cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Supersonic and Transonic Impact of Solids

Consider a one-dimensional wave such as longitudinal wave in a semi-infinite rod or plane strain wave in a half-space which occupies x≥0. Let the longitudinal stress σ be a given function of the longitudinal strain e. Moreover, let the σ ~ e curve be concave downward to the e-axis. Figure 1 shows an example of the σ~ e curve for a commercially pure aluminum. If the wave is generated by a compressive load which is a step function in time t applied at x = 0, it is well-known that the solution to the problem is a simple wave solution in which σ, e and the particle velocity v are constants along the straight lines: $$ x = ct $$ (1) where c is the characteristic wave speed given by $$ c = \sqrt {{d\sigma /\rho d\varepsilon }} $$ (2) in which ρ is the mass density. Moreover, $$ v = \int_o^{\sigma } {\frac{{d\sigma }}{{\rho c}} = - \int_o^{\varepsilon } {cd\varepsilon } } $$ (3) and the particle velocity along any characteristic x = ct can be determined once σ or e along that characteristic is obtained from (1) and (2). In particular, the impact velocity at x = 0 can be obtained in terms of the applied stress at x = 0 by using (3).
The GPCR accessory protein MRAP2 regulates both biased signaling and constitutive activity of the ghrelin receptor GHSR1a

Ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach during fasting periods and acts through its receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue 1a (GHSR1a), to promote food intake and prevent hypoglycemia. As such, GHSR1a is an important regulator of energy and glucose homeostasis and a target for the treatment of obesity. Here, we showed that the accessory protein MRAP2 altered GHSR1a signaling by inhibiting its constitutive activity, as well as by enhancing its G protein-dependent signaling and blocking the recruitment and signaling of β-arrestin in response to ghrelin. In addition, the effects of MRAP2 on the Gαq and β-arrestin pathways were independent and involved distinct regions of MRAP2. These findings may have implications for the regulation of ghrelin function in vivo and the role of MRAP2 in energy homeostasis. They also show that accessory proteins can bias signaling downstream of GPCRs in response to their endogenous agonist.
Genetic and antigenetic aspects of human histocompatibility systems.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the genetic and antigenetic aspects of human histocompatibility systems. The chapter provides an overview of the genetic and antigenetic aspects of human histocompatibility systems. Histocompatibility antigens are the substances that are associated with the plasma membrane of tissue cells of some—but not all—members of a species. Tissue or cell suspensions carrying such antigens induce an immune response when introduced into another member of the same species. The immunity can be measured in several ways such as by the detection of antibodies in the serum of an individual rejecting a transplant, by a more rapid rejection of a second graft from the same donor, or by demonstration of increased immunological reactivity in lymphoid cells of the recipient. From immunological studies and from more limited chemical characterizations of antigens of different systems, it appears that a wide variety of substances can function as H antigens. In many respects, H antigens resemble blood group antigens with the distinction that blood group antigens are by definition found on the red cell and may also be present on other cells and tissues, whereas H antigens are found on tissues and may or may not be present on the red cell.
3D damage detection in porous materials via advanced X-ray phase tomography (Conference Presentation)

Porous structures are widely found in natural and engineered material systems. To study the defect initialization and damage evolution in the complex 3D network structures, we explore advanced X-ray phase tomography to provide holistic and high-resolution 3D data. A pipeline of deep learning-based phase retrieval, computer vision, and damage identification algorithms are implemented to extract various types of damage for large volumetric tomography data. We first obtain high-quality phase tomography reconstruction from noisy and insufficient CT acquisition. Based on a hybrid approach using both model-based feature filtering and data-driven machine learning, we then identifies the defects and damaged regions from the background of porous structures. This method is applied to an in-situ X-ray tomography measurement on a natural cellular material; the accurate and comprehensive defects detection reveals insight into 3D damage evolution modes for porous material systems.
OP40 Advance care planning in medical training in the netherlands

Our abstract is for a themed session and describes the workshop we want to give. In this workshop we will highlight the need to integrate ACP in the education of medical students and offer some examples of how to do this. Firstly, Judith Westen provides an introduction on the training needs of medical students and the current place of palliative care and ACP in the Dutch medical curricula. Then, Roeline Pasman discusses the outline of a minor on palliative care. She will illustrate the basic ingredients of the minor and show how ACP is integrated in the minor. Thirdly, in small groups, the participants of the workshop will experience different work forms that can be used to stimulate awareness of the need for ACP and train patient – physician communication regarding ACP (e.g discussion of a movie, role play, discussion on different communication styles). Afterwards the participants discuss their experiences and share ideas on how to integrate ACP in local training and education. Target audience: Educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers. Introduction and background palliative care and ACP in the curriculum of Dutch medical students Example: Outline of a minor on palliative care Interactive: working with training materials and role play Group discussion: take home messages of participants
A Survey of the Implementation and Usage of Electronic Dental Records in Private Dental Practices in Mississippi

Implementation of electronic health records by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health has led to the implementation of electronic dental records in dental offices. The study was conducted to determine the state of implementation and usage of electronic dental records by the private general and pediatric dental practices in Mississippi as well as reasons why the dental practices are not moving forward with the advanced technology. A survey consisting of six research questions was emailed via SurveyMonkey to 712 private general and pediatric dental practices in Mississippi with an invitation to participate in the study: 116 responded (16% response rate) and 104 consented to participate (89.66%). The data collection process transpired over a six-week period (September 18 – October 29, 2017). Results of the survey indicated dental practices in Mississippi using electronic dental records were 46.07%, electronic dental records with paper records were 42.70%, and only paper records were 11.24%. Dissemination of the study results among medical and dental practitioners may raise awareness and thus encourage more dentists to embrace EDRs. The response rate was affected by the number of dental practices that chose not to participate or did not open the survey email as well as the number of emails that were undeliverable. A second limitation was the lack of certainty of collecting all email addresses through the collection method. Third, there was no certainty that the person who responded knew the correct answers.
MEASUREMENT OF SHORT-LIVED DELAYED PHOTONEUTRONS FROM FISSION-FRAGMENT GAMMA RAYS OF $sup 235$U IN HEAVY WATER.

The kinetic equations for a heavy-water-moderated reactor have terms describing the production of neutrons in the photodisintegration of deuterons. A technique has been developed for the measuremen...
Long-Term Impact of Russell 2000 Index Rebalancing

The study reported here examined the long-term impact of Russell 2000 Index rebalancing on portfolio evaluation. A buy-and-hold index portfolio outperformed the annually rebalanced index in the 1979-2004 period by an average of 2.22 percent over one year and 17.29 percent over five years. Although short-term momentum and the poor long-term returns of new issues partially explain these returns, index deletions were found to provide significantly higher factor-adjusted returns than index additions. Some small-capitalization fund managers appear to capture a portion of these benefits. The strongest performing funds enhanced their factor-adjusted returns by an average of 1.45 percent per year by holding index deletions and/or avoiding index additions. Among the weakest performing funds, higher returns from holding index deletions were offset by the poor returns of new issues added to the index. Thus, index methodology may provide a structural incentive for portfolio managers to drift from their benchmarks.
Comparing Mid-century Historic Preservation and Urban Renewal through Washington, D.C.’s Alley Dwellings:

Some understand mid-century, neighborhood-scale preservation to be a reaction to the destructive impacts of urban renewal. In Washington, D.C., however, neighborhood-scale preservation predated urb...
Individual US diets show wide variation in water scarcity footprints

Agriculture accounts for 80% of global freshwater consumption but the environmental impacts of water use are highly localized and depend on water scarcity. The water use impacts of food production should be a key consideration of sustainable diets, yet little is known of the water scarcity demands of diets, especially of individuals. Here we estimate the water scarcity footprint (WSF)—a water use impact metric that accounts for regional scarcity—of individual diets in the United States (n = 16,800) and find a fivefold variation between the highest and lowest quintile of diets ranked by WSF. Larger intakes of some meat, fruit, nuts and vegetables drive these differences. Meat consumption is the greatest contributor (31%) to the WSF of the average diet, and within that, beef contributes about six times that of chicken. Variation between substitutable foods provides insight into diet shifts that can reduce WSF. We introduce a novel, geospatially explicit approach that combines the types and quantities of foods in the diets of individuals, the irrigation water required to produce those foods and the relative scarcity of water where that irrigation occurs. Environmental impacts of water use affect the sustainability of food production. The impacts of water use associated with self-selected diets in the United States are estimated here based on the types and quantities of foods in the diet, the irrigation water required to produce those foods and the relative scarcity of water in the regions where that irrigation occurs. Food substitutions offer opportunities to reduce these water impacts.
Medicaid Expansion and Medical Debt: Evidence From Louisiana, 2014-2019.

Objectives. To identify the association between Medicaid eligibility expansion and medical debt. Methods. We used difference-in-differences design to compare changes in medical debt for those gaini...
Experimental and Simulation Analysis of Temperature and Particulate Matter Distribution for a Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filter

A multi-zone particulate filter (MPF) model from reference [1] was extended to analyze temperature and particulate matter (PM) distribution within each axial and radial zone of the filter substrate. A parametric study was used to determine the optimum required number of zones in the MPF model in the range of 5 × 5 to 20 × 20 zones for aftertreatment control applications. The MPF model with 10 × 10 zones was optimum and ran 12.2 times faster than real time. The 10 × 10 zone MPF model was calibrated using eighteen runs of data from a 2007 Cummins ISL engine that consisted of passive and active regeneration data sets for ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), diesel blend (ULSD) with 10 % biodiesel (B10), and diesel blend (ULSD) with 20 % biodiesel (B20) fuels. The MPF model was accurate, with maximum root mean square (RMS) error of 2.1 g for predicting PM loading and RMS error of within 10 °C for predicting temperature distribution within the filter. The PM distribution trends simulated by the MPF model were in good agreement with the experimental data measured using a terahertz wave scanner. The study of PM distribution during loading and at the end of PM oxidation (passive oxidation and active regeneration) showed that the PM oxidation by active regeneration leads to greater non-uniform PM loading of the filter compared to the passive oxidation as quantified using the uniformity index (UI) which was developed in the research to quantify the PM and temperature distribution.
Frequent p53 Gene Mutations and Novel Alleles in Familial Breast Cancer

Mutations in the p53 gene were detected in 58% of tumor DNAs of patients with a family history of breast cancer (FHBC) compared to 13% with sporadic breast cancer. Seven of 18 FHBC tumors contained the same G to C transversion in codon 156. Novel alleles of altered length were seen in one or more loci on chromosome 17 in 15 of 18 patients with FHBC but only in a single locus in 8 of 14 patients with sporadic breast cancer. The frequency of tumors with mutations in p53, often multiple, accompanied by the appearance of multiple altered-length alleles suggest that DNA recplication or repair defects may presage genomic instability in cases with FHBC
Noninvasive assessment of segmental left ventricular wall motion: Its clinical relevance in detection of ischemia

Newly developed noninvasive techniques, using fluoroscopic, electromagnetic, ultrasonic and nuclear medical devices, now make evaluation of segmental wall motion (SWM) widely applicable to man. Experiments in open chest animal preparations have demonstrated that SWM abnormalities (SWMA) are sensitive and specific markers of ischemia. Following coronary occlusion in closed chest dogs, using various techniques, we observed the same sequence of SWMA over a similar time course. In 122 angiographically documented patients, SWMA assessed by stress cardiokymography (CKG) revealed a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 94% in detecting coronary heart disease (CHD). The combined predictive power of stress ECG/CKG was superior to either test alone. Using radionuclide equilibrium scintigraphy and sitting bicycle exercise, stress induced SWMA revealed a sensitivity of 84% in detecting CHD. SWMA were detected in nearly all patients 24 h after acute transmural myocardial infarction (MI). These abnormalities extended beyond the location predicted by ST segment elevation and Q waves in the ECG, significantly more in anterior (15/16) than inferior (9/16) MI (p < 0.05). In inferior MI, precordial ST segment depression was frequently (8/10) associated with anterior SWMA, indicative of ischemia rather than of a reciprocal electrical phenomenon. Scintigraphic assessment of left ventricular SWM correlated poorly with calculated CK-MB infarct size (r = 0.64), suggesting that left ventricular function is determined not only by the necrotic zone but is also related to dysfunction of ischemic segments. SWM of the infarcted as well as the remote zone of the left ventricle showed no consistent directional changes within 10 days after infarction. In conclusion, noninvasive analysis of SWM is of clinical relevance 1. during diagnostic stress testing to detect ischemia, 2. in chronic stable CHD to assess the extent of mechanical dysfunction, 3. in acute MI to localize and assess extent and severity of regional myocardial dysfunction.
Drugs and body temperature.

Publisher Summary The mechanisms involved in the regulation of internal body temperature continue to receive the attention of many investigators. The effects of drugs on thermoregulation have been extensively studied and attempts have been made to determine the sites and mechanisms of drug action in the light of this newer knowledge. Any system of the complexity of that concerned in temperature regulation would be expected to be particularly susceptible to disturbance by the action of drugs. Owing to the well-regulated negative feed-back control of the system, however, any impairment tends to be compensated for, so that, in most cases, deviations from the set point are small in magnitude. Also, there are several instances where the action of the drug on peripheral structures involved in temperature regulation is opposite in effect to that exerted on the central thermoceptive structures. Such factors often render it difficult to determine the precise mechanisms by which a drug-induced change in core temperature is brought about. In this chapter, attention is directed mainly to agents for which there is evidence indicating a direct action on the thermoregulatory centers in the central nervous system.
Allergic reactions to polidocanol for vein sclerosis : two case reports

background. Polidocanol is a sclerosing solution that is highly valued by clinicians and patients for its painlessness, high efficacy, excellent safety profile, low incidence of side effects, and for the rarity of its allergic reactions. Previous estimates of the incidence of allergic reactions have ranged from 0 to 0.06%. objective. Improved recognition of systemic allergy to polidocanol is desirable for both clinicians and for patients. We have attempted to describe two cases recently observed in our population and to provide an improved upper-bounds estimate for the true population incidence of allergy to polidocanol. results. We report two recent cases of mild systemic allergic reaction to polidocanol in a population of 689 exposed patients, for an observed incidence of 0.3% in our patient population. We have calculated a 95% confidence upper-bound estimate of 0.91% for the incidence of polidocanol allergy in the general population. conclusion. Allergy to polidocanol may be more common than previously recognized. Careful questioning of previously treated patients and more prolonged observation of patients after treatment may yield a larger number of recognized cases.
Algorithmic and game-theoretic perspectives on scheduling

In this thesis, we study three problems related to various algorithmic and game-theoretic aspects of scheduling. First, we apply ideas from cooperative game theory to study situations in which a set of agents faces supermodular costs. These situations appear in a variety of scheduling contexts, as well as in some settings related to facility location and network design. Although cooperation is unlikely when costs are supermodular, in some situations, the failure to cooperate may give rise to negative externalities. We study the least core value of a cooperative game—the minimum penalty we need to charge a coalition for acting independently that ensures the existence of an efficient and stable cost allocation—as a means of encouraging cooperation. We show that computing the least core value of supermodular cost cooperative games is strongly NP-hard, and design an approximation framework for this problem that in the end, yields a (3 + e)-approximation algorithm. We also apply our approximation framework to obtain better results for two special cases of supermodular cost cooperative games that arise from scheduling and matroid optimization. Second, we focus on the classic precedence-constrained single-machine scheduling problem with the weighted sum of completion times objective. We focus on so-called 0-1 bipartite instances of this problem, a deceptively simple class of instances that has virtually the same approximability behavior as arbitrary instances. In the hope of improving our understanding of these instances, we use models from random graph theory to look at these instances with a probabilistic lens. First, we show that for almost all 0-1 bipartite instances, the decomposition technique of Sidney (1975) does not yield a non-trivial decomposition. Second, for almost all 0-1 bipartite instances, we give a lower bound on the integrality gap of various linear programming relaxations of this problem. Finally, we show that for almost all 0-1 bipartite instances, all feasible schedules are arbitrarily close to optimal. Finally, we consider the problem of minimizing the sum of weighted completion times in a concurrent open shop environment. We present some interesting properties of various linear programming relaxations for this problem, and give a combinatorial primal-dual 2-approximation algorithm. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
New flow control methods for high-speed networks

Summary form only given. This paper argues that, for high-speed networks such as ATM, it is important to use link-by-link flow control on a per virtual circuit (VC) basis. It can effectively control congestion and maximize network utilization. Three progressively memory-efficient, credit-based flow control schemes, called N123, N123+ and N23, are described, and simulation results of these schemes are presented. An ATM switch, which supports credit-based flow control, is under joint development by BNR and Harvard. >
Solar Cycle Modulation of Galactic Cosmic Rays

In this paper, I will describe a numerical solution of the spherically-symmetric, time-dependent, cosmic-ray modulation equation, compare it to data taken near the ecliptic, and probe the physical mechanisms responsible for the solar-cycle variations in the cosmic-ray intensity. With a physically defensible diffusion coefficient and other reasonable parameters, I can simulate the spectra of protons and electrons simultaneously over the cycle, the radial intensity gradients for particles greater than about 100 MeV, the overall intensity variation during the cycle, and the time lag in the recovery of low-energy particles behind high-energy ones, known commonly as the “hysteresis.” The results suggest that cosmic-ray variations near the ecliptic are dominated by turbulent scattering regions in the heliosphere, overwhelming any effects of gradient and curvature drifts.
THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE SCALE ADAPTATION FOR TURKISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, which was developed to measure the positive and negative affects, in the Turkish culture. Study group of the research consists of 401 university students, 280 (70%) of which were female and 121 (30%) were male. Results of the exploratory factor analysis support the two-factor structure as in the original scale. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis show that fit indexes are at acceptable levels. As a result of the convergent validity study, significant relationships were discovered between the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience and Positive-Negative Affect Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Life Orientation Test. It can be said by taking the Cronbach alpha coefficient and the test-retest results into account that the test has high reliability. The findings obtained as a result of the research were discussed through comparison with the results of the scale adaptation conducted in different cultures.
Chemotherapy options for previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia.

Introduction: Intensive chemotherapy with cytarabine and an anthracycline for untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has remained largely unchanged over the past 40 years, despite many large trials examining the choice and dosing of these agents.Areas covered: We will review the major published clinical trials for untreated AML that have established the dosing choice and schedule for intensive therapy, as well as trials for patients not eligible for more intensive therapy. We will also discuss treatment considerations for subgroups of patients.Expert opinion: While one or two cycles of anthracycline and cytarabine-based combination regimens remain the standard of care for younger and older patients with AML deemed fit to receive induction chemotherapy, controversy remains regarding the optimal selection and dosing schedule for anthracyclines. Low-intensity regimens, such as low-dose cytarabine and hypomethylating agents, can achieve a complete response even with adverse risk features, and can be used in a...
Crossing the Tax Code's For-Profit/Nonprofit Border

The federal tax code erects and enforces a firm border between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Multiple provisions of the code monitor the boundaries of the tax-exempt, or nonprofit, sector to ensure that no nonprofit organization slips over the border to become a for-profit organization. Other code provisions restrict entry into the tax-exempt sector by for-profit organizations. Despite serious legal impediments, however, organizations on both sides of the boundary have increasingly found means by which they can cross the border. Arrangements such as corporate social responsibility, for-profit philanthropy, and social enterprise illustrate this recent trend. Through these arrangements, for-profit organizations are beginning to embrace social goals, while nonprofit organizations have started to use methods more traditionally associated with efficient business organizations. Research in organizational sociology provides tools by which to understand these new cross-border developments. This body of research has shown that organizational sectors, or fields, evolve according to well-understood patterns, whose significance tax scholars have overlooked. Then, federal tax law has failed to recognize and to make productive use of these organizational trends. This Article proposes that tax law should acknowledge the cross-sector movements of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as the major advantages that these movements can produce. Tax law could then harness border-crossing activity to create social benefits. To achieve this result, federal tax law needs significantly to loosen the for-profit/nonprofit boundary. This change would enable the tax code to encourage cross-sector "collaborations" between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. This change to the tax law is one that Congress and the IRS could now accomplish through several basic measures. These measures would make it possible for federal tax law to realize the large potential for social good that lies at the changing for-profit/nonprofit border.
Reflections on cooperative learning: look before you leap

Studies have shown that the effective incorporation of cooperative learning activities in classroom instruction results in increased student competence. Some engineering instructors are reluctant to adopt these strategies in courses which traditionally rely heavily on the lecture for delivery. This reflection paper is intended to stimulate discussion on the feasibility of using formal cooperative learning groups in engineering courses that traditionally "suffer" a lecture format. In essence, most of the published research concludes that students participating in cooperative learning groups perform better than those in a class taught by lecture. The catch is that cooperative learning must be done well to realize the benefits described in the literature.
Federalism and the Failure of Imperial Reform, 1774–1775

The dispute that pitted British imperialists against American colonists was only superficially constitutional. Belief in indivisible sovereignty and the supremacy of crown and parliament, which prevailed at Whitehall and Westminster, became irreconcilable with American aspirations as a result of actual circumstance not theoretical incompatibility. This was clearly demonstrated by the failure of various proposals made in 1774 and 1775 to reform the empire. These proposals sought to improve relations through a better sharing of power that would in some sense federalize the empire. Whether the reformers called for Americans to be seated in parliament or to be allowed an intercolonial congress of their own, the great stumbling block was political not constitutional. Whatever the merits of their plans, the reformers could not satisfy either side, even though both professed to want compromise that would prevent confrontation. In the process a sense of common identity was lost that could not be recovered, at least in the manner suggested by the reformers. Only with the breakdown of the idealized Atlantic community did constitutional differences lead to an impasse.
Probing the non-canonical interface for agonist interaction with an α5 containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the α5 subunit are of interest because genome-wide association studies and candidate gene studies have identified polymorphisms in the α5 gene that are linked to an increased risk for nicotine dependence, lung cancer, and/or alcohol addiction. To probe the functional impact of an α5 subunit on nAChRs, a method to prepare a homogeneous population of α5-containing receptors must be developed. Here we use a gain of function (9') mutation to isolate populations of α5-containing nAChRs for characterization by electrophysiology. We find that the α5 subunit modulates nAChR rectification when co-assembled with α4 and β2 subunits. We also probe the α5-α4 interface for possible ligand-binding interactions. We find that mutations expected to ablate an agonist-binding site involving the α5 subunit have no impact on receptor function. The most straightforward interpretation of this observation is that agonists do not bind at the α5-α4 interface, in contrast to what has recently been demonstrated for the α4-α4 interface in related receptors. In addition, our mutational results suggest that the α5 subunit does not replace the α4 or β2 subunits and is relegated to occupying only the auxiliary position of the pentameric receptor.
Outcomes of retropubic, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES To compare outcomes of radical retropubic, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted prostatectomy using evidence-based analysis. METHODS We performed meta-analysis of observational studies directly comparing radical retropubic, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. The primary outcomes were operative blood loss, perioperative transfusion, surgical margin status, postoperative urinary incontinence, and postoperative erectile dysfunction. Based on established similarities in surgical principles, we combined laparoscopic and robotic-assisted data into a single group. We estimated standardized mean differences (SMD), risk ratios (RR), and risk differences (RD) using random effects models. RESULTS Nineteen studies (n = 3893 patients) met inclusion criteria for this analysis. Compared with those undergoing retropubic prostatectomy, patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy experienced less operative blood loss (SMD -1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.74 to -1.49, P <0.001) and were 77% less likely to receive a perioperative transfusion (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.49, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in overall risk of positive surgical margin (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.06, P = 0.17). There were also no significant differences in 1-year urinary continence (P = 0.49) and 1-year erectile function (P = 0.09); however, these outcomes were measured using nonvalidated instruments. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, compared with retropubic prostatectomy, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted prostatectomy are associated with decreased operative blood loss, decreased risk of transfusion, and similar risk of positive surgical margin. Further comparative studies-using consistent, validated outcomes measures-are needed to further assess postoperative urinary continence and potency.
Temperature dependence of the optically induced production and annealing of silicon dangling bonds in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

In hydrogenated amorphous silicon the kinetics of the optically induced production and thermal annealing of silicon dangling bonds have been measured at temperatures between 25 and 480 K using electron spin resonance (ESR). Below about 150 K the measurement of optically induced silicon dangling bonds is masked by long-lived, band-tail carriers that accumulate with time t as ${t}^{1/3}.$ It is known that these long-lived carriers can be quenched by infrared light. However, optically, it is not possible to completely remove them. The production rate for optically induced silicon dangling bonds decreases with decreasing temperature. Below about 100 K degradation is at most half as efficient as at room temperature and is nearly temperature independent below approximately 100 K. Additionally, defects created by 10 h of irradiation below 100 K almost entirely anneal at $T\ensuremath{\cong}300\mathrm{K}.$ It is common procedure to anneal a-Si:H samples for 30 min at 175 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to restore the as-deposited defect density. However, by repeatedly performing degradation and annealing cycles we find that a small fraction of defects is not restored by annealing at 175 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and that these defects slowly accumulate with degradation. For defects created at all temperatures we find the same ESR fingerprint, indicating that only one dominant type of defect is created, presumably the silicon dangling bond, and we conclude that different, temperature-dependent stabilization processes must exist. These results lead to new constraints for models that attempt to explain the Staebler-Wronski effect.
Three-dimensional vision and figure-ground separation by visual cortex

A theory of 3-D visual perception and figure/ground separation by visual cortex is described. Called FACADE Theory it suggests a solution of the 3-D figure/ground problem for biological vision and makes many predictions whereby it can be tested. The theory further develops my 3-D vision theory of 1987 which used multiple receptive field sizes or scales to define multiple copies of two interacting systems: a Boundary Contour System (BCS) for generating emergent boundary segmentations of edges textures and shading and a Feature Contour System (FCS) for discounting the illuminant and filling in surface representations of Form-And-Color-And-DEpth or FACADEs. The 1987 theory did not posit interactions between the several scales of the BCS and FCS. The present theory suggests how competitive and cooperative interactions that were previously defined within each scale also act between scales. 2 / SPIE Vol. 1382 Intelligent Robots and Computer Vision IX: Neural Biological and 3-D Methods (1990)© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Laminin-like glycoproteins in extracellular matrix of endodermal cells.

Abstract Extracellular matrix from a mouse endodermal cell line consisted mainly of two polypeptides with molecular weights of about 200,000 (200K) and 400,000 (400K). Both poly-peptides incorporated radioactivity from [3H]proline and [3H]glucosamine and were solubilized from the matrix by treatment with bacterial collagenase or 0.5 m sodium chloride. These polypeptides appeared similar to those of laminin ( R. Timpl, H. Rohde, P. G. Robey, S. I. Rennard, J.-M. Foidart, and G. R. Martin, 1979 , J. Biol. Chem., 254, 9933–9937) in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate but the laminin polypeptides seemed slightly larger than the 200K and 400K polypeptides, respectively. The amino acid compositions of the isolated 200K and 400K polypeptides resembled one another and the previously published amino acid composition of laminin. Antibodies prepared against the solubilized extracellular matrix protein (mixture of 200K and 400K components) as well as those against the isolated 400K component precipitated both the 400K component and the 200K component from culture media. These antisera and antisera to laminin showed identical reactivities in immunodiffusion and in immunofluorescence of tissue sections where they stained basement membranes. The immunofluorescent staining pattern was similar to that obtained with antifibronectin except in the liver where antifibronectin stained the biliary ducts and the liver sinusoids, while laminin-like immunoreactivity was not present in the sinusoidal areas. Such differences in distribution of matrix components could be involved in generation of signals for differentiation and growth of the adjacent cells.
Non-Adjunctive Inference and Classical Modalities

The article focuses on representing different forms of non-adjunctive inference as sub-Kripkean systems of classical modal logic, where the inference from □A and □B to □A∧B fails. In particular we prove a completeness result showing that the modal system that Schotch and Jennings derive from a form of non-adjunctive inference in (Schotch and Jennings, 1980) is a classical system strictly stronger than EMN and weaker than K (following the notation for classical modalities presented in Chellas, 1980). The unified semantical characterization in terms of neighborhoods permits comparisons between different forms of non-adjunctive inference. For example, we show that the non-adjunctive logic proposed in (Schotch and Jennings, 1980) is not adequate in general for representing the logic of high probability operators. An alternative interpretation of the forcing relation of Schotch and Jennings is derived from the proposed unified semantics and utilized in order to propose a more fine-grained measure of epistemic coherence than the one presented in (Schotch and Jennings, 1980). Finally we propose a syntactic translation of the purely implicative part of Jaśkowski's system D2 into a classical system preserving all the theorems (and non-theorems) explicilty mentioned in (Jaśkowski, 1969). The translation method can be used in order to develop epistemic semantics for a larger class of non-adjunctive (discursive) logics than the ones historically investigated by Jaśkowski.
Diversity in academic medicine no. 5 successful programs in minority faculty development: overview.

Despite recent drastic cutbacks in federal funding for programs to diversify academic medicine, many such programs survive and continue to set examples for others of how to successfully increase the participation of minorities underrepresented in the healthcare professions and, in particular, how to increase physician and nonphysician minority medical faculty. This article provides an overview of such programs, including those in historically black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, research-intensive private and public medical schools, and more primary care–oriented public medical schools. Although the models for faculty development developed by these successful schools overlap, each has unique features worthy of consideration by other schools seeking to develop programs of their own. The ingredients of success are discussed in detail in another article in this theme issue of the Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, “Successful Programs in Minority Faculty Development: Ingredients of Success.” Mt Sinai J Med 75:523–532, © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Increased Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Expression or Treatment with Manganese Porphyrin Potentiates Dexamethasone-Induced Apoptosis in Lymphoma Cells

Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis is exploited for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Innate and acquired resistance limits treatment efficacy; however, resistance mechanisms are not well understood. Previously, using WEHI7.2 murine thymic lymphoma cells, we found that increasing the resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) by catalase transfection or selection for H 2 O 2 resistance caused glucocorticoid resistance. This suggests the possibility that increasing H 2 O 2 sensitivity could sensitize the cells to glucocorticoids. In other cell types, increasing manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) can increase intracellular H 2 O 2 . The current study showed that increased expression of MnSOD sensitized WEHI7.2 cells to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis and H 2 O 2 . Treatment of WEHI7.2 cells with the catalytic antioxidant Mn(III) meso -tetrakis( N -ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP 5+ ), a manganoporphyrin, mimicked the effects of increased MnSOD expression. MnTE-2-PyP 5+ also sensitized WEHI7.2 cells to cyclophosphamide and inhibited cell growth; it had no effect on the WEHI7.2 cell response to doxorubicin or vincristine. In primary follicular lymphoma cells, MnTE-2-PyP 5+ increased cell death due to dexamethasone. Treatment of H9c2 cardiomyocytes with MnTE-2-PyP 5+ inhibited doxorubicin cytotoxicity. The profile of MnTE-2-PyP 5+ effects suggests MnTE-2-PyP 5+ has potential for use in hematologic malignancies that are treated with glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin. [Cancer Res 2009;69(13):5450–7]
Organization of collecting duct intercalated cells

In recent years, the phenomenology of collecting duct HCO3 transport has been well described. It is clear that the cortical collecting duct (CCD) of both the rat and rabbit secretes HCO3 if the animal has been alkali-loaded, whereas this nephron segment absorbs HCO3 if the animal has been acid-loaded [1–13]. The outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) reabsorbs, but does not secrete, HCO3 [4, 7, 14–19]. In contrast to HCO3 transport in the CCD, HCO3 reabsorption in the OMCD is unaffected by acid-base status [4, 7, 15]. Transport by two basic types of cells, the α (or A-type) and the β (or B-type) intercalated cells (ICs), appears to account for collecting duct HCO3 absorption and secretion, respectively. Models of these cells are shown in Figure 1. The evidence as shown in the figure for H+ ATPases, Cl-HCO3 exchangers, and basolateral Cl channels was recently presented in depth [20]. Both types of ICs have a high density of mitochondria [21] and contain abundant carbonic anhydrase [22–25]. Both have an electrically high-resistance apical membrane [26–29]. Both IC types contain H+ ATPase by immunocytochemical staining [30–32]. Taken in the conglomerate, the available evidence strongly supports the composite α and β cell models as shown. Thus the α cell, abundant in the OMCD, absorbs HCO3 via H+ secretion, whereas the β cell secretes HCO3 via apical Cl-HCO3 exchange [20]. This review considers in more detail three selected aspects of intercalated cell function that currently appear to represent areas of uncertainty: 1) possible species differences in intercalated cell organization between the rat and rabbit, 2) the possible role of an H+-K+ ATPase in collecting duct HCO3 reabsorption, and 3) the possible role of an apical Cl channel in β intercalated cells. Future data in these areas will probably force revision of the basic α and β cell models shown in Figure 1.
Preserving the structure of adsorbed protein films for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis.

The characterization of adsorbed protein films with ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) surface analysis techniques requires dehydration of the samples, which can cause significant alterations in protein structure. It is desirable to preserve the structure of adsorbed protein films during drying, so UHV analysis could be done in a state that is more representative of proteins' actual structure in the aqueous environment. In this study, two methods, trehalose protection and glutaraldehyde fixation, were explored for their feasibility in preserving adsorbed protein structure for a powerful UHV surface analysis technique, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Trehalose protection had shown some promise for ToF-SIMS analysis in our previous study and was further examined with the model protein fibrinogen in this study. Using the combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and static ToF-SIMS analysis, we found that trehalose protection could reduce the conformation change of fibrinogen upon drying, and prevent it from unfolding and exposing hydrophobic domains. Moreover, when the adsorbed protein film became more densely packed, the drying-induced changes in protein structure were reduced. Thus, the protection afforded by trehalose coating was more significant at lower protein surface concentrations. The other method, glutaraldehyde fixation, was used in ToF-SIMS analysis for the first time. The ϵ-amino group of lysine was identified as the major reactive group in the protein structure toward glutaraldehyde fixation. Structural differences observed between fibrinogen films that were glutaraldehyde fixed before drying and after drying were similar to those observed between trehalose-protected and-unprotected dried fibrinogen films. Glutaraldehyde fixation was found to be a viable, alternative stabilizing method to trehalose protection for ToF-SIMS analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 179–190, 2003
An analysis of options for reintroducing a migratory, native passerine, the endangered least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus in the Central Valley, California

Abstract Now primarily restricted to small, disjunct populations along low-elevation riverine systems in southern California, USA and Baja California, Mexico, the least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus numbers approximately 350 breeding pairs in the United States. Large-scale reductions in the distribution and numbers of vireos have been attributed to habitat loss and modifications as well as nest parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater. The least Bell's vireo was determined to be an endangered species by the US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in 1986. Before the vireo can be considered recovered, it must be re-established in the Central Valley of California, where once it was considered a common breeding species. To date, no successful reintroductions of native, migratory passerines have been reported. This paper explores and analyzes alternative strategies specific to re-establishing a migratory passerine (capture/release, autumn capture/spring release, cross-fostering, and captive breeding), assesses the alternatives with respect to reintroducing the least Bell's vireo into the Central Valley, and recommends the capture and release approach. Successful reintroduction and re-establishment of a native, migratory passerine, such as the least Bell's vireo, would have implications for the conservation and management of other endangered and threatened avian species.