cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using natural history information for zoo animal management: a case study with okapi (Okapia johnstoni)

Until recently, the impact that the presence of conspecifics may have on stereotypic behaviour in naturally solitary species exhibited in zoological institutions has largely been ignored. This study examined the effect of adding a visual barrier between animal holding areas at the Brookfield Zoo on stereotypic head-rolling behaviour in an adult female okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Instantaneous sampling was used to document the proportion of time the female okapi spent head-rolling prior to and after visual barriers were constructed. Behavioural surveys were also distributed to animal care staff to document behavioural change following the installation of visual barriers. Results from both behavioural observations and animal care surveys suggest that obstructing the view of neighbouring conspecifics significantly reduced head-rolling behaviour and had a positive impact for this okapi. Information gained from this case study will hopefully stimulate discussion around how zoos manage solitary species, and increase research efforts to better understand the effect of the presence of conspecifics on stereotypic behaviour for solitary species. Moreover, we hope these results will contribute to both husbandry recommendations and best practice guidelines for zoo-housed okapi.
Preliminary Results on Uncertainty Quantification for Pattern Analytics

This report summarizes preliminary research into uncertainty quantification for pattern ana- lytics within the context of the Pattern Analytics to Support High-Performance Exploitation and Reasoning (PANTHER) project. The primary focus of PANTHER was to make large quantities of remote sensing data searchable by analysts. The work described in this re- port adds nuance to both the initial data preparation steps and the search process. Search queries are transformed from does the specified pattern exist in the data? to how certain is the system that the returned results match the query? We show example results for both data processing and search, and discuss a number of possible improvements for each.
The Power Threat Hypothesis and Black Lynching: "Wither" the Evidence?

Perhaps it is best to begin by restating what our paper attempts to do, and what it does not attempt to do. Our sole objective is to demonstrate that existing empirical support for a power threat interpretation of southern lynchings is of questionable worth. We are not rejecting the potential value of such an interpretation. As we conclude, it must remain a possibly useful framework, but one in search of supporting evidence. With that in mind we can turn to the three commentaries. Blalock reminds us that it is critically important to have correspondence between our theoretical and empirical models, and offers alternative ways of modeling the relation between lynching (or propensity to lynch) and minority concentration. We wholeheartedly agree with the first point, and welcome his suggestions on the second. Naturally, alternative methods for measuring the intensity of lynching, and describing its relation with minority concentration, are now required, given the obvious problems associated with the Reed lynching index. That brings us to Reed's commentary. We are sympathetic with Reed's fondness for his own lynching measure. And, in fact, the problems associated with his measure may not be universal. However, the character of the index (in particular, its denominator) makes it inappropriate for tests of Blalock's power threat hypothesis. As we demonstrated in Figures 4 and 5 of our paper, the root of the problem is his measure's definitional dependency on the percentage of the population that is black. If black concentration were not the variable of primary theoretical importance, then one might not do serious harm by adopting his lynching measure. We must reiterate, however, that the Reed index is incapable of distinguishing between two, quite different, situations: (1) when the black per capita lynching rate is invariant across areas, and (2) when the power threat hypothesis is true. ? 1989 The University of North Carolina Press
Functional Defect of Ryanodine Receptor with Gene Mutations

Cardiac ryanodine receptor(RyR2)governs the release of Ca~(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum,which initiates muscle contracion. Mutations in RyR2 have been linked to ventricular tachycardia and sudden death,but the precise molecular mechanism is unclear,it may incriminate to the dissociation of FK506-binding protein,enhanced RyR2 luminal Ca~(2+) activation and defective regulation of interdomain interactions within RyR2.This article is a review of the recent theories about functional defect of ryanodine receptor with gene mutations.
ASPECTS OF VOICE PRODUCTION AND MOTOR CONTROL

ABSTRACT Physiologic factors in sustained voice frequency production are examined for both intrinsic and extrinsic forces capable of influencing vocal fold stiffness. Further, similar factors are evaluated for vocal fold adductory-abductory movements to achieve varying degrees of glottal size and resistance consistent with the production of phonemic units from glottal stops to voiceless fricatives. For each of the laryngeal activities (frequency control and glottal condition) speculations are offered regarding possible motor control factors operating.
Lipid-Assisted Membrane Protein Folding and Topogenesis

Due to the heterogenous lipid environment in which integral membrane proteins are embedded, they should follow a set of assembly rules, which govern transmembrane protein folding and topogenesis accordingly to a given lipid profile. Recombinant strains of bacteria have been engineered to have different membrane phospholipid compositions by molecular genetic manipulation of endogenous and foreign genes encoding lipid biosynthetic enzymes. Such strains provide a means to investigate the in vivo role of lipids in many different aspects of membrane function, folding and biogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies established a function of lipids as molecular chaperones and topological determinants specifically assisting folding and topogenesis of membrane proteins. These results led to the extension of the Positive Inside Rule to Charge Balance Rule, which incorporates a role for lipid-protein interactions in determining membrane protein topological organization at the time of initial membrane insertion and dynamically after initial assembly. Membrane protein topogenesis appears to be a thermodynamically driven process in which lipid-protein interactions affect the potency of charged amino acid residues as topological signals. Dual topology for a membrane protein can be established during initial assembly where folding intermediates in multiple topological conformations are in rapid equilibrium (thus separated by a low activation energy), which is determined by the lipid environment. Post-assembly changes in lipid composition or post-translational modifications can trigger a reorganization of protein topology by inducing destabilization and refolding of a membrane protein. The lipid-dependent dynamic nature of membrane protein organization provides a novel means of regulating protein function.
Monoclonal antibodies to antigens in the peribacteroid membrane from Rhizobium-induced root nodules of pea cross-react with plasma membranes and Golgi bodies

Abstract Three rat hybridoma lines that produced monoclonal antibodies reacting with the peribacteroid membrane from Pisum sativum were isolated, and these all appeared to recognise the same antigenic structure. Using one of these monoclonal antibodies, AFRC MAC 64, electron microscopy of immunogold-stained thin sections of nodule tissue revealed that the antigen, present in the peribacteroid membrane, was also found in the plant plasma membranes and in the Golgi bodies, but not in the endoplasmic reticulum. When peribacteroid membrane proteins were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose by electro-blotting, it was found that MAC 64 bound to a series of protease-sensitive bands that migrated in the mol. wt. range 50-85 K. The epitope was sensitive to periodate oxidation and its structure may therefore involve the carbohydrate component of a membrane glycoprotein. We suggest that this structure originates in the Golgi apparatus and is subsequently transferred to the peribacteriod membranes and plasma membranes. The monoclonal antibody also reacted with peribacteroid membranes from nodules of Vicia and lupin, and with plasma membranes and Golgi membranes from uninfected plant cells, including root tip cells from onion (Allium cepa), indicating that the antigen is highly conserved in the plasma membranes of plant cells.
Proteomics Development and Application for Bioforensics

Proteomics is a relatively new scientific discipline dedicated to the comprehensive study of the protein composition of biological systems. While genomic sequencing is an invaluable tool for bioforensic sample identification, proteomics complements genomics in that the genes present in an organism code for the proteins that can be present in a microorganism. Many proteins are conserved for general identification while other protein expression varies with environment/growth state/growth conditions (i.e. not all proteins are expressed at any given time or condition) providing additional information beyond genomic analysis. This expression specificity and the relative stability of proteins with respect to genetic material make them attractive targets for microorganism identification and forensic applications to complement genomic approaches. Proteomic analysis depends upon the availability of genome sequences of the relevant organisms or their near relatives. The known amino acid sequences for potential proteins within the database can be compared to amino acid sequences of actual proteins present in a sample as determined with high mass accuracy by mass spectrometry for identification of the proteins in the sample. With the development of technology for rapid genome sequencing of organisms, the known protein database is growing, supporting improved identification of the proteins present in a sample.more » Recent developments in mass spectrometry instrumentation and microbial sequencing are leading to an increased growth in application of proteomics to microbiology, pathogen detection, disease diagnosis and microbial forensics as well as other biological disciplines. Mass spectrometry analysis does not require a priori knowledge of the sample or expected targets to gain meaningful.« less
Archival Evidence of Secular Changes in Georgia Hurricanes: 1750–2012

North Atlantic hurricanes present the greatest recurring meteorological hazard along the southern and eastern shores of the USA. Since the late 1800s, in contrast to much of the Southeastern USA, the Georgia coast has experienced infrequent hurricane landfalls, particularly in recent decades. As a result, coastal storm preparedness complacency appears to be rampant along the Georgia coastline. Both local and state governments were unprepared for shadow evacuation during Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The study described here includes an examination of temporal and spatial trends in hurricane landfall along the Georgia coast from 1750 to 2012. Since 1750, 18 of the 24 recorded hurricanes that made landfall along the Georgia coast occurred between 1801 and 1900, yet the hurricane intensities have declined since 1851. Most critically our data establishes that the mean location of landfall along the Georgia coast has shifted 60 km north and hence closer to Savannah. Future efforts to re-characterize hurricane surge zones and improve evacuation infrastructure along the Georgia coast must reevaluate this threat.
Relative Fundamental Frequency Distinguishes Between Phonotraumatic and Non-Phonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction

Purpose The purpose of this article is to examine the ability of an acoustic measure, relative fundamental frequency (RFF), to distinguish between two subtypes of vocal hyperfunction (VH): phonotra...
Lead halide perovskites: Crystal-liquid duality, phonon glass electron crystals, and large polaron formation.

Lead halide perovskites have been demonstrated as high performance materials in solar cells and light-emitting devices. These materials are characterized by coherent band transport expected from crystalline semiconductors, but dielectric responses and phonon dynamics typical of liquids. This “crystal-liquid” duality implies that lead halide perovskites belong to phonon glass electron crystals, a class of materials believed to make the most efficient thermoelectrics. We show that the crystal-liquid duality and the resulting dielectric response are responsible for large polaron formation and screening of charge carriers, leading to defect tolerance, moderate charge carrier mobility, and radiative recombination properties. Large polaron formation, along with the phonon glass character, may also explain the marked reduction in hot carrier cooling rates in these materials.
Stored Grain Volume MeasurementUsing a Low Density Point Cloud

Abstract. This technical note presents the development of a new apparatus and data processing method to accurately estimate the volume of stored grain in a bin. Specifically, it was developed to account for the variability in surface topography that can occur in large diameter bins when partially unloaded. This was accomplished using a laser distance meter to create a low density point cloud, from which a surface was interpolated using ArcMap geoprocessing tools. The manually controlled and portable system was designed to hold the laser distance meter and provided a common reference point. The data from the laser distance meter was transmitted to a tablet PC via Bluetooth. Measurement of an empty hopper bottom bin (4.6 m in diameter and 6.5 m tall) demonstrated that the system was able to measure a known volume within 0.02%, and repeated measures of an empty flat bottom bin (1.8 m in diameter, and 5.7 m tall) were within 0.29% of the known volume. Two applications are presented which highlight the system‘s ability to capture complex surfaces, as well as limitations that result from fill scenarios where the field of view was limited.
The Significance of Surveillance and Reporting on the Prevention and Control of Equine Diseases

Examples of equine disease surveillance at the local, regional, national and international level are discussed in this article. Reporting systems at each level are also considered, and the increasing importance of laboratory confirmed diagnoses is emphasized. The need to develop national disease reporting systems is addressed, particularly with respect to conforming to international trading standards.
The Meaning of Caritas in John Gower's Confessio Amantis

Cubie distinguishes three different motifs that contribute historically to the medieval understanding of caritas, and finds the predominant motif in CA is neither agape nor eros but the fulfillment of God's law. Directed by Christian P. Zacher. [PN. Copyright The John Gower Society. JGN 7.2]
GUT MICROBIOME DIFFERS BETWEEN HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION AND AGE-MATCHED CONTROLS

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome can impair metabolic regulation and promote inflammation. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by dysregulated metabolism and vascular inflammation, but the gut microbiome has not been described in this complex syndrome. Two fecal
The Value of Primary Care Provider Involvement in the Care of Kidney Failure Patients on Dialysis: Finding the Balance.

Patients with kidney failure on dialysis are medically and socially complex, receive care from multiple providers to manage numerous comorbidities, and therefore, are at risk for fragmented health care delivery leading to poor outcomes ([1][1]). The optimal delivery of primary care and the role of
Climate and surging of Donjek Glacier, Yukon, Canada

Links between climate and glacier surges are poorly understood but are required to enable prediction of surges and mitigation of associated hazards. Here, we investigate the role of snow accumulati...
Analog acceleration of deep learning using phase-change memory

Abstract Non-von Neumann architectures using nonvolatile memory could achieve orders-of-magnitude power and performance benefits over conventional digital systems, especially on data-intensive deep learning workloads. However, they face several issues, chief among which are the nonidealities present in the devices themselves. In this chapter, we summarize prior research in the field of using phase-change memory (PCM) for deep learning, highlighting the challenge of achieving software-equivalent accuracy in analog hardware. We then discuss key ideas and findings from our recent work—including the “multiple significance” 3T1C+2T2R unit cell design and the “polarity inversion” technique that can overcome the asymmetry and nonlinearity of open-loop PCM programming. We describe our mixed hardware–software experimentation framework, which enables us to conduct deep network training on more than 200,000 real PCM devices, incorporating the inherent nonidealities and nonergodic statistics that are difficult to capture from simulation alone. On the basis of this, we demonstrate software-equivalent training accuracies on MNIST and CIFAR variants. Finally, we make the case for two types of nonvolatile memory (NVM) elements to be used as the most-significant and least-significant conductance pairs, quantifying the distinct requirements for each.
Mechanical failure dependence on the electrical history of lead zirconate titanate thin films

Abstract Piezoelectric micromechanical systems (piezoMEMS) are often subjected to harsh mechanical and electrical loads during operation. This study evaluates the effects of the electrical history of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) layer on the electro-mechanical response and structural limits of multilayer stacks. Electro-mechanical characterization was performed under biaxial bending employing the Ball-on-three Balls (B3B) test on virgin, poled, and DC biased (80 kV/cm) samples. No significant effect on the characteristic strength or Weibull modulus of the stack was observed. However, the crack initiation stress was highest for the virgin samples (σ0 ∼ 485 ± 30 MPa); this decreased for both poled samples (σ0 ∼ 410 ± 30 MPa), and samples measured under 80 kV/cm (σ0 ∼ 433 ± 30 MPa). in situ er and loss tangent measurements suggested electromechanical loading conditions can destabilize the domain structure. Overall, the electrical history and electromechanical loading conditions can reduce the PZT film’s fracture resistance.
Morphological Variants of Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma

Urothelial carcinomas exhibit a wide range of morphological variations and various molecular alterations. Many of these variants have significant prognosis and therapeutic implications. The variants/classification has been revised in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumor of the urinary system and male genital organs. In this chapter, the morphological features, diagnostic criteria and pitfalls, differential diagnoses, immunoprofile, molecular alterations, and clinical and prognostic implications for the common variants of invasive urothelial carcinoma will be reviewed. Rare variants and entities that are not included in the current WHO classification will also be discussed briefly.
The Impact of Continuous Infusion Compared to Intravenous Bolus Administration of Pantoprazole on Length of Intensive Care Unit Stay in Critically Ill Patients.

Purpose: To determine if intravenous (IV) bolus pantoprazole increases intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay compared to IV infusion pantoprazole for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding ...
Music Theory Through Improvisation: A New Approach to Musicianship Training

Preface 1. Improvisation Across Boundaries: A Trans-stylistic Approach 2. Music Fundamentals: Key Signatures, Scales, Intervals, Modes, and Melodic Cells 3. Modality and Rhythm I: Time Feels 4. Modality and Rhythm II: Small Group Framework 5. Basic Tonal Materials: Triads and Seventh Chords 6. Harmonic Functions 7. Swing: Global Rhythmic Gateway 8. Melodic Line Construction and Harmonization 9. Chord Inversion Present and Past 10. Non-diatonic Harmony I: Applied Chords 11. Non-diatonic Harmony II: Modal Mixture 12. Figured Bass Realization at the Keyboard 13. Extended Chords 14. Altered Extensions 15. Diverse Approaches to Analysis 16. Further Creative Horizons in Jazz Improvisation and Composition Appendix 1. Introduction to Species Counterpoint Appendix 2. Overtone Series and Equal Temperament Appendix 3. Rhythmic Exercises Appendix 4. Jazz Etudes Appendix 5. Additional Keyboard Exercises Appendix 6. Instrument Ranges, Transposition, and Score Excerpts Appendix 7. Aural Transposition Appendix 8. Sample Syllabus Appendix 9. CD and Web Audio Tracks
On Skinner's Definition of Verbal Behavior

Descriptive definitions in science are useful insofar as they identify natural phenomena that hang together in some distinctive way. In 1957, Skinner proposed an unusual definition of verbal behavior that has subsequently been criticized even by fellow behavior analysts. Although Skinner did not justify his definition at length in his published work, two unpublished manuscripts show that he put considerable effort into identifying the implications of his definition. Certain passages in these manuscripts identify Skinner's view of the features that covary to make verbal behavior a coherent topic of study. A consideration of these passages does not imply that Skinner's definition is better than alternatives, but it does clarify that which Skinner thought was distinctive about the subject matter to which he devoted so much of his career.
Glucose-6-phosphatase-like activity in the human placenta, fetal liver, and decidual tissue

Abstract An enzymatic activity breaking down glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and phosphate is found in first, second, and third trimester placentas and in early decidual tissues. The total activity in the placenta, when related to fetal growth, decreases considerably as the gestation increases. These activities in the decidual plate area may be of importance in governing and regulating the placental growth and implantation. Histochemical and biochemical analyses of two fetal livers (at 11 and 18 weeks) for glucose-6-phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase are reported.
From the Laboratory to the Virtual World: Applications for Financial Reporting Research

Virtual worlds can allow experimental researchers to create and examine settings with far more institutional complexity than is possible in a traditional laboratory setting. This document discusses how studies with greater complexity can complement more traditional experimental methods for those who are studying financial reporting; explores both the opportunities and challenges virtual worlds present to experimentalists; presents some examples of how to implement complex institutions; and discusses how the costs and benefits of the virtual-world laboratory vary across different experimental traditions.
Analysis of the Growth of Recombination-Deficient Strains of Escherichia coli K-12

Cultures of recombination-deficient strains of Escherichia coli are composed of three classes of cells: (i) viable cells, which can undergo 20 or more generations, (ii) residually dividing cells, which can undergo fewer than 20 generations (probably an average of fewer than 6), and (iii) nondividing cells, which are incapable of a single division. The nonviable but residually dividing cells contribute to the mass increase of the culture, but not to the viability, thus accounting for the apparent dissimilarity in the effects of rec mutations on growth rates and viabilities. We have determined the frequencies of cells in each of the three classes, and, by making a simplifying assumption concerning the relative division times of viable and residually dividing cells, we have been able to describe mathematically the growth of the rec− cultures.
Barriers to upstream passage by two migratory sculpins, prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) and coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus), in northern Puget Sound lowland streams

We identified and characterized barriers to the upstream distribution by prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) and coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus), based on their longitudinal distribution in 11 str...
The Effects of Live and Artificial Diets on Feeding Performance of Cultured Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, in the Wild: Survival, Feeding, Growth, and Nucleic Acid Analyses

This research, which is part of a larger study designed to assess the feasibility of winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, stock enhancement in New Hampshire, identifies hatchery feeds that optimize feeding-related performance of fish once released in the wild. Fish reared on post-nauplii of brine shrimp, Artemia sp., white worms, Enchytraeus albidus, common burrower amphipods, Leptocheirus plumulosus, and formulated pellets were evaluated post-release from in situ cages using survival, growth rate, feeding onset and incidence, stomach fullness, diet composition, and nucleic acid-based condition as indicators of hatchery diet suitability. Amphipod-reared fish had the highest mean stomach content index of all feed types, including wild fish. Wild and worm-reared fish exhibited the most similar survival, overall stomach fullness, and diet composition profiles over time. Amphipod-reared fish ranked highest in overall performance; however, if wild fish performance is viewed as the ideal for a stocked fish, worm-reared fish performed optimally. This study describes hatchery feeding strategies that may ease the transition of flatfish released into the wild for stock enhancement.
Partial Articular-Sided Tendon Avulsion Transtendon Rotator Cuff Repair

Articular tears of the rotator cuff are common and may be problematic. Histological studies have shown anatomical differences that make the articular portion of cuff tendons more vulnerable to tension. Codman used the term rim rents in his original thesis on why rotator cuff tears begin on the articular side of the tendon. The partial articular-sided tendon avulsion (PASTA) repair is an arthroscopic technique used to repair the articular-sided tear without disrupting the intact bursal tendon fibers.
A Study of Stress Levels Among Hotel General Managers—A Comparison Between 1998 and 2008

This study measures the amount of stress hospitality leaders feel on a daily basis. A total of 211 hotel managers self-reported their stress levels using the 43-item Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Results show that more than half of hotel managers report stress levels which are very likely to cause stress-related illnesses. The findings of this study are then compared to an earlier study done in 1998 and key differences are discussed. Implications and suggestions for the industry are provided.
Polarization measurements near isobaric analogue resonances in 139La and 141Pr

The polarization of protons elastically scattered from barium and cerium has been measured to determine the total angular momenta J of the isobaric analogues of the ground state and of four excited states of 139Ba and of 141Ce. Measurements were made in energy steps of 25 to 100 keV for proton energies in the region of 9 to 12 MeV. The angular momenta of the five levels studied were found to be Jπ = 72−, 32−, 12−, 52−, and 52−. The assignment of Jπ = 12− for the second excited state is in disagreement with previous assignments.
Integration of EEG, MRI, and SPECT in Localizing the Seizure Focus for Epilepsy Surgery

Several modalities are now available for detecting the structural and the functional abnormalities of a seizure focus. This article discusses the principles and techniques that can be used to integrate the data derived from different test modalities in delineating the seizure focus in epilepsy surgery candidates. An approach in integrating EEG, MRI, and SPECT abnormalities is described to demonstrate how the spatial relationships among them can be precisely determined by coregistering images of the abnormalities on the MRI. The recently developed technique of subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) can reveal a discrete hyperperfusion focus with its relationship to the cerebral anatomy. The SISCOM focus can also serve as a target for intracranial electrode implantation and for subsequent surgical resection. This can be achieved by using a computer-based system of relating the image space to the surgical field. The limitations of each test in localizing the surgical seizure focus must be recognized when the value of each test is interpreted relative to those of other tests. In many patients, not all tests will show localizing abnormalities, and the foci determined by different tests may be incongruent. When the location of the focus is not compatible with the possible origin of the patient's habitual seizures, further evaluation with other tests, including intracranial EEG recordings, is necessary. The decision in determining which tests and how many to employ for localizing the surgical focus must be individualized for each patient.
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY OF THE CANINE LIVER, KIDNEY, AND PROSTATE

Sixty-nine hepatic, 25 renal, and 16 prostatic biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance using a biopsy guide. The majority (98 of 110) were tissue-core biopsies. Multiple attempts at obtaining a sample were required; however, in the kidney, the number of attempts was restricted to two. Adequate samples were obtained in 94% (65/69) hepatic, 88% (22/25) renal, and 94% (5/6) prostatic biopsies. Postbiopsy scanning did not demonstrate parenchymal hemorrhage. In three renal and one prostatic biopsy, gross hematuria, noted immediately following biopsy, resolved in 2–3 days. Animals with prostatic disease frequently had hematuria, making evaluation for this complication difficult. One animal died acutely 2 days following prostatic biopsy due to an unrelated problem, a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Complications were not encountered with the liver biopsy procedure. Animals biopsied under sedation tolerated the procedure well. The authors preferred to anesthetize uncooperative animals and those needing kidney biopsy to minimize the likelihood of complications. Problems encountered during the procedure, overlying bowel gas obscuring the target organ or poor visualization of the biopsy needle, were corrected by changing patient or transducer position or the procedure was postponed. The usefulness of the biopsy procedure is illustrated in four case reports.
Wet thermal oxidation of GaN

Thermal oxidation of GaN was conducted at 700–900°C with O2, N2, and Ar as carrier gases for 525–630 Torr of H2O vapor. Upon oxidation of both GaN powders and n-GaN epilayers, the monoclinic β-Ga2O3 phase was identified using glancing angle x-ray diffraction. The chemical composition of the oxide was verified using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In experiments conducted using GaN powder, the oxide grew most rapidly when O2 was the carrier gas for H2O. The same result was obtained on n-type GaN epilayers. Furthermore, the thickness of the oxide grown in H2O with O2 as the carrier gas was found to be proportional to the oxidation time at all temperatures studied, and an activation energy of 210±10 kJ/mol was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a smoother surface after wet oxidation than was reported previously for dry oxidation. However, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed that the wet oxide/GaN interface was irregular and non-ideal for devicefabrication, even more so than the dry oxide/GaN interface. This observation was consistent with poor electrical properties.
The Use of Transgenic Mice to Generate High Affinity p53 Specific Cytolytic T Cells

Abstract P53 is an attractive target for immunotherapy because it is overexpressed in up to one half of all malignancies, and its overexpression often correlates with a worsened prognosis. We wanted to determine the feasibility of targeting wild-type epitopes p53 on human tumor cells. HLA A2.1 transgenic mice were immunized with the immunodominant wild-type p53 peptide epitopes, p53 149–157 and p53 264–272 , along with a pan-DR helper epitope peptide in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). Twelve days later, splenocytes were harvested and stimulated with syngeneic blast cells that had been acid-treated to remove endogenous peptide and p53 peptide-pulsed. The responding cells were subsequently restimulated weekly with acid washed, peptide-pulsed Jurkat cells transfected with HLA A2.1. Peptide specific activity was tested in a chromium release assay. The resulting cytotoxic T cells (CTL) were cloned by limiting dilution. Peptide specific CTL were generated against both p53 149–157 and p53 264–272 . Only p53 149–157 specific CTL were able to recognize and lyse cells that overexpressed endogenous p53. CTL clones derived from the p53 149–157 cell line demonstrated high affinity and specificity for p53 149–157 when presented by HLA A2.1 + cells. The p53 149–157 specific CTL were tested for specificity against a variety of cultured human cell lines. The CTL clones only lysed cells that overexpressed p53 in the context of HLA A2.1 and did not lyse cells with normal p53 expression or cells that lacked HLA A2.1 expression. This study demonstrates the possibility of targeting tumors, which overexpress p53, and raises the possibility transferring the high affinity, p53 specific T cell receptors from the murine CTL to human T cells.
Amplitude equations for non-linear Rayleigh waves

Abstract We investigate asymptotic equations describing small amplitude surface elastic waves in the half-plane (Rayleigh waves). For hyperelastic materials such model equations are Hamiltonian systems, and are seen to lead to the formation of singularities in the surface elastic displacement. At the time of singularity formation the Fourier spectra of the solutions exhibit power law decay, and the observed exponents suggest the existence of both differentiable and non-differentiable singular profiles.
Evaluation Of The Symmetry Of Sweating On The Back

Data were collected on 71 men to determine the symmetry of sweating measured by a modified Bullard sudorometer, using methacholine stimulation, on the left and right sides of their backs. It was hypothesized that a normal distribution curve, with a mean of zero, would be obtained from the sweating value difference between the left and right sides of the back. The difference between sweating values of the left and right sides was found to be not statistically significant. The actual mean sweating value difference obtained was 1.2%, and the distribution curve was skewed slightly to the right.
The Phenomenology of Doriden (Glutethimide) Dependence Among Drug Addicts

There are now an increasing number of drugs available to the physician which can be subsumed under the rubric of nonbarbiturate hypnotics or sedatives. One such drug is Doriden (glutethimide), or “...
The Influence of ‘Biorhythm’ on Accident Occurrence and Performance

Abstract Biorhythm is a term used in connection with a theory which proposes that three basic cyclical rhythms occur regularly in human beings starting at the moment of birth. The cycles ore the 23 day phsysical cycle, the 28 day emotional cycle and the 33 day intellectual cycle. It has been proposed that biorythms could be widely applied in industrial, medical, educational, athletic, military, governmental, and diplomatic fields This paper investigates the relationship between ‘ biorythms’ and events occurring in normal life. Data on single occurrence events such as accident data and unscreened doaths together with data on repetitive occurrence events related to performance at different sports were collected from various sources. A computer program was written to compute the state of each individual at the date of the event based on his birthdate and the biorhythmic cycle. Critical days of the cycles were also calculated. Results indicated that ‘ biorhythm ’ had no significant influence on accident occur...
Sonography: A useful tool to detect the mechanical causes of renal transplant dysfunction

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of sonography in distinguishing between mechanical and nonmechanical causes for renal transplant dysfunction. Methods We reviewed all ultrasound examination reports (n = 286) for 63 consecutive patients who received 64 renal transplants. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of different degrees of hydronephrosis (mild, moderate, or severe) in detecting urinary tract obstruction; different volumes of new or increasing peritransplant fluid in detecting urine leaks; different total volumes of peritransplant fluid in predicting significant compression of the transplant; and Doppler vascular criteria for predicting arterial and venous occlusion. Results All mechanical complications were detected (100% sensitivity) with specificities of 91.9% for ureteral obstruction (criterion, moderate hydronephrosis), 83.4% for urine leaks (criterion, any new fluid or any increase), 91.4% for fluid collections that compressed the transplant (criterion, > 100 ml), and 100% for vascular occlusion (criteria, no flow for arterial occlusion; no venous flow and reversal of arterial flow during diastole for venous occlusion). Conclusions Sonography is very useful in distinguishing between mechanical and nonmechanical causes for renal transplant dysfunction. It has high sensitivity and acceptable specificity in this setting. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 27:325–333, 1999.
Invitations to Families in an Early Literacy Support Program

Teachers know that when families are involved meaningfully in schools, students perform better in academic, behavioral, and emotional domains. This article describes a project designed to enhance the quality of children's literacy interactions with family members and simultaneously increase family involvement at school. The level of participation of a classroom teacher is key in implementing a family literacy support program in a low-income neighborhood.
Gender Equality in Muslim-Majority States and Shari’a Family Law: Is There a Link?

This paper employs a newly developed coding of the degree to which Muslim-majority states incorporate a strict version of Shari’a family law into their legal code. This measures the feature of Islamic tradition, which is hypothesised to impede women's sociopolitical equality. I find that the incorporation of a strict version of Shari’a family law is an impediment to sociopolitical gender equality; however, the inclusion of other laws and policies based on Islamic tenets is not. Furthermore, the negative effect of an oil-dependent economy does not hold in the subset of Muslim-majority states once Shari’a family law inclusion is accounted for.
Interacting instanton liquid in QCD at zero and finite temperatures.

In this paper we study the statistical mechanics of the instanton liquid in QCD. After introducing the partition function as well as the gauge-field- and quark-induced interactions between instantons, we describe a method to calculate the free energy of the instanton system. We use this method to determine the equilibrium density and the equation of state from numerical simulations of the instanton ensemble in QCD for various numbers of flavors. We find that there is a critical number of flavors above which chiral symmetry is restored in the ground state. In the physical case of two light and one intermediate mass flavors, the system undergoes a chiral phase transition at $T\ensuremath{\simeq}125$ MeV. We show that the mechanism for this transition is a rearrangement of the instanton liquid, going from a disordered, random phase at low temperatures to a strongly correlated, molecular phase at high temperature. We also study the behavior of mesonic susceptibilities near the phase transition.
Advantages of endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy using yag laser scalpel

Summary The surgical management of bilateral vocal cord paralysis has been performed through an endoscope in the past. The etiology of bilateral vocal cord paralysis is usually secondary to trauma; to secure an adequate airway, a tracheostomy is performed. Endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy offers a safe method of decannulating patients with maintenance of good voice quality and a rima glottidis of 4–6 mm posteriorly. Several wavelengths are available to carry out this procedure, and this article will focus on Nd:Yag laser scalpel applications. The advantage of this method is the preservation of good voice quality with an option of an external procedure, if the need arises. The laser application offers excellent hemostasis, and decreased edema and scar tissue formation. The results of our study on 10 patients appear encouraging and superior with respect to other available wavelengths.
Dimensions of interactivity: Differential effects of social and psychological factors

Despite frequent acknowledgment that interactivity is multidimensional, previous studies have measured and treated the construct as if it were unidimensional, failing to see the differences that exist among latent dimensions. This study investigates how the latent factors of perceived interactivity differ in terms of their relationships with various social factors, including social network density and frequency of interactions, as well as with psychological factors, such as individuals' need for cognition. By conducting a factor analysis and a series of multiple regression analyses, it was found that the dimensions were differentially influenced by social and psychological indicators.
Detailed structural elucidation of polyesters and acrylates using Fourier transform mass spectrometry

The detailed structural characterization of complex polymer architectures, like copolymers and polymer mixtures, by mass spectrometry presents a challenge. Even though soft ionization analyses revolutionized the characterization of large molecules and provided a means for determining the polymer’s molecular weight distribution, polydispersity, and end groups, full microstructure elucidation and monomer sequencing by soft ionization alone is not possible. The combination of high-resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) provides a powerful analytical tool for addressing these challenges. This tool was used in our work to separate and identify the products of polymerization between 12-hydroxystearic acid (HSA) and stearic acid (SA), to provide precise information about the exact location of caprolactones on the Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate (THEIC) molecule, and to sequence a glycidyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate (GMA/MMA) copolymer. The results highlight the value of ultrahigh resolution and tandem mass spectrometry for fine structural characterization and sequencing of polymers.
p38MAPK-Activated AKT in HER-2 Overexpressing Human Breast Cancer Cells Acts as an EGF-Independent Survival Signal

Background HER-2 is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in about 30% of human breast cancers correlating with a poor prognosis. Previous work in our laboratory has found that HER-2 overexpression plays a role in growth factor independence, anchorage independence, motility, and invasion of naturally occurring basement membranes. We also found that AKT was activated by p38MAPK in these cells, but this activation did not play a role in invasion. Since AKT has been shown in other systems to be a survival factor, we hypothesized that HER-2 mediated activation of AKT is necessary for growth factor independence. Methods Human mammary epithelial cells transduced to overexpress HER-2, HER-2, PTEN, and Myr-AKT and the primary breast cancer cell lines SUM-149 and SUM-225 were used to dissect the signaling pathways leading to growth factor independence and anchorage-independent growth in HER-2 overexpressing cells. Results We found that, in the absence of EGF, p38MAPK-activated AKT is necessary for HER-2 overexpressing cells to survive and to form colonies in soft agar. We show that EGF works as a survival signal in the absence of p38MAPK-mediated activation of AKT. We also show that human mammary epithelial cells expressing a constitutively active AKT do not require EGF for growth or colony formation in soft agar. Conclusions The data presented here indicate that AKT activation can compensate for EGF-mediated cell survival signals leading to growth factor independence and anchorage-independent growth.
Optimization of grating designs for x-ray differential phase contrast imaging

The demonstration of x-ray differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging with a grating interferometer based setup using both synchrotron sources 1 and conventional low-brilliance x-ray tubes 2 has led to much research interest within the medical imaging community. DPC imaging provides an opportunity to exploit new contrast mechanisms, and the corresponding computed tomography (CT) imaging potentially allows higher spatial resolution imaging at lower radiation dose than conventional absorption imaging. 3 Grating interferometer based methods ease implementation of the method through the use of clinically viable components, e.g., standard x-ray tubes and detectors.
What future for whites? Population projections and racialised imaginaries in the US

Population projections forecast that the US will have a white minority by the middle of this century. This paper argues that changes in racial and ethnic categorisation, most notably the creation of the Hispanic category in 1977, have accelerated the projection of this date. These uncertainties illustrate a larger problem of projections of the future size of the white population: how can we know who will be white in the future if the criteria for whiteness shift as they have done in the past? It is possible, for example, that regions of immigration may see new forms of whiteness — or non-blackness — as whites, Asians and Latinos hybridise into a new dominant group whose members will be advantaged relative to a black ‘other’. In the light of past modifications in racial constructions, and the potential for change in the future, why bother to project the populations of today's racial categories? The paper attempts to answer this question by reviewing the history of the practice of racial population projection. What this reveals is that racial population projections can be thought of as ‘racial projects’ — efforts to frame and thereby influence the racial future through the imposition of contemporary racial categories and meanings. Although this racial imagining has important consequences for contemporary political action, it is not politics alone that motivates projections by race. Other motivations include the mundane practices of categorisation and counting by race — racial governmentality — that make racial population projections possible to begin with. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EGF-independent activation of cell-surface EGF receptors harboring mutations found in gefitinib-sensitive lung cancer

Several somatic mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been identified that predict clinical response of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients to gefitinib. To test the hypothesis that these mutations cause constitutive EGF receptor signaling, and to investigate its mechanistic basis, we expressed representative examples in a null background and analysed their biochemical properties. Each mutation caused significant EGF-independent tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, and allowed the receptor to promote Ba/F3 cell mitogenesis in the absence of EGF, arguing that these are oncogenic mutations. Active mutated receptors are present at the cell surface and are fully competent to bind EGF. Recent structural studies show that the inactive EGFR tyrosine kinase domain is autoinhibited by intramolecular interactions between its activation loop and αC helix. We find that mutations predicted to disrupt this autoinhibitory interaction (including several that have not been described in NSCLC) elevate EGF-independent tyrosine kinase activity, thus providing new insight into how somatic mutations activate EGFR and other ErbB family members.