cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systemic inflammatory diseases and silicone breast prostheses: Report of a case of adult Still disease and review of the literature

There has been a debate about the possibility of a link between silicone breast implants and the onset of systemic connective tissue diseases (eg, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis) and other inflammatory pathologies, such as silicone implant associated syndrome and adult Still disease. We report a case of adult Still disease in a patient with a silicone gel breast implant. The disease regressed with steroidal treatment, and the patient is now no longer steroid-dependent, although the implant is still in place.
Japanese Model Factory Employment Of Handicaped Persons: An Economic Evaluation

Employment needs of handicapped persons have increased in recent years as the handicapped population itself and public policy have begun to promote the integration of handicapped individuals into t...
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: Ascending the Learning Curve

n = 5), hemorrhage ( n = 6), intraabdominal abscess ( n = 4), prolonged ileus ( n = 4), wound infection ( n = 2), anastomotic leak ( n = 1), aspiration ( n = 1), cardiac arrhythmia ( n = 1), upper intestinal bleeding ( n = 1), and postoperative small bowel obstruction ( n = 1). There were no deaths. When divided into three equal, consecutive groups, the patients in the early ( n = 33) and intermediate ( n = 33) groups had a significantly higher complication rate (42% and 27%, respectively), than those in the late group ( n = 34, 12%; p < 0.05). The complication rate in each group was also directly related to the number of TACs performed (18 in the early, 13 in the intermediate, and 5 in the late group). The overall complication rate in TAC cases was significantly higher (42%) when compared to that of all other procedures (segmental resection 9%, nonresectional 12%; p < 0.01). The mean operating time was 4 hours (2.5–6.5 hours) for TAC, 2.5 hours (1.5–5.5 hours) for segmental colonic resection, and 1.6 hours (1.0–2.5 hours) for the nonresectional procedures. The length of ileus was 3.5 days (2–7 days) after TAC, 3 days (2–7 days) after the segmental resections, and 2 days (1–4 days) after the nonresectional procedures. The mean hospital stay was 7.3 days (2–40 days): 8.4 (5–40), 7.0 (4–12), and 6.8 (2–11) days for the TAC, segmental resection, and nonresectional procedures, respectively. We conclude that the feasibility of laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been well established. The morbidity associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery correlates with a steep learning curve but is also related to the type of procedure. TAC is associated with a higher complication rate than are other laparoscopic colorectal procedures.
Defects in a-Si:H films produced by remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Abstract We have grown films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon, a-Si:H, by RPECVD with substrate temperatures, T s , between 38 and 400°C and have studied the hydrogen incorporation by infrared ( ir ) analysis, the optical absorbance (including sub-bandgap absorbance), the defect state density in annealed and light soaked states, and other photoelectronic properties. The RPECVD films differ from conventional glow discharge (GD) and sputtered films, most notably in the T s dependence of the hydrogen bonding environments (SiH, SiH 2 , etc.) and the photoconductivity. RPECVD films produced with T s = 235°C are similar to ‘device grade’ GD films. We have compared defect density with photoconductivity and inferred a value for the capture cross section. We have determined the effect of light soaking on the defect density (Staebler-Wronski effect) as a function of T s and have related these results to hydrogen bonding environments, hydrogen concentration and photoelectronic properties.
Local buckling behavior of stiffened curved elements

Abstract A series of stub column and beam tests has been performed to determine the initial buckling stress of stiffened curved elements. A semi-empirical expression has been developed for the elastic, local buckling of stiffened curved elements subject to uniform axial compression. For inelastic buckling, the tangent modulus approach is employed. Also, methods have been developed to predict the interaction between the local buckling of flat and curved elements and to predict local buckling of curved elements subject to bending. The predicted buckling loads, based on these expressions, are compared to the test data.
Putting Modernity in its Place(s) Reflections on Jack Goody’s The Theft of History

Jack Goody’s work on the origins, spatial extent and defining characteristics of modernity has vigorously questioned claims that only European history led to assorted modern characteristics: capitalism, science, democracy, romantic love, and inwardly-motivated personal restraint. He argues that many societies which experienced the Bronze Age urban revolution share certain important material similarities (and some differences) which set them apart from others, and are best understood by constructing an analytical grid rather than categorical stages. With respect to alleged affective differences, Goody takes a more strongly relativist stance, rejecting any developmental divide in the prevalence of romantic love, internalized self-discipline, etc. These useful steps nonetheless generate new problems. One concerns the relationship between material/technical changes, which seem to suggest a few very general historical periods (one marked by early metallurgy, writing, etc., and another by the modern energy revo...
Event triggering in vehicular networked systems with limited bandwidth and deep fading

Vehicular networked systems consist of numerous vehicles exchanging information over a wireless communication channel. These wireless communication channels are often subject to limited bandwidth and deep fading. Prior work shows that event triggering can generate, on average, larger transmission time interval than periodic scheme by triggering the transmission as a function of the sampled state. However, it is unclear whether this state-dependent transmission approach still outperforms the periodic scheme in vehicular networked system where the communication channel often fails to reliably deliver the sampled state due to deep fades. By adopting a bursty fading channel model, this paper presents a new event triggering scheme under which the vehicular system assures a larger transmission time interval than that of periodic scheme while preserving almost sure asymptotic stability in the absence of disturbance, and practical stability in probability with bounded disturbance. In the disturbance free case, the triggering law guarantees increasing transmission time interval as system approaches its equilibrium. In the bounded disturbance case, the probability of system state leaving a bounded set is a function of the transmission time interval, disturbance amplitude, and system's convergence rate. The simulation results of a leader follower example verify the theoretical findings in this paper.
HILL ACTIVITY IN CELL-FREE PREPARATIONS OF A BLUE-GREEN ALGA.

Abstract The Hill-reaction activity of pigment-containing particles prepared from the blue-green alga, Anabaena variabilis, has been studied. Depending on the medium used for cell breakage and particle isolation, particles are obtained which have either largely lost or partially retained the accessory photosynthetic pigment, pycocyanin. Both types of particles show Hill-reaction activity to a variety to electron acceptors at rates which compare favorably to those seen with higher-plant chloroplasts. Only at limiting light intensities does the presence of phycocyanin in the particle appear to make a difference in the rate of the Hill reaction. The Hill-reaction activity of these preparations is unique in showing a marked stimulation by Mg2+.
New chiral Schiff base–zinc complexes and their esterolytic catalytic activity

Abstract A new series of chiral Zn–Schiff base (imine) complexes has been prepared from mono- N -sulfonyl derivatives of (1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane, N -heterocyclic aldehydes, and zinc salts. The formation and characterization of the (L)ZnX 2 complexes was established by NMR, IR and HRESI-MS. Spectroscopic and kinetic evidence indicates that these ligands may be bidentate or tridentate depending on conditions of the medium. The methanolysis of a chiral, racemic picolinate ester catalyzed by the Zn(II)–Schiff base complexes was studied kinetically. The rate constants were found to vary approximately a hundred-fold and in a complex way depending on the imine ligand and the Zn-counter anion, k obs = 5.0 × 10 −6 –4.8 × 10 −4 M −1 s −1 . A Job plot analysis of ternary complex formation of LZnX 2 with two phosphonate transition state analogs suggests that two types of (imine)Zn(picolinate) X ternary complexes may be intermediates and that varying rate-limiting steps may be involved in the LZnX 2 -catalyzed methanolysis of picolinate esters.
The telecommunication industry revisited: the changing pattern of partnerships

The flourishing number of partnerships in the telecom arena tell a fascinating story of forging new business strategies in a frail economy. They also demonstrate how some joint ventures may be stronger than others.
Separating surgical quality from causality--gaining perspective in the debate on lymph node count and extent of lymphadenectomy.

F or several cancers, the number of lymph nodes removed and the extent of lymphadenectomy are associated with survival. Although largely based on observational studies, this association has permeated surgical thinking, and considerable debate regarding the importance of lymph node count and extent of lymphadenectomy has emerged in many surgical circles. For bladder cancer, in which a growing number of studies have outlined the association between increasing lymph node count and survival, the debate has gained traction more recently. During the development of this discourse, however, several of the central components of the debate have become entangled. Consequently, distinctions between association, causation, and quality have been blurred. In this issue of Cancer, Wright and colleagues set out to further inform the debate in a detailed and thorough observational study. Using data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program, the authors examine the association between extent of lymphadenectomy, as measured by lymph node count, and survival in the setting of lymph node-positive bladder cancer. They report an independent, inverse correlation between the number of lymph nodes removed and the risk of death for each category of lymph node count analyzed. In cases characterized by relatively low lymph node counts (1–5 lymph nodes), for example, median survival was 13 months, and increased proportionately with each incremental increase in lymph node count, reaching 23 months in cases where 10 lymph nodes were removed during cystectomy. Lymph node density, a derivative measure of disease burden (the number of positive lymph nodes divided by the total number of lymph nodes) also correlated significantly with survival. After adjusting for measurable patient-level factors, patients who had 10 lymph nodes removed during cystectomy were nearly half as likely to die compared with patients who had 5 lymph nodes removed at the time of surgery (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.64). On the basis of these results, the authors conclude that lymph node count is independently assoSee referenced original article on pages 2401 8, this issue.
Laser direct-write of embedded electronic components and circuits

The development of embedded surface mount devices, IC's, interconnects and power source elements offers the ability to achieve levels of miniaturization beyond the capabilities of current manufacturing techniques. By burying or embedding the whole circuit under the surface, significant reduction in weight and volume can be achieved for a given circuit board design. In addition, embedded structures allow for improved electrical performance and enhanced function integration within traditional circuit board substrates. Laser-based direct-write (LDW) techniques offer an alternative for the fabrication of such embedded structures at a fraction of the cost and in less time that it would take to develop system-on-chip designs such as ASIC’s. Laser micromachining has been used in the past to machine vias and trenches on circuit board substrates with great precision, while laser forward transfer has been used to deposit patterns and multilayers of various electronic materials. At NRL, we have been exploring the use of these LDW techniques to both machine and deposit the various materials required to embed and connect individual components inside a given surface. This paper describes the materials and processes being developed for the fabrication of embedded microelectronic circuit structures using direct-write techniques alongside with an example of a totally embedded circuit demonstrated to date.
Conspicuous colouration attracts prey to a stationary predator

1. Conspicuous body colouration is counter-intuitive in stationary predators because sit-and-wait tactics frequently rely on concealed traps to capture prey. Consequently, bright colours and contrasting patterns should be rare in predators using traps as they may alert potential prey. Yet, some orb-weaving spiders are brightly coloured and contrastingly patterned. How can conspicuousness of trap-building sit-and-wait predators be favoured by natural selection? 2. Observations of spiny spiders Gasteracantha fornicata in north-eastern Australia showed that the size of spiders relative to their orb webs correlated positively with relative prey numbers already captured in their webs. A possible explanation is that the relatively larger appearance of the yellow-black striped dorsal surface of this spider attracts more visually oriented prey items. Prey attracted to webs may get trapped, thereby increasing the spiders' foraging success. 3. To test this hypothesis for the function of conspicuous body colouration, a field experiment was conducted that documented the prey capture rates of spiny spiders after manipulating or sham-manipulating their appearance. 4. As predicted, spiders that were dyed black on their striped dorsal surface caught relatively fewer prey items than did control spiders. Thus, conspicuous dorsal body colouration may be adaptive in spiny spiders because it increases foraging success and, presumably, survival rates and reproductive outputs. Overall, these data support the colour-as-prey-attractant hypothesis in a stationary, trap-building predator.
Promoting Collaborations Between Biomedical Scholars in the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa

The premise of this piece is that a priority of international health should be to increase the number of investigators in the US and other developed countries who engage in research and other kinds of scholarly work in underdeveloped parts of the world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa where the overall disease burden is the highest and the gap in biomedical research infrastructure is the widest. The author's aim is to encourage medical students, resident doctors, and medical school faculty to devote a part of their career to teach, acquire clinical skills, or participate in research with health professionals at teaching hospitals in Africa. After briefly describing the thinking that led the author to Nigeria 30 years ago to teach and study biochemical aspects of health problems in rural and urban areas, he discusses some of the factors one needs to consider before entering into an international partnership, including identifying the right foreign collaborators, selecting a suitable research site, setting realistic goals, learning the local culture and indigenous language, and defining a theme for your program. Lastly, the piece points out potential pitfalls and problems that are often overlooked or underestimated in the early phases of planning an international partnership, including lukewarm institutional support at home, inflexible institutional review boards, dominance of the program by the US partner, maintaining continuity, and striking the right balance between scholarly work and humanitarian efforts. My hope is that US students and faculty in the health professions who read this piece will be stimulated and encouraged to consider how they might integrate into their curriculum or academic life visits lasting several months or more each year during which they would teach or train others or engage in research at a teaching hospital in some country in Africa.
SU-FF-T-522: Incorporation of Setup Uncertainties Through Gaussian Convolution of the Dose Distribution

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the simulation of setup uncertainty by convolve the dose distribution calculated by the treatment planning system with a Gaussian kernel. Materials and Methods: Setup uncertainty was explicitly simulated by targeting many beams at isocenters that were displaced in such a way that the original isocenter was surrounded symmetrically in R3 space, imitating a patient displacement relative to the position in the original treatment plan. The weighting of the displaced beams was made proportional to a Gaussian probability distribution for several choices of σ. The dose distribution created by multiple beams was compared to the dose distribution created by a Gaussian convolution of the original beam setup using the gamma metric. A commercial radiation treatment planning system (Pinnacle3, Philips Medical Systems, Milpitas CA) was programmed to collect 2,197 beam dose grids for each treatment beam in each of 3 evaluated treatment plans (totaling 32,955 beam dose grids) in order to collect a large sample of displaced isocenters. Subsequent analysis was performed using custom software in MATLAB (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, MA). Results: For all choices of σ, the gamma values associated with voxels of the plan's regions of interest are almost entirely below 0.4 to 0.5, with only several voxels from many thousands having values from 1.0 to 1.4. Conclusions: The application of a Gaussian convolution is an accurate method of approximating the final dose as it would be delivered by multiple beams randomly displaced from their intended isocenter in the patient, implying that this application is suitable for simulating the effect of setup uncertainty on the treatment plan. This work has been supported in part by a Sponsored Research Agreement with Philips Healthcare.
Navigating the ‘invisible nets’: challenges and opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated South Asian newsrooms

‘Invisible nets,’ ‘labyrinths’ and ‘glass ceilings’ are a sampling of the metaphors used to describe the impediments and challenges women face along their paths toward professional advancement, including those in media settings. Expanding on previous research, this article investigates newsroom management expectations and experiences related to communication and teamwork as managerial competencies among a sample of female journalists in Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Using a quantitative research design, the researchers outline opportunities and challenges for women in navigating the various obvious and subtle obstacles they face as they seek to advance professionally in traditionally male-dominated South Asian newsrooms.
Effects of attention and slow potential shifts on self-regulation of event-related potentials.

Research on the effects of self-regulation of slow potentials (SP) and event-related potentials (ERP) has failed to look at the possible interactions of these two kinds of brain potentials. The present study investigated such interactions by recording both ERP and SP potential changes in an operant ERP conditioning paradigm. Ten subjects participated in two conditions that were designed to differentially manipulate attention to the stimuli. In the operant conditioning task, subjects received auditory feedback as they attempted to increase the ERP amplitude at 180 msec poststimulus (P180), which was elicited by a subpainful shock stimulus to the forearm over 250 trials. In the distraction task, subjects were instructed not to attend to stimuli or feedback tones, but rather received and were tested on reading materials. Attention, as manipulated by these tasks, was not a determinant of changes in ERP amplitude since there were no significant differences in the size of P180 between attention conditions. While no significant change in the mean ERP amplitude occurred, subjects were able to produce ERPs above criterion threshold significantly more often during trials in the conditioning task than in the reading task. Thus, there was evidence of some learning. The difference in wave forms between hit and miss trials indicates a latency shift (with misses having a later ERP peak). This may indicate that latency, rather than, or in addition to, amplitude, is shaped during conditioning procedures. In addition, the CNV that developed between the shock stimulus and the feedback signal during conditioning was significantly larger in amplitude than in the distraction condition. This is taken as evidence of increased attention during conditioning. Since hit trials demonstrated larger contingent negative variation (CNV) amplitudes, production of CNVs may be instrumental in mediating hits. Therefore, attentional mechanisms may play a role in successful ERP self-regulation. No correlations were found involving P180, CNVs, or tonic slow potential shifts. Changes in tonic DC levels showed a suggestive trend between conditions. Although both conditions began with a negative shift, during conditioning the negativity increased, while during distraction the tonic level went to positivity. These trends support the hypothesis that attention and arousal increased during conditioning. The possible reasons for the lack of significant correlations between ERP and tonic or phasic slow potential changes in this paradigm are discussed
Patient satisfaction with service quality as a predictor of survival outcomes in breast cancer

Despite the recognized relevance of symptom burden in breast cancer, there has been limited exploration of whether an individual patient's assessment of the overall quality of care received might influence outcome. We therefore evaluated the relationship between patient-reported satisfaction with service quality and survival in breast cancer. A random sample of 1,521 breast cancer patients treated at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. A questionnaire which covered several dimensions of patient satisfaction was administered. Items were measured on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from “completely dissatisfied” to “completely satisfied”. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between patient satisfaction and survival. Of 1,521 patients, 836 were newly diagnosed, and 685 had previously been treated. A number of 409, 611, 323, and 178 patients had stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively. A total of 1,106 (72.7 %) patients were completely satisfied with the overall service quality, while 415 (27.3 %) were not. On univariate analysis, completely satisfied patients had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to those not completely satisfied (HR = 0.62; 95 % CI 0.50–0.76; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, completely satisfied patients demonstrated significantly lower mortality (HR = 0.71; 95 % CI 0.57–0.87; p = 0.001) compared to those not completely satisfied. Patient satisfaction with service quality was an independent predictor of survival in breast cancer. Further exploration of a possible meaningful relationship between patient satisfaction with the care they receive and outcomes in breast cancer is indicated.
Marked variations in proximal colon cancer survival by race/ethnicity within the United States.

GoalsTo investigate the race/ethnicity and sex-specific variations in proximal colon cancer survival within the United States.BackgroundRecent studies suggest a shift toward more proximal distributions of colon cancers. Survival benefits from screening colonoscopy may be limited to left-sided cancer
Ultrastructural Comparison of the Vacuolar and Mitochondrial H+‐ATPases of Daucus carota

Eukaryotic vacuolar H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) are related to the F0F1-ATPases of chloroplasts and mitochondria and are believed to be organized into peripheral and integral membrane complexes. Vacuolar membranes isolated from purified carrot (Daucus carota) root vacuoles were observed to be coated with F1-like particles after negative staining with phosphotungstic acid. The F1-like particles formed typical “ball and stalk” structures, about 9.4 nm in diameter and 13.6 nm in height. The head portion frequently had a characteristic bifurcation or cleft at the apex and appeared to be composed of subunits. Such “V1” complexes were frequently associated with smaller stalked particles emerging near the base. In contrast, negatively-stained carrot mitochondrial F1 complexes averaged 8.7 nm in diameter and 11.7 nm in height. The head groups of the mitochondrial F1s were nearly always spherical, and had no other smaller structures associated with them. The V1 complexes of carrot are thus similar in form to the V1 complexes of Neurospora (Bowman et al. J. Biol. Chem. 264 (1989) 15606–15612).
Doubly differential ionization cross sections for H+ + He and He2+ + He collisions

Abstract The classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method (CTMC) has been used to calculate doubly differential ionization cross sections for the angle and the energy of the ejected electrons. The calculations were performed at 100 keV/amu for the H + + He and He 2+ + He systems. The results exhibit the capture-to-the-continuum (CTC) peak and agree in both shape and magnitude with recent experimental data. The cross sections' dependence on the projectile charge is analyzed and found to be asymmetric with regard to the CTC peak.
The genetics of Drosophila mating behaviour. I. Organization of mating speed in Drosophila pseudoobscura.

The factors which determine the mating speed in Drosophila pseudoobscura have been examined by utilizing fast and slow mating strains produced by selection for mating speed. Sixty-six per cent of the total variance is due to female effects whereas males contribute 11·8 per cent without significant interaction. Thus, mating speed in D. pseudoobscura, under the conditions of the present study, is largely determined by the female; the male plays a significant, but subordinate role.
Liquid scintillation counting for 14C uptake of single algal cells isolated from natural samples

Short term rates of /sup 14/C uptake for single cells and small numbers of isolated algal cells of five phytoplankton species from natural populations were measured by liquid scintillation counting. Regression analysis of uptake rates per cell for cells isolated from unialgal cultures of seven species of dinoflagellates, ranging in volume from ca. 10/sup 3/ to 10/sup 7/ ..mu..m/sup 3/, gave results identical to uptake rates per cell measured by conventional /sup 14/C techniques. Relative standard errors or regression coefficients ranged between 3 and 10%, indicating that for any species there was little variation in photosynthesis per cell.
Influence of molecular weight on the properties of polystyrene. I. Mechanical properties of polystyrene films cast from solvents

The variables of casting polystyrene films from methyl ethyl ketone and from benzene are investigated. It is shown that stringent drying is necessary to remove the last traces of solvent. The differences in dry film structure, second-order transition point, and temperature at which the dynamic modulus suddenly decreases are discussed.
The relationship between phonological and auditory processing and brain organization in beginning readers

We employed brain–behavior analyses to explore the relationship between performance on tasks measuring phonological awareness, pseudoword decoding, and rapid auditory processing (all predictors of reading (dis)ability) and brain organization for print and speech in beginning readers. For print-related activation, we observed a shared set of skill-correlated regions, including left hemisphere temporoparietal and occipitotemporal sites, as well as inferior frontal, visual, visual attention, and subcortical components. For speech-related activation, shared variance among reading skill measures was most prominently correlated with activation in left hemisphere inferior frontal gyrus and precuneus. Implications for brain-based models of literacy acquisition are discussed.
Salinity-induced morphological changes in Pisaster ochraceus (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) larvae

A regular occurring event in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest is a decrease in salinity (to ,15‰ in some areas) as a result of increased precipitation and ice melt. Low salinities can suppress feeding activity and act as a barrier to the vertical movement of adults of the echinoderm Pisaster ochraceus. How larvae of this keystone species would respond to a decrease in salinity in the Puget Sound region is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine how larvae of P. ochraceus respond to low salinity in the laboratory. Sea star larvae at different stages of development were kept at 32‰ for 51 days (controls) or exposed to fluctuating salinity (that is transferring gastrulae, bipinnaria or brachiolaria larvae from 32 to 20‰) for 3, 7 or 14 days and then back to 32‰. Total larval length and width, the posterolateral arm length and stomach length and width were measured during development. Gastrulae exposed to 20‰ for 3 days and bipinnaria larvae exposed to 20‰ for 14 days developed into wider and shorter brachiolariae while larvae from the controls and brachiolariae subjected to low salinity for 3 days developed into longer and slender brachiolariae. This is the first study to report salinity-induced morphological changes during development and metamorphosis at 20‰. These morphological changes might allow brachiolaria larvae close to settlement to move from an osmotically stressful environment at the surface of the water column to higher salinity waters in the benthic habitat.
Teachers’ Work: Institutional Isomorphism and Cultural Variation in the U.S., Germany, and Japan

Policy debates in the U.S. are increasingly informed by use of internationally generated, comparative data. Many arguments revolve around whether or not such comparison makes “cultural sense” or whether specific educational activities that appear successful in one nation are “culturally appropriate” in another. These arguments clash with the work of anthropologists and sociologists who demonstrate that global cultural dynamics influence national patterns of schooling around the world. Using both the survey and case study data from the Third International Math-Science Study (TIMSS), we examine the working conditions and beliefs of teachers in Japan, Germany, and the U.S. in order to assess the relative merits of competing theoretical perspectives. We find some differences in how teachers’ work is organized, but similarities in teachers’ belief patterns. We find that core teaching practices and teacher beliefs show little national variation, but that other aspects of teachers’ work (e.g., non-instructional ...
Coimmunoprecipitation of FAT/CD36 and CPT I in skeletal muscle increases proportionally with fat oxidation after endurance exercise training

Although the increase in fatty acid oxidation after endurance exercise training has been linked with improvements in insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health, the mechanisms responsible for...
Strictly for Teachers: A Conditioning Approach to Frustration Reaction In Minimally Brain-Injured Children

An important behavioral feature of many minimally brain-injured children is that of catastrophic reactions to trivial stimuli. Whether this behavior stems from frustration incurred because of learning disabilities or of more direct pathoneurological etiology, it might be possible to deal with this uncontrolled behavior experimentally by conditioning procedures. The present demonstration study describes such procedures in a special classroom situation.
Cooperative proton and calcium binding by sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase.

Abstract The classic work on binding of calcium to CaATPase is analyzed by an objective non-linear least squares procedure of 74 data points over six pH values. Binding of two calciums to the basic form of the sites occurs with an equilibrium stability constant product of log K1K2 = 13.2. Owing to competition from protons, this value drops in acidic and neutral solutions, becoming, for example, 11.9 at pH 6.8. Binding of the two calciums is so strongly cooperative that its extent is difficult to estimate reliably; there is very little of the one calcium species. Two protons are also bound cooperatively to the calcium sites. In solutions of calcium free protein, at pH
Traversing the Valley of Death: A Guide to Assessing Prospects for Translational Success

On the basis of our experience in drug and device development, we have identified six broad categories of issues that profoundly affect the probability for successful translation of basic scientific discoveries into effective therapies. Within each category, we propose a series of questions that form the beginnings of a self-guided global risk assessment tool. Although this preliminary tool will require validation and adjustment, we offer it to stimulate a discussion about more rigorous methods for selecting and conducting translational projects.
The influence of preparation size on the mechanical efficacy of root canal irrigation in vitro.

This study tested the hypothesis that the mechanical efficacy of irrigation in reducing intracanal bacteria is dependent on canal preparation size. Root canals of 30 extracted permanent cuspids were prepared consecutively to sizes 36, 60, and 77 at working length (WL) using ProFile 0.04 taper Series-29 files. Smear layer was removed and teeth autoclaved following completion of each instrumentation sequence. Root canals were inoculated with a 15-μl suspension (1 × 10 6 cells) of Pseudomonas fluorescens 5RL, a salicylate-inducible bioluminescent reporter strain. Bioluminescence was measured before inoculation (background), after inoculation and after irrigation with 6 ml of irrigant delivered 1 mm from WL using a 28G safety-ended needle. The percentage of bacteria remaining following irrigation was 26.95 ± 9.71%, 10.46 ± 5.87%, and 10.64 ± 6.01% for sizes 36, 60, and 77, respectively (p 0.05; Tukeys). Irrigation 1 mm from WL was significantly less effective in canals prepared to size 36.
Melanoma reporting to central cancer registries by US dermatologists: An analysis of the persistent knowledge and practice gap

Background Every state requires diagnosing physicians to report new cases of melanoma to its central cancer registry. Previous regional studies and anecdotal experience suggest that few dermatologists are cognizant of this obligation. This oversight could result in a large number of unreported melanomas annually and, in turn, US melanoma statistics that markedly underestimate the true incidence of the disease. Objective We sought to quantify the percentage of dermatologists who are unaware of melanoma reporting requirements (the knowledge gap) and who are not reporting melanoma diagnoses (the practice gap). We also sought to delineate factors predictive of reporting knowledge and behavior. Methods A survey was administered to attendees of the Cutaneous Oncology Symposium at the 2010 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. Results In all, 104 of 419 eligible attendees completed surveys (response rate 26%). Fifty percent of respondents do not believe they are required to report melanomas and 56% do not actively report their diagnoses to a registry. Practice duration of less than 10 years was significantly associated with both a knowledge gap ( P = .047) and practice gap ( P = .056). Similarly, dermatologists who diagnosed fewer than 10 melanomas per year were more likely to possess a knowledge gap ( P = .096) and a practice gap ( P = .087) than those who diagnosed more than 10. Limitations Limitations include small sample size and low response rate. Conclusion A majority of dermatologists are not reporting melanomas they diagnose to a cancer registry, and half of those surveyed were not aware that diagnosing physicians are required to report melanoma.
Micro electronic packaging technologies: status and trends

Reviews the status of today's prevalent technologies for packaging microelectronic components for signal processing systems with an emphasis on high-performance computer applications. Some limits of standard hierarchical packaging schemes are discussed. Alternative novel chip packaging approaches like thin-film multichip carriers and direct chip attach methods are presented. Perspectives for some recent product applications are given. >
Multiphoton microscopy of prostate and periprostatic neural tissue: a promising imaging technique for improving nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Background and Purpose: Various imaging modalities are under investigation for real-time tissue imaging of periprostatic nerves with the idea of improving the results of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. We explored multiphoton microscopy (MPM) for real-time tissue imaging of the prostate and periprostatic neural tissue in a male Sprague-Dawley rat model. The unique advantage of this technique is the acquisition of high-resolution images without necessitating any extrinsic labeling agent and with minimal phototoxic effect on tissue. Materials and Methods: The prostate and cavernous nerves were surgically excised from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The imaging was carried out using intrinsic fluorescence and scattering properties of the tissues without any exogenous dye or contrast agent. A custom-built MPM, consisting of an Olympus BX61WI upright frame and a modified MRC 1024 scanhead, was used. A femtosecond pulsed titanium=sapphire laser at 780-nm wavelength was used to excite the tissue; laser power under the objective was modulated via a Pockels cell. Second harmonic generation (SHG) signals were collected at 390 (� 35nm), and broadband autofluorescence was collected at 380 to 530nm. The images obtained from SHG and from tissue fluorescence were then merged and color coded during postprocessing for better appreciation of details. The corresponding tissues were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining for histologic confirmation of the structures. Results: High-resolution images of the prostate capsule, underlying acini, and individual cells outlining the glands were obtained at varying magnifications. MPM images of adipose tissue and the neural tissues were also obtained. Histologic confirmation and correlation of the prostate gland, fat, cavernous nerve, and major pelvic ganglion validated the findings of MPM. Conclusion: Real-time imaging and microscopic resolution of prostate and periprostatic neural tissue using MPM is feasible without the need for any extrinsic labeling agents. Integration of this imaging modality with operative technique has the potential to improve the precision of nerve-sparing prostatectomy.
Extracellular Matrix-Dependent Regulation of Fas Ligand Expression in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

Interaction between endometrial stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components has a crucial role in the development of endometriosis. Endometrial stromal cells attach to the mesothelial surface of peritoneum by means of integrins during their initial implantation and growth in endometriosis. Similarly, interaction between integrin and the extracellular matrix is also crucial for the remodeling of the endometrium during early pregnancy. We hypothesized that adhesion of endometrial stromal cells to the extracellular matrix could suppress the immunologic reaction to implanting endometrial cells by inducing the expression of Fas ligand (FasL), a mediator of the apoptotic pathway. Western blot analysis of human endometrial stromal cells plated onto fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV revealed higher levels of FasL protein expression compared with endometrial stromal cells that plated to BSA-coated plates (control). Immunocytochemistry results from endometrial stromal cells plated to extracellular matrix proteins demonstrated a similar up-regulation of FasL expression. Eutopic endometrial stromal cells from women with endometriosis demonstrated higher FasL expression on control plates and those coated with extracellular matrix proteins compared with those from women without endometriosis. Disruption of actin cytoskeleton in endometrial stromal cells by treatment with cytochalasin D blocked the increase of FasL protein expression that occurred in response to adhesion to the extracellular matrix. These results suggest that attachment of endometrial stromal cells during retrograde menstruation to a new environment such as peritoneum with increased expression of laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV could lead to an increase in FasL expression. Induction of FasL expression by adhesion of endometrial stromal cells to the extracellular matrix may take part in the development of a relative immunotolerance by inducing apoptosis of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which will allow further development of ectopic implants.
Dual layer magnetic recording media: a pathway for improving the magnetic and performance characteristics of the storage medium

In this paper, significant improvements in recording media performance were obtained by utilizing ferromagnetically exchanged coupled bilayers. Two quaternary alloys (CoPtCrTa and CoPtCrB) were employed to achieve high performance recording layer. The net magnetic properties and recording alloy performance were optimized by controlling the thickness ratio.
Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on regulatory T cell number and function in obese v. lean volunteers

Obesity predisposes to an increased incidence of diabetes and CVD. Also, obesity is a pro-inflammatory state. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential negative regulators of inflammation and are down-regulated in pro-inflammatory states. Animal models of obesity are associated with decreased Tregs. The dietary modulation of Tregs could be used as a therapeutic strategy to control inflammation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and an active ingredient of green tea and is suggested to have a role as a preventive agent in obesity, diabetes and CVD. The role of EGCG in the modulation of Tregs has, however, not been studied. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of EGCG on the number and function of Tregs in obese and lean human subjects in vitro, and to delineate its specific regulation mechanisms. Tregs were isolated from normal-weight and obese subjects. Tregs were cultured in the absence or presence of EGCG (20 mum) for 24 h. Foxp3-expressing Tregs were enumerated using flow cytometry. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and nuclear NF-kappaBp65 level were measured by ELISA and Western blots. Obese subjects had lower Tregs and IL-10 production than lean subjects. EGCG treatment significantly enhanced the number of Foxp3-expressing Tregs and IL-10 production in vitro (P < 0.05) in both groups. Also, EGCG decreased NF-kappaB activity and increased HDAC activity and HDAC-2 expression in Tregs (P < 0.05) in both groups. Thus, in part, EGCG enhances the functionality of Tregs, i.e. IL-10 production and number by suppressing the NF-kappaB signalling pathway via inducing epigenetic changes.
Candida albicans adapts to host copper during infection by swapping metal cofactors for superoxide dismutase

Copper is both an essential nutrient and potentially toxic metal, and during infection the host can exploit Cu in the control of pathogen growth. Here we describe a clever adaptation to Cu taken by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In laboratory cultures with abundant Cu, C. albicans expresses a Cu-requiring form of superoxide dismutase (Sod1) in the cytosol; but when Cu levels decline, cells switch to an alternative Mn-requiring Sod3. This toggling between Cu- and Mn-SODs is controlled by the Cu-sensing regulator Mac1 and ensures that C. albicans maintains constant SOD activity for cytosolic antioxidant protection despite fluctuating Cu. This response to Cu is initiated during C. albicans invasion of the host where the yeast is exposed to wide variations in Cu. In a murine model of disseminated candidiasis, serum Cu was seen to progressively rise over the course of infection, but this heightened Cu response was not mirrored in host tissue. The kidney that serves as the major site of fungal infection showed an initial rise in Cu, followed by a decline in the metal. C. albicans adjusted its cytosolic SODs accordingly and expressed Cu-Sod1 at early stages of infection, followed by induction of Mn-Sod3 and increases in expression of CTR1 for Cu uptake. Together, these studies demonstrate that fungal infection triggers marked fluctuations in host Cu and C. albicans readily adapts by modulating Cu uptake and by exchanging metal cofactors for antioxidant SODs.
Sustainable Development, the Significance of Culture: Foundations of Present Practices and Indigenous Reflections

Fragmented oral and written histories have limited causal understanding of the relationship between Indigenous cultures and their environment allowing for stereotypes to dominate and skew appropriate attributions of historical peoples’ longevity in specific geographic regions. Further and specific to the North American region, historical justification of the systematic elimination of Indigenous inhabitants along with the prevalence and persistence of negative stereotyping have discredited Indigenous cultures and prevented the potential for dissemination of sustainable practices that maintained the unique geographic, plant, and animal diversity of the continent prior to the settlement of the Plymouth colony in 1620. In this paper, the author explores the evidence of sustainable practices for a specific cohort of Indigenous Americans, the inhabitants of New England, and assembles examples of sustainable practices observable at the time of initial European colonization. The information evaluated is inclusive of spiritual as well as agricultural practices. The outcomes observed promote the understanding of Indigenous sustainable practices to be values based, where values reference the Indigenous peoples’ cultural attribution of their relationship with the environment. The significance of this attribution and comparison with colonial culture is in the identification of the relationship between culture and sustainability. The latter promotes the author’s view that culture and cross-cultural comparisons should be incorporated as a mandatory component within sustainability discussions and education.
Review of Alan Acock's Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition:

In this article, I review Discovering Structural Equation Modeling Using Stata, Revised Edition, by Alan Acock (2013 [Stata Press]).
Male Breast Cancer: A Study in Small Steps

Much can be learned from small single-institution studies in male breast cancer; however, individual studies represent only small steps toward our understanding of this rare disease. International collaborative efforts are necessary to make the great strides needed to discern the unique biology, genetics, and optimal treatment for male breast cancer and to best serve patients with this disease.