cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The purposing of high-performing systems

Vaill maintains that clarifying an organization's purposes is a prominent feature of all high-performing systems (HPSs). He defines HPSs as human systems that are doing dramatically better than other systems as measured by one or more criteria. Ten years' research on such systems is summarized in eight broad categories: (1) clarity of purposes, (2) member motivation, (3) teamwork, (4) leadership, (5) technology and innovation, (6) boundedness from the environment, (7) relationship to the environment, and (8) the unique ways in which the system "jells." HPSs are treated as unusually fertile settings for understanding how leaders of human systems engage in what is called "purposing"--a continuous stream of actions that has the effect of inducing clarity, consensus, and commitment regarding the organization's basic purposes. The article explores the personal qualities that enable HPS leaders to define and maintain a clear sense of purpose among all systems members. Three major characteristics are ascribed to such leaders: (1) the willingness to invest large amounts of time in the system, both in the sense of hour-to-hour and day-to-day time and in the sense of year-to-year and even decade-to-decade time; (2) the ability to develop and express deep feeling about the system, its purposes, the people in it, its history, and its future; and (3) the ability to focus on the issues and variables in the system that really make a difference in its performance. This is the Time-Feeling-Focus theory of HPS leadership.
The properties of Si/Si 1-x Ge x films grown on Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition

A growth parameter study was made to determine the proper of a SiGe superlattice-type configuration grown on Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The study included such variables as growth temperature, layer composition, layer thickness, total film thickness, doping concentrations, and film orientation. Si and SiGe layers were grown using SiH4 as the Si source and GeH4 as the Ge source. When intentional doping was desired, diluted diborane for p-type films and phosphine for n-type films were used. The study led to films grown at ∼1000°C with mobilities from ∼20 to 40 percent higher than that of epitaxial Si layers and ∼100 percent higher than that of epitaxial SiGe layers grown on (100) Si in the same deposition system for net carrier concentrations of ∼8x1015 cm-3 to ∼2x1017 cm-3. Enhanced mobilities were found in multilayer (100)-oriented Si/Si1-xGex films for layer thicknesses ≥400A, for film thicknesses >2μm, and for layers with x = 0.15. No enhanced mobility was found for (111)-oriented films and for B-doped multilayered (100)-orlented films.
Health Care for the Undocumented: Looking for a Rationale

The plight of the undocumented in the United States elicits strong feelings on both sides of the debate. One viewpoint takes a strict immigration policy perspective and opposes the ability of the undocumented to access publicly financed programs and services including access to health care. Without the sanction of law, those taking a more flexible view must find persuasive arguments to permit the access to public services. The choice of arguments includes reframing the concept of citizenship; accepting the premise of basic human needs that invokes a human rights perspective and concerns about social justice; developing an ethic of care; or invoking a “common good” perspective that acknowledges the role of public health. This article frames the option of using a public health approach to argue for health care for the undocumented in the United States.
Preliminary clinical results of combined 433 Megahertz microwave therapy and radiation therapy on patients with advanced cancer.

Seventy patients with far-advanced histologically proven malignancies were treated with a combination of microwave irradiation (433.92 MHz) and ionizing radiation. Of the twenty-one patients who completed the planned course of treatments and are eligible for a minimum of nine-month follow-up, 90% experienced complete relief of symptoms and 10% received partial relief of symptoms. Complete regression of all localized tumor occurred in sixteen of the twenty patients (80%), and nine of the complete responders remain free of disease from nine to fourteen months. It was the opinion of the clinicians involved in this study that the heat administered by the microwave unit potentiated the effects of ionizing radiation over those which would have been seen if radiation were used alone. In view of the fact that all patients in this study had cancers which were previously considered to be refractory to further medical treatment, the marked relief of symptoms and tumor response to combined therapy were encouraging. This preliminary study confirms the impression that the effects of radiation are enhanced by heat and forms the basis for a randomized series involving far-advanced but previously untreated head and neck and gynecological malignancies. Cancer 40:2854-2863, 1977.
Closed-form formula for the average BER of noncoherent multi-level orthogonal signals over nonidentical Nakagami fading channels

In this paper, we derive a closed-form expression for the average bit error rate (BER) of multi-level (M-ary) orthogonal signals with noncoherent diversity combining in nonidentical Nakagami-m fading channels. The assumption of nonidentical fading channels means that the average received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the diversity branches are distinct and the amount of fading severity among different branches is not necessarily to be identical. The derived expression for the average BER does not involve either special functions or time-costly numerical integrations. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validation of the analytical results in this paper for different transmission conditions.
Release of serotonin from nerve endings byL-5-hydroxytryptophan,α-methyl-m-tyramine, and elevated potassium ions.

The release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) byl-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP),α-methyl-m-tyramine (α-MMTA), and elevated levels of K+ was studied using crude synaptosomal preparations (P2) isolated from the telencephalon of the rat and pigeon. Studies were conducted in vitro in the presence of either 2×10−5 M tranylcypromine, which inhibited the MAO activity of both the extrasynaptosomal mitochondria and the mitochondria contained within the nerve endings (intrasynaptosomal mitochondria), or 2×10−5 M nialamide, which inhibited the MAO activity of the extrasynaptosomal mitochondria under the experimental conditions used. In the P2 fraction isolated from the rat, either 55 mM K+, 0.10 mMl-5-HTP, or 0.03 mMα-MMTA significantly increased the release of [3H]5-HT above control levels, regardless of which MAO inhibitor was present in the medium. In the presence of tranylcypromine, this increased release by 55 mM K+ or 0.10 mMl-5-HTP was partially suppressed if Ca2+ was omitted from the medium. In the presence of nialamide, the release by 55 mM K+ was completely prevented if Ca2+ was omitted; the release byl-5-HTP was only partially affected. The release of [3H]5-HT byα-MMTA did not appear to be markedly affected by removal of Ca2+, regardless of which MAO inhibitor was present. Very similar data were obtained in the presence of nialamide using the P2 fraction isolated from the telencephalon of the pigeon, with the exception that 0.10 mMl-5-HTP caused an increase in the release of [3H]5-HIAA (which was not calcium-dependent) instead of [3H]5-HT. The data are discussed in
Organization of a comprehensive medical care program in a chronic disease hospital.

A program is described for the comprehensive care of patients on the medical service in an 1800-bed municipal chronic disease hospital. Patients with neoplastic disease or those who need merely custodial care are not considered candidates for admission. Every new patient first stays in the admitting section for about three weeks to undergo thorough evaluation of his needs and rehabilitation potential. He is then transferred to one of the four comprehensive care units on the medical service. This unit system facilitates the assignment of a personal physician to each patient. The staff is organized into teams to provide the non-medical as well as the medical services required during the patient's entire stay in the hospital. Interdisciplinary teaching conferences encourage efficiency on the part of all staff members. Because the chief goal of the program is the provision of comprehensive care for patients with multiple problems, the staff physicians can no longer be concerned with only a single disease or organ system. They must cope with a wide range of medical problems and also with the patient's reactions to his disease and the interrelationships between the patient, the family and the community. Such a program provides a new, flexible approach to services, teaching and research in the care of the chronically ill.
Developing a Strategy to Define the Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 on Gene Expression Profile in Cardiomyocytes

Abstract —Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 activates intracellular signaling pathways and regulates myocardial structure and function. This study used DNA microarray to define the effects of IGF-1 on gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Despite DNA microarray becoming a popular tool for profiling gene expression, the specificity of DNA microarray results is rarely addressed. Our data showed that the specificity of a DNA microarray study can be increased by repetitive experiments and by excluding minimally expressed genes. In this study, the false-positive rates were reduced to <0.2%. Future DNA microarray studies should incorporate a proper strategy to minimize false-positive results. IGF-1 modulates the expression of genes in 17 functional categories, but most genes clustered around the regulation of intracellular signaling, cell cycle, transcription/translation, cellular respiration and mitochondrial function, cell survival, ion channels and calcium signaling, and humoral factors. To further explore whether extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3 kinase specifically regulate different sets of genes, the effects of IGF-1 were inhibited with PD98059 or LY294002. The results showed that the majority of genes regulated by IGF-1 required activation of both ERK and PI 3 kinase. Thus, PI 3 kinase and ERK coordinately mediate the transcriptional regulatory effects of IGF-1 in cardiac muscle cells. These findings provide novel insight into how IGF-1 signaling modulates the programming of cardiac muscle gene expression.
Chip-Scale Universal Detection Based on Backscatter Interferometry

An on-chip detector based on backscatter interferometry has been developed to perform subnanoliter-volume refractive index measurements. The detection system consists of a simple, folded optical train based on the interaction of a laser beam and an etched channel, consisting of two radii joined by a flat portion, thus defining a curved surface in the shape of a hemisphere in a silica (glass) plate. The backscattered light from the channel takes on the form of a high-contrast interference pattern that contains information related to the bulk properties of the fluid contained within the probe volume. Positional changes of the interference pattern (fringes) allow for the determination of Δn at the 10-6 level, corresponding to 743 μM or 139 × 10-15 mol or 12.8 × 10-12 g of sucrose, in a probe volume of only 188 × 10-12 L. A theoretical model of the on-chip backscatter interferometric detector has also been developed, evaluated, and found to be in agreement with experimental data. It is shown that the model ca...
YREE sorption on hydrous ferric oxide in 0.5 M NaCl solutions: A model extension

Abstract Distribution coefficients, iKFe, were measured for sorption of yttrium and the rare earth elements (YREEs) on hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) in 0.5 M NaCl solutions over the pH range 3.9–8.4 (T = 25 °C). An existing, non-electrostatic model [Quinn, K.A., Byrne, R.H., Schijf, J., 2006. Sorption of yttrium and rare earth elements by amorphous ferric hydroxide: influence of pH and ionic strength. Mar. Chem. 99, 128–150] was modified to account for sorption of YREE–chloride complexes, as well as YREE–hydroxide complexes at elevated pH. The extended model, which allows calculation of iKFe as a function of [H+], contains two parameters, SK1 and SK2, to describe the equilibrium between positive, neutral, and negative forms of the hydroxyl functional groups on the HFO surface. In addition, it contains several composite, conditional stability constants, An, that represent YREE bonding to the neutral groups with release of n protons and/or to the negatively charged groups with release of n − 1 protons. In 0.5 M NaCl solutions, YREE sorption on HFO is weaker and less pH dependent, yielding only 0.7–0.9 protons per YREE cation on average, vs. about 1.5 at low ionic strength. This is due to enhanced deprotonation of the HFO surface (SK1 ~ 0, pSK2 = 6.16), leading to an increase in the proportion of negatively charged groups, which release fewer protons per YREE cation sorbed. On a logarithmic scale, iKFe is a nearly linear function of pH, except at pH > 8 where cumulative sorption of YREE–hydroxide complexes causes it to rise more rapidly, especially for the heavy REEs. Both our own data and prior results from the literature are well described by the extended model, using only three adjustable parameters, A1–A3. The constant A3, representing YREE bonding to the negatively charged groups with release of two protons, shows an excellent linear free-energy relation when plotted against the first YREE hydrolysis constant, β1*. There is no evidence for YREE bonding to the positively charged groups (i.e., A0 = 0).
Small Wonder: The Little Red Schoolhouse in History and Memory

by Jonathan Zimmerman, New Haven, Yale University Press, 2009, xi + 233 pp., US$26.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-300-12326-5 On the American university campus where I teach, a little red schoolhouse si...
Butenedithiolate triosmium cluster complexes from the reaction of Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2 with 3,6-dihydro-1,2-dithiin

Abstract The reaction of Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2 with 3,6-dihydro-1,2-dithiin, SCH 2 CHCHCH 2 S , 1 at 0°C yielded two isomeric products Os3(CO)10(μ3-SCH2CHCHCH2S), 2, and Os3(CO)10(μ-SCH2CHCHCH2S), 3. Both compounds were characterized by a combination of IR, 1H-NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Both compounds contain open triosmium clusters with bridging 2-butene dithiolato ligands formed by cleavage of the S–S bond in 1 and one of the Os–Os bonds in Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2. In 2 one S atom bridges one of the Os–Os bonds while the other S atom bridges the open edge of the cluster. In 3 both S atoms bridge the open edge of the cluster. In 2 the butenedithiolato ligand has a folded conformation while in 3 this ligand is planar. Compound 2 is converted to 3 and the disomium compound Os2(CO)6(μ-SCH2CHCHCH2S), 4 when heated, but 3 is not converted to 4 under these conditions. Compound 4 contains a ‘saw horse’ structural arrangement with an Os–Os single bond. The two metal atoms are bridged by the two sulfur atoms of a folded 2-butenedithiolato ligand. Compounds 2 and 4 both exhibit dynamical NMR activity that is related to fluxionality of the butenedithiolato ligand. UV–vis irradiation of 3 results in the cleavage of the two C–S bonds with elimination of butadiene and formation of the disulfido complexes Os3(CO)9(μ3-S)2 and Os4(CO)12(μ3-S)2.
Increased particle transport due to resonant magnetic perturbations modelled with a vacuum field line tracing code and a 2D fluid code

In this paper we compare the pedestal density changes in resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) H-modes at low collisionality with enhanced free streaming due to the creation of open field lines. First, we derive the effective radial transport coefficients by matching an ELMing (edge localized mode) H-mode using SOLPS5. Next, a vacuum field line tracing code, TRIP3D, is employed to calculate free streaming of particles along open field lines inside the traditional 2D axisymmetric separatrix. These coefficients are added to the effective radial transport coefficients from the ELMing H-mode and inserted in SOLPS5 to compute midplane profiles. Finally, we compare the SOLPS5 results with the experimental data from RMP H-modes and find good agreement. This good agreement was achieved not only for one single case, but also for two different experiments, with different triangularities, where the high triangularity case contains two RMP H-modes that give good agreement.
Immunoneutralization of Oxytocin Attenuates Preovulatory Prolactin Secretion during Proestrus in the Rat

Recent studies have demonstrated that oxytocin (OT) stimulates prolactin (PRL) release from the anterior pituitary gland and that the secretion of OT into pituitary portal blood changes during the rat estrous cycle. To better define the role of OT on PRL release during the reproductive cycle, the effect of administration of antiserum specific for OT on preovulatory PRL secretion in female rats was studied. Intravenous injection of OT antiserum into cyclic female rats between 13.30 and 14.00 h of proestrus neutralized the elevated levels of OT in pituitary portal blood and significantly reduced the subsequent PRL surge. The characteristic proestrous surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) was not affected by the OT antiserum treatment. These data support a physiological role for OT in the regulation of PRL release during the reproductive cycle.
Lipids of the BAI strain A avian tumor virus and of the myeloblast host cell.

Abstract Lipids of the BAI strain A virus and of the myeloblast host cell and nuclear, microsomal and external membrane cell fractions were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. Total virus lipids consisted of 34% cholesterol, 5.3% neutral fat and 61% phospholipid. Of the latter, the principal components were sphingomyelin, 16; phosphatidyl ethanolamine, 21; and lecithin, 11%, respectively. This constitution of the BAI strain A virus was proportionally similar to that of the influenza agent. Virus lipids were qualitatively similar to those of the whole host cell and the nuclear, microsomal, and cell membrane fractions. Marked quantitative differences were observed between the virus and host cell components, particularly with respect to the cell membrane fraction in which the low content of cholesterol, 9%, and 30% neutral fat were the reverse of the virus with 34 and 5.3% of these constituents. Major differences observed also with the phospholipids were, again, greater in the comparison between the virus and the cell membrane. The findings were interpreted to indicate the improbability of major cell membrane contribution to the virus lipids. Consideration of the analytical data and correlation with the ultrastructural aspects of BAI strain A budding from the myeloblast surface suggest that the virus lipids are specifically assembled in the process of virus synthesis not only from the external cell membrane but also principally from contiguous and possibly other cytoplasmic structures.
Sunspot umbral oscillations in Mg ii k

Time series observations of the profile of the Mg II k line 2795.52 A have been obtained in five sunspots with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter on the Solar Maximum Mission. The three sunspots with umbrae larger than the 3 x 3 arcsec pixel size show significant oscillations in integrated line intensity and line centroid, with frequencies in the range 5.29-7.55 mHz (periods of 132-190 s). The frequencies of significant peaks in average umbral power spectra agree well with the frequencies of the three lowest-frequency transmission peaks predicted by a model of resonant transmission of acoustic waves. If radiative delays are unimportant, and the line centroid can be interpreted straightforwardly as a Doppler shift, the measured velocity-intensity phase differences indicate the superposition of upward-propagating and downward-propagating waves in the umbral chromosphere; this is further evidence for the resonant transmission model. A single, quiet sun time series of k core profiles yields power spectra and a phase difference consistent with the existence of a chromospheric p-mode.
Time domain reflectometry: Bilinear corrections and extending the range of analysis beyond the quarter and half wavelength conditions

Abstract The analysis for the determination of bilinear coefficients for time domain reflection measurements are presented here. The calculation of the coefficients is based on a short circuit and a standard liquid as calibration standards. The range of frequencies used in this anaylsis goes up to the frequency equivalent of the half wavelength condition for a coaxial transmission line terminated with a dielectric e•. The Newton-Raphson algorithm for the calculation of e• from e•tan(ωd/c)√e•)/(ωd/c)√e•) is also presented.
Ribosome profiling: new views of translation, from single codons to genome scale

Genome-wide analyses of gene expression have so far focused on the abundance of mRNA species as measured either by microarray or, more recently, by RNA sequencing. However, neither approach provides information on protein synthesis, which is the true end point of gene expression. Ribosome profiling is an emerging technique that uses deep sequencing to monitor in vivo translation. Studies using ribosome profiling have already provided new insights into the identity and the amount of proteins that are produced by cells, as well as detailed views into the mechanism of protein synthesis itself.
Insights Gained from 20 Years of Soy Research

Soyfoods have long been recognized for their high-protein and low-saturated fat content, but over the past 20 y an impressive amount of soy-related research has evaluated the role of these foods in reducing chronic disease risk. Much of this research has been undertaken because the soybean is essentially a unique dietary source of isoflavones, a group of chemicals classified as phytoestrogens. The estrogen-like properties of isoflavones have also raised concern, however, that soyfoods might exert adverse effects in some individuals. There is intriguing animal and epidemiologic evidence indicating that modest amounts of soy consumed during childhood and/or adolescence reduces breast cancer risk. Evidence also suggests that soy reduces prostate cancer risk and inhibits prostate tumor metastasis, but additional clinical support for the chemopreventive effects of soyfoods is needed. Soy protein is modestly hypocholesterolemic and there is suggestive epidemiologic evidence that soyfoods lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) independent of effects on cholesterol. In clinical studies, soy favorably affects multiple CHD risk factors; however, with the exception of improved endothelial function, the data are too limited and/or inconsistent to allow definitive conclusions to be made. In regard to bone health, although recent clinical data have not supported the skeletal benefits of isoflavones, 2 large prospective epidemiologic studies found soy intake is associated with marked reductions in fracture risk. Soybean isoflavones also modestly alleviate hot flashes in menopausal women. Finally, other than allergic reactions, there is almost no credible evidence to suggest traditional soyfoods exert clinically relevant adverse effects in healthy individuals when consumed in amounts consistent with Asian intake.
More on words, hemifields, and hemispheres: a reply to Schwartz and Kirsner.

Abstract This paper critically examines the theoretical and empirical basis for two claims made by Schwartz and Kirsner (1986, Brain and Cognition, 5, 354–361): (1) that acuity gradients can account for most visual field effects/interactions reported for horizontally presented words, and (2) that acuity gradients should be considered the “default” explanation for such findings. It is argued here that the acuity gradient account of higher order laterality effects is based on a questionable theory of lexical access, has no empirical support, and cannot explain, even in principle, many lateralization results. It is concluded that acuity gradients make little or no contribution to laterality effects when the stimuli consist of short monomorphemic words, and that theoretical explanations for such effects ought not be accepted by default.
Disappearance of dead plant material in a mixed grass prairie.

Disappearance of dead plant material was studied in ungrazed mixed grass prairie in Western North Dakota. Disappearance rates varied both within and between years as well as with method used. The highest rates (2.07 to 3.15 g/m2/day) were recorded early in the season and disappearance continued during the winter but at a slower rate (0.99 g/m2/day). Some differences were found in rates of disappearance of dead material of different species during the first two months. Annual decomposition rates ranged from 400 g/m2 to 526 g/m2. The ash content of dead material showed generally increasing values with advancing decomposition. The turnover time of above-ground biomass appeared to be approximately three years.
Feeding kinematics and performance of Hawaiian stream gobies, Awaous guamensis and Lentipes concolor: linkage of functional morphology and ecology.

Distributions of Hawaiian stream fishes are typically interrupted by waterfalls that divide streams into multiple segments. Larvae hatch upstream, are flushed into the ocean, and must climb these waterfalls to reach adult habitats when returning back to freshwater as part of an amphidromous life cycle. Stream surveys and studies of climbing performance show that Lentipes concolor Gill can reach fast-flowing upper stream segments but that Awaous guamensis Valenciennes reaches only slower, lower stream segments. Gut content analyses for these two species indicate considerable overlap in diet, suggesting that feeding kinematics and performance of these two species might be comparable. Alternatively, feeding kinematics and performance of these species might be expected to differ in relation to the different flow regimes in their habitat (feeding in faster stream currents for L. concolor versus in slower currents for A. guamensis). To test these alternative hypotheses, we compared food capturing kinematics and performance during suction feeding behaviors of A. guamensis and L. concolor using morphological data and high-speed video. Lentipes concolor showed both a significantly larger gape angle and faster jaw opening than A. guamensis. Geometric models calculated that despite the inverse relationship of gape size and suction pressure generation, the fast jaw motions of L. concolor allow it to achieve higher pressure differentials than A. guamensis. Such elevated suction pressure would enhance the ability of L. concolor to successfully capture food in the fast stream reaches it typically inhabits. Differences in jaw morphology may contribute to these differences in performance, as the lever ratio for jaw opening is about 10% lower in L. concolor compared with A. guamensis, suiting the jaws of L. concolor better for fast opening. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Variation of the Dissociation Constant of Triflic Acid with Hydration

The variation of the acid dissociation equilibrium of trifluoromethane sulfonic acid in dilute aqueous solution along the liquid−vapor dissociation curve is treated by a dielectric hydration model. The computational results indicate that the dissociation equilibrium becomes unfavorable from the point of view of the free energy change as temperature is increased above 500 K where the solvent density is less than 85% of the triple-point density. These results give additional perspective for the view that insufficient hydration can result in incomplete proton dissociation from sulfonic acid headgroups in Nafion membranes.
Sectional Dry-Heat-Transfer Properties of Clothing in Wind

The insulation around a sectional manikin in the nude and clothed condition was determined at various wind speeds. Above an air flow of 2 m/sec the percentage contribution to the total heat transfer from each of the six sections of the nude manikin was approximately constant. Adding clothing to the nude manikin provided a greater relative contribu tion to the total insulation at the higher air flows than at the lower. The total convective coefficient curve in a laminar air flow for the nude manikin proved to be within 15% of two earlier, independent curves for a standing human form.
Invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the male breast: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast is a rare and aggressive variant of invasive ductal carcinoma. IMPC has been reported to account for 3–6% of all breast cancers, and these tumors have been associated with a strong tendency to invade lymphatics with early spread to regional lymph nodes. Patients and methods We present a case of this rare type of breast cancer diagnosed in a male patient and summarize the current literature to date. Results Review of the literature on invasive micropapillary breast carcinoma revealed 27 retrospective cohort studies and case series. Significant heterogeneity of inclusion criteria and follow up data prevented meta-analysis. Tumors with an IMPC component demonstrated an early and high rate of lymphatic metastasis compared to invasive ductal carcinoma, however, no significant association was found between IMPC and decreased overall survival. Conclusions The IMPC data currently available indicates a strong trend towards a higher initial stage at diagnosis and possibly an increased risk of loco-regional recurrence, but remains underpowered to elucidate the prognostic effect of IMPC phenotype on survival. Further studies are warranted to establish the potential of this unique histologic phenotype to serve as a prognostic indicator and guide tumor-specific oncologic therapy.
Strategic product choice and equilibrium traps for less developed countries

Strategic trade considerations will influence product choice decisions of less developed countries (LDCs) when products with learning-augmented technologies are involved. With constant rates of time preference and learning economies in production, welfare-maximizing production strategies in the international trade product choice game depend on relative levels of ‘impatience’ across countries, demand and learning parameters, and the other LDC's production strategy. Further, a low level growth ‘trap’ equilibrium for one LDC arises naturally from the choice theoretic context of the model and international coordination may be needed to obtain Pareto-efficient outcomes in some cases. Multiple LDC production of the good with learning benefits in production is generally discouraged by price and strategic interaction effects.
Evidence for the functional activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors overexpressed in preeclamptic placentae.

Placentas from women with preeclampsia overexpress the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor proteins, HIF-1alpha and -2alpha (Rajakumar 2001, Biol Reprod 64; p499-506 and p1019-1020). As a first step in evaluating whether HIF-alpha overexpressed in preeclamptic placentae is capable of transactivation, we tested its ability to bind to the DNA hypoxia response element (HRE). Six pairs of normal and preeclamptic placentae obtained by cesarean section were investigated. Three biopsy sites per placenta were analyzed. We first confirmed HIF-1alpha protein overexpression in the preeclamptic placentae using Western analysis. The ratios of the arbitrary densitometry units for HIF-1alpha protein from the preeclamptic and normal placentae (PE/NP) in the three biopsy sites were: 1.9 +/- 0.3, 1.7 +/- 0.2 and 1.8 +/- 0.2, each p 1.0 indicates that HIF-1alpha protein expression in placentas of women with PE exceeds that in placentas of NP women.) Conventional methods for extracting nuclear proteins and subsequent analysis by electrophoretic mobility shift assay were not suited for the frozen, archived samples (data not shown). Therefore, we employed DNA affinity chromatography using a biotinylated oligonucleotide representing the HRE of the erythropoietin gene coupled to streptavidin-coated Dynabeads. The HRE-bound proteins were then characterized by Western blot analysis. The PE/NP ratios of HRE-bound HIF-1alpha in the three biopsy sites from the six pairs of normal and preeclamptic placentae were 1.7 +/- 0.2, 2.1 +/- 0.4 and 2.4 +/- 0.5, each p < 0.05 vs 1.0. Having established DNA-binding potential at least in vitro, we subsequently analyzed three proteins that have been shown to be regulated by HIF-alpha as downstream, molecular markers of HIF-1alpha activity in vivo. VEGF receptor Flt-1 and Flk-1 play key roles in angiogenesis. Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. All three genes contain functional HRE in their promoter sequences. Total proteins were extracted from the same biopsy samples that were used for total and HRE-bound HIF-1alpha. Using specific antibodies we performed Western analysis and the levels of these three proteins were quantitated. The Flt-1 and tyrosine hydroxylase proteins were significantly higher, and Flk-1 significantly lower in placentae from preeclamptic compared to normal pregnancies. In summary, HIF-1alpha protein overexpressed in preeclamptic placentae is capable of binding to its DNA recognition sequence in vitro, and modulates gene expression in vivo.
Where to Tenodese the Biceps: Proximal or Distal?

The best location for biceps tenodesis is controversial as surgeons have begun to question whether tenodesis location affects the incidence of residual bicipital postoperative pain. An open distal tenodesis technique has been previously proposed to eliminate remaining symptoms at the bicipital groove. We asked the following questions: (1) Does a higher tenodesis in the biceps groove result in postoperative pain? And (2) can the tenodesis location be successfully moved more distally (“suprapectoral tenodesis”) by an arthroscopic technique? We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients undergoing arthroscopic biceps tenodesis and evaluated their tenodesis location, either within the upper half of the groove (five) or in the lower half of the groove or shaft (12). Patient outcomes were assessed with visual analog scale scores for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, and Constant-Murley scores. Minimum followup was 12 months (mean, 28 months; range, 12–69 months). Two patients had persistent pain at 12 months; both had a tenodesis in the upper half of the groove. The overall American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant-Murley scores were improved at latest followup. Arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis represents a new technique for distal tenodesis. Our preliminary observations suggest a more distal tenodesis location may decrease the incidence of persistent postoperative pain at the bicipital groove, although additional research is needed to definitively state whether the proximal location is in fact more painful. Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Externalism and Epistemology Worth Doing

Soulevant la question externaliste de la pertinence des disciplines scientifiques comme la psychologie et la science cognitive dans le cadre de la recherche epistemique, l'A. examine le statut de la reconstruction rationnelle, ainsi que le role du scepticisme et du langage courant en epistemologie, d'une part, et mesure l'importance de l'information empirique pour le projet theorique, d'autre part.
Sexual abuse trauma among professional women: validating the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40).

Abstract This study examines the usefulness of the Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-40) in measuring the longterm sequelae of sexual abuse. In a national survey of 2,963 professional women, the TSC-40 was found to be reliable and to display predictive validity with regard to childhood sexual victimization. Women who reported a sexual abuse history scored significantly higher than did women with no history of abuse on each of the six subscales and on the overall TSC-40 score. Various aspects of childhood victimization were associated with the subscale scores, with the Sexual Abuse Trauma Index and Dissociation subscales being more sensitive to the specific components of the abuse.
Validation of ICD-9-CM codes for identification of acetaminophen-related emergency department visits in a large pediatric hospital

Acetaminophen overdose is a major concern among the pediatric population. Our objective was to assess the validity of International Classification of Disease (ICD-9-CM) codes for identification of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits resulting from acetaminophen exposure or overdose. We conducted a retrospective medical record review of ED visits at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010. Visits coded with 1 or more ICD-9 codes for poisoning (965, 977, and their subcodes and supplemental E-codes E850, E858, E935, E947, and E950 and their subcodes) were identified from an administrative database, and further review of the medical records was conducted to identify true cases of acetaminophen exposure or overdose. We then examined the sensitivity, positive predictive value, and percentage of false positives identified by various codes and code combinations to establish which codes most accurately identified acetaminophen exposure or overdose. Of 1,215 ED visits documented with 1 or more of the selected codes, 316 (26.0%) were a result of acetaminophen exposure or overdose. Sensitivity was highest (87.0%) for the combination of codes 965.4 (poisoning by aromatic analgesics, not elsewhere classified) and E950.0 (suicide and self-inflicted poisoning by analgesics, antipyretics, and antirheumatics), with a positive predictive value of 86.2%. Code 965.4 alone yielded a sensitivity of 85.1%, with a positive predictive value of 92.8%. Code performance varied among age groups and depending on the type of exposure (intentional or unintentional). ICD-9 codes are useful for ascertaining which ED visits are a result of acetaminophen exposure or overdose within the pediatric population. However, because ICD-9 coding differs by age group and depending on the type of exposure, hypothesis-driven strategies must be utilized for each pediatric age group to avoid misclassification.
A new approach for the large-scale generation of mature dendritic cells from adherent PBMC using roller bottle technology

Human monocyte-derived DC (mDC) loaded with peptides, protein, tumor cell lysates, or tumor cell RNA, are being tested as vaccines against multiple human malignancies and viral infection with great promise. One of the factors that has limited more widespread use of these vaccines is the need to generate mDC in large scale. Current methods for the large-scale cultivation of mDC in static culture vessels are labor- and time- intensive, and also require many culture vessels. Here, we describe a new method for the large-scale generation of human mDC from human PBMC from leukopheresis or buffy coat products using roller bottles, never attempted before for mDC generation. We have tested this technology using 850 cm2 roller bottles compared to conventional T-175 flat-bottom static culture flasks. DC were generated from adherent human PBMC from buffy coats or leukopherisis products using GM-CSF and IL-4 in T-175 static flasks or 850 cm2 roller bottles. The cells were matured over two days, harvested and analyzed for cell yield and mature DC phenotype by flow cytometry, and then functionally analyzed for their ability to activate allogeneic T-cell or recall antigen peptide-specific T-cell responses. Monocytes were found to adhere inside roller bottles to the same extent as in static culture flasks. The phenotype and function of the mDC harvested after maturation from both type of culture systems were similar. The yield of mDC from input PBMC in the roller bottle system was similar as in the static flask system. However, each 850 cm2 roller bottle could be seeded with 4–5 times more input PBMC and could yield 4–5 times as many mDC per culture vessel than the static flasks as a result. Our results indicate that the roller bottle technology can generate similar numbers of mDC from adherent PBMC as traditional static flask methods, but with having to use fewer culture vessels. Thus, this may be a more practical method to generate mDC in large-scale cutting down on the amount of laboratory manipulations, and can save both time and labor costs.
Inverse Problems for Multi-Dimensional Parabolic Partial Differential Equations

The parabolic inverse boundary value problem is defined, and the major characteristics common to multi-dimensional parabolic inverse problems are discussed. These include sensitivity to measurement error and noise, the value of future time information, the nonuniqueness of estimates, and the effects of temperature dependent thermal properties. The importance of quantifying resolution degradation and estimate variances is discussed.
Structural evolution of hollow Al2O3 particles formed on excimer laser-induced bubbles

Abstract Pulsed laser ablation of Al in aqueous solutions could generate hollow Al 2 O 3 particles due to laser-induced bubbles, but the generation depends on the laser wavelength. Herein, the structural evolution of amorphous and hollow Al 2 O 3 spheres produced by 248 nm laser ablation in water–ethanol mixture has been studied. The amorphous phase could crystallize into γ-Al 2 O 3 by thermal annealing while maintaining the shell structure. The 248 nm laser-induced photodissociation of water and ethanol could aid the formation and increase the lifetimes of bubbles, which are critical for the formation of hollow particles.
On perfection: Pain and arts-making in Aronofsky's Black Swan

ABSTRACTThis article is a piece of autoethnographic work that delves into the intricacies of creating an aesthetic of the body with disability as applied to Darren Aronofsky's 2010 film Black Swan. The author argues for a Theâtre de la Cruaute approach to a poetics of the body broken, as well as beauty, developing a ‘unique language halfway between gesture and thought’. It is this practice that the author, an artist/poet and academic of the traditional academy, interrogates and attempts to enact in her own work as a person with fibromyalgia, a form of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP).
Pitch Guidance Optimization for the Orion Ascent Abort Flight Tests

Conference presentation sharing aspects of the pitch guidance optimization for the Orion ascent Abort Flight Test.
Cyclopiazonic acid biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is an indole-tetramic acid mycotoxin produced by some strains of Aspergillus flavus. Characterization of the CPA biosynthesis gene cluster confirmed that formation of CPA is via a three-enzyme pathway. This review examines the structure and organization of the CPA genes, elucidates the specific roles of functional domains of each enzyme in carrying out catalytic conversions leading to CPA production, and delineates the molecular basis for the lack of CPA production by A. flavus strains currently being used in biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination of crops.
PlA2, a variant of GPIIIa implicated in coronary thromboembolic complications.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and adverse events after coronary stent placement represent polygenic disorders. They correspond to complex traits induced not only by multiple genes but also by the interaction of these genes with the environment. Multiple loci likely to be implicated in IHD are
Development and Implementation of Trauma-Informed Programming in Youth Residential Treatment Centers Using the ARC Framework

This project describes application of an evidenced-based, trauma-informed treatment framework, Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC), with complexly traumatized youth in residential treatment. The processes of implementing the ARC model into clinical and milieu programming at two residential treatment programs are described. Particular attention is paid to system-level processes and strategies for embedding ARC in a sustainable manner. Pilot data demonstrated a significant relation between use of ARC and reductions in PTSD symptoms, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and the frequency of restraints used across programs. Preliminary findings contribute to an emerging empirical basis for the ARC model and are supportive of its clinical utility as a practice in the residential context. Next steps include: a) expanding the study findings by conducting controlled efficacy research, b) examining system level variables as mediators of change, and c) describing the full operation stage of implementation of the ARC framework.
Intracellular glucocorticoid receptors in spleen, but not skin, vary seasonally in wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus)

Over the short-term and at physiological doses, acute increases in corticosterone (CORT) titres can enhance immune function. There are predictable seasonal patterns in both circulating CORT and immune function across many animal species, but whether CORT receptor density in immune tissues varies seasonally is currently unknown. Using radioligand binding assays, we examined changes in concentrations of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in spleen and skin in wild-caught house sparrows in Massachusetts during six different life-history stages: moult, early winter, late winter, pre-egg-laying, breeding and late breeding. Splenic GR and MR binding were highest during the pre-laying period. This may help animals respond to immune threats through increased lymphocyte proliferation and/or an increase in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, both of which CORT can stimulate and in which spleen is involved. A decrease in splenic GR and MR during the late breeding period coincides with low baseline and stress-induced CORT, suggesting immune function in spleen may be relatively CORT-independent during this period. We saw no seasonal patterns in GR or MR in skin, suggesting skin's response to CORT is modulated primarily via changes in circulating CORT titres and/or via local production of CORT in response to wounding and other noxious stimuli.
Physics of CdTe Photovoltaics: from Front to Back

We discuss physical mechanisms underlying the performance and stability of CdTe based thin-film PV. The processes in (i) photovoltaic junction, (ii) back contact, (iii) nonuniformities, (iv) grain boundaries, and (v) light-induced degradation are addressed including their interactions. The physics of thin film PV turns out to be quite different from that of crystalline PV. High surface-volume ratio and lack of crystallinity result in strong interfacial effects, lateral nonuniformities, and shunting-like and adhesion instabilities in thin film structures. This paper is aimed at presenting a ‘big picture’; also, it suggests practical ways of improving thin-film PV.
Computational identification of a metal organic framework for high selectivity membrane-based CO2/CH4 separations: Cu(hfipbb)(H2hfipbb)0.5

The identification of membrane materials with high selectivity for CO2/CH4 mixtures could revolutionize this industrially important separation. We predict using computational methods that a metal organic framework (MOF), Cu(hfipbb)(H2hfipbb)0.5, has unprecedented selectivity for membrane-based separation of CO2/CH4 mixtures. Our calculations combine molecular dynamics, transition state theory, and plane wave DFT calculations to assess the importance of framework flexibility in the MOF during molecular diffusion. This combination of methods should also make it possible to identify other MOFs with attractive properties for kinetic separations.