cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paraproteinemia and Reticulum Cell Sarcoma in an Inbred Mouse Strain

Mice of the inbred SJL/J strain have a high incidence of a proliferative disease affecting several cell types, including reticulum cells and plasma cells, which is frequently accompanied by gamma(1) and gamma(2) paraproteinemia. In only some instances can seriallytransplantable lines of neoplastic cells be obtained; these are reticulum cell sarcomas. Mice with transplanted reticulum cell e arcomas do not have paraproteinemia and may develop profound hypogammaglobulinemia. The disease may be viewed as an abnormal proliferation of reticulum cells which differentiate into plasma cells with consequent paraproteinemia; the subsequent emergence of transplantable reticulum cell sarcoma appears as an end stage in which this capacity to differentiate is lost.
Body mass index does not affect postoperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes of total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Introduction Obesity adds to the technical difficulty of colorectal surgery and is a risk factor for postoperative complications. We hypothesized that obese patients have increased morbidity and poor oncologic outcomes after proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma.
The Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl: An Active Learning Experience

This paper introduces the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl (IEB) as a means of promoting active learning in the realm of marketing ethics. The cases discussed in the competition are based on current ethical issues and require students to provide a coherent analysis of what are generally complex, ambiguous, and highly viewpoint dependent issues. The goal is for students to approach the intellectual controversy in such a manner that they are able to arrive at the best reasoned judgment possible. Using an active learning technique consistent with constructive controversy theory, the generation of deliberate discourse is believed to enhance students' moral development.
Insect pests and strategies for their management in cultivated sunflower

Abstract Hundreds, if not thousands, of species of insects use wild sunflowers ( Helianthus spp.) for food and/or shelter. Fortunately, the majority of these species do not attack the common annual sunflower, H. annuus L.; of those that do, a relatively small percentage actually become an economic threat to profitable sunflower cultivation. This paper discusses the species of insects that are known pests of cultivated sunflower, their injury to plants, the effects of their injury on seed and oil production, and control strategies that are used for their management.
Characterization and intracellular distribution of the succinic dehydrogenase of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Abstract 1. 1. Homogenates and cellular fractions of T. cruzi prepared in isotonic sucrose showed succinic dehydrogenase activity as measured by the oxygen uptake in the presence of various artificial electron carriers. 2. 2. Conditions for maximum dehydrogenase activity have been determined (temperature, electron carriers, pH, phosphate concentration, activators, and substrate concentration). 3. 3. Intracellular distribution studies show that most of the dehydrogenase activity is particle bound. 4. 4. The SH dependence of the enzyme is shown by its response to iodoacetamide. It produces an inhibition proportional to its concentration. 5. 5. A very powerful malonate inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase of homogenates and mitochondrial fraction of T. cruzi seems to be of a non-competitive type and appears to be not related to inactivation of SH groups or to the inhibition of oxalacetate oxidation. 6. 6. The succinic dehydrogenase activity of T. cruzi is clearly inhibited by added DPN and stimulated by the addition of calcium ions. 7. 7. Cytochrome-c, a component of the succinoxidase system of most organisms, is not effective as electron carrier in T. cruzi.
Effect of simultaneous heavy-ion and electron bombardment on the amorphization kinetics of intermetallics.

A theory of amorphization of ordered intermetallic compounds is applied to the case of simultaneous irradiation by electrons and heavy ions. The theory proposes that the local buildup of radiation-induced defects (interstitial-vacancy complexes) to a critical value destabilizes the crystalline lattice in a small region, causing it to become amorphous. The rate of increase of the complex concentration results from a balance between complex formation (with an athermal component under ion bombardment) and complex annihilation by thermally activated processes. This mechanism explains, in the case of electron irradiation, the existence of a cutoff temperature, ${T}_{e}^{c}$, above which no crystalline-to-amorphous transition occurs due to insufficient complex buildup. In the case of ion bombardment, a cutoff temperature, ${T}_{i}^{c}$, is also obtained, above which no significant complex accumulation takes place, but ${T}_{i}^{c}$ is higher than ${T}_{e}^{c}$. It is shown that simultaneous bombardment with ions and electrons leads to an acceleration of the transition up to temperatures around ${T}_{e}^{c}$ and to a progressive delay and possible suppression of the transition at increasing irradiation temperatures between ${T}_{e}^{c}$ and ${T}_{i}^{c}$. .AE
Cochlear Implants in Single-Sided Deafness

Single-sided deafness presents a unique challenge to otolaryngologists and audiologists. While the normal hearing ear may allow listeners to perform adequately on audiometric screening, individuals with only one functioning cochlea suffer when resolving speech in noisy environments and in sound localization—which both contribute to a reduced quality of life. Though there are a variety of strategies that provide contralateral routing of sound signals, the cochlear implant is the only treatment to truly restore binaural hearing. Only very recently has cochlear implantation (CI) for single-sided deafness begun in earnest, with encouraging results that demonstrate the strengths and pitfalls of implantation over traditional extracochlear methods. The purpose of this review is to update the field by emphasizing binaural benefits, discussing historical treatments of single-sided deafness, critically evaluating recent data on outcomes of CI for single-sided deafness, and recommending indications for cochlear implants in single-sided deafness in children, adults, and subjects with concurrent ipsilateral tinnitus.
Blood alcohol level discrimination: pre-training monitoring accuracy of alcoholics and nonalcoholics.

Abstract Thirty-six male nonalcoholic social drinkers and twenty male alcoholics consumed drinks containing vodka and tomato juice and made estimates of their blood alcohol level (BAL) three (nonalcoholics) or four (alcoholics) times during a session. None of these subjects had received training in BAL discrimination. Correlational analyses, assessing the degree of relationship between actual BAL and BAl estimates, supported the conclusion that in the absence of training alcoholics monitor changes in blood alcohol level less effectively than do nonalcoholics.
Ortho Effect in the Bergman Cyclization: Interception of p-Benzyne Intermediate by Intramolecular Hydrogen Abstraction

Intramolecular hydrogen atom (H-atom) abstraction from the o-OCH3 group effectively intercepts the p-benzyne intermediate in the Bergman cycloaromatization of 2,3-diethynyl-1-methoxybenzene (1) before this intermediate undergoes either retro-Bergman ring opening or external H-atom abstraction. This process leads to the formation of a new diradical and renders the cyclization step essentially irreversible. Chemical and kinetic consequences of this phenomenon were investigated through the combination of computational and experimental studies.
Modeling Ocean Circulation

Ocean numerical models have become quite realistic over the past several years as a result of improved methods, faster computers, and global data sets. Models now treat basin-scale to global domains while retaining the fine spatial scales that are important for modeling the transport of heat, salt, and other properties over vast distances. Simulations are reproducing observed satellite results on the energetics of strong currents and are properly showing diverse aspects of thermodynamic and dynamic ocean responses ranging from deep-water production to EI Nino. Now models can represent not only currents but also the consequences for climate, biology, and geochemistry over time spans of months to decades. However, much remains to be understood from models about ocean circulation on longer time scales, including the evolution of the dominant water masses, the predictability of climate, and the ocean9s influence on global change.
'Sharpening the instrument' Challenges to improving practice from interactive and self-reflective growth

This article, drawing on self-reflective experiential research within reciprocally inquiring relationships as expounded by Heron, explores learning derived from an innovative psycho-therapeutic approach. Pesso-Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) links mind/body in its philosophy and practice. Two domains of inquiry are reported. In the first, I as chief storyteller map three psychotherapists' reflective learning of PBSP. In the second, I explore how my practice of teaching and supervising and dealing with colleagues at a university is informed by my own PBSP development. Quality criteria of experiential psychological growth and of experiential psychological research are used, respectively, to consider both the content of the learning narrated and the process of the way it has been realized and communicated. The article attempts to 'show data' as well as interrelate their meanings, more than simply 'tell about' data. In this sense, the writing approach is analogically congruent with the themes presented.
Plasmolysis of glycine max mesophyll cells: the use of octylguanidine and its implications in protoplast isolation

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max Merr cv. ‘Ransom’) mesophyll cells were difficult to plasmolyze when placed in mannitol. Plasmolysis behavior depended largely on plant age and cell type. Difficulty in plasmolyzing mesophyll cells increased with plant age. Cells of the the second palisade layer were more difficult to plasmolyze than those of the first layer and spongy parenchyma. No plasmolysis occured in cells from podding stage plant material (16 weeks old). Brief treatment of cells with 0.3 mM octylguanidine (OG) in 0.4 M mannitol decreased plasmamembrane adherence to the cell wall and enhanced plasmolysis in all cell types except starch filled palisade cells of the second layer of 16-week-old material. Light starvation of tissue and OG treatment or 0.75 M CaCl2 as plasmolyticum improved plasmolysis in cells of the second palisade layer of leaves of 10–16-week-old plants. These observations indicate that plasmolysis of soybean mesophyll cells is difficult due to either strong adherence of the plasma membrane to the cell wall, and/or mechanical resistance to protoplast contraction as a consequence of starch accumulation in chloroplasts. Our observations on the plasmolytic behavior of mesophyll cells and the high protoplast yield at microscale isolation in situ suggest that plasmolysis using OG will result in higher protoplast yield and quality.
Electrophoretic patterns in acute acquired hemolytic anemia.

SummaryElectrophoretic and chemical study indicate that auto-antibodies, as found in acquired hemolytic anemia, produce a measurable quantitative increase in beta and gamma globulin fractions.
A FOLLOWUP ON TRANSURETHRAL COLLAGEN INJECTION THERAPY FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE

AbstractPurpose: Transurethral collagen injection therapy has been used successfully in treating stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency since United States Food and Drug Administration approval in October 1993.Materials and Methods: Telephone interview and chart review were performed on 139 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency documented using video urodynamics, of whom 73% had grade 3 incontinence (leakage without effort). Median followup was 18 months (range 6 to 36). Median patient age was 72 years.Results: A total of 103 patients (74%) was substantially improved after collagen therapy, 29 (20%) were improved and 7 had no improvement. Of the substantially improved group 72% obtained continence after 2 or fewer injections. Of the patients 11% required a “booster” injection more than 6 months after initial treatment. Complications, such as hematuria, urinary tract infections or transient urinary retention, were rare.Conclusions: Our results confirm the safety and efficacy ...
Crystal chemistry and properties of phases in the system SrOPbOO

Abstract The system SrOPbO 2 is shown to contain two compounds, SrPbO 3 and Sr 2 PbO 4 . SrPbO 3 is an orthorhombic distortion of the perovskite structure. Sr 2 PbO 4 is considered the type example of a newly described structure type. Precise unit cell and powder data are presented for these phases. High temperature diffractometry shows a transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal SrPbO 3 at 450°C. This transition is not reflected in the dielectric constant. IR spectra for the compounds are presented.
{0001} Slip and Basal Twinning in Sapphire Single Crystals Shock‐Loaded at Room Temperature

The microstructures of sapphire single crystals explosively shocked at pressures of 5, 12, and 23 GPa, with the basal plane perpendicular to the shock wave direction, have been studied using transmission electron microscopy. There was no evidence of microplastic deformation, dislocations or twins, for crystals shocked at 5 GPa. Perfect dislocations with 1010 and ⅓1120 Burgers vectors on the basal planes were observed at the higher pressures. The gliding of 1010 dislocations on the basal plane established the activation of {0001}1010 slip, which has not been experimentally verified previously. In addition to dislocation generation and motion, a significant number of basal twins were observed.
Cost/benefit analysis of initial cultures in the management of acute burns

The use of burn clinical pathways has helped to improve quality of care and decrease costs in the Burn Center. However, despite implementation of these pathways, certain 'ritual care' persists as part of the 'burn culture'. Specifically, the collection of wound cultures of acute burns at admission and the collection urine, blood, sputum, and wound cultures ('pan-culturing') on patients with temperatures greater than 38.5°C in the first 24 hours of admission are considered standard of care despite the lack of scientific data supporting these practices.
The Political Economy of Income Inequality: A Comparative Analysis

Les theories sociologiques sur l'inegalite des revenus nl'ont repose jusqul'ici que sur un ou deux modeles. Dans cet article nous integrons et nous verifions certains aspects de quatre theories de la stratification des revenus. A l'aide de donnees sur le partage des revenus dans 37 pays nous demontrons que le niveau de democratic est la variable la plus importante parmi celles reliees a une faible inegalite des revenus. Au surplus, notre analyse confirme le modele de l'economie mondiale et la theorie d'Andreski, mais elle infirme la theorie du developpement economique.
“Rights as well as duties”: The rhetoric of Leonora O'Reilly

The following essay provides an analysis of the rhetorical strategies employed by Leonora O'Reilly, a Progressive Era labor reformer. The essay argues that O'Reilly's use of enactment and empowerment are representative of a “feminine style” as defined by Campbell (1989) and extended by Dow and Tonn (1993). As a subject of analysis, O'Reilly's rhetoric provides an opportunity to examine the public voice of a working‐class female reformer.
The influence of Fluosol-DA and carbogen breathing on the antitumor effects of cyclophosphamide in vivo

The effects of Fluosol-DA, an oxygen-carrying perfluorochemical emulsion, and carbogen breathing alone or in combination on the antitumor activity of cyclo-phosphamide (CTX) in vivo were investigated. The addition of 12 ml/kg Fluosol-DA immediately prior to CTX treatment exerted no effect on the antitumor effect of CTX on the RIF-1 tumor in C3H mice. On the other hand, carbogen breathing alone for 8 h significantly enhanced the antitumor effect of CTX, with a dose-modification factor of 1.29±0.07. The combination of Fluosol-DA and carbogen breathing further increased the effect of CTX, with a dose-modification factor of 1.63±0.05. There was no significant difference in animal lethality within the treatment groups. It was concluded that Fluosol-DA in combination with carbogen breathing may be useful for the enhancement of CTX chemotherapy of human neoplasms
Comment on "Application of Hamilton's Law of Varying Action"

I N a recent Comment on our paper, Professor Bailey made several statements to which we responded in our Reply. That Reply closed with the remark that further comment on Professor Bailey's procedure would be more appropriate at another time in another place; now is the time, and this is the place. Many of the concepts in Ref. 1 are repeated in Ref. 4, so that of necessity some of our statements in Ref. 3 will be repeated in this Comment. Professor Bailey's Eq. (3) in Ref. 4 is an incorrect statement of Hamilton's principle for general application. Just below that equation, one reads that "it is understood that Wis the work of both conservative and nonconservative forces," and then Eq. (12) purports to offer a work function when there exist dissipative forces and time dependent forces. This is wrong. By definition, a work function does not exist for nonconservative systems since a work function is conventionally merely the negative of the potential energy, and potentials do not exist for nonconservative forces. There are internal inconsistencies between Eq. (2), Eq. (12), and what is actually used to get the numerical results of Figs. 3 and 4. Assume that WW(qh qt) as shown in Eq. (12). Then Eq. (2) implies that
Measurement of the Temperature and Partial Pressure of a Uranium Plasma

The generation of a high-pressure uranium plasma is described. Determinations of temperature, uranium-II, and electron pressure are performed. The Boltzmann plot technique and the single-line, relative-intensity method are used. Radial distributions of the measured quantities across the plasma are given. Plasma temperature as a function of power input and pressure is measured. These temperatures range between 7900 and 10 300 K. Uranium partial pressures between 0.1 and 1.0 atm are deduced.
Multidimensional Voice Data on Participants With Perceptually Normal Voices From Ages 60 to 80: A Preliminary Acoustic Reference for the Elderly Population.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary acoustic reference for an elderly population (aged 60–80) with perceptually normal voices to determine the degree of noise in the vocal signal of this population; a younger population (aged 20–30) with perceptually normal voices participated for comparison. The participants were tested on the Multidimensional Voice Program (model 5105, KayPENTAX, Lincoln Park, NJ), and the following acoustic parameters were evaluated: relative average perturbation (cycle-to-cycle frequency perturbations), shimmer (cycle-to-cycle amplitude perturbations), and noise-to-harmonic ratio (degree of noise in the vocal signal). Method Fifty participants between the ages of 60 and 80 (mean age, 69.5) and 50 participants between the ages of 20 and 30 (mean age, 23.23) were tested by sustaining the vowel /a/ on the Multidimensional Voice Program . Voice and/or speech samples were also recorded for each participant to reveal perceptually normal voices. Results The older group had significantly higher levels of relative average perturbation, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio than the younger group, and males had significantly higher levels of shimmer than females. Conclusion and Implications The acoustic values obtained for the older group with perceptually normal voices resembled data in the literature, particularly when the ages of the participants in the studies were similar. The present findings may possibly be used as a preliminary reference against which to compare clinical acoustic data to older clients with dysphonic voices.
Trigonometric Criteria for Determining Whether Meteoritic Falls Lie on the Same Great Circle

This paper is divided into 6 sections, of which an enumeration will constitute its abstract: (1) introduction; (2) trigonometric criteria for determining whether a given point Q lies on the great circle passing thru 2 other given points, A and B, of north pole P; (3) and (4) methods of determining the geographic coordinates of pole P; (5) determination of the distance of a given point R from the great circle; and (6) determination of the coordinates of point S, the point on the great circle closest to the given point R. Several subtopics are discussed in the notes to the paper.
Novus Ordo Seclorum

Review in this Article Michael H. Hunt. Ideology and U.S. Foreign Policy. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1987. xiv + 237 pp.
Fast modular RLE-based inspection scheme for PCBs

On-line inspection of PCBs requires acquisition and processing of gigabytes of image data in a matter of few seconds, especially when multi-layer and very high-resolution boards are used. To meet the demands for speed and accuracy, our inspection system uses run-length encoding (RLE) for storage and operations and an inspection scheme which exploits the availability of an artwork for comparison purposes. The system which is suitable for parallel processing consists of four parts: (1) segmentation of artwork and feature extraction, (2) image acquisition, (3) inspection of blank areas, and (4) inspection of trace areas. First, the artwork which is available as a CAD file in Gerber format, is segmented offline into primitive patterns and information related to the location and identification of each segment is stored in a large image database to be used later for real-time inspection. A time- and space-efficient technique based on RLE is used for storage of essential features and image operations.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The automorphism group of a class of semi-groups

Let (S,·) be a semi-group having the following properties: (1)S=∪Sα where α is in some index setI andSα are subgroups isomorphic to each other, (2)Sα∩Sβ=O, a void set for α≠β and (3) the identity ofSα is a left identity ofS for each α inI. Then the automorphism group Aut (S) ofS is studied from the point of category theory. It is proved that Aut (S) is determined by Aut (Sα) and right multiplications by the identities of groupsSα.
Kinetics and Localization of the Phosphorylation of Rhodopsin by Protein Kinase C

Protein kinase C isolated from retina catalyzes the stoichiometric phosphorylation of bovine rhodopsin. Enzymological studies using receptor in rod outer segment membranes stripped of peripheral proteins reveal that the phosphorylation is independent of receptor conformation or liganded state; the half-time for phosphorylation of unbleached (dark-adapted) rhodopsin, bleached (light-activated) rhodopsin, and opsin (chromophore removed) is the same. The phosphorylation by protein kinase C is Ca2+ and lipid regulated; the Km for Ca2+ decreases with increasing concentrations of membrane, consistent with known properties of Ca(2+)-regulated protein kinase Cs. The Km for ATP is 27 microM, with an optimal concentration for MgCl2 of approximately 1 mM. The phosphorylation of rhodopsin by protein kinase C is inhibited by the protein kinase C-selective inhibitor sangivamycin. Proteolysis by Asp-N reveals that all the protein kinase C phosphorylation sites are on the carboxyl terminus of the receptor. Cleavage with trypsin indicates that Ser338, the primary phosphorylation site of rhodopsin kinase, is not phosphorylated significantly; rather, the primary phosphorylation site of protein kinase C is on the membrane proximal half of the carboxyl terminus. The protein kinase C-catalyzed phosphorylation of rhodopsin is analogous to the ligand-independent phosphorylation of other G protein-coupled receptors that is catalyzed by second messenger-regulated kinases.
Combining NEAT and PSO for learning tactical human behavior

This article presents and discusses a machine learning algorithm called PIGEON used to build agents capable of displaying tactical behavior in various domains. Such tactical behavior can be relevant in military simulations and video games, as well as in everyday tasks in the physical world, such as driving an automobile. Furthermore, PIGEON displays good performance across two different approaches to learning (observational and experiential) and across multiple domains. PIGEON is a hybrid algorithm, combining NEAT and PSO in two different manners. The investigation described in this paper compares the performance of the two versions of PIGEON to each other as well as to NEAT and to PSO individually. These four machine learning algorithms are applied in two different approaches to learning--through observation of human performance and through experience, as well as in three distinct domain testbeds. The criteria used to compare them were high proficiency in task completion and rapid learning. Results indicate that overall, PIGEON worked best when NEAT and PSO are applied in an alternating manner. This combination was called PIGEON-Alternate, or simply Alternate. The two versions of the PIGEON algorithm, the tests conducted, the results obtained and the conclusions are described in detail.
A historic overview of the interplay of theology and philosophy in the arts, mathematics and sciences

The etymology of the word “mathematics” can be traced to Greek roots with meanings such “a thing learned” (mathein is the verb “to have learned”) and, from that, ta mathe^matika, “learnable things” and, “to think or have one’s mind aroused. The natural philosophers of the Renaissance did not draw an explicit distinction between mathematics, the sciences and to an extent the arts. In this paper I explore connections forged by the thinkers of the Renaissance between mathematics, the arts and the sciences, with attention to the nature of the underlying theological and philosophical questions that call for a particular mode of inquiry. Recently Robert Root-Bernstein (2003) introduced the construct of polymathy to suggest that innovative individuals are equally likely to contribute both to the arts and the sciences and either consciously or unconsciously forge links between the two. Several contemporary examples are presented of individuals who pursued multiple fields of research and were able to combine the aesthetic with the scientific. Finally, some possibilities for re-introducing university courses on natural philosophy as a means to integrate mathematics, the arts and the sciences are discussed.
Curvature-Driven Lipid Sorting in a Membrane Tubule

Motivated by recent experiments that implicate the mechanical properties of membranes in lipid sorting, we examine the interplay of lipid composition and curvature in membrane tubules. We study how the coupling between membrane composition and membrane bending stiffness and tension affects tubule formation. Drawing a tubule from a vesicle leads to a rearrangement of composition in which the phase of higher flexibility segregates into the highly curved tubule. For point forcing, the force vs extension curve can have a sharp drop just as the tubule begins to form.
Stressed Corrosion of an Austenitic Stainless Steel Studied by Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Under the ambient temperature (25°C) and pressure (one Standard Atmospheric Pressure) conditions, surface Volta potential of an austenitic stainless steel was measured using the Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM) to study its stressed-related corrosion behavior in a 0.5 M chloride solution. In an oxygen and water regulated environment (using a glovebox), the steel shows a map of Volta potentials with high contrasts among the different grains and grain boundaries, which was then linked to the actual corrosion potential (w.r.t. a saturated calomel electrode) based on a rigorous calibration procedure. Corrosion behavior of the steel under tensile stress was then compared to that of the same sample under no tensile stress in light of the measured Volta potential, which was found to be sensitive to the level of applied tensile stress, although the tested stainless steel in general is known for its high corrosion-resident capability. According to this study, surface Volta potential measured by SKPFM...
Alumimun nitride piezoelectric NEMS resonators and switches

A major challenge associated with the demonstration of high frequency and fast NanoElectroMechanical Systems (NEMS) components is the ability to efficiently transduce the nanomechanical device. This work presents noteworthy opportunities associated with the scaling of piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) films from the micro to the nano realm and their application to the making of efficient NEMS resonators and switches that can be directly interfaced with conventional electronics. Experimental data showing NEMS AlN resonators (250 nm thick with lateral features as small as 300 nm) vibrating at record-high frequencies approaching 10 GHz with Qs close to 500 are presented. These NEMS resonators could be employed as sensors to tag analyte concentrations that reach the part per trillion levels or for frequency synthesis and filtering in ultra-compact microwave transceivers. 100 nm thick AlN films have been used to fabricate NEMS actuators for mechanical computing applications. Experimental data confirming that bimorph nanopiezo- actuators have the same piezoelectric properties of microscale counterparts and can be adopted for the implementation of mechanical logic elements are presented.
Cuff Repair Should Be Done Arthroscopically: The Future Is Now—In Opposition

New instrumentation and advancing technology have encouraged many surgeons to contemplate arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. Despite the excitement of surgeons and patients alike, we must insure that we are improving on what has proven to be a reliable technique with classic open surgery. Already, this initial enthusiasm has been tempered by outcome studies that suggest failure rates of arthroscopic repairs are significantly higher than repairs done with conventional open surgery. Although certain smaller tears can be very adequately repaired incorporating arthroscopic techniques, many larger tears should still be treated with open surgery.
Bi-parentally inherited species-specific markers identify hybridization between rainbow trout and cutthroat trout subspecies

Eight polymerase chain reaction primer sets amplifying bi-parentally inherited species-specific markers were developed that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and various cutthroat trout (O. clarki) subspecies. The primers were tested within known F1 and first generation hybrid backcrosses and were shown to amplify codominantly within hybrids. Heterozygous individuals also amplified a slower migrating band that was a heteroduplex, caused by the annealing of polymerase chain reaction products from both species. These primer sets have numerous advantages for native cutthroat trout conservation including statistical genetic analyses of known crosses and simple hybrid identification.
The degree of gallbladder wall thickness and its impact on outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold-standard procedure for management of symptomatic gallstone disease. Increased rates of conversion to an open procedure, increased postoperative complications, and longer lengths of stay are seen in thick-walled gallbladders. Previous studies have only evaluated gallbladder walls as being thick or not thick, without looking at the degree of thickness. We hypothesized that, the more severe the wall thickening, the greater the chance of conversions and complications, and the longer the lengths of stay. All attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomies in our institution between 2006 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy for reasons other than gallstones (e.g., polyps or cancer) and those without preoperative ultrasounds were excluded. Patients were divided into four groups based on the degree of gallbladder wall thickness: normal (1–2 mm), mildly thickened (3–4 mm), moderately thickened (5–6 mm), and severely thickened (7 mm and above). Outcomes were compared amongst the groups. 874 patients were included in the study. There were 68 conversions (7.8 %) and 58 complications (6.6 %). The incidence of conversions was 3.1, 5.1, 14.9, and 16.8 % in the four groups, respectively (p < 0.001, χ 2), and the incidence of complications was 1.8, 6.7, 9.1, and 13.1 %, respectively (p = 0.001, χ 2). The mean (± standard deviation, SD) length of stay in days was 1.09 ± 1.42, 1.83 ± 3.24, 2.54 ± 3.40 and 3.54 ± 4.61, respectively [p < 0.001, analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. A greater degree of gallbladder wall thickness is associated with an increased risk of conversion, increased postoperative complications, and longer lengths of stay. Classifying patients according to degree of gallbladder wall thickness gives more accurate assessment of the risk of surgery, as well as potential outcomes.
Effect of sigma factor and oligoribonucleotides on the transcription of well-defined templates with the ribonucleic acid polymerase of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The sigma factor of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase has a substantial stimulatory effect on the transcription of certain well-defined templates, especially single-stranded polymers. This stimulation, dependent on both the base-composition and the secondary structure of the template, is a maximum at low ribonucleoside triphosphate concentrations where chain initiation is presumably rate-limiting. Among the polyribonucleotide templates, poly(U) shows the greatest dependence on sigma factor, whereas poly(C) is completely independent of sigma. The transcription of uridine residues in mixed ribopolymers, however, shows a reduced dependence on sigma. Among the polydeoxynucleotide templates, poly(dA)- and poly(dT)-directed reactions are substantially stimulated by sigma; here, again, the dependence on sigma factor is reduced in mixed deoxypolymers. The dependence on the sigma factor for transcription is removed by oligoribonucleotides complementary to the template. Kinetic studies and experiments with γ- 32 P-labeled ribonucleoside triphosphates indicate that the oligoribonucleotides are presumably bypassing the sigma-dependent initiation step.
What We Know about Integrating Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs: A Review, a Reminder and a Request

In the last two decades, a myriad of political and social factors have converged and had a dramatic impact on Early Childhood Education (EC) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). There have been sweeping changes in policy and shifts in society that have resulted in greater numbers of programs serving young children of all abilities and their families. Great strides in research related to early childhood development and early intervention have provided a growing knowledge of how children learn. The combination of these factors has created a call for increasingly higher quality services for young children. Professionals in both EC and ECSE have been responding to the demands and taken steps to prepare more and better-qualified teachers for children enrolled in early childhood programs. The most immediate avenue for effecting change in the profession is through the programs that prepare our teachers for the classrooms and the child care centers. This article reviews the research and the rationale reg...
Anesthesia for an adult with mucopolysaccharidosis I

We describe the anesthetic management difficulties of a man with mucopolysaccharidosis I. We also briefly review the anesthesia literature related to this disease.
"Decoding" informed consent. Insights from women regarding breast cancer susceptibility testing.

Cancer susceptibility testing is likely to become routine in medical practice, despite many limitations and unanswered questions. These uncertainties greatly complicate the process of informed consent, creating an excellent opportunity to reconsider exactly how it should be conducted. Research with women's reactions to the availability of genetic susceptibility testing for breast cancer dramatically underscores that informed consent ought to be highly individualized, taking care to discern what patients believe about the disease and its causes and what role they want their physician to play.
Thyroid cancer cell lines: Critical models to study thyroid cancer biology and new therapeutic targets

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and the incidence is rising. Currently, there are no effective treatments for patients with advanced forms of thyroid cancer. Anaplastic thyroid represents the most severe form of the disease with 95% mortality at 6 months. It is therefore critical to better understand the mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer development and progression in order to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. Cell lines derived from thyroid tumors represent a critical tool to understand the oncogenic mechanisms driving thyroid cancer, as well as preclinical tools to study the efficacy of new therapies in vitro and in vivo. For thyroid cancer, the development of new therapies has been hampered by the lack of thyroid cancer cell lines in the widely used NCI-60 panel which has been used to screen over 100,000 anti-cancer drugs. In addition, the recent discovery that ~20 out of 40 existing thyroid cancer cell lines are either redundant or misidentified with cell lines of other tissue lineages has further hampered progress in the field. Of the available cell lines, 23 were identified as unique and presumably of thyroid origin based on the expression of thyroid-specific genes. Thus, there is a great need for validated thyroid cancer cell lines representing different stages of disease in addition to distinct oncogenic mutations. New, authenticated thyroid cancer cell lines are beginning to be developed, adding to the tools available to study genes and pathways important for thyroid cancer pathogenesis. In summary, the use of validated thyroid cancer cell lines which closely recapitulate disease is critical for the discovery of new drug targets and ultimately new therapies.
Variation in the heat shock response and its implication for predicting the effect of global climate change on species' biogeographical distribution ranges and metabolic costs

The preferential synthesis of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in response to thermal stress [the heat shock response (HSR)] has been shown to vary in species that occupy different thermal environments. A survey of case studies of aquatic (mostly marine) organisms occupying stable thermal environments at all latitudes, from polar to tropical, shows that they do not in general respond to heat stress with an inducible HSR. Organisms that occupy highly variable thermal environments (variations up to >20 degrees C), like the intertidal zone, induce the HSR frequently and within the range of body temperatures they normally experience, suggesting that the response is part of their biochemical strategy to occupy this thermal niche. The highest temperatures at which these organisms can synthesize Hsps are only a few degrees Celsius higher than the highest body temperatures they experience. Thus, they live close to their thermal limits and any further increase in temperature is probably going to push them beyond those limits. In comparison, organisms occupying moderately variable thermal environments (<10 degrees C), like the subtidal zone, activate the HSR at temperatures above those they normally experience in their habitats. They have a wider temperature range above their body temperature range over which they can synthesize Hsps. Contrary to our expectations, species from highly (in comparison with moderately) variable thermal environments have a limited acclimatory plasticity. Due to this variation in the HSR, species from stable and highly variable environments are likely to be more affected by climate change than species from moderately variable environments.
Structure guided homology model based design and engineering of mouse antibodies for humanization

No universal strategy exists for humanizing mouse antibodies, and most approaches are based on primary sequence alignment and grafting. Although this strategy theoretically decreases the immunogenicity of mouse antibodies, it neither addresses conformational changes nor steric clashes that arise due to grafting of human germline frameworks to accommodate mouse CDR regions. To address these issues, we created and tested a structure-based biologic design approach using a de novo homology model to aid in the humanization of 17 unique mouse antibodies. Our approach included building a structure-based de novo homology model from the primary mouse antibody sequence, mutation of the mouse framework residues to the closest human germline sequence and energy minimization by simulated annealing on the humanized homology model. Certain residues displayed force field errors and revealed steric clashes upon closer examination. Therefore, further mutations were introduced to rationally correct these errors. In conclusion, use of de novo antibody homology modeling together with simulated annealing improved the ability to predict conformational and steric clashes that may arise due to conversion of a mouse antibody into the humanized form and would prevent its neutralization when administered in vivo. This design provides a robust path towards the development of a universal strategy for humanization of mouse antibodies using computationally derived antibody homologous structures.
Extending the centralized helpdesk functionality to improve decentralized support

Academic Affairs Technology (AATECH) provides support for 500+ computers on the University of Memphis (UofM) campus and remote sites. As part of our ongoing commitment to provide excellent customer service, we utilize the centralized helpdesk system. However, we have created additional tools to extend the functionality of that system. These tools allow technical professionals to monitor open helpdesk tickets for critical issues that arise throughout the day. We plan to demonstrate how we use the existing infrastructure and newly created tools throughout our support footprint in a helpdesk ticket's lifecycle. Topics to be covered include the helpdesk ticket lifecycle at our university, the centralized helpdesk system, and the newly created tools. Through this poster session we hope to encourage an exchange of information that will benefit us and others who are seeking innovative approaches to monitoring and improving customer service.
Preferential ablation of calcified arterial plaque with laser-induced plasmas

Laser endarterectomy, a promising new method of reopening stenotic or occluded arteries, has been limited by difficulties in ablating calcified plaque. This study demonstrates that pulsed, visible laser radiation (482 nm, 1 μs duration, 40-80 mJ/pulse) can ablate calcified plaque at intensities (50 MW/cm2) that are readily transmit, ted down flexible (320 μm diameter) optical fibers and at fluences which are below the threshold for ablating normal artery. The ablative process is characterized by a loud snapping sound, a luminescent plume, ejection of fine debris, and an ablation efficiency as high as 10 mg/J, suggesting that removal of material occurs primarily by formation of a plasma and fracturing of the plaque, rather than by thermal vaporization. The presence of a plasma associated with ablation of calcified plaque was documented by emission spectrum measurements.
The place of perception in children's concepts ☆

Abstract Current research on children's concepts and categories reflects a growing consensus that nonperceptual knowledge is central to concepts and determines category membership, whereas perceptual knowledge is peripheral in concepts and at best a rough guide to category membership. In this article, we assess the theoretical and empirical bases for this view. We examine experiments that seem to support the idea that concepts are principally nonperceptual, and find that the evidence is not compelling. We then turn to research on children's lexical category formation, which highlights multidirectional interactions between perception, language, and other kinds of knowledge, in specific contexts. This evidence suggests that conceptual knowledge encompasses both perceptual and nonperceptual knowledge as equal and interacting partners. The evidence also suggests a view of concepts, not as mentally represented structures, but as assemblies of knowledge computed on-line in specific task contexts.
Someplace like home: Experience, habitat selection and conservation biology

Abstract Recent insights from habitat selection theory may help conservation managers encourage released animals to settle in appropriate habitats. By all measures, success rates for captive–release and translocation programs are low, and have shown few signs of improvement in recent years. We consider situations in which free-living dispersers prefer new habitats that contain stimuli comparable to those in their natal habitat, a phenomenon called natal habitat preference induction (NHPI). Theory predicts NHPI when dispersers experienced favorable conditions in their natal habitat, and have difficulty estimating the quality of unfamiliar habitats. NHPI is especially likely to occur when performance in a given habitat is enhanced if an animal developed in that same habitat type. Animals exhibiting NHPI are expected to rely on conspicuous cues that can be quickly and easily detected during search, and to prefer new habitats possessing cues that match those encountered in their natal habitat. A major obstacle to successful relocations is that newly released animals often reject the habitat near the release site and rapidly travel long distances away before settling. An NHPI perspective argues that long-distance movements away from release sites occur because releasees prefer to settle in familiar types of habitat, and reject novel areas lacking cues similar to those in their habitat of origin. Similarly, a preference by releasees for familiar cues may encourage them to seek out inappropriate, low quality habitats following release at a new location. We review evidence from a number of studies indicating that problems with habitat selection behavior compromise conservation efforts, and provide recommendations that may encourage animals to “feel more at home” in post-release habitats.
Measuring the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Approaches and Challenges

In this article, the author reviews current approaches and methods for measuring the scope of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and their strengths and weaknesses. In recent years, various public health agencies have revised statistical estimates of the scope of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The author considers the reasons underlying these revisions. New sources of data for estimating HIV prevalence have become available, such as nationally representative probability-based surveys. New technologies such as biomarkers that indicate when persons became infected are now used to determine HIV incidence rates. The author summarizes the main sources of errors and problems with these and other approaches and discusses opportunities for improving their reliability. Changing methods and data sources present new challenges, because incidence and prevalence estimates produced at different points in time are not directly comparable with each other, which complicates assessment of time trends. The methodological changes help explain the changes in global statistics. As methods and data sources continue to improve, the development of statistical tools for better assessing the extent to which changes in HIV/AIDS statistics can be attributed to changes in methodology versus real changes in the underlying epidemic is an important challenge.