplankton ranked second in importance constituting ≈5% of total primary productivity, whereas the relatively small numbers of nano- and macroplankton contributed little primary productivity. No obvious relationships were apparent among cell densities, cell volumes, and chlorophyll a values during late summer thermal stratification, possibly due to shifts in community structure at that time. The findings contrast with many other oligo- to mesotrophic ecosystems where the pico- and nanoplankton have demonstrated significantly greater importance, especially in summer.
The macro dimensions of food security: economic growth, equitable distribution, and food price stability

Abstract Rather than asking how to cope with hunger and famine, the question might be how to escape their threat altogether. Important in this regard is recognizing that agriculture and the rural economy are greatly influenced by policies and outcomes in the rest of the economy. Strategies include economic growth with unchanging income distribution, and growth with redistribution. The latter encourages balanced growth to create non-farm employment opportunities, while investing in rural infrastructure.
Neural activity in frontal cortical cell layers: Evidence for columnar sensorimotor processing

The mammalian frontal cortex (FCx) is at the top of the brain's sensorimotor hierarchy and includes cells in the supragranular Layer 2/3, which integrate convergent sensory information for transmission to infragranular Layer 5 cells to formulate motor system outputs that control behavioral responses. Functional interaction between these two layers of FCx was examined using custom-designed ceramic-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that allowed simultaneous recording of firing patterns of FCx neurons in Layer 2/3 and Layer 5 in nonhuman primates performing a simple go/no-go discrimination task. This unique recording arrangement showed differential encoding of task-related sensory events by cells in each layer with Layer 2/3 cells exhibiting larger firing peaks during presentation of go target and no-go target task images, whereas Layer 5 cells showed more activity during reward contingent motor responses in the task. Firing specificity to task-related events was further demonstrated by synchronized firing between pairs of cells in different layers that occupied the same vertically oriented "column" on the MEA. Pairs of cells in different layers recorded at adjacent "noncolumnar" orientations on the MEA did not show synchronized firing during the same task-related events. The results provide required evidence in support of previously suggested task-related sensorimotor processing in the FCx via functionally segregated minicolumns.
Faculty and Student Attitudes Toward Community Service: A Comparative Analysis

The Humanitarian Engineering initiative, sponsored by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, at the Colorado School of Mines, is creating a program that will support engineering students in understanding their responsibility for solving community development problems that exist throughout the world. As part of this effort, data has been collected on faculty and student attitudes using the “Community Service Attitudes Scale,” developed and validated by Shiarella, McCarthy, and Tucker. During the fall 2004, 78 students and 34 faculty members responded to this instrument. Statistically significant differences were found between the attitudes of students and faculty, males and females, and among different age groupings with respect to service activities. A general finding was that faculty displayed better attitudes toward community service than the students.
An active data-aware cache consistency protocol for highly-scalable data-shipping DBMS architectures

In a data-shipping database system, data items are retrieved from the server machines, cached and processed at the client machines, and then shipped back to the server. Current cache consistency approaches typically rely on a centralized server or servers to enforce the necessary concurrency control actions. This centralized server imposes a limitation on the scalability and performance of these systems. This paper presents a new consistency protocol, Active Data-aware Cache Consistency (ADCC), that allows clients to be aware of the global state of their cached data via a two-tier directory. Using parallel communication with simultaneous client-server and client-client messages, ADCC reduces the network latency for detecting data conflicts by 50%, while increasing message overhead by about 8% only. In addition, ADCC improves scalability by partially offloading the concurrency control function from the server to the clients. An optimization, Lazy Update, is introduced to reduce the message overhead for maintaining client directory consistency. We implement ADCC in a page server DBMS architecture and compare it with the leading cache consistency algorithm, Callback Locking (CBL), which is the most widely implemented algorithm in commercial DBMSs. Our performance study shows that ADCC has a similar or lower abort rate, higher throughput, and better scalability for important workloads and system configurations. Both the simulation results and the analytic study indicate that the message overhead is low and that ADCC produces better behavior compared to the traditional server-based communication under high contention workloads.
The Art and Artifact of GDF9 Activity: Cumulus Expansion and the Cumulus Expansion-Enabling Factor

The process of cumulus cell expansion is critical for normal fertility. Oocyte-produced growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) has been thought to play a leading role in this process. Recent studies both support and refute this hypothesis. Central to understanding the physiology of GDF9 is the use of recombinant ligand in in vitro assays. There are several laboratories that currently produce recombinant GDF9 preparations that appear to show variable effects on granulosa cell gene expression and cumulus cell expansion. Several of these studies are reviewed here. Standardization in preparation for recombinant GDF9, as well as a more biochemical analysis of the oocyte-secreted forms of GDF9, may help to resolve the conflicts currently seen in the literature.
Robust closed-loop control of isometric muscle force using pulsewidth modulation

The design of feedback controllers to accurately and robustly regulate the properties of electrically stimulated muscle is considered. Reliable, precise control is necessary for the development of neuroprosthetic devices to improve gradation and repeatability of force. A digital closed-loop controller has been developed which regulates muscle force by modulating the pulsewidth of a constant-amplitude electrical simulation pulse train. This controller has been evaluated in slow- and fast-twitch muscles (cat soleus and plantaris) in acute experiments. In isometric tests, it was found to regulate muscle force with low sensitivity to modeling errors and disturbances while satisfying stability, repeatability, linearity, and step/ramp response criteria over a wide range of commands. >
The Yin and Yang of Seduction and Production: Social Transitions of Ethnography Between Seductive Play and Productive Force in Industry

This paper examines social transitions in forms of ethnographic representation from seductive play to productive force in Industry. With a focus on the hi-tech consulting and marketing fields, I examine the eight strategies of ethnographic representation include, (1) informal conversations, (2) designed printed materials, (3) video, (4) electronic presentations, (5) personas and scenarios, (6) experience models and diagrams, (7) opportunity matrices, (8) and experience metrics. It addresses the use of these strategies within modal degrees of symbolic seduction and productive force as shaped by the theories of Baudrillard and Taoist philosophy. I propose that the combination of the concepts of Seductive Play and Productive Force and Yin Yang provide a way out of several challenges in ethnography's engagement with business decision-making, especially related to its role, mission, and power. I attempt to seduce ethnographers into seeing themselves as Taoist “scholar/warriors” able to maintain the human-centered balance in any Industry context.
Simulating the load sharing between a fuel cell & ultracapacitor interfaced using a boost converter

Fuel cells are ideal candidates for use in hybrid electric vehicles due to their high energy density. However the power requirements of these automobiles cannot be satisfied by the slow transient response of fuel cells. Ultracapacitors however have high power density and provide good transient characteristics. The behavior of the two in tandem is studied through simulations. The fuel cell and ultracapacitor are initially sized for the desired load and then the active load sharing between the two is examined. The model is designed to simulate any desired load power profile within the bounds of fuel cell and ultracapacitor ratings. The purpose of this model is to provide researchers with a fuel cell - ultracapacitor based platform for hybrid electric vehicles.
The cosmological effects of generalized field equations in relativity

An autonomous system of equations, describing uniform cosmological models, is formulated by using the perfect fluid approximation of Einstein’s equations. These equations contain an arbitrary function related to the matter content of the universe, which may include negative energy fields. This function, designated α , is assumed to depend on the density and expansion rate of the universe only. Geometrical methods of analysis are used to study the behaviour of all models described by this system. The analysis shows that there are only three possible modes of behaviour that can be exhibited by a uniform universe. Examples of the first two classes are well known in the ‘big-bang’ and ‘steady-state’ theories. However, it is shown that the familiar theories are not unique, but an infinite number of both such types of model exist for various α . It is also shown that all steady-state models in an expanding universe are stable. The third class of model, associated with periodic behaviour, is of two types. The first is demonstrated by a universe which oscillates between expansion and contraction but never achieves infinite density. The second consists of ever-expanding (or contracting) models in which the density and expansion rate oscillate between finite values. These latter models possess evolutionary characteristics on ‘short’ time-scales, while satisfying the ‘perfect cosmological principle’ in the large, and only arise in the presence of gross non-linearities introduced by the function α . Both the periodic and steady-state classes occur only in the case of negative energy fields.
Proximate Mechanisms Influencing Egg Size Plasticity in the Seed Beetle Stator limbatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The seed beetle Stator limbatus adjusts egg size in response to the quality of the oviposition host, laying small eggs on the high quality host, Acacia greggii seeds, and larger eggs on the poor quality host, Cercidium floridum seeds. We examined various proximate mechanisms of this egg-size plasticity. Once exposed to a new host, it takes 24 to 48 h for females to change the size eggs they lay. Beetles that came into direct contact with seeds adjusted egg size to a much greater extent than beetles that only came in contact with the fruits or were physically separated from the seeds. Egg size was not affected by size of the seed. Both the host seed in which the larvae were reared as well as the host to which adults were subsequently exposed insuenced egg size. The default egg size in the absence of a suitable host is slightly larger than the size egg laid on A. greggii. Thus, beetles increase egg size in response to C. floridum seeds and slightly decrease egg size in response to A. greggii seeds.
Feminist Identity and Theories as Correlates of Feminist Supervision Practices

Although feminist supervision approaches have been advanced in the literature as alternatives or adjuncts to traditional supervision models, little is known about those who utilize feminist supervision practices. This study was designed to examine if feminist supervision practices were related to one’s own feminist identity and various beliefs regarding feminism in general in a sample of 135 clinical supervisors. Results revealed that feminist supervision was significantly negatively correlated with passive acceptance of traditional gender roles and positively correlated with feelings of anger over sexism, connection with women’s communities, commitment to feminist activism, and beliefs that are consistent with five prominent feminist philosophies. Multiple regression analysis found that greater use of feminist supervision practices was uniquely related to being a woman; being lesbian, gay, or bisexual; and having a greater commitment to feminist activism. Research and practice implications are discussed.
A system of high-dimensional, efficient, long-cycle and portable uniform random number generators

We propose a system of multiple recursive generators of modulus p and order k where all nonzero coefficients of the recurrence are equal. The advantage of this property is that a single multiplication is needed to compute the recurrence, so the generator would run faster than the general case. For p = 231 − 1, the most popular modulus used, we provide tables of specific parameter values yielding maximum period for recurrence of order k = 102 and 120. For p = 231 − 55719 and k = 1511, we have found generators with a period length approximately 1014100.5.
A query algebra for office documents

The authors present a data model for office documents and a practically useful algebraic language for the retrieval and manipulation of such objects. A document in the model is represented in a structured form, called a 'frame instance'. Users can group different frame instances into a folder. The algebra offers operations to manipulate both frame instances and folders. They extend the classical relational algebra by associating attributes with types, and supporting attribute inheritance. They also provide aggregate operators which can be applied to different frame instances in a folder. The proposed algebra is used as a sound basis to express the semantics of a high level query language for an office information system. >
An actin molecular treadmill and myosins maintain stereocilia functional architecture and self-renewal

We have previously shown that the seemingly static paracrystalline actin core of hair cell stereocilia undergoes continuous turnover. Here, we used the same approach of transfecting hair cells with actin–green fluorescent protein (GFP) and espin-GFP to characterize the turnover process. Actin and espin are incorporated at the paracrystal tip and flow rearwards at the same rate. The flux rates (∼0.002–0.04 actin subunits s−1) were proportional to the stereocilia length so that the entire staircase stereocilia bundle was turned over synchronously. Cytochalasin D caused stereocilia to shorten at rates matching paracrystal turnover. Myosins VI and VIIa were localized alongside the actin paracrystal, whereas myosin XVa was observed at the tips at levels proportional to stereocilia lengths. Electron microscopy analysis of the abnormally short stereocilia in the shaker 2 mice did not show the characteristic tip density. We argue that actin renewal in the paracrystal follows a treadmill mechanism, which, together with the myosins, dynamically shapes the functional architecture of the stereocilia bundle.