cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene array analysis of the effects of chronic adrenocorticotropic hormone in vivo on immature rat adrenal glands

Development of a mature adrenocortical phenotype is a critical event in the transition of mammals from fetal to postnatal life. We previously reported that the functional maturation of the adrenal glands of newborn rats is accelerated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We report here that chronic exposure of neonatal/juvenile rat pups to ACTH in vivo results in significant changes in expression of over 200 genes in the adrenal glands. ACTH significantly upregulated genes associated with cell signaling, gene transcription, cell migration and tissue remodeling. In addition, ACTH significantly downregulated several genes associated with de novo cholesterol biosynthesis and cholesterol trafficking. Finally, ACTH upregulated genes associated with intracellular metabolism and inactivation of glucocorticoids. The results demonstrate that the developmental effects of ACTH alter expression of a broad range of genes involved not solely in steroid synthesis, but in cellular functions related to growth and differentiation of the glands. In addition, the negative effects of ACTH on genes required for cholesterol synthesis and production of active glucocorticoids, suggests a mechanism whereby excessive production of glucocorticoids, which may have deleterious actions on developing structures like the central nervous system, is prevented.
A radioisotope assay for the quantification of hydrocarbon biodegradation potential in environmental samples

An enrichment culture method is described for quantifying the activity of hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria in water and sediments. Application of the procedure indicated that the hydrocarbon oxidizing potential of environmental samples reflects the hydrocarbon burden of the area, the ability of the microflora to utilize hydrocarbons, and that lakes with large aquatic plant communities contain populations of hydrocarbon bacteria comparable to those found in oil-polluted harbors.
Classification as diagnostic reasoning

An ongoing goal in the field of categorization has been to determine how objects’ features provide evidence of membership in one category versus another. Well-known findings include that feature diagnosticity is a function of how often the feature appears in category members versus nonmembers, their perceptual salience, how features are used in support of inferences, and how observable features are related to other observable features. We tested how diagnosticity is affected by causal relations between observable and unobserved features. Consistent with our view of classification as diagnostic reasoning, we found that observable features are more diagnostic to the extent that they are caused by underlying features that define category membership, because the presence of the latter can be (causally) inferred from the former. Implications of these results for current views of conceptual structure and models of categorization are discussed.
Appraising Science Career Interests in Adolescent Girls and Boys

Science career choice is partly determined by precursors such as enrollment in science and mathematics courses, which are, in turn, determined by factors such as attitudes toward science, participa...
THE CILIATION AND FUNCTION OF THE LABIAL PALPS OF ACILA CASTRENSIS (PROTOBRANCHIA, NUCULIDAE), WITH AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF THE PROTOBRANCH ORGANS OF FEEDING IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE BIVALVIA

The ciliation and structure of the labial palps of the nuculid Acila castrensis have been investigated and found to be extremely complex. A morphological and functional association of the labial palps and the inner demibranchs of the ctenidia has been observed in Acila and in Nucula. Small particles trapped by the ctenidia are passed to the labial palps and then to the mouth via the lateral oral groove. Nuculids have three ways of obtaining particles to be sorted for food: (a) by way of the ciliated palp proboscides; (b) by way of the outer, unridged surfaces of the outer palp lamellae the ciliation of which collects particles from the incurrent stream of water; and (c) by way of the frontal and enlarged frontal cilia of the ctenidia and the functional association of the ctenidia and palps. Comparisons are made from which it is shown that the Nuculidae and the Tellinacea share certain adaptations for inhalant deposit feeding in muddy environments. Morphological, paleontological, and embryological evidence is reviewed. The conclusion is reached that the immediate bivalved ancestors of existing protobranchs, filibranchs, and eulamellibranchs could have been suspension feeders and that palp proboscides may never have appeared in the evolutionary mainstream of the Bivalvia.
The Dynamic Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Lumbar Disc Are Decreased Following Nucleus Pulposus GAG Reduction

The intervertebral disc has the important biomechanical function of dissipating energy during spinal loading. With degeneration, the disc experiences, among other changes, a loss of mechanical function and degradation of its composition. Using a rat model of early disc degeneration by injection of Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content in the nucleus pulposus (NP) was reduced which altered neutral zone mechanical properties. The contribution of decreased NP GAG content to the dynamic viscoelastic properties has yet to be determined. The advantage of dynamic viscoelastic testing is that it provides both viscous and elastic stiffness values as a function of loading frequency. These methods have been employed previously in a rabbit disc regeneration model, in ligament under three modes of loading, and in NP under oscillatory shear and compression. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the viscoelastic behavior of a rat lumbar disc at several equilibrium strains and to quantify the impact of GAG reduction on this behavior. Our hypotheses were: 1) elastic stiffness would be greater, and viscous stiffness and loss angle would be lower with increased frequency, and 2) both elastic and viscous stiffness would be lower in the reduced GAG discs at all frequencies.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Response of a 42-storey steel-frame building to the Ms = 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake

Abstract A set of 14 acceleration records was obtained from a 42-storey steel-frame building, the Chevron Building, in San Francisco during the M s = 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake of 17 October 1989. Data were analysed using a system identification method based on the discretetime linear filtering, and the least-squares estimation techniques. The results show that the response of the building is dominated by two modes: a translational mode in the weaker (southwest-northeast) principal direction of the building at 0.16 Hz with 5% damping, and a translational-torsional mode along the east-west diagonal of the building's cross-section at 0.20 Hz with 7% damping. There are significant contributions from higher modes at 0.54 Hz, 0.62 Hz, 1.02 Hz and 1.09 Hz. All the modes incorporate some torsion, but the amplitudes of torsional components are small, about 10% of translational amplitudes. Soil-structure interaction influences the vibrations near 1.0 Hz. The contribution of soil-structure interaction to the peak displacements of the building is significant, particularly at lower floors.
Nuclear changes of intraoral exfoliated cells of six patients with sickle-cell disease

Abstract 1. 1. Nuclear changes observed in oral exfoliated cells of six patients with sickle-cell disease have been described. 2. 2. These changes are similar to those reported in oral exfoliated cells of patients with pernicious anemia and sprue. 3. 3. Intraoral exfoliative cytology affords an excellent method of further investigation.
The phosphorylation of D (+) glucosamine by crystalline yeast hexokinase.

d-glucosamine has been shown to be converted to a phosphorylated amino sugar by ATP in the presence of crystalline yeast hexokinase and magnesium ions. The rate of the reaction is approximately that observed for d-glucose. The turnover number of the enzyme for glucosamine is 12,000 moles/105 grams hexokinase/minute at pH 7.8 and 30°. The enzymatically synthesized ester of glucosamine was isolated as the barium salt and shown to have full reducing power and to have an acid-stable phosphate group. The ester consumes four moles of sodium periodate per mole of compound. These facts, together with its elemental composition, show that it is d-glucosamine-6-phosphate. Aqueous solutions of the ester are not stable; with time, one or more substances are formed which have characteristic absorption spectra; simultaneously, the reducing power disappears.
A Study of Fatigue (Cyclic Deformation) Behavior in FCC Metals Using Strain Rate Change Tests

Strain rate jump tests were performed during low cycle fatigue using plastic strain rate as the real time computed control variable. Test materials included OFE polycrystalline copper, AA7075-T6 aluminum, and 304 stainless steel. The evolution of dislocation interactions was observed by evaluating the activation area and true stress as a function of cumulative plastic strain. Activation area values for each of the three materials were evaluated from an initial state to saturation. All three materials exhibit a deviation from Cottrell-Stokes law during cyclic deformation. Tests performed on each of the three materials at saturation reveal a dependence of activation area on plastic strain amplitude for copper and aluminum but no such relationship for stainless steel. These results reflect a contrast between wavy slip for pure copper and 7075 aluminum versus planar slip for 304 stainless steel tested at room temperature. Dislocation motion in copper transitions from forest dislocation cutting [1-6] to increasing contributions of cross slip. Dislocation motion in 7075 aluminum and 304 stainless steel is controlled by obstacles that are characteristically more thermal than forest dislocations: obstacles in 7075-T6 aluminum are identified as solutes from re-dissolved particles; obstacles in 304 stainless steel are also solutes.
Free Radical Allyl Transfers Utilizing Soluble Non-Cross-Linked Polystyrene and Carbohydrate Scaffold Supports

Free radical allylations were studied using (1) soluble non-cross-linked polystyrene supports, (2) carbohydrate scaffolds, and (3) a combination of both synthetic motifs. Allylations on these custom designer supports provide easily purified products, free of tin residues. A d-xylose carbohydrate scaffold bearing a bromoester was used for a diastereoselective allyl tin transfer thermally at 80 °C and with Lewis acids. This is the first example of a diastereoselective radical reaction directed by a removable polymer-supported carbohydrate auxiliary.
The mental health professional without portfolio on the high school campus

Abstract Following the damage brought about by the 1971 Los Angeles earthquake, two high schools were forced to share a single campus. The students, who were from differing ethnic and socio‐economic groups, coexisted uneasily. In the face of growing tensions, mental health professionals from the local community mental health facility joined with teachers and counselors at the merged high school and initiated a program of rap groups for the students. Each of the groups was co‐led by a mental health professional and a teacher from the high school. This article describes the development of these rap groups over a period of three years. The membership and process of the groups changed over time, presenting an array of challenges for the leaders. Among the most challenging problems, however, was the co‐leader relationship itself. The patterns of consultation and mutual supervision that were evolved will be discussed.
Developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity as regulatory endpoints

For decades, cancer has been the primary toxicological endpoint used in the assessment of hazard and risk. Regulatory decisions related to the manufacture, transport, and use of a chemical are often based solely on cancer data. Federal policy is now shifting toward more frequent evaluation and application of alternative endpoints of toxicity. Among the endpoints of particular current interest are developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Significant progress has been made in the development of standardized guidelines for testing chemicals for their potential effects on these endpoints. Corresponding guidelines for the assessment of risk on the basis of data on these endpoints are in various stages of development.
Use of 3-Aminotyrosine To Examine the Pathway Dependence of Radical Propagation in Escherichia coli Ribonucleotide Reductase

Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), an α2β2 complex, catalyzes the conversion of nucleoside 5′-diphosphate substrates (S) to 2′-deoxynucleoside 5′-diphosphates. α2 houses the active site for nucleotide reduction and the binding sites for allosteric effectors (E). β2 contains the essential diferric tyrosyl radical (Y122•) cofactor which, in the presence of S and E, oxidizes C439 in α to a thiyl radical, C439•, to initiate nucleotide reduction. This oxidation occurs over 35 A and is proposed to involve a specific pathway: Y122• → W48 → Y356 in β2 to Y731 → Y730 → C439 in α2. 3-Aminotyrosine (NH2Y) has been site-specifically incorporated at residues 730 and 731, and formation of the aminotyrosyl radical (NH2Y•) has been examined by stopped-flow (SF) UV−vis and EPR spectroscopies. To examine the pathway dependence of radical propagation, the double mutant complexes Y356F-β2:Y731NH2Y-α2, Y356F-β2:Y730NH2Y-α2, and wt-β2:Y731F/Y730NH2Y-α2, in which the nonoxidizable F acts as a pathway block, were s...
Midwesterners' Perceptions of and Attitudes towards Pets

This research, conducted in the Twin Cities region of Minneapolis/St. Paul, addresses “Americans” relationships with animals in terms of the tendency to “humanize” animals, and thus turn them into pets. Based upon interviews done among 10 families and questionnaires distributed to 8 pet-related facilities, this study shows that human/animal relations are not that simple. That is, pets are not only viewed as “members of a family,” but the making and keeping of pets involve a process of “petification.” This process of petification (to “confine” or to “domesticate” and “diminish” in the sense of “making small” other humans, animals andlor nature) results in ambiguous figures and central elements in the understanding of many binary oppositions. Pets satisfy singular cultural needs reflecting an array of perceptions and attitudes in human/animal relations: an array which encompasses the difference between “expressive” and “instrumental” utilitarian animals, and the difference between “emotional appendage” and “agreement.” Within this array, reciprocal communication (verbal and non-verbal) between humans and animals is a very important element expressing ideas, such as individuality and power, as well as opposite binary concepts such as culture/nature, human/animal, tame/wild, indoor/outdoor, clean/dirty, close/distant, good/bad and life/death.
A Transportation model with multiple criteria and multiple constraint levels

In this paper, a transportation model with multiple criteria and multiple constraint levels (MC^2) is formulated by using the framework of MC^2 linear programming. An algorithm is developed to solve such MC^2 transportation problems. In this algorithm, the traditional northwest corner rule is adopted to find an initial basic feasible solution for a given MC^2 transportation problem. Then the MC^2-simplex method is applied to locate the set of all potential solutions over possible changes of the objective coefficient parameter and the supply and demand parameter for the MC^2 transportation problem. A numerical example is illustrated to demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm in solving the MC^2 transportation problems.
Effects of AF64A on [3H]acetylcholine synthesis in neuron-enriched primary brain cell cultures

Abstract [ 3 H]Acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis was measured in primary neuronal cultures from neonatal rat brains. Neuronal [ 3 H]ACh synthesis was blocked by hemicholinium-3 and depended on the age of the cultures, increasing for ca. 10 days, and eventually declining. The irreversible inhibitor AF64A (10 or 30 μM) inhibited [ 3 H]ACh synthesis from [ 3 H]choline at concentrations (10 or 30 μM) with affecting choline acetyltransferase activity. Nine-day-old cultures recovered 90% of their [ 3 H]ACh synthesis within 7 days after AF64A, while 13-day-old cultures never recovered. These results suggest that the turnover of neuronal choline transporters is age-related.
Relationship between rhinosinusitis symptoms and mucociliary clearance time.

Objective To determine the correlation between rhinosinusitis symptoms as assessed by the Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-20 (SNOT-20) and mucociliary clearance as assessed by the saccharin method. Study design and setting This was a cross-sectional study of 50 adult volunteers. Subjects completed the SNOT-20, and mucociliary clearance was determined with the saccharine method. Correlation coefficients (Spearman’s Rho) were calculated for the global SNOT-20 score. Results The SNOT-20 scores varied from 20 to 54 (mean 30.28) with a possible range of 20 to 100. Clearance times varied from 418 to 2865 seconds (mean 999). There was no significant correlation between global SNOT-20 score and clearance time (r = 0.196). Conclusions There is no significant correlation between rhinosinusitis symptoms as assessed by SNOT-20 scores and mucociliary clearance. Significance Mucociliary clearance is important for the health of the sinonasal cavities, but clearance time does not appear to be associated with symptom severity in the population studied. EBM rating: A-1b
Induction of permeability change and restoration of membrane permeability barrier in transformed cell cultures.

Abstract Transformed 3T3 cells incubated with ATP at an alkaline pH become permeable to phosphorylated compounds. The increase in membrane permeability can be induced by incubation with ATP at a neutral pH but only if sodium fluoride is present. Fluoride is not necessary for activation of the permeability change in these cultures at the alkaline pH. The effect of fluoride is very rapid, and sodium fluoride by itself does not alter membrane permeability. The alteration of membrane permeability by ATP in 3T6 cells is reversible; the permeability barrier is restored by switching to neutral buffer in the presence or absence of divalent cations. The restoration of the membrane permeability barrier is prevented by fluoride, and by ATP itself; this action of ATP is specific and no other nucleoside triphosphates or chelating agents produce this effect. Untransformed 3T3 cells do not exhibit any appreciable change in permeability as a result of ATP treatment either in the presence or absence of fluoride. These results are consistent with the presence on the transformed cell surface of an ATP-requiring protein kinase and a fluoride-inhibitable protein phosphatase, which would be involved in the control of membrane permeability.
Low Temperature Maintenance of Test Organism Suspensions for Antibiotic Assays

Abstract The survival rates of 14 test organisms that had been suspended in saline, distilled water, peptone water, or nutrient broth were compared after storage at —70°. Viable cell counts and dose- responses to various antibiotics were determined prior to freezing and at 3-month intervals for 2 years after freezing. Most test organisms were successfully maintained in this manner using water, peptone water, or broth with little or insignificant losses in viable cells or change in dose–response in antibiotic assay systems.
Fine structure of plant cells infected with bean pod mottle virus.

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) was present in epidermal cells, mesophyll cells, and all component cells of the vascular bundle including matured sieve and tracheal elements. Virions were present in the ground cytoplasm and central vacuole within infected cells. Honeycomblike bundles of spheres bounded by a membrane were also present in vacuoles, and four types of structural changes of mitochondria were noted in infected cells of a systemic host. Proliferation of the membrane system was an early effect of infection. This occurred in the plasmalemma, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria to produce vesicles, concentric membrane aggregates, loose membranes and tubules. BPMV also induced filamentous inclusions in cytoplasm of both hosts. In the systemically infected host striking changes in ultrastructure were evident at an early stage of infection.
Light-Microscopic Assessment of 100 Patients with Patch/Plaque-Stage Mycosis Fungoides

The light-microscopic recognition of patch/plaque stages of mycosis fungoides is difficult, but remains as the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF). A review of previous publications concerning the light-microscopic histological criteria for recognition of MF is followed by a summary of our recent histological findings involving 100 patients. The quantitative histological assessment included 13 different parameters for each case of patch/plaque-stage disease. The different criteria included parakeratosis, acanthosis, density of upper dermal mononuclear cell infiltrate, degree of lymphocyte atypia, degree of epidermotropism, Pautrier microabscess formation, band-like pattern, presence of basal vacuolar change, spongiosis, papillary dermal fibrosis, presence of eosinophils, and presence of plasma cells. The most significant histological features of patch/plaque-stage MF are: 1. Broad zones of epidermis in which lymphocytes, which are usually not markedly atypical, are in close apposition to basal and lower-level keratinocytes predominantly as single cells in a somewhat linear configuration on the epidermal side of the dermal-epidermal junction. In general, the surrounding keratinocytes do not display any cytopathic changes, i.e., basal vacuolar degeneration or apoptosis. 2. The papillary dermis contains a variably dense mono-nuclear cell infiltrate that is usually polymorphous and in which there is papillary dermal fibrosis with plasma cells and eosinophils. 3. Pautrier microabscesses are only present in the minority of cases of MF. Representative "threshold" cases of the earliest recognizable diagnostic cases of MF are illustrated. A pragmatic diagnostic approach to patients presenting with a clinical picture suggesting MF is outlined. The potential usefulness of additional ancillary diagnostic techniques such as immunoperoxidase frozen-section stains and T-cell-receptor gene rearrangements are briefly reviewed.
Recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: A five-year experience

Background: Although the early results of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair have shown a low recurrence rate, there is a paucity of long-term data. This study reviews a single institution's experience with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of all LVHR performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from January 1996 to March 2001. Recurrence rates were determined by physical exam or telephone follow-up. Factors predictive of recurrence were determined using Cox regression. Results: Of 100 ventral hernias completed laparoscopically, 96 were available for long-term follow-up (average, 30 months; range 4–65). There were no deaths and major morbidity occurred in seven patients. Recurrences were identified in 17 patients. Nine recurrences occurred in the 1st postoperative year; however, hernia recurrence continued throughout the period of follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that a prior failed hernia repair was associated with a more likely chance of another recurrence (65% vs 35%, odds ratio (OR) 3.6; p = 0.05) and that an increased estimated blood loss (106 cc vs 51 cc, OR 1.03; p = 0.005) predicted recurrence. Other variables, including body mass index (BMI) (32 vs 31 kg/m2, p = 0.38), defect size (115 cm2 vs 91 cm2; p = 0.23), size of mesh (468 cm2 vs 334 cm2, p = 0.19), type of mesh (p = 0.62), and mesh fixation (p = 0.99), did not predict recurrence. An additional 14 cases required conversion to an open operation, and seven of these cases (50%) had recurrence on long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Although LVHR remains the preferred method of hernia repair at our institution, this study documents a higher recurrence rate than many other short-term series. There results underscore the importance of long-term follow-up in assessing hernia surgery outcome.
Simplified models for predicting the onset of liquid water droplet instability at the gas diffusion layer/gas flow channel interface

Simplified models that are based on macroscopic force balances and droplet-geometry approximations are presented for predicting the onset of instability leading to removal of water droplets at the gas diffusion layer (GDL)/gas flow channel (GFC) interface. Visualization experiments are carried out to observe the formation, growth, and removal or instability of the water droplets at the GDL/GFC interface of a simulated polymer electrolyte fuel cell cathode. Droplet-instability diagrams or ‘windows’ computed by the simplified models are compared with those measured experimentally, and good agreement is obtained. Two-dimensional flow simulations employing the finite element method coupled with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation for determining the liquid/gas interface position are also performed to assess the simplified cylindrical-droplet model. Necessary conditions for preventing fully grown droplets from lodging in the flow channel are derived using the simplified models. It is found that droplet removal can be enhanced by increasing flow channel length or mean gas flow velocity, decreasing channel height or contact angle hysteresis, or making the GDL/GFC interface more hydrophobic. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scientific drilling technologies for hostile environments

Deep research drilling will encounter temperatures exceeding those normally encountered in standard oil and gas exploration and production. The traditional oil-field service companies have capabilities to temperatures of 120–150 ˚C. Consequently, many problems occur with the drilling equipment, muds, and logging tools at higher temperatures. However, there is a wealth of technology in the geothermal drilling programs where well completions at 250 ˚C are common, at 300 ˚C are frequent, and at 350 ˚C exist on a few wells. Also, materials, mechanical designs, and diagnostic techniques are developed for engines, gas turbines, and other systems that run at temperatures close to 1000 ˚C. All of these systems can be tapped for technologies used in high-temperature deep drilling. The major limitation to such development is lack of commercial interest in high-temperature drilling; companies are not willing to provide the needed field hardware.
Modeling of solar tracking for giant Fresnel lens solar stoves

Abstract A fundamental modeling for the optical features and control algorithm has been developed for a solar stove heat collection system which uses a giant Fresnel lens. The modeling work helps to implement autonomous solar tracking in the system by controlling the Fresnel lens to maintain a stationary focal point on the heat-collecting surface of the solar stove. Two-axis solar tracking for the particular work was chosen. The update time interval during tracking causes misalignment of the lens’ optical axis versus the sunrays. From modeling, the defocus (due to the misalignment) and the change of the shape and location of the focal point on the static heat-collecting surface could be calculated. The results of the analysis have been incorporated into the control algorithm which has been implemented in the control system of a prototype solar stove which successfully demonstrated the predicted efficient solar tracking.
Characteristic shape and surface changes in epithelial transformation

Previous work has suggested that adhesive or cytoskeletal structures alter during epithelial transformation. The purpose of the present studies was to see whether such reorganizations were accompanied by consistent changes in the biophysical characteristics of cells. We used in vitro cell lines from rat liver and respiratory tract epithelium that became tumorigenic over a period of 11-15 months. For populations sampled at several time points before and after this transition, the shape of individual cells was analysed by calculating the values of many geometrical descriptors. The data were collected from cells imaged by reflected light interference. Interference contours on the cells were digitized, and the descriptor values calculated by computer program. Cell lines derived from both liver (IAR 20PC1) and respiratory epithelium 1,000 W) lines showed progressive changes in the values of certain descriptors. The time-dependent differences among groups were statistically significant at a level of p less than 0.0001. By determining which descriptors underwent large changes, we found that some structural revisions occurred in common in the two types of cells. Cells from later passages of the lines rose from the substrate at a steeper angle, as determined by measuring the fraction of the area of the first interference contour that was occupied by successive contours. In addition, the projections on the perimeter became broader, and the perimeter became less complex. This kind of 'smoothing' of the cell perimeter took place in several contours, indicating that it was a surface change. Surface changes of this sort have not been noted previously in transformation. The results suggest that the structure of cells is altered in a consistent way during transformation, as detected by measuring of shape and surface configuration.
Senior Residents as Teaching Assistants During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the 80-Hour Workweek Era: Effect on Biliary Injury and Overall Complication Rates

Purpose The resident as teaching assistant (TA) in the operating room is an important role in the maturation of surgical trainees. One concern in the current 80-hour workweek era is that current senior residents (SRs) are unprepared to serve as TAs, potentially leading to higher complication rates and a significant increase in the length of operations. The aim of this study was to analyze whether SRs serving as TAs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) resulted in an adverse effect on complication rates in the 80-hour workweek era. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 1668 LC performed at 2 affiliated general surgery teaching hospitals from 2003 through 2007. Teaching hospital A was a public teaching hospital where junior residents (JR) performed the LC with a scrubbed SR as TA under faculty supervision. Teaching hospital B was a community-based affiliate hospital where the JR performed LC with only scrubbed faculty supervision. Operative case duration, JR level, patient gender/age, operative indication, final pathology, and complication data were gathered and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Despite a higher rate of acute cholecystitis in the TA hospital, LC-associated complications occurred at similar rates with and without SR as TA. The rate of biliary injury was also the same in both hospitals. On multivariable analysis, only male gender was associated with complications (odds ratio = 1.7; p = 0.004). Conclusions In the 80-hour resident workweek era, SRs acting as TAs during LC is not associated with increased total complications or an increased rate of biliary injury.
Black and white labor market outcomes in the nineteenth century American South

Purpose – This study aims to consider the nineteenth century relationship between biological markers and employment. This relationship is also considered for different occupations and by race.Design/methodology/approach – Using a large source of nineteenth century Texas state prison records, regression models illustrate the relationships between stature, body mass index (BMI), other observable characteristics and employment outcomes.Findings – Among the nineteenth century Texas working class, stature and BMIs were not significant in the decision to participate in the southwest's labor market but were significant in Texas occupation selection. The probability of being farmers and unskilled workers were comparable by race. However, whites had easier access to white‐collar and skilled occupations.Practical implications – Relationships between stature and BMI in developing countries may not be related to the decision to work; however, a relationship between these biological markers and occupation selection ma...
Application of the Marchi method to the study of the radix mesencephalica trigemini in the guinea‐pig

The results of the previous experiments confirm May and Horsley's conclusions that the mesencephalic trigeminal root contains both ascending and descending fibers. The former take origin from sensory cells in the semilunar ganglion and the latter from globular, unipolar cells in the alar (sensory) plate of the mesencephalon, and from a caudal continuation of these cells, known as the locus. coeruleus, which extend downward into the motor area of the pons.
Ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration: Impact of immediate cytologic review

Qbjectives/Hygothesis: To compare the diagnostic adequacy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (USFNA) of the head and neck with immediate on-site microscopic evaluation and feedback by a cytopathologist (IMMEDIATE) versus delayed examination without immediate feedback (DELAYED). Study Design: Retrospective chart review of office-based USFNA performed in both IMMEDIATE and DELAYED settings by the same otolaryngologist. Methods: A total of 199 USFNA procedures in the head and neck were performed by one practitioner. Of these procedures, 137 biopsies were performed in the DELAYED setting, whereas 62 biopsies were performed in the IMMEDIATE setting. Cytopathology reports were reviewed for diagnostic conclusions as well as adequacy of biopsies. The results from both settings were compared using Pearson χ 2 test. Results: The ability to obtain a diagnosis from USFNA was 73.0% in the DELAYED group as compared with 90.3% in the IMMEDIATE group. The rate of adequate cells on biopsy was 89.1% in the DELAYED group as compared with 96.8% in the IMMEDIATE group. There was a statistically significant difference between observed and expected diagnostic rates (χ 2 [1] = 7.568, P =.006) and a trend toward a significant difference between the observed and expected adequacy rates (χ 2 [1] = 3.259, P = .071) when IMMEDIATE evaluation by a cytopathologist was performed. Conclusions: An immediate microscopic evaluation of USFNA specimens to confirm adequacy of sampling is strongly recommended. Diagnostic conclusions were increased when an evaluation of the specimen was performed at the time of biopsy. The specimen adequacy rate tended to increase with an immediate) cytopathologic assessment.
Food Safety Issues Affecting the Dairy Beef Industry

The ability of dairy farmers to market cull cows and veal calves may be affected by the final rule on Pathogen Reduction and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) Systems, a sweeping reform of USDA food safety regulations that was published on July 25, 1996. Although the regulations apply only to slaughter and processing plants handling meat and poultry, the rule will have an impact on food animal producers, including dairy farmers. Under this regulation, plant operators are required to evaluate potential hazards and to devise and implement controls that are appropriate for each product and plant to prevent or reduce those hazards. Processing plants may need to consider the potential hazards associated with incoming animals, such as illegal drug residues, which may result in marked changes in the relationships among some producers, livestock markets, and slaughter plants. Such information may actually improve the marketability of some animal classes because documentation will help the packer ensure the safety of products for sale to domestic and foreign markets. Dairy scientists are in an excellent position to explain the food safety issues to dairy farmers and to help develop the appropriate strategies that are necessary to guide the changes needed. These scientists can be conduits for information, the research leaders for practical solutions to reduce public health risks, and valuable resources to help farmers adjust to the impact of these new in-plant regulatory systems.
Multistage capacitor switching: an analytical approach

Presented in this paper is a novel mathematical formulation for the multistage capacitor scheduling problem in a radial distribution feeder using a predetermined reactive load duration curve. The objective is to determine the optimal switching times of the predetermined capacitor stages to minimize the energy losses under varying load conditions. The presented methodologies are superior to previous works in generalizing the solution to avoid constraints on the number of capacitors and their switching stages. Three different models for the reactive load duration curve are considered. A closed-form solution for the switching time and energy loss reduction is derived from each case. The presented methodologies are simple and efficient. They provide several capacitor control alternatives of value in distribution automation control. The new methodologies are applied to representative radial systems for validation.
A comment on Aoki’s “Diffusion-controlled current with memory”

Abstract A recent paper by Aoki addressed the apparent paradox associated with certain diffusion equations whereby one might infer an impossibly large velocity for a diffusing particle. As explanation he invokes the concept of “second-sound or memory effect” previously discussed in the field of heat transfer. In the present paper I note that the paradox was initially identified and resolved by Einstein in his classical series of papers on Brownian motion. Given that the random-walk is the fundamental physical process underlying diffusive movement, a convenient model system is the classical one-dimensional random-walk problem of computing the probability that a particle will be at a specified distance (along the x-axis) from its initial position at a given time. With the added assumptions that the step-length is constant, and the frequency of movement is one per unit period of observation, the analytic solution (based on laws of probability and the binomial theorem) clearly shows that there is no paradox and that random-walk behavior converges to diffusive behavior after sufficient number of random-walk steps have been taken. Simulations of a modified one-dimensional random walk and of a quasi-three-dimensional random walk reveal a general scaling protocol which shows that the maximum relative deviation erel,θ of the random walk from the diffusional model occurs at x = 0 (the particle’s initial position) and is expressed as erel,θ,χ=0 = 1/(5ωt) for the modified one-dimensional random walk and 1/(4ωt) for the quasi-three-dimensional random walk (ω is the frequency of the random-walk steps and t is the time). Thus the diffusional model will describe the random walk with an accuracy of ∼1% or better when ωt > ∼25. In typical physical systems it is shown that this will likely be achieved on the order of a few picoseconds, a time scale that is likely to be too short for the inadequacies of the diffusion model to be of experimental consequence.
Enhanced ovarian steroid secretion before implantation in early human pregnancy

Previous studies have compared ovarian steroid production in the luteal phase of nonconceptive and conceptive cycles. Some investigators reported higher preimplantational levels of progesterone in conceptive cycles vs. nonconceptive cycles, but other studies have found no differences. Many of these results were difficult to interpret because the studies included infertile women and/or women who received exogenous hormones. In this study we have characterized the profiles of gonadotropin secretion and ovarian steroid response during early pregnancy in a population of spontaneously ovulating women and compared them to those in nonconceptive cycles of recently fertile women. Blood samples were collected daily during the luteal phase from 24 women during 51 cycles of artificial insemination with donor semen. Cycles were segregated to those from women who had a successful term pregnancy (normal group) and those having an early spontaneous abortion (SAB group) and were also classified as nonconceptive or concep...
Reliability and the Value of Knowledge

Reliabilism has come under recent attack for its alleged inability to account for the value we typically ascribe to knowledge. It is charged that a reliably-produced true belief has no more value than does the true belief alone. I reply to these charges on behalf of reliabilism; not because I think reliabilism is the correct theory of knowledge, but rather because being reliably-produced does add value of a sort to true beliefs. The added value stems from the fact that a reliably-held belief is non-accidental in a particular way. While it is widely acknowledged that accidentally true beliefs cannot count as knowledge, it is rarely questioned why this should be so. An answer to this question emerges from the discussion of the value of reliability; an answer that holds interesting implications for the value and nature of knowledge.
Aching for the altered body: Beauty economy and Chinese women's consumption of cosmetic surgery

Synopsis This study looks into China's beauty economy through the women who are consumers of cosmetic surgery. My qualitative inquiry is based upon multiple and in-depth interviews with ten research informants who hail from various regions of mainland China. The findings reveal that Chinese women's engagement with cosmetic surgery has been shaped by both the specificities of local contexts and the market imperatives of globalization. Cosmetic surgery, according to the informants' personal accounts, has been reinvested with new, complex meanings: as a way of adapting to redefined gender norms, a gesture toward national modernity, a strategy of asserting self-control in personal lives, and an emblem of seeking upward class mobility. Ultimately, the Chinese case of cosmetic surgery consumption provides a tension-ridden microcosm of the beauty economy, where bodies, postsocialist gender politics, class aspiration, and consumerism intersect. Furthermore, the interview texts reveal the sophisticated ways beauty discourses have become entrenched in economic and transnational trends, which fuel the rapid growth of the local beauty industry.
A new semi-automatic approach for dividing glacier complexes into individual glaciers

Many glaciological and hydrological studies require outlines of individual glaciers rather than total ice cover. Here we develop a new semi-automatic algorithm that uses a digital elevation model (DEM) and outlines of glacier complexes to calculate the extents of individual glaciers. The algorithm first applies hydrological modeling tools to a modified DEM to calculate flowsheds. It then merges flowsheds that belong to individual glaciers using a distance-based approach, whose required empirical parameters are derived from the Juneau Icefield area in Alaska. In this region, 2% of similar to 1300 glaciers were misclassified. The algorithm was validated on >25 000 km(2) of ice in other regions in Alaska and on >40 000 km(2) of ice in Arctic Canada, resulting in similar to 2% and similar to 3% misclassified glaciers, respectively. Results indicate that the algorithm is robust provided the DEM and the outlines are of good quality.
Long-term antidepressant treatment in bipolar disorder: meta-analyses of benefits and risks

Objective Long-term antidepressant (AD) treatment for depression in bipolar disorder (BPD) patients is highly prevalent, but its benefits and risks remain uncertain, encouraging this meta-analysis of available research.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE FORMAL POWERS OF GOVERNORS AND STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL

Using numerical indices, this study describes and analyzes the relationship between governors and attorneys general in regard to formal powers. An index of formal power for each office is presented and divided into high and low categories. In examining the relationship between the formal powers of the two offices, the fifty states fall into four patterns for the combinations of formal power. Each of the power combinations suggests either greater competition or cooperation between these two important constitutional officers. The relationship of the formal power of the two offices is one significant factor which has implications for the governor's leadership in the executive branch.
Blood coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inhibitory proteins in end-stage renal disease: effect of hemodialysis.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at risk of ischemic cardiovascular complications and vascular thrombosis. These observations prompted the present survey of the blood coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inhibitory proteins in a group of 31 ESRD patients and 32 normal controls. Immunologic and functional assays were used to quantitate plasma antigen concentrations and/or functional activities of factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, VII, X, II, and XIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, fibronectin, high molecular weight kininogen, D-dimer, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, plasminogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor, α 2 -antiplasmin, α 1 -antitrypsin, and α 2 -macroglobulin as well as antiplasmin activity. The coagulant activities of factors XII, IX, X, and II were significantly reduced in ESRD patients despite their normal or increased plasma antigen concentrations. In addition, the ESRD patients showed hyperfibrinogenemia and significant elevations of plasma concentrations of D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, factor VII, and factor XIII antigens. They also exhibited significant reductions of antithrombin III, free protein S, plasminogen, and tissue-type plasminogen activator concentrations. Despite ultrafiltration, plasma factor IX activity and von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen concentrations decreased after hemodialysis with little or slight changes in other measured parameters. The ESRD patients studied here exhibited numerous abnormalities of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inhibitory proteins at multiple levels. These abnormalities may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications and vascular thrombosis in this population. The precise mechanism(s) and clinical significance of the observed abnormalities are unknown and await further investigation.
The video interface to high speed optical data transfer network

This paper describes the initial research and prototype design of the Video Interface to High Speed Optical Data Transfer Network. Image compression technique is used in order to increase network capacity. The Video Interface acquires video signals, compresses them, and sends out the packets of data to the communication channel. It also accepts compressed data from the communication channel, decompresses them, and drives the video monitor.
A multimethod assessment of social intervention effects on narcotics use and property crime.

Log-linear modeling, structural equation modeling, repeated measures analysis of variance, and time series analysis are discussed for their utility in evaluating the temporal effects of social interventions. Methods are illustrated by applications examining the independent and joint temporal effects of methadone maintenance treatment and legal supervision on narcotics use and property crime among narcotics addicts. Convergent results from a multimethod assessment of the issue show that methadone maintenance has long-term and short-term suppressive effects on narcotics use and property crime. More complicated but complementary findings have been found in evaluating the effectiveness of legal supervision. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts section of this issue.]