cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Microdroplet System for Biochemical Applications

Microfluidic droplet systems have shown great promise and numerous advantages in the recent development of high throughput chemical and biochemical assays. With precise metering and manipulation of reagents at small scale, various applications such as protein crystallization [1], nanoparticle synthesis [2], physiological fluids diagnostics [3] and etc. have employed such systems and achieved success.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
De Rham currents, extended singularities of fields and magnetic monopoles

Abstract We apply De Rham's concept of “currents” to the treatment of extended singularities or discontinuities of physical fields in a coordinate independent way. In particular, we obtain a generalization of the theory of magnetic monopoles when applied to the electromagnetic field.
Zebra Mussel Colonies and Yellow Perch Foraging: Spatial Complexity, Refuges, and Resource Enhancement

Throughout the Great Lakes basin, the invasion of zebra mussels has led to substantial increases in benthic invertebrate densities around zebra mussel colonies. This research focused on whether the enhanced benthic community associated with zebra mussel colonies is available to yellow perch, a bottom-foraging fish. In a series of laboratory trials, perch foraging success was examined under conditions of continuous and patchy zebra mussel coverage using gammarid amphipods and the midge Chironomus tentans as prey. Perch were less successful foraging for amphipods when zebra mussel coverage was continuous and marginally less successful foraging for chironomids when zebra mussel coverage was patchy. In a second laboratory series of videotaped trials with patchy coverage and amphipod prey, the use of space by both amphipods and foraging perch was examined. In these trials, perch actively foraged on the zebra mussel colonies even though their strikes were less likely to be successful there than on bare sand. Perch tended to take amphipods in exposed areas first, but because many more amphipods located themselves in zebra mussel colonies, many prey were taken in this habitat too. These results suggest that yellow perch are able to exploit the extra prey resources in zebra mussel colonies, although it may require slightly more effort to do so.
Design of SEMG Recognition System

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is recorded from the surface of skeleton muscle by electrodes, it is the bioelectricity discharged by neuromuscular activities. This paper designed a data acquisition platform of sEMG, which contains hardware module and software module. The hardware contains electrodes, microcomputer, power and filters. The software contains data reading and storage, signal filter, timer and graphics user interface. It shows the system is workable with stable performance.
Elementary Response of Olfactory Receptor Neurons to Odorants

Signaling by heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) drives numerous cellular processes. The number of G protein molecules activated by a single membrane receptor is a determinant of signal amplification, although in most cases this parameter remains unknown. In retinal rod photoreceptors, a long-lived photoisomerized rhodopsin molecule activates many G protein molecules (transducins), yielding substantial amplification and a large elementary (single-photon) response, before rhodopsin activity is terminated. Here we report that the elementary response in olfactory transduction is extremely small. A ligand-bound odorant receptor has a low probability of activating even one G protein molecule because the odorant dwell-time is very brief. Thus, signal amplification in olfactory transduction appears fundamentally different from that of phototransduction.
Effects of Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Feeding, Size, and Lipid Content on Egg Maturation.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) is synovigenic and must feed as an adult to produce eggs. Egg maturation rates depend on the host plant species provided to the adult female for feeding and are variable for females provided with the same host plant species. Here, the contribution of female size and lipid content to variation in egg maturation rates among females held on the same host plant species was assessed. To assess effects of female size and lipid content on egg maturation, feeding assays followed by measurements of egg load, female size, and lipid content were conducted. To accomplish this, females were field collected and held on cowpea until producing approximately 0, 12, 25, or 50 ml of excreta. After reaching prescribed excreta thresholds, females were dissected to determine egg load, hind tibia length, and head capsule width. Mature eggs were removed from the abdomen and dry weight of eggs and bodies (head, thorax, and abdomen) were obtained. Lipid content of eggs and bodies were determined using a quantitative colorimetric assay. Rates of body weight gain and body lipid gain were rapid with low levels of feeding (12 ml of excreta) but decelerated with additional feeding (>12 ml of excreta). In contrast, low levels of feeding (12 ml of excreta) resulted in little egg production, with rates of egg production accelerating with additional feeding (>12 ml of excreta). Accordingly, egg production was preceded by an increase in body dry weight and body lipid content. In agreement, probability that a female carried eggs increased with body lipid content in the 0-, 12-, and 25-ml feeding treatments. Across treatments, larger females carried more eggs than smaller females. Collectively, results suggest that variation in glassy-winged sharpshooter egg maturation rates partially may be explained by availability of lipid reserves at the start of a feeding bout and female size.
Rational Islamophobia in Europe

Social and political relations between Europe and the Muslim world are politically fractious. Attacks in Madrid (March 2004) and London (July 2005), and the riots in suburban Paris in November 2005 and November 2007, have all been attributed to “Muslims”. Political parties in Europe (for example the Front National in France, which placed second in the presidential elections of 2002), have mobilized opinion against a Muslim threat to Europe. Relations between the countries and societies of the European Union and the Muslim World have therefore become politically consequential on a number of dimensions – foreign policy in regard to the Middle East; new membership into the EU; and the vast migration of Muslim populations into EU states.
Study of the structures of butadiene polymers produced on initiation by Lewis acids

Butadiene has been polymerized by AlCl3 and related materials at −78°C. The structure of the polymers produced has been studied by infrared analysis. The structure of the soluble polybutadiene was found to be independent of extent of conversion, concentration of catalyst solution, and length of reaction. An insoluble polymer also formed in the system and the amount of this depended on the extent of conversion, being greater at higher conversion whether this was achieved by higher catalyst concentration or longer time. Complexing the AlCl3 with nitroethane or nitrobenzene changed the structure of the polymer slightly, while the use of diethyl ether as a complexer produced no changes. TiCl4, used as the initiator, produced polymers of slightly different structure from those formed with AlCl3, while AlBr3 and BF3·Et2O yielded polymers like those from AlCl3. When the solvent used was varied, the polymer structure also varied. The observed variations were small in all cases.
Parent-reported language and communication skills at one and two years of age in relation to otitis media in the first two years of life.

Objective. As part of a study of possible effects of early life otitis media on children9s development, we attempted to determine whether levels of language and communication skills at 1 and 2 years of age are associated with the cumulative duration of middle ear effusion (MEE) in the first 2 years of life. Methods. Subjects (N = 2156) were followed at one of eight study sites in the Pittsburgh area. Middle ear status was monitored closely throughout the first 2 years of life. For each child, the cumulative percentage of days with MEE was estimated based on diagnoses at visits and interpolations for intervals between visits. For each child also, 1 or both parents completed the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory–Words and Gestures (CDI–WG) when the child was 1 year of age and the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory–Words and Sentences (CDI–WS) when the child was 2 years of age. Results. Unadjusted correlations between scores on the CDI–WG and percentage of days with MEE in the first year of life were close to zero, and there were no statistically significant negative correlations. Unadjusted correlations between scores on the CDI–WS and the cumulative percentage of days with MEE in year 2 and in years 1 and 2 combined were generally negative and statistically significant, but the magnitudes of those correlations were no higher than 0.09. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, only the Vocabulary Production Scale of the CDI–WS remained correlated significantly with the percentage of days with MEE, and the percentage of days with MEE accounted for only a negligible percentage of the variance in scores on this scale. Conclusions. In this diverse sample of children, parent-reported levels of language skills at 1 and 2 years of age were correlated negligibly with the cumulative percentage of days with MEE in the children9s first and second years of life. otitis media, otitis media with effusion, language, communication.
Substrate Dependence of Electrical Properties of Contacts on p-InP

Pd and Ni contacts on various p-InP substrates which were grown by liquid-encapsulation Czochralski (LEC) and metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were investigated. Pd contacts on the substrates supplied by one manufacturer were found to be ohmic contacts with a minimum contact resistivity of ∼ 5xl0-5Ω-cm2 for annealing temperature between 420°C and 500°C. However, ohmic behavior was not observed for Pd contacts on other substrates. Hall measurement and double-crystal x-ray diffractometer were used to evaluate the substrates. It was speculated that existence of intrinsic defects in p-InP grown by LEC method may be responsible for the observed ohmic behavior. This defect-assisted tunneling mechanism is potentially usefully for making ohmic contacts on other compound semiconductors.
Effect of septal lesions, required response, and shock on the acquisition of a two-way conditioned avoidance response in rats

Normal albino rats and rats with septal lesions were trained to a criterion of 9/10 avoidance responses in a two-way conditioned avoidance response (CAR) task. The animals were required to run through a doorway or climb over a hurdle, and were motivated by continuous shock or intermittent shock. The subjects showed facilitated acquisition of the CAR if they sustained a septal lesion and/or were trained in the hurdle condition. The type of shock had no effect on learning. Lesioned subjects made more intertrial responses than normals. It is suggested that rats with septal lesions learn faster because they are more fearful, and that response requirement is an important variable in shuttlebox avoidance conditioning.
Swine workers and swine influenza virus infections.

In 2004, 803 rural Iowans from the Agricultural Health Study were enrolled in a 2-year prospective study of zoonotic influenza transmission. Demographic and occupational exposure data from enrollment, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up encounters were examined for association with evidence of previous and incident influenza virus infections. When proportional odds modeling with multivariable adjustment was used, upon enrollment, swine-exposed participants (odds ratio [OR] 54.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0–232.6) and their nonswine-exposed spouses (OR 28.2, 95% CI 6.1–130.1) were found to have an increased odds of elevated antibody level to swine influenza (H1N1) virus compared with 79 nonexposed University of Iowa personnel. Further evidence of occupational swine influenza virus infections was observed through self-reported influenza-like illness data, comparisons of enrollment and follow-up serum samples, and the isolation of a reassortant swine influenza (H1N1) virus from an ill swine farmer. Study data suggest that swine workers and their nonswine-exposed spouses are at increased risk of zoonotic influenza virus infections.
Quality improvement program decreases mortality after cardiac surgery.

Objective This study investigated the effects of a quality improvement program and goal-oriented, multidisciplinary protocols on mortality after cardiac surgery. Methods Patients were divided into two groups: those undergoing surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery) after establishment of the multidisciplinary quality improvement program (January 2005–December 2006, n=922) and those undergoing surgery before institution of the program (January 2002–December 2003, n=1289). Logistic regression and propensity score analysis were used to adjust for imbalances in patients' preoperative characteristics. Results Operative mortality was lower in the quality improvement group (2.6% vs 5.0%, P P P = .04). In multivariable analysis, diabetes ( P P = .05), previous cardiovascular operation ( P = .04), congestive heart failure ( P P P P P = .05) emerged as independent predictors of higher mortality after cardiac surgery, whereas quality improvement program ( P P = .03) were associated with lower mortality. Mortality decline was less pronounced in patients with than without diabetes ( P = .04). Conclusion Application of goal-directed, multidisciplinary protocols and a quality improvement program were associated with lower mortality after cardiac surgery. This decline was less prominent in patients with diabetes, and focused quality improvement protocols may be required for this subset of patients.
SPR news from NSF

Since the last “News from NSF” (Eos, June 23, 1987, p. 594), the programs supporting solar and upper-atmosphere research at the National Science Foundation (NSF) have undergone major change. In fact, the Division of Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) has been reorganized for the first time since it was created in 1975. Before October 1, 1987, the division was composed of the Centers and Facilities Section (CFS) and the Grants Program Section (GPS). In the reorganization, GPS was divided into the Lower Atmosphere Research Section (LARS) and the Upper Atmosphere Research Section (UARS).
Amyloidosis: a final common pathway for protein deposition in tissues.

This review summarizes recent advances in understanding of the amyloid diseases. They are of interest to hematologists for at least three reasons: (a) Many of the precursor proteins circulate in the blood, (b) one of the more common types of amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia, and (c) many patients with amyloid disorders require hematological evaluation at some time during the course of their disease
Networks of Sensors in Public Spaces: Combining Technology with Art

This paper presents ongoing work with a wireless sensor network application at the Herbert Johnson Art Museum. We discuss the design and deployment of networked motes for the purpose of collecting information about museum visitors including number, density and tempo of group movement within the space. We also address the use of the collected data for dynamic real-time artistically-rendered feedback to those interacting with the system. In particular, the paper focuses on practical aspects of secure communication protocol design, mote application programming, network setup, gateway and server considerations, data processing and output of the system designed to accomplish these tasks. A discussion of major privacy concerns for uses of sensor networks in public spaces, such as a museum space, is introduced and methods of user-privacy protection are discussed. Finally, the paper introduces possible future deployments and upgrades to the system as well as enhanced privacy protections for museum visitors.
Outcomes in Cochrane Systematic Reviews Addressing Four Common Eye Conditions: An Evaluation of Completeness and Comparability

Introduction Choice of outcomes is critical for clinical trialists and systematic reviewers. It is currently unclear how systematic reviewers choose and pre-specify outcomes for systematic reviews. Our objective was to assess the completeness of pre-specification and comparability of outcomes in all Cochrane reviews addressing four common eye conditions. Methods We examined protocols for all Cochrane reviews as of June 2013 that addressed glaucoma, cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). We assessed completeness and comparability for each outcome that was named in ≥25% of protocols on those topics. We defined a completely-specified outcome as including information about five elements: domain, specific measurement, specific metric, method of aggregation, and time-points. For each domain, we assessed comparability in how individual elements were specified across protocols. Results We identified 57 protocols addressing glaucoma (22), cataract (16), AMD (15), and DR (4). We assessed completeness and comparability for five outcome domains: quality-of-life, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, disease progression, and contrast sensitivity. Overall, these five outcome domains appeared 145 times (instances). Only 15/145 instances (10.3%) were completely specified (all five elements) (median = three elements per outcome). Primary outcomes were more completely specified than non-primary (median = four versus two elements). Quality-of-life was least completely specified (median = one element). Due to largely incomplete outcome pre-specification, conclusive assessment of comparability in outcome usage across the various protocols per condition was not possible. Discussion Outcome pre-specification was largely incomplete; we encourage systematic reviewers to consider all five elements. This will indicate the importance of complete specification to clinical trialists, on whose work systematic reviewers depend, and will indirectly encourage comparable outcome choice to reviewers undertaking related research questions. Complete pre-specification could improve efficiency and reduce bias in data abstraction and analysis during a systematic review. Ultimately, more completely specified and comparable outcomes could make systematic reviews more useful to decision-makers.
Non-destructive techniques to assess body composition of birds: a review and validation study

Body composition of birds is often used to assess in part the “condition” of individuals in the context of their life history and ecology. We describe contemporary non-destructive (non-lethal) techniques that are available for estimating the body composition of free-living birds. We critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these techniques in the context of bird studies. Although most contemporary techniques are based on theory and first principles, assessing their accuracy and precision requires empirical calibrations. We summarize the results of recent validation studies on songbirds and discuss their implications. Deuterium dilution was the best single technique among those compared for measuring lean and fat dynamics in small songbird species that averaged 9–29 g, although we advocate technique(s) that independently estimate each body component. Interspecific models that estimated lean mass using total body electrical conductivity and structural measure(s), and estimated fat mass using deuterium dilution were as accurate (within 0.3–1.1 g of actual lean mass and 0.2–0.9 g of actual fat mass, respectively, depending on bird species) as intraspecific models for songbirds that averaged 13–29 g in body mass. Thus, separate models for each bird species may not be necessary, and the development and testing of interspecific models for estimating body composition is warranted. Several factors, including body size and physiological state, required accuracy and precision, and the scope of predictions must be carefully considered when any of these non-destructive techniques are used to measure the body composition of birds.
The Effect of ComputerBased Assisted Learning on Students' Performance and Attrition in Introductory Accounting Courses

The Accounting Education Change Commission (AECC) values and encourages pedagogical studies that would assist in attracting students through the delivery of First Course in Accounting. The AECC identifies content and instructional methods as the two most important areas that need attention. This study examines the effectiveness of a computer-based assisted learning (CBAL) on students’ performance and attrition in the first introductory accounting course. The CBAL is a modified supplemental instruction program with an interactive lecture and computer-based IT component. In a three-year experimental study, the overall grade point average (GPA) of the CBAL students were compared to that of a matched paired control group. The two cohorts were further matched on SAT scores as strong and weak, respectively. We found that there was incremental value in terms of students’ performance from CBAL. That is, the GPA of the CBAL students was significantly higher than that of the control group and the attrition rate of the CBAL students is directionally lower than that of the control group. Thus, it appears that the CBAL program is effective in enhancing and improving students’ grades in the first introductory accounting course.
Geriatric Disaster Preparedness

Introduction The elderly population has proven to be vulnerable in times of a disaster. Many have chronic medical problems for which they depend on medications or medical equipment. Some older adults are dependent on caregivers for managing their activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, and their instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as transportation. Problem A coordinated effort for disaster preparation in the elderly population is paramount. This study assessed the potential needs and plans of older adults in the face of a local disaster. Methods The setting was a community-based, university-affiliated, urban emergency department (ED) that sees more than 77,000 adult patients per year. A survey on disaster plans and resources needed if evacuated was distributed to 100 community-residing ED patients and visitors aged 65 years and older from January through July 2013. Means and proportions are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Data were collected from 13 visitors and 87 patients. The mean age was 76 years, and 54% were female. Thirty-one responded that they had a disaster plan in place (31/100; CI, 22.4-41.4%). Of those 31, 94% (29/31; CI, 78.6-99.2%) had food and water as part of their plan, 62% (19/29; CI, 42.2-78.2%) had a supply of medication, and 35% (12/31; CI, 21.8-57.8%) had an evacuation plan. When asked what supplies the 100 subjects might need if evacuated, 33% (CI, 23.9-43.1%) needed a walker, 15% (CI, 8.6-23.5%) needed a wheelchair, 78% (CI, 68.6-85.7%) needed glasses, 17% (CI, 10.2-25.8%) needed a hearing aid, 16% (CI, 9.4-24.7%) needed a glucometer, 93% (CI, 86.1-97.1%) needed medication, 14% (CI, 7.8-22.4%) needed oxygen, 23% (CI, 15.2-32.5%) needed adult diapers, and 21% (CI, 13.2-30.3%) had medical equipment that required electricity. Many of the subjects also required help with one or more of their ADLS, the most common being dressing (17%; CI, 10.3-26.1%), or their IADLS, the most common being transportation (39%; CI, 29.7-49.7%). Only 42% (CI, 32.3-52.7%) were interested in learning more about disaster preparation. Conclusion Only a minority of the older adults in the study population had a disaster plan in place. Most of the respondents would require medications, and many would require medical supplies if evacuated. Bhalla MC , Burgess A , Frey J , Hardy W . Geriatric Disaster Preparedness. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):443–446.
Ontogeny of renal response to specific dopamine DA1-receptor stimulation in sheep

The present study was designed to characterize the developmental changes in the renal responses to dopamine DA1-receptor activation in chronically instrumented preterm (109-115 days) and near-term (130-140 days, full term 145 days) fetal sheep. Cumulative doses of the selective DA1-agonist fenoldopam increased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in both preterm (+16 +/- 3%) and near-term fetuses (+16 +/- 3%) but had no significant effect on renal blood flow velocity. Infusion of the DA1-antagonist SCH-23390 did not affect the increase in MABP, suggesting that the effect of fenoldopam on MABP was not directly related to activation of DA1-receptors. Fenoldopam infusion had no significant effects on renal function parameters in preterm fetuses. In near-term fetuses, however, fenoldopam increased urinary flow rate (82.6 +/- 20.9%, P < 0.003), glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 16.6 +/- 4.9%, P < 0.01), urinary sodium excretion (40.1 +/- 14.9%, P < 0.02), and fractional excretion of sodium (26.8 +/- 11.2%, P < 0.03). Infusion of the DA1-antagonist SCH-23390 blocked the fenoldopam-induced diuresis and natriuresis but had no significant effect on the rise in GFR. Fenoldopam infusion had no significant effects on plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration and on urinary prostaglandin (PG) excretion (PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha). Taken together, these results suggest that the renal effect of DA1-receptor activation is age dependent and that stimulation of DA1-receptor in near-term fetuses is associated with a diuresis and natriuresis that seem to be independent of renal hemodynamics and adrenal effects.
Renal potassium transport: morphological and functional adaptations

Maintenance of K+ homeostasis in mammals and amphibians depends primarily on the kidneys which excrete 95% of K+ ingested in the diet. The amount of K+ in the urine is determined by the rate of K+ secretion or absorption by the distal tubule and the collecting duct. When K+ intake is increased, K+ secretion rises. The mechanisms of K+ secretion by the distal tubule and collecting duct are so efficient that K+ intake can increase 20-fold with little or no increase in body K+ content or in plasma K+ concentration. Elevated K+ secretion by the distal tubule and collecting duct occurs in part because of an increase in the quantity of Na+-K+-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na+-K+-ATPase) and amplification of the basolateral membrane of principal cells. When dietary K+ intake is reduced, urinary K+ excretion falls, because K+ secretory mechanisms are suppressed and K+ absorptive mechanisms, residing in the distal tubule and collecting duct, are activated. Because a low-K+ diet is associated with hypertrophy of intercalated cells, it has been suggested that this cell type absorbs K+, possibly by an H+-K+-ATPase. In this review, I discuss the functional and morphological evidence that supports the view that principal cells secrete K+ and that intercalated cells absorb K+. In addition, some of the hormones and factors that are responsible for these changes in cell structure and function are discussed.
Is Competition Decreasing in Our Economy

IT IS always useful in a paper of this nature to settle as quickly as possible what is going to be talked about. It would take little ingenuity on my part to turn the assigned topic into a springboard for virtually any theme I might want to expound, since the notion of competition has come to mean so many things. If we may judge from recent literature, this seems indeed to be a case where it is quite legitimate to make a word "mean just what I choose it to mean-neither more nor less." I choose competition to mean what it used to mean in economics: a configuration of forces in a market economy that causes goods to be priced, in the "normal" run of events, at their costs of production, at least in the marginal sense. There are many possible configurations that can lead to competition, the only requisite being that they must operate within a market framework where economic choices are made by individuals, each acting either by himself or in voluntary association with others. Competition performs its work by making it impossible for a seller to gain anything by varying the price he charges: when he acts in his own pecuniary interests, he is forced to accept the price set by market forces. One of the unfortunate things in the development of economic theory has been the tendency to prescribe a very rigid set of conditions that must be met if the demand facing a seller is to be completely elastic. These conditions are familiar to us all: the product must be homogeneous, the sellers must be many (to the purist, infinite in number), and every seller must be an unyielding economic man. If these conditions were taken literally, they would have no application at all in the world we live in, for we could never even get so far as to find a truly homogeneous product: "nature makes no leap." No two grains of wheat are identical in terms of all physical criteria that might be applied. Homogeneity exists only in the imaginary world of electrons, or perhaps now even farther away in the world of quanta of energy. The point is, of course, that we do not take the concept of homogeneity literally, and we do not have to in order to find competition in action. This raises the whole question of where we need to draw the line in identifying products, counting sellers, and specifying economic motivation. The answer is that no hard and fast rules can be laid down. In very loose terms, we can say that a seller operates in a competitive regime if his customers have access to, a wide continuum of substitute products that are or could be produced by a sizeable number of firms, and if an active minority of his customers and rival sellers are cagey.
Outcomes After Elective Proximal Aortic Replacement: A Matched Comparison of Isolated Versus Multicomponent Operations.

Background Guidelines supporting the decision to replace the aorta in patients with chronic asymptomatic proximal aortic disease are limited by lack of data on operative risks and long-term effectiveness in relation to aortic size. Therefore, we assessed and compared outcomes of patients undergoing elective isolated proximal aortic replacement for this disease vs replacement during multicomponent operations. Methods From January 2006 to January 2011, 1,889 patients underwent proximal aortic replacement (isolated, 212; multicomponent, 1,677) for chronic asymptomatic ascending and arch pathology. Mean age was 60 ± 14 years, and maximum proximal aortic diameter was 52 ± 10 mm (isolated) and 49 ± 10 mm (multicomponent; p = 0.0004). Propensity matching using 64 preoperative variables yielded 197 well-matched patient pairs. Results Patients were more likely to undergo isolated replacement if they had prior cardiac operations and a larger middescending aortic diameter ( p p = 0.07). At 30 days, 1 year, and 4 years, survival was 97%, 93%, and 87%, and freedom from reintervention was 98%, 90%, and 89%, respectively, similar between groups. Conclusions Elective ascending aortic replacement is safe and effective. Ascending aneurysms should be treated aggressively even when encountered in patients undergoing a multicomponent operation. An aggressive approach to replacement of the ascending aorta may be warranted given the increased risk of stroke during a subsequent reoperation.
Perception of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in College Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) can lead to long-term respiratory illness and even death. EIB prevalence rates are both high and variable in college athletes. Also, prevalence rates may be underestimated due to ineffective screening. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of EIB and the perceived impact of EIB in college athletes via a self-report questionnaire. METHODS: A self-report EIB questionnaire was administered to college athletes on 8 different sports teams. Information collected was used to identify athletes who self-reported: (1) a history of EIB and/or asthma, (2) respiratory symptoms during exercise, (3) medication use, and (4) concern about EIB. RESULTS: Results showed that 56 of 196 athletes (28.6%) self-reported a history of EIB or asthma. Over half (52%) reported a history of EIB/asthma or current EIB symptoms. Forty-six of the 140 athletes (32.9%) who did not report a history of EIB or asthma indicated symptoms of EIB during sports, training, or exercise. Fourteen of 56 athletes (25%) self-reporting a history of EIB or asthma did not report the use of a respiratory medication. Nineteen of 196 athletes (9.7%) reported being concerned that EIB was adversely affecting their sports performance. CONCLUSIONS: College athletes self-report a high prevalence of EIB or asthma. Although college athletes may not report a history of EIB or asthma, they indicate symptoms of EIB. A majority of athletes reported a history or current symptoms related to EIB or asthma. Many athletes with a history of EIB or asthma are not taking any asthma medication. Last, athletes report concern about EIB adversely affecting their sports performance. More work is needed using a combination of a screening questionnaire and standardized EIB testing to develop a validated tool for accurately screening and diagnosing EIB in college athletes.
Abstract A72: Punicic acid, a fatty acid from pomegranate seed oil, inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation

Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a well‐known fruit used for alternative medicine. Various pomegranate extracts are utilized as supplements with a wide variety of purported health benefits including anticancer actions. These supplements contain a number of different components that may either activate or inhibit estrogen9s action. Additionally factors associated with pomegranate fruit or extracts may lower oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reduced arterial plaques, lower oxidative stress, enhanced wound healing, inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor proliferation and increased tumor apoptosis. However, these studies have been conducted with fruit, seeds, pericarp or partially purified pomegranate extracts making it hard to determine what the active component(s) may be. Punicic acid is an omega‐5 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid found in pomegranate seed oil. A number of long chain fatty acids have been reported to have cancer preventive actions. Here we investigated the potential ability of punicic acid to affect growth of both an estrogen insensitive breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) and an estrogen sensitive cell line developed from the MDAMB‐231 cells (MDA‐ER 7). Methods: The two breast cancer cell lines were cultured in vitro in the presence of various amounts of punicic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acid and other substances to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane permeability and cell cycle. Results: We found that 40 µM punicic acid inhibited proliferation of MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐ER 7 cells 92% and 96% respectively compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, punicic acid induced apoptosis in the MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐ER 7 cells by 86% and 91% respectively compared to untreated control cells. Punicic acid also disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential of both cell lines. We next investigated whether lipid oxidation was required for the function of punicic acid by adding 20 µM of the antioxidant tocotrienol to the assays. This resulted in reversal of the effects of punicic acid on proliferation inhibition, apoptosis and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential in both the MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐ER 7 cells. Finally, we evaluated the role of PKC signaling in the anticancer effects of punicic acid by performing proliferation assays in the presence of the PKC inhibitor bisindolymaleimide I. Proliferation inhibition by punicic acid was partially blocked in both the MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐ER 7 cells. Conclusions: Our in vitro assays indicated that punicic acid inhibited both estrogen sensitive and estrogen insensitive cell lines equally. Additionally the results indicate that the antiproliferative effect of punicic acid on human breast cancer cells appears to be at least partially dependent on lipid peroxidation and the PKC pathway. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A72.
Discussion of Symposium Papers

In discussing the papers presented at the symposium Dr. Ernest Carroll Faust of Tulane University, New Orleans, said: “While the scourge to human life from the transmission of disease by insects has been greatly reduced and ameliorated since the beginning of the century, bloodsucking insects are still one of the most important sources of human disease, particularly to non-immune populations. As a recent popular writer has expressed it, the stars may shape your destiny, or a mosquito bite may end your troubles and your dreams. We still have with us at one place or another on this earth malignant malaria, yellow fever, dengue, the trypanosomiases, leishmania infections, the rickettsial diseases, the filariases and other scourges to civilization, just as definitely as they existed two thousand years ago.
Analysis on Recurrence and Death of Leishmaniasis Cases in Sichuan Province

Objective To analyze the recurrence and death of leishmaniasis cases clinically and identify the causes. Methods The analysis on the epidemic data of leishmaniasis and the medical records of the recurrence and death in hospitals at all levels in Sichuan from 1985 to 2009 were analyzed. Results From 1985 to 1991,423 leishmaniasis cases were diagnosed and treated by using traditional doage of antimonials. The average recurrence and case fatality rates were 14.66% and 5.67% respectively. From 1992 to 2009,638 leishmaniasis cases were diagnosed and treated by using increased dosage of antimonials. The average recurrence and case fatality rates were 6.58% and 1.88% respectively. Conclusion The recurrence of leishmaniasis was related with patients' residential area,occupation,age,length of the illness course,complications,dosage of antimonials. The recurrence rate could be reduced by increasing the dosage of antimonials according to patients' body weight. Increasing the dosage of antimonials is still effective to recurring cases. For the cases with the first recurrence,the curative rate could reach up to 79.81%. Case fatality,recurrence and complication are related to economic status of the patients.
Pedagogia dos Possuídos: repensando o método Bailarino-Pesquisador-Intérprete (BPI) no ensino da dança no Brasil

This paper calls into question the central tenets of the Dancer-Researcher-Performer (BPI) method taught at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil. The analysis problematizes the underlying assumption that students lack an awareness of their own Brazilianness, which they must find through BPI, and questions a choreographic methodology where students are coached to be possessed by the dance. The paper draws attention to the power imbalances inherent in BPI’s co-habitation experience, where students research marginal others who are understood as the source of authentic Brazilian culture. The paper invites BPI students and teachers to reconsider the ethics of this research methodology, and to consider the possibility of choreographic research that engages both mind and body critically and consciously.
Substitution of Potassium Chloride for Sodium Chloride in Commercially-Produced Dry-Cured Hams.

Substitution of sodium chloride (NaCl) with a 50/50 mixture of potassium chloride (KCl) and NaCl (Lite Salt™) in the curing mixture of country hams was tested at four federally inspected dry-cured ham plants in North Carolina to establish the feasibility of commercial production of "reduced-sodium" country hams. Lite Salt™ -treated hams had significantly less sodium (P 0.05). Hams from one plant that did not stack hams during the curing process had a lower salt content than the hams from the other plants that stacked hams three to six high during curing. Salt content of the non-stacked hams was higher when the KCl/NaCl curing mixture was used than when the control NaCl mixture was used. Increasing the curing time also increased the final salt concentration. Finished hams cured with 50% KCl applied at 70 g/kg and stacked during the curing phase had more than 30% reduction in sodium, sufficient to label the product as reduced-sodium.
'Talk to me' patient communication in a long-term care facility.

1. Staff are important facilitators for communication among elderly patients, who often are alone and bored for long periods. 2. Staff serve as an essential link between the patients and the outside world, and serve as a conduit for initiating contact between residents. 3. Environment--including the selection of roommates, the proximity of residents, and the volume of radios and televisions--may greatly alter residents' ability to communicate.
Synthesis of the C1–C23 Fragment of the Archazolids and Evidence for V-ATPase but not COX Inhibitory Activity

A convergent synthesis of a C1–C23 fragment of the archa­zolids has been completed based on a high-yielding Stille coupling to construct the substituted Z,Z,E-conjugated triene. After removal of the protecting groups, the resulting tetrol exhibited evidence for inhibition of the vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) but not cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity.
Personalization of Instruction: Design Dimensions and Implications for Cognition

Instruction can be made relevant to students when it draws upon and utilizes their interests, experiences, and “funds of knowledge” in productive ways to support classroom learning. This approach h...
An Empirical Study of the Dimensionality of the Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching Construct

This study explores the dimensionality of mathematical knowledge needed by elementary school teachers. Specifically, we focus on the construct of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching to investigate ...
Medical Marijuana Use in Older Adults

Symptom management in older adults, including pain and distressing non-pain symptoms, can be challenging. Medications can cause side effects that worsen quality of life or create other symptoms, and polypharmacy itself can be detrimental in older adults. Cannabinoids may offer a way of managing selected symptoms with fewer side effects. Medical marijuana is an important area of study for older adults because of the side effects of other medications. It is also important for Baby Boomers, who are likely to have more experience with marijuana than older adults of previous generations. Therefore, geriatricians should understand medical marijuana's clinical indications, adverse effects, and legal context. This article reviews the evidence regarding indications for and risks of medical marijuana use in older adults.
Silicon-conductive oxide nano-cavity modulator with extremely small active volume

We design and experimentally demonstrated an ultra-compact modulator using transparent conductive oxide as the gate on 1-D silicon photonic crystal cavity. The device offers an ultra-small active volume (<0.06 μm3) and 46 fJ/bit energy efficiency.
EFFECTS OF DIALYZABLE TRANSFER FRACTOR ON ACCUMULATION OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES BY LEUKOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the effects of dialyzable transfer factor on accumulation of cyclic nucleotides by leukocytes. The preparations of dialyzable transfer factor for their effects on leukocyte cAMP and cGMP is studied. Mononuclear leukocytes from hypaque-ficoll preparations were separated into adherent and nonadherent populations by suspending the cells in RPMI-1640 containing 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum and incubating them overnight at 37°C in 5% CO2–95% air in plastic petri dishes. The responding cells were obtained from buffy coats that contained lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. Note that each of seven different preparations of transfer factor from different donors caused accumulation of cGMP and that lysates from both whole leukocytes and hypaque-ficoll purified mononuclear cells were stimulatory. The identity of the cells in which cGMP accumulation occurred was studied by using plastic-adherent monocytes, nonadherent lymphocytes and dextran sedimented granulocytes as the responding cells. The nonadherent cells from the same preparations and neutrophils were unresponsive.
Sowing the Seeds of the Controversy: the European Scene

This was the provocative beginning of a report entitled The Baby Killer,published in March 1974, by Mike Muller and War on Want, a London-based, nonprofit, activist group that deals with hunger, poverty, and other problems of the Third World. The report was headlined “A War on Want Investigation into the Promotion and Sale of Powdered Milk in the Third World.” Investigation it certainly was. The report castigated the entire infant food industry for its marketing and promotion practices in Third World countries. Nestle, as the largest marketer of such products in the Third World, came in for special scorn and criticism. In addition to Nestle, the report also made a particular mention of the marketing and promotional activities of Cow and Gate, a multinational company headquartered in the United Kingdom with operations in a large number of Third World countries.
Mechanisms of Cytochrome P450-Catalyzed Oxidations

Enzymes are complex biological catalysts and are critical to life. Most oxidations of chemicals are catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) enzymes, which generally utilize mixed-function oxidase stoichiometry, utilizing pyridine nucleotides as electron donors: NAD(P)H + O2 + R → NAD(P)+ + RO + H2O (where R is a carbon substrate and RO is an oxidized product). The catalysis of oxidations is largely understood in the context of the heme iron–oxygen complex generally termed Compound I, formally FeO3+, whose basis was in peroxidase chemistry. Many X-ray crystal structures of P450s are now available (≥822 structures from ≥146 different P450s) and have helped in understanding catalytic specificity. In addition to hydroxylations, P450s catalyze more complex oxidations, including C–C bond formation and cleavage. Enzymes derived from P450s by directed evolution can even catalyze more unusual reactions, e.g., cyclopropanation. Current P450 questions under investigation include the potential role of the intermedia...