cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of science in environmental health policy: some examples.

This discussion focuses on the role of the scientist (as opposed to the administrator) in the use of science and in the decisions made for environmental regulatory control purposes. Patterns of chemical regulation in the US both for the general public and the occupationally-exposed population demonstrate that congress, in its legislation, has taken different positions in a number of regulatory acts. Separate sections of the paper deal with occupational cancer, dose-response relationships, the control of ionizing radiation, and the scientist's role in regulatory decisions.
Development of a tool within the electronic medical record to facilitate medication reconciliation after hospital discharge.

Serious medication errors occur commonly in the period after hospital discharge. Medication reconciliation in the postdischarge ambulatory setting may be one way to reduce the frequency of these errors. The authors describe the design and implementation of a novel tool built into an ambulatory electronic medical record (EMR) to facilitate postdischarge medication reconciliation. The tool compares the preadmission medication list within the ambulatory EMR to the hospital discharge medication list, highlights all changes, and allows the EMR medication list to be easily updated. As might be expected for a novel tool intended for use in a minority of visits, use of the tool was low at first: 20% of applicable patient visits within 30 days of discharge. Clinician outreach, education, and a pop-up reminder succeeded in increasing use to 41% of applicable visits. Review of feedback identified several usability issues that will inform subsequent versions of the tool and provide generalizable lessons for how best to design medication reconciliation tools for this setting.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection, Mucosal Immunity, and Pathogenesis and Extramural Research Programs at the National Institutes of Health

Immune System of the Mucosa The immune system of mucosal surfaces functions to protect epithelial surfaces and underlying tissues and organs from environmental insult. It is an organism’s first line of defense against an array of pathogens that invade the host through mucosal surfaces by the generation of innate (nonimmune) mechanisms or the generation of mucosal immunity (or both). The mucosal immune system is the largest of all epithelial surfaces of the body, with the intestinal epithelium being the largest component of the mucosa. The mucosal immune system structurally comprises the salivary glands, Peyer’s patches, appendix, tonsils, mesenteric lymph nodes, and mucosal tissues of the respiratory, urinary, genital, and gastrointestinal tracts. The mucosal immune systems contain specialized cells relevant to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. M cells are epithelial cells found in organized lymphoid follicles that comprise, in part, the follicle-associated epithelium. The papers in this supplement discuss the interactions of HIV with M cells and other cells of the mucosa (i.e., epithelial cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, most of which are of the CD8 phenotype and carry the a/b T cell receptor, and dendritic/macrophage cells) in infection and as part of the pathogenesis of HIV infection. In addition, important aspects of the mucosal immune system are presented, such as antigen processing and presentation, lymphocyte trafficking to and from the peripheral blood, the generation of oral tolerance, and the generation of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses germane to HIV infection, latency, disease progression, morbidity, and mortality.
Prognostic factors in adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands

Summary Objectives We aimed to characterize prognostic factors and outcomes in adenocarcinomas of the salivary glands. Materials and methods Patients were identified and retrospectively reviewed for clinical and pathologic tumor characteristics. Low and high grade adenocarcinoma histologies were separated and analyzed. Treatment regimens and patient-related outcomes were recorded and measured. Results A total of 51 adenocarcinomas of the salivary glands were reviewed. The most common locations of disease were the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, followed by the deep lobe. Five-year overall and disease free survival rates were 43% and 37%. Univariate analysis identified the following as negative prognostic factors: symptoms of a fixed mass or rapid growth, advanced tumor or nodal stage, and perineural or lymphovascular invasion. Facial nerve paralysis was not found to be a significant prognostic variable. Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent negative prognostic importance of the following characteristics: presentation with a fixed mass or rapid growth, diagnosis of adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified, and positive surgical margins. Conclusions Our results identify several important prognostic factors associated with overall survival in adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands. These prognostic variables encompass symptoms on presentation, clinical and pathologic tumor stage characteristics, and treatment-related factors; all of which are important in patient counseling and may provide impetus for determining treatment escalation.
The detection of cardiotropic viruses in the myocardium of patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.

Abstract OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the role of cardiotropic viruses, including adenovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), enterovirus and parvovirus, in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). BACKGROUND Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is characterized by a gradual loss of myocytes, inflammatory infiltrates and replacement by fatty and fibrous tissue. It has been speculated that ARVD/C is a sequela of viral myocarditis in some patients, and the role of the coxsackievirus B3 has been debated. METHODS Myocardial samples from 12 patients with ARVD/C were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of cardiotropic viruses. RESULTS Enteroviral sequences were detected in seven patients and adenovirus type 5 in another two patients. During the same period, 215 control samples were analyzed in which only CMV (n = 2) and enterovirus (n = 1) were detected. This suggests a link between ARVD/C and the presence of viral genome (enterovirus or adenovirus) in the myocardium. CONCLUSIONS We report that cardiotropic viruses are more frequently identified in patients with ARVD/C than in control subjects. However, the role of these viruses in ARVD/C pathogenesis remains unknown.
RIP kinase-mediated necrosis as an alternative mechanisms of photoreceptor death

Photoreceptor cell death is the terminal event in a variety of retinal disorders including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment. Apoptosis has been thought to be the major form of cell death in these diseases, however accumulating evidence suggests that another pathway, programmed necrosis is also important. Recent studies have shown that, when caspase pathways are blocked, receptor interacting protein (RIP) kinases promote necrosis and overcome apoptosis inhibition. Therefore, targeting of both caspase and RIP kinase pathways are required for effective photoreceptor protection. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of RIP kinase-mediated necrotic signaling and its contribution to photoreceptor death.
Validity and Reliability Reporting Practices in the Field of Health Education and Behavior: A Review of Seven Journals

Health education and behavior researchers and practitioners often develop, adapt, or adopt surveys/scales to quantify and measure cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial characteristics. To ensure the integrity of data collected from these scales, it is vital that psychometric properties (i.e., validity and reliability) be assessed. The purpose of this investigation was to (a) determine the frequency with which published articles appearing in health education and behavior journals report the psychometric properties of the scales/subscales employed and (b) outline the methods used to determine the reliability and validity of the scores produced. The results reported herein are based on a final sample of 967 published articles, spanning seven prominent health education and behavior journals between 2007 and 2010. Of the 967 articles examined, an exceedingly high percentage failed to report any validity (ranging from 40% to 93%) or reliability (ranging from 35% to 80%) statistics in their articles. For health education/behavior practitioners and researchers to maximize the utility and applicability of their findings, they must evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument employed, a practice that is currently underrepresented in the literature. By not ensuring the instruments employed in a given study were able to produce accurate and consistent scores, researchers cannot be certain they actually measured the behaviors and/or constructs reported.
Water Sorption Studies on Rutin and the Deknination of Moisture

Vapor phase water sorption studies were made on rutin of pharmaceutical grade and on highly purified rutin. The absorption and desorption curves for moisture at various relative humidities demonstrate the extremely hygroscopic nature of rutin. Several procedures for the determination of moisture in such a hygroscopic material were investigated. High temperature, vacuum, and an extremely dry atmosphere in the oven were found to be essential to insure complete drying. Special precautions were necessary to prevent rehydration of the samples after drying. A recommended procedure is described for determining moisture in rutin.
Influence measures in ridge regression

In regression, it is of interest to detect anomalous observations that exert an unduly large influence on the least squares analysis. Frequently, the existence of influential data is complicated by the presence of collinearity (see, e.g., Lawrence and Marsh 1984). Very little work has been done, however, on the possible effects that collinearity can have on the influence of an observation. In this article, we show that when ridge regression is used to mitigate the effects of collinearity, the influence of some observations can be drastically modifield. Approximate deletion formulas for the detection of influential points are proposed for ridge regression.
Control of sediment deposition rates in two mid-Atlantic Coast tidal freshwater wetlands

Eustatic sea level rise and rapidly increasing coastal development threaten tidal freshwater wetlands. Sediment deposition is one process that affects their ability to maintain surface elevations relative to adjacent rivers. Sediment dynamics in salt marshes have been studied extensively, but little is known about the factors that control sediment deposition rates in tidal freshwater wetlands. We examined geomorphic, hydrological, and biotic factors that may influence sedimentation in two tidal freshwater wetlands that fell at opposite ends of the riverine–estuarine continuum. Our data demonstrate that sediment dynamics are highly variable among tidal freshwater wetlands, and are influenced by the location of the wetland on the continuum. Sediment deposition was up to 10 times higher during the growing season at the downstream site than the upstream site. Plant density and height were highly correlated with sediment deposition rates at the downstream site (r � 0:92, p � 0:009) but not at the upstream site. Elevation, flood depth, and flood duration were correlated with deposition rates only when each site/season combination was considered separately. River suspended sediment and surficial floodwater suspended sediment concentrations were significantly higher at the downstream site (p ¼ 0:02 and p ¼ 0:04, respectively). These data suggest that vegetation is important in determining sediment deposition rates when river suspended sediment is not limiting, which is not always the case. Longer flood duration increased sediment deposition, but was of secondary importance. Land use and proximity to the turbidity maximum (near the forward extent of the salt water intrusion) appear to be critically important in determining river suspended sediment availability in the tidal freshwater zone of the Mattaponi River, VA. 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Methane fluxes between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere at northern high latitudes during the past century: A retrospective analysis with a process-based biogeochemistry model

minus consumption) from these soils have increased by an average 0.08 Tg CH4 yr � 1 during the twentieth century. Our estimate of the annual net emission rate at the end of the century for the region is 51 Tg CH4 yr � 1 . Russia, Canada, and Alaska are the major CH4 regional sources to the atmosphere, responsible for 64%, 11%, and 7% of these net emissions, respectively. Our simulations indicate that large interannual variability in net CH4 emissions occurred over the last century. Our analyses of the responses of net CH4 emissions to the past climate change suggest that future global warming will increase net CH4 emissions from the Pan-Arctic region. The higher net CH4 emissions may increase atmospheric CH4 concentrations to provide a major positive feedback to the climate system. INDEX TERMS: 1610 Global Change: Atmosphere (0315, 0325); 1615 Global Change: Biogeochemical processes (4805); 1620 Global Change: Climate dynamics (3309); 1890 Hydrology: Wetlands; KEYWORDS: methane emissions, methane oxidation, permafrost
Mean field analysis of orientation selective grain growth driven by interface-energy anisotropy

Abnormal grain growth is characterized by the lack of a steady state grain size distribution. In extreme cases, the size distribution becomes transiently bimodal, with a few grains growing much larger than the average size. This is known as secondary grain growth. In polycrystalline thin films, the surface energy {gamma}s and film/substrate interfacial energy {gamma}s vary with grain orientation, providing an orientation-selective driving force that can lead to abnormal grain growth. We employ a mean field analysis that incorporates the effect of interface energy anisotropy to predict the evolution of the grain size/orientation distribution. While abnormal grain growth and texture evolution always result when interface energy anisotropy is present, whether secondary grain growth occurs will depend sensitively on the details of the orientation dependence of {gamma}i.
Doppler Radar Observations of the Development of a Boundary-Layer Nocturnal Jet

Abstract A single Doppler radar obtained detailed clear-air measurements of the development of a strong boundary-layer nocturnal jet in North Dakota during the summer of 1989. The evolution of the jet was monitored by the radar with a high degree of vertical and temporal resolution using a repetitive sequence of four different elevation scans. A new variation of the velocity-azimuth display (VAD) analysis technique provided vertical profiles of the mean wind components and several turbulence terms. Boundary-layer wind speeds began to increase in the late afternoon, well before sunset, as surface cooling began. Wind speeds accelerated faster after sunset and eventually produced a jet that exceeded 23 m s−1 at about 0.5 km AGL. The wind veered with height and time and followed the expected inertial oscillation pattern. Measured shear stresses, vertical fluxes of momentum, and velocity variances, which were initially large, decreased sharply after the surface began to cool. The directly measured vertical vel...
Salarios y tecnología en los patrones regionales del tratado comercial Estados Unidos-México

This paper analyzes recent data to identify emerging trends in the sectorial mix of imports and export between Mexico and the United States. The analysis attempts to show whether it is low-wage and low-technology industries that have contributed the majorly of Mexican exports to the United States and concomitantly, whether high-salary and high-technology industries have mainly accounted for US exports to Mexico.
Rules and the Possibility of Social Cooperation

This paper pursues three aspects of rule-based decisionmaking discussed in Frederick Schauer's jurisprudential writings: 1) the economic analysis of when a single decisionmaker will rationally follow a rule rather than make situation-specific (or, in Schauer's terms, "particularistic") decisions; 2) whether there is something about rule-based decisionmaking which makes it more likely that extralegal norms solving social dilemmas of cooperation or coordination will take the form of rules rather than particularistic decisionmaking under principles; and, 3) how rules may be essential to the preservation of social capital in complex social environments subject to potential herding behavior. On the first point, it is shown that there may be strong path dependence in individual rational decisionmaking, so that a person following a rule does not gain the information necessary to determine whether the alternative of situation-specific decisionmaking would generate a higher return. On the second point, it is argued that the effectiveness (essentially, credible enforcement) of some sorts of social norms may hinge on the fact that the norm specifies a relatively inflexible behavior rather than situation-specific decisionmaking. On the final point, a simple example is adduced to show how once decisionmakers in the society begin to calculate the social optimality of a norm-based practice, they may sequentially determine that it is (myopically) socially optimal to alter the practice, and yet generate a final equilibrium in which all are worse off than under the initial state.
Thermal properties of Rhea's Poles: Evidence for a Meter-Deep Unconsolidated Subsurface Layer

Abstract Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) observed both of Rhea's polar regions during a close (2000 km) flyby on 9th March 2013 during orbit 183. Rhea's southern pole was again observed during a more distant (51,000 km) flyby on 10th February 2015 during orbit 212. The results show Rhea's southern winter pole is one of the coldest places directly observed in our Solar System: surface temperatures of 25.4 ± 7.4 K and 24.7 ± 6.8 K are inferred from orbit 183 and 212 data, respectively. The surface temperature of the northern summer pole inferred from orbit 183 data is warmer: 66.6 ± 0.6 K. Assuming the surface thermophysical properties of the two polar regions are comparable then these temperatures can be considered a summer and winter seasonal temperature constraint for the polar region. Orbit 183 will provide solar longitude (LS) coverage at 133° and 313° for the summer and winter poles respectively, while orbit 212 provides an additional winter temperature constraint at LS 337°. Seasonal models with bolometric albedo values between 0.70 and 0.74 and thermal inertia values between 1 and 46 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2 (otherwise known as MKS units) can provide adequate fits to these temperature constraints (assuming the winter temperature is an upper limit). Both these albedo and thermal inertia values agree within the uncertainties with those previously observed on both Rhea's leading and trailing hemispheres. Investigating the seasonal temperature change of Rhea's surface is particularly important, as the seasonal wave is sensitive to deeper surface temperatures (∼tens of centimeters to meter depths) than the more commonly reported diurnal wave (typically less than a centimeter), the exact depth difference dependent upon the assumed surface properties. For example, if a surface porosity of 0.5 and thermal inertia of 25 MKS is assumed then the depth of the seasonal thermal wave is 76 cm, which is much deeper than the ∼0.5 cm probed by diurnal studies of Rhea ( Howett et al., 2010 ). The low thermal inertia derived here implies that Rhea's polar surfaces are highly porous even at great depths. Analysis of a CIRS focal plane 1 (10–600 cm−1) stare observation, taken during the orbit 183 encounter between 16:22:33 and 16:23:26 UT centered on 71.7°W, 58.7°S provides the first analysis of a thermal emissivity spectrum on Rhea. The results show a flat emissivity spectrum with negligible emissivity features. A few possible explanations exist for this flat emissivity spectrum, but the most likely for Rhea is that the surface is both highly porous and composed of small particles (
Elastic scattering of C 12 by Si 28

$^{12}\mathrm{C}$ + $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ elastic scattering angular distributions have been measured at twenty-three bombarding energies over a range $19 \mathrm{MeV}\ensuremath{\le}{E}_{\mathrm{lab}}\ensuremath{\le}48 \mathrm{MeV}$. At energies below 30 MeV the angular distributions are smooth and can be reproduced with a wide variety of optical potentials; similarly, above 40 MeV the angular distributions exhibit diffraction oscillations which optical potentials can rather easily reproduce. Irregular structure is observed in the cross sections for angles larger than 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the bombarding energy range 30-40 MeV. No optical potential has been found to give a good account of all the data; the best potential is a surface transparent Woods-Saxon potential which has energy dependences for both real and imaginary well depths. Examination of potentials which give reasonably good fits to the 36 MeV data shows that, although these potentials agree on a real well depth at a reasonable "strong absorption radius," they can have quite different Argand diagrams---even in the range of the most sensitive partial waves. A Regge analysis finds several equally good families of Regge parameters for the same choice of background potential, but larger angle data might allow this ambiguity to be lifted. A Breit-Wigner analysis gives results which are at least partially consistent with the resonance parameters reported by Ost et al. Coupled-channel calculations with a 20% reduction of real and imaginary optical model well depths give a good account of inelastic scattering to the $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ ${2}^{+}$ state while leaving the elastic scattering essentially unchanged from the predictions of the unmodified one-channel optical model. In the energy range of this study the grazing partial wave is found to be the same as the most important exit channel partial wave of the $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$($^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{12}\mathrm{C}$)$^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ ground state transition.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$($^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{12}\mathrm{C}$)$^{28}\mathrm{Si}$, measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E,\ensuremath{\theta})$ $E=19\ensuremath{-}48$ MeV deduced optical model parameters.
Dissemination of State-of-the-science Conference Information to Orthotic and Prosthetic Practitioners

ABSTRACT Effective implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) within a profession relies on individual practitioners' access to and critical evaluation of relevant literature. State-of-the-Science Conferences (SSCs) are recognized as one useful method for evaluating scientific information related to specific clinical topics and can serve as a mechanism for creating secondary knowledge resources for use in EBP. Therefore, broad dissemination and application of SSC information might indicate the acceptance of EBP within a clinical community. The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), under a 5-year grant sponsored by the United States Department of Education, facilitated and supported eight SSCs between 2003 and 2007 on topics related to the provision of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care. The goal of the AAOP SSC program was to evaluate the available scientific information on an aspect of O&P care and to develop statements that advance understanding of specific issues that may be useful to health professionals and the public. The results of the SSC were published as Official Findings and were distributed to the AAOP membership, clinical experts, industry leaders, and funding agencies and further developed as online courses. The purpose of this research was to study the awareness and effectiveness of the information disseminated through these mechanisms to the O&P community. A 15-question online survey was developed to collect respondent demographics, assess awareness of SSC information, and poll use of this information to advise clinical practice. The survey was sent through email to the AAOP membership and posted to the O&P electronic mailing list. Five hundred seven respondents completed the survey. Results showed that 72.4% of respondents were aware of the SSC program. A total of 83.8% of those aware had received information through the Official Findings, and 20.6% had taken one or more courses through the Online Learning Center (OLC). Twenty percent of respondents affirmed that this knowledge had informed clinical practice in some way. The results of this survey demonstrate that information developed by the AAOP SSC program was broadly and well disseminated to a large proportion of the O&P community.
The reproductive system of Gastrotrichs

A structural, ultrastructural and functional analysis is made of genital organs ofMacrodasys, a member of the hermaphroditic marine Gastrotricha. The gonads are paired, hermaphroditic and polarized into male and female regions. Male and female gametes are produced simultaneously. Fertilization is internal. Accessory organs consist of, from anterior to posterior, simple male pores, a seminal receptacle and spermatheca, and, a complex caudal organ. Copulation results in reciprocal cross insemination. Sperm transfer, however, is indirect. Autosperms are transferred externally from the male pores to the caudal organ while the animals are in copula. The caudal organ then functions as a penis conducting the autosperms into the partner's seminal receptacle. This unique mode of sperm transfer is discussed with reference to the lower Bilateria and the Metazoa.
Growth of Diamond Anvils for High-Pressure Research by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Gem quality diamond crystals are employed as anvils in high-pressure diamond cell research. Homoepitaxial growth experiments by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) have produced 1.76 mm (diameter) by 0.65 mm (thickness) sized diamonds. We report fundamental studies on diamond growth rate and quality as a function of reactor pressure and methane concentration, in a hydrogen plasma. By varying the growth conditions, large, single crystal diamond can be produced, which is ideal for manufacturing high pressure anvils. p]Traditional high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) techniques for production of synthetic diamond anvils are extremely expensive and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides an economically viable alternative. We report diamond growth rates up to 0.32 mg/hr, which are comparable to HPHT growth rates, and crystal quality approaching that of gem diamond. When perfected, diamond anvils produced from chemical vapor deposition methods could replace those manufactured by high pressure, high temperature synthesis.
The association of xenon with subcellular components of rat cerebral cortex.

Subcellular fractions isolated from rat cerebral cortex by differential and density gradient centrifugation were resuspended in mannitol and saturated with xenon at various temperatures and pressures. The association of the gas with subcellular components, and also with water, oil, and brain lipid extracts, was measured by gas chromatography. The affinity of xenon for particulate fractions exceeds that predicted from estimations of solubility in aqueous and lipid constituents. The association of the gas with non-lipid components is not influenced by pH but is affected to a small extent by changes in temperature and is dependent on gas pressure, particularly in the range of 0.6-1.5 atm.
Segmental Infarct of the Testis Due to Hypersensitivity Angiitis

We present a case of hypersensitivity angiitis causing a segmental infarction of the testis. The lesion presented as a discrete, palpable mass that led to orchiectomy. Hypersensitivity angiitis has not been reported previously to affect the testes or to produce a segmental infarct in any solid organ. A discussion is given of the vasculitides, especially periarteritis nodosa, that may involve the testes.
The Psychology of Good and Evil: What Can We Learn from This Tragedy? A Reaction Days after September 11, 2001

Can the recent tragedy on our own shores teach us empathy for all people? Who does not agree that the perpetrators of the horrible acts of last Tuesday must be stopped and punished? But more is necessary to combat terrorism. Feelings of injustice, disregard, deprivation, and humiliation are significant roots of terrorism. When people with deep grievances are unable to get any kind of redress, a breeding ground for terrorism exists. Such people will not necessarily turn to terrorism. They may turn against each other or even against their families. Or they may simply suffer. But the possibility of taking action in their own behalf or the behalf of their family or group will be very appealing. And violent actions are often framed by “leaders,” whatever the leaders' motives, as expressions of higher ideals, such as the welfare of their people, serving justice, or the will of God. People in pain and others who identify with them can replace helplessness with a sense of meaning and purpose by striking out against those they see as their enemies, or the enemies of these higher ideals. I believe the United States is a special target for terrorism for several reasons. One is that many people see some of our actions as a nation and some of the actions of U.S. corporations as contributor to their own and others' suffering. Another is that we are a source of and a symbol of great changes in the contemporary world.
494. Development of a pH Sensor to Probe Endosomal Buffering of Polymeric Nanoparticles Effective for Gene Delivery

Introduction: Polymeric gene delivery suffers from low efficacy compared to viral gene delivery with one of the primary barriers to successful transfection being efficient endosomal escape. Cationic polymers have been hypothesized to facilitate endosomal escape via the proton sponge mechanism by buffering hydrogen ions in the endosomal compartment. Here we have created a nucleic acid based pH sensor and applied it using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to investigate endosomal buffering of synthetic biodegradable cationic polymers for gene delivery, correlating the pH of delivered DNA with transfection. Methods: We created a nucleic acid pH sensor by conjugating pH sensitive (FITC, OG) and insensitive (Cy5) fluorophores to plasmid DNA. The fluorescence ratio of the sensor was calibrated to pH using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy following electroporation into cells. Cells were transfected with the plasmid pH sensor complexed with cationic polymers including poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs) of variable transfection efficacy to investigate endosomal buffering. Additionally, confocal microscopy was used to assess colocalization of the plasmid pH sensor with a lysosomal dye. Results: PBAEs were demonstrated to effectively buffer endosomes and avoid lysosomal fate, whereas the negative controls poly-L-lysine (PLL) and polyethylenimine (PEI) were shown to accumulate in lysosomes by 24h post-transfection. The polymer molecular weight and weight-weight ratio to plasmid DNA was shown to have an effect on endosomal buffering as well as transfection efficacy in the case of PBAEs. From confocal microscopy analysis of endosomes, local pH was observed to be higher at the endosomal membrane than in the center, which may be indicative of polymer enrichment along the membrane due to excess soluble polymer. Conclusions: The constructed DNA sensor gave a linear relationship with intracellular pH. When investigating PBAE-induced buffering, results were consistent with the hypothesized proton sponge mechanism. These cationic polymers were demonstrated to affect endosomal pH and DNA lysosomal fate and lead to successful transfection.Fig. 1Confocal microscopy was used to assess the compartmental pH of endosomes containing nanoparticles formed with the pH sensor. Lysosome colocalization is shown in merged thresholded images with lysosomes (blue), DNA non-colocalized with lysosomes (pink) and DNA colocalized with lysosomes (yellow). Scattergrams show DNA fluorescence (horizontal) and lysosome fluorescence (vertical). Scale bar 10 µm.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideFig. 2Confocal microscopy images were analyzed at (A) 1 hour and (B) 24 hours post-transfection using Pearson's correlation coefficient M1 to assess the fraction of DNA colocalized with lysosomal stain. When delivered via PBAE 447, the fraction of DNA colocalized with lysosomes was significantly different than both bPEI and PLL at both time points.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Modular Decomposition for Optimal Dynamic Design of Redundant Macro/Mini Manipulators

This article investigates the design of redundant mechanisms for improved dynamic performance. Our study has resulted in a new methodology which allows the decomposition of the design problem into smaller, more manageable problems. With this method, a redundant mechanism is subdivided into a chain of non-redundant subsystems which can be designed separately. The result is a highly efficient design process.
Single-Strand Excitation for Probing Current Sharing and Parallel Resistance in Cored Nb3Sn Rutherford Cables at 4.2 K and 10 Tesla

A rig was fabricated to test single-strand excitation and current sharing in Nb3 Sn Rutherford Cables. Measurements were performed on 400 mm lengths of a 27-strand, cored cable. In preparation for measurement, the cable was mounted onto a U-shaped holder, reacted for 72-48-50 h at 210-400-665 °C under 20 MPa. Current was injected into a single strand of the cable, and the onset of current sharing was seen above single strand Ic. After the onset of transition, the I-V showed a flat baseline the slope of which gave the transfer resistance to the two neighboring strands. Two cable samples were measured, one of which was reacted in a dilute oxygen atmosphere. The slightly oxidized cable had a R ∥ of 280 nΩ, whereas the other sample had a R,, was 70 nΩ per lay pitch. Varying I/Ic and a heat pulse from a carbon paste heater was used to turn off successive pairs of neighboring strands, and the resulting current-distribution was measured using voltage taps. These measurements were performed as a screening for cable and cable preparation protocol for larger scale measurements.
Multimodality imaging spectrum of complications of horseshoe kidney

Horseshoe kidney is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly with an incidence of 1 in 400–600 individuals. The most common type is fusion at the lower poles seen in greater than 90% of the cases, with the rest depicting fusion at the upper poles, resulting in an inverted horseshoe kidney. Embryologically, there are two theories hypothesizing the genesis of horseshoe kidney – mechanical fusion theory and teratogenic event theory. As an entity, horseshoe kidney is an association of two anatomic anomalies, namely, ectopia and malrotation. It is also associated with other anomalies including vascular, calyceal, and ureteral anomalies. Horseshoe kidney is prone to a number of complications due to its abnormal position as well as due to associated vascular and ureteral anomalies. Complications associated with horseshoe kidney include pelviureteric junction obstruction, renal stones, infection, tumors, and trauma. It can also be associated with abnormalities of cardiovascular, central nervous, musculoskeletal and genitourinary systems, as well as chromosomal abnormalities. Conventional imaging modalities (plain films, intravenous urogram) as well as advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities (ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging) play an important role in the evaluation of horseshoe kidney. This article briefly describes the embryology and anatomy of the horseshoe kidney, enumerates appropriate imaging modalities used for its evaluation, and reviews cross-sectional imaging features of associated complications.
Endothelin-a Receptor Blockade Attenuates the Hypertension in a Rat Model of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension.

6 A rat model of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) produced by chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) is associated with a significant elevation in mean arterial pressure and as previously reported by our laboratory, proteinuria and reductions in kidney function. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of endothelin in mediating the hypertension in response to chronic reductions in uterine perfusion pressure in conscious, chronically-instrumented pregnant rats. Mean arterial pressure in RUPP rats (n=7) was significantly higher (123.0 ± 0.8 vs 101.3 ± 1.5 mmHg) than control pregnant rats (n=8). Renal expression of preproendothelin was also significantly elevated (>45%, P 20%, 37.7 ± 2.4 vs 29.9 ± 2.8 densitometric units, respectively) of the RUPP animals as compared to normal pregnant animals. Chronic administration of the selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist (ABT-627, 5mg/kg/day for 10 days, n=9) markedly attenuated the increase in MAP observed in the RUPP animals (123.0 ± 0.8 mmHg in the RUPP animals vs. 103.3 ± 2.3 mmHg in RUPP animals with ET-A antagonist, P
Hanging in the Balance

Edited by gwen Johnson, gwendolyn .johnson@unt.edu, University of North Texas, Dallas, and James dogbey, jdogby@clemson.edu, Clemson University, South Carolina. Readers are encouraged to submit manuscripts through http://mtms.msubmit.net. A physical balance scale can be a useful tool to help students understand the concept of balancing equations. However, some students may have misconceptions about the concept of balance even when using a physical model, focusing on the amount of weight only and ignoring the placement of the weight. Although most students at some point in their lives have been on a teeter-totter or seesaw, they rarely connect those playground objects with the mathematical principles involved in using a simple tool such as a lever. Sometimes the simplest manipulatives make the biggest impression, a fact I experienced during a professional development session geared toward lower-grades mathematics. I became intrigued when asked to make a rudimentary balance scale from recycled and common household items. While the simple mathematical activities unfolded, I became excited about the balance scale’s potential to be used to explore middle grades number concepts. Since that workshop, I have used physical balance scales while working with several groups of middle level students. Using the scale has helped them gain a concrete understanding of balancing algebraic equations as well as other mathematics concepts. lesson obJectives This lesson explores number concepts, such as the commutative and distributive properties, order of operations, equalities, inequalities, and proportion through concrete models. Students also gain experience in writing numeric and symbolic representations of those concepts. The understanding and use of multiple representations has become an important aspect of teaching introductory algebra (NCTM 2000). Knuth et al. (2008) also showed that students’ understanding of equivalence, especially the meaning of the equals sign, has a direct relationship to students’ understanding of algebraic equations. Tent (2006) found that mastering the properties of arithmetic helps students succeed in algebra. The balance scale provides students with kinesthetic and visual representations of balance—opportunities that are sometimes overlooked or ignored in mathematics’ classrooms.
Salamander: a push-based distribution substrate for internet applications

The Salamander distribution system is a wide-area network data dissemination substrate that has been used daily for over a year by several groupware and webcasting Internet applications. Specifically, Salamander is designed to support push-based applications and provides a variety of delivery semantics. These semantics range from basic data delivery, used by the Internet Performance Measurement and Analysis (IPMA) project, to collaborative group communication used by the Upper Atmospheric Research Collaboratory (UARC) project. The Salamander substrate is designed to accommodate the large variation in Internet connectivity and client resources through the use of application-specific plug-in modules. These modules provide a means for placing application code throughout the distribution network, thereby allowing the application to respond to network and processor resource constraints near their bottlenecks. The delivery substrate can be tailored by an application for use with a heterogeneous set of clients. For example the IPMA and UARC projects send and receive data from: Java applets and applications; Perl, C and C++ applications; and Unix and Windows 95/NT clients. This paper illustrates the architecture and design of the Salamander system driven by the needs of its set of current applications. The main architectural features described include: the data distribution mechanism, persistent data queries, negotiated push-technology, resource announcement and discovery, and support for Application-level Quality of Service policies.
Dysregulation of Δ4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase in diabetic patients: Implications and mechanisms.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member D1 (AKR1D1) is a Δ4-3-oxosteroid 5β-reductase required for bile acid synthesis and steroid hormone metabolism. Both bile acids and steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids, play important roles in regulating body metabolism and energy expenditure. Currently, our understanding on AKR1D1 regulation and its roles in metabolic diseases is limited. We found that AKR1D1 expression was markedly repressed in diabetic patients. Consistent with repressed AKR1D1 expression, hepatic bile acids were significantly reduced in diabetic patients. Mechanistic studies showed that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) transcriptionally down-regulated AKR1D1 expression in vitro in HepG2 cells and in vivo in mice. Consistently, PPARα signaling was enhanced in diabetic patients. In summary, dysregulation of AKR1D1 disrupted bile acid and steroid hormone homeostasis, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Restoring bile acid and steroid hormone homeostasis by modulating AKR1D1 expression may represent a new approach to develop therapies for diabetes.
Practicing Living and Being Hopi: Language and Cultural Practices of Contemporary Hopi Youth

The epistemological origins of the Hopi way of life remain as the most reliable resource for cultural survival and persistence amid significant cultural and linguistic change. This chapter examines the life histories of three focal Hopi youth and their parents to illuminate the changes and maintenance of cultural and linguistic practices among Hopi families. The divergent ways each family adheres to cultivating and nurturing a Hopi identity for their children, manifested in the differing linguistic abilities of each youth, highlight the role of Western schools/schooling in the transitions from home to school and school to home. The ancestral Hopi culture model continues to compel as well as guide the Hopi people in practicing living and being Hopi in the contemporary context of change and continuity.
Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion: Ileal Conduit

The intracorporeal urinary diversion after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a major challenge to the surgeon and the assisting team especially due to the limited field of vision and the long operative time during the learning curve. Therefore most RARC surgeons perform an extracorporeal technique for the urinary diversion using the incision to deliver the cystectomy specimen.
Economic theory of everything and its price dynamics

Abstract. This is a short note that brings back Joseph Schumpeter work to the fore front in help define Economic theory of everything by suggesting his reference to endogenous growth modeling and its overtime evolution to this day may help explain and predict economic phenomenon through adding technical progress to production models as variable with monetizing time as additional input cost. Keywords. New economics, Endogenous growth models. JEL. F43, F63, I25.
Organization Improvisational Capability: Scale Development and Validation

This study develops and validates an instrument for assessing organization improvisational capability (OIC) for potential use in future empirical studies. A definition of OIC and its dimensions are proposed based on an intensive literature review. An initial three-dimension, nine-item OIC scale derived from the literature is validated iteratively and then refined through a rigorous process into a two-factor, eight-item scale. The final scale demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, including reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. As such, this study contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of the OIC construct and the appropriate application of such scales in future empirical studies. Future research on organization performance, agility, and strategy could utilize the proposed scale to study how OIC creates business value.
Grateful Client Philanthropy and Veterinary Medicine: Experiences at North Carolina State University.

The historical reliance of state and federal funds as a sole source of veterinary educational activities has created a funding gap at many academic institutions. Due to declining resources, philanthropy has become an important source of financial support for veterinary colleges in the United States. In particular, for academic institutions with veterinary hospitals, grateful client philanthropy has been an increasingly important area of resource growth. Philanthropic gifts support innovative research, scholarship and capital, and programmatic initiatives. Areas of giving are often geared towards major infrastructure gifts and naming opportunities, faculty endowment, student scholarships, and other gift opportunities. This review provides an overview of grateful client philanthropy at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and explores the various giving opportunities and challenges of donor giving in veterinary medicine. (129/200)
The Line Between Legal Error and Judicial Misconduct: Balancing Judicial Independence and Accountability

Most of the complaints filed with state judicial conduct commissions—generally more than ninety percent—are dismissed every year. Some dismissed complaints do not allege a violation of the code of judicial conduct. For example, litigants sometimes complain that a judge did not return telephone calls because they do not understand that a judge is required to avoid such ex parte communications. Others are dismissed because the evidence does not support the complaint. For example, a Texas prison inmate alleged that the judge who had presided in his trial had been prejudiced against him because they had once been married; the State Commission on Judicial Conduct dismissed his complaint after its investigation revealed that the judge had never been married to the complainant. Most of the complaints that are dismissed every year are dismissed as beyond the jurisdiction of the commissions because, in effect, the complainants are asking the commission to act as an appellate court and review the merits of a judge’s decision, claiming that a judge made an incorrect finding of fact, misapplied the law, or abused his or her discretion. Correcting errors is the role of the appellate courts, however, and a commission cannot vacate an order or otherwise provide relief for