cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue culture of human kidney epithelial cells of proximal tubule origin

Abstract Tissue culture of human kidney epithelial cells of proximal tubule origin. The in vitro culture of human kidney epithelial cells of defined nephronal origin would prove valuable in a variety of studies defining the factors and mechanisms responsible for diseases and disorders of the kidney. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that employing a serum-free growth medium allows the selective cultivation of human kidney epithelial cells. It is demonstrated that human kidney cortex, explanted into serum-free hormonally defined growth medium gives rise to a primary culture of kidney epithelial cells of homogenous morphology capable of hemicyst formation. While these cells were able to proliferate to confluency as an expiant culture, they were unable to undergo stable subculture. Subsequent manipulation of the culture vessel surface (an initial coat of bovine type I collagen followed by the absorption of macromolecules from fetal calf serum) yielded cultures able to be subcultured with growth to at least 30 cell generations. These cells were identified to be of proximal tubule origin by employment of enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural examination. Culture tissulaire de cellules epitheliales de reins humains d'origine tubulaire proximale. La culture in vitro de cellules epitheliales de reins humains d'origine nephronique bien definie pourrait s'averer utile dans de nombreuses etudes definissant les facteurs et les mecanismes responsables des maladies et de reglements du rein. Dans cette etude, nous avons teste l'hypothese selon laquelle l'emploi d'un milieu de croissance sans serum permet la culture selective de cellules epitheliales de rein humain. Il est demontre que le cortex renal humain explante dans un milieu de croissance sans serum, bien defini au point de vue hormonal, donne naissance a une culture primaire de cellules epitheliales renales de morphologie homogene, capable de former des hemicystes. Bien que ces cellules soient capables de proliferer jusqu'a confluence en culture a partir d'explants, elles sont incapables de subir une culture secondaire stable. Une manipulation ulterieure de la surface du recipient de culture (une couche initiale de collagene bovin de type I suivi par l'absorption de macromolecules provenant de serum de veau foetal) a permis des cultures capables d'etre cultivees de facon secondaire avec une croissance d'au moins 30 generations cellulaires. Ces cellules ont ete identifiees comme etant d'origine tubulaire proximale, en utilisant un examen enzymatique histochimique, immunohistochimique, et ultrastructural.
Do Antipoverty Nonprofits Locate Where People Need Them? Evidence From a Spatial Analysis of Phoenix:

This work explores the spatial connections between nonprofit organizations that have an antipoverty focus and poor residents in the greater Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. Substantial population and service growth occurred in Phoenix between 1990 and 2000, with almost twice the number of organizations and almost three times the amount of expenditures in 2000 than in 1990. Empirical evidence supports that these nonprofits locate in areas of greater need, but evidence that those organizations affect neighborhood poverty is weak, suggesting that the government should not retract services and that further nonprofit organizational growth may be necessary. The comprehensive measure of accessibility and two-way causal analysis are proposed for future replication.
The Effect of Relocation on Gifted Students

Over the course of two years, researchers conducted two qualitative studies to investigate the impact of moving on gifted children. Participants were five families, each of which included gifted ch...
Transitional dynamics in a two-sector non-scale growth model ☆

Abstract This paper shows how, under plausible conditions, the transitional dynamics in a two-sector R&D-based non-scale growth model are represented by a two-dimensional stable saddlepath, thus enriching the transitional adjustment paths relative to that of the standard two-sector endogenous growth model. The transition speed itself is variable both through time and across sectors. Capital and knowledge grow at very different rates, consistent with the empirical evidence. Numerical simulations are used to characterize the transition paths in response to a range of specific shocks. In some cases, capital or knowledge may overshoot their respective long-run responses, during the transitional dynamics.
Partial asymptotic stability in probability of stochastic differential equations

Abstract A system of stochastic differential equations d X ( t ) = f ( t , X ) d t + ∑ i = 1 k g i ( t , X ) d W i ( t ) which has a zero solution X = 0 is considered. It is assumed that there exists a function V ( t , x ) , positive definite with respect to part of the state variables which also has the infinitesimal upper limit with respect to the part of the variables and such that the corresponding operator L V is nonpositive. It is proved that if the nondegeneracy condition of the matrix corresponding to the coefficients of Wiener processes holds with respect to the part of the variables with appropriate function r ( x ) , then the zero solution is asymptotically stable in probability with respect to the part of the variables.
Radiolysis of the Fricke Dosimeter with 58Ni and 238U Ions: Response for Particles of High Linear Energy Transfer

The radiation chemical yields of the Fricke dosimeter have been determined for incident nickel and uranium ions with energies of up to 470 and 3780 MeV, respectively. Track segment yields have been determined from the observed energy dependences. Experiments utilizing both aerated and deaerated solutions indicate that at the very high values of linear energy transfer (LET) exhibited by these ions in water (a maximum of 5000 and 17 000 eV/nm, respectively) a significant fraction of radicals escape from the track. The radiation chemical yield of H atoms for both ions is found to be ∼10% of the value with fast electrons. The data also suggest that there is a substantial yield of an oxidizing species produced by particles of very high LET. A comparison of the results with particles of lower LET is made.
Quantitation of the spiral plating technique for use with the Salmonella/mammalian microsome assay.

Quantitative dose-response data were obtained using spiral plating in conjunction with the Salmonella/mammalian microsome test. This plating method provides data comparable to that obtained with standard methods. It requires significantly less time and material and generates more information than standard methods.
Patterns of Influence and Response in Abusing and Nonabusing Families

Behaviors of influence and response during a conflict negotiation task were examined in eight physically child abusing, substance abusing families in which the father was the primary abuser and eight demographically matched nonabusing families. Abusing fathers displayed more coercive patterns of influencing behavior and more negative patterns of response to other family members, including both mothers and children. Fewer differences were observed between mothers in the abusing and nonabusing families or in the children's behavior; however, mothers in the abusing families criticized their husbands more and abused children exhibited less agreement and more criticism toward their fathers. In support of Patterson's theory, abusing families exhibited relatively more reciprocated sequences of criticism and relatively fewer reciprocated sequences of agreement as compared to nonabusing families. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding interaction in child abusing families.
A hybrid systems model for power control in multicell wireless data networks

We present a power control scheme based on noncooperative game theory, using a fairly broad class of convex cost functions. The multicell CDMA wireless data network is modeled as a switched hybrid system where handoffs of mobiles between different cells correspond to discrete switching events between different subsystems. Under a set of sufficient conditions, we prove the existence of a unique Nash equilibrium for each subsystem, and prove global exponential stability of an update algorithm. We also establish the global convergence of the dynamics of the multicell power control game to a convex superset of Nash equilibria for any switching (handoff) scheme satisfying a mild condition on average dwell-time. Robustness of these results to feedback delays as well as to quantization is investigated. In addition, we consider a quantization scheme to reduce the communication overhead between mobiles and the base stations. Finally, we illustrate the proposed power control scheme through simulations.
Dysfunction of Nrf-2 in CF Epithelia Leads to Excess Intracellular H2O2 and Inflammatory Cytokine Production

Cystic fibrosis is characterized by recurring pulmonary exacerbations that lead to the deterioration of lung function and eventual lung failure. Excessive inflammatory responses by airway epithelia have been linked to the overproduction of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and IL-8. The mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, but normal IL-1beta mediated activation of the production of these cytokines occurs via H2O2 dependent signaling. Therefore, we speculated that CFTR dysfunction causes alterations in the regulation of steady state H2O2. We found significantly elevated levels of H2O2 in three cultured epithelial cell models of CF, one primary and two immortalized. Increases in H2O2 heavily contributed to the excessive IL-6 and IL-8 production in CF epithelia. Proteomic analysis of three in vitro and two in vivo models revealed a decrease in antioxidant proteins that regulate H2O2 processing, by > or =2 fold in CF vs. matched normal controls. When cells are stimulated, differential expression in CF versus normal is enhanced; corresponding to an increase in H2O2 mediated production of IL-6 and IL-8. The cause of this redox imbalance is a decrease by approximately 70% in CF cells versus normal in the expression and activity of the transcription factor Nrf-2. Inhibition of CFTR function in normal cells produced this phenotype, while N-acetyl cysteine, selenium, an activator of Nrf-2, and the overexpression of Nrf-2 all normalized H2O2 processing and decreased IL-6 and IL-8 to normal levels, in CF cells. We conclude that a paradoxical decrease in Nrf-2 driven antioxidant responses in CF epithelia results in an increase in steady state H2O2, which in turn contributes to the overproduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. Treatment with antioxidants can ameliorate exaggerated cytokine production without affecting normal responses.
Hypothermic circulatory arrest increases permeability of the blood brain barrier in watershed areas

Background The integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is controversial in children. We tested the hypothesis that the BBB is disrupted by HCA. Methods Forty-one piglets (mean weight 11 kg) were randomly allocated to acute and survival experiments. Five groups (25 piglets, 5 per group) underwent acute studies: anesthesia alone (control); CPB at 37°C with full-flow (FF); CPB at 25°C with very low flow (LF); HCA at 15°C, and HCA at 25°C. Two groups (16 piglets, 8 per group) underwent survival studies: CPB at 25°C with LF and HCA. In the acute studies, Evans blue dye (EBD) extravasation through the BBB into the brain was measured using two methods: EBD absorbance of homogenized brain, and immunohistochemical localization of EBD-linked albumin for cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In the survival studies, cerebral histology was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin stain after sacrifice at 4 days after surgery. Results The BBB disruption was clearly observed around watershed areas for 25°C HCA compared with other conditions. Microscopic data showed that leakage of EBD in 25°C HCA was more severe than control in all brain areas (p Conclusions The BBB was impaired around watershed areas by 25°C HCA for 1 hour according to both macroscopic and microscopic data. An increase in permeability of the BBB may be both a sign and a mechanism of brain damage.
Seeing what we know and understand: How knowledge shapes perception

Expertise in object recognition, as in bird watching or X-ray specialization, is based on extensive perceptual experience and in-depth semantic knowledge. Although it has been shown that rich perceptual experience shapes elementary perception and higher level discrimination and identification, little is known about the influence of in-depth semantic knowledge on object perception and identification. By means of recording event-related brain potentials (ERPs), we show that the amount of knowledge acquired about initially unfamiliar objects modulates visual ERP components already 120 msec after object presentation, and causes gradual variations of activity in similar brain systems within a later timeframe commonly associated with meaning access. When perceptual analysis is made more difficult by blurring object pictures, knowledge has an even stronger effect on perceptual analysis and facilitates recognition. These findings demonstrate that in-depth knowledge not only affects involuntary semantic memory access, but also shapes perception by penetrating early visual processes traditionally held to be immune to such influences.
Current dietary salt intake of Japanese individuals assessed during health check-up

Excess salt intake is a risk factor for increased blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. To prevent hypertension, the reduction of salt intake is promoted in many countries. For people with hypertension or cardiovascular disease (CVD), a more severe restriction of salt intake is indispensable. Japanese individuals consume high quantities of salt, and it is thus important to determine the degree to which the salt intake of these individuals has been restricted. Here, we investigated the current level of salt consumption of Japanese individuals using data obtained during annual health check-ups. A total of 10 762 individuals were assessed who underwent annual health check-ups at our institution in 2011. The estimated daily salt intake (EDSI) was calculated using spot urine samples. The average EDSI was 7.83±2.02 g per day. BP increased in proportion to the EDSI, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the EDSI was a significant and independent risk factor for hypertension. The average EDSI of the subjects with hypertension or a history of CVD was higher than that of the subjects without these diseases. The subjects who drank more heavily showed higher EDSIs. This study demonstrated that the average EDSI of the subjects needing to restrict their salt intake because of past or present illnesses was high. To achieve adherence to the recommended reduction of salt intake, more efforts are required.
Metallic glass nanostructures of tunable shape and composition

The nanoscale manipulation of the shape and composition of metallic glasses is challenging. Here, the authors employ a multitarget carousel oblique angle deposition strategy to synthesize metallic glass nanoarchitectures, and demonstrate applicability to a range of glass-forming alloys.
Cross-lingual Predicate Cluster Acquisition to Improve Bilingual Event Extraction by Inductive Learning

In this paper we present two approaches to automatically extract cross-lingual predicate clusters, based on bilingual parallel corpora and cross-lingual information extraction. We demonstrate how these clusters can be used to improve the NIST Automatic Content Extraction (ACE) event extraction task. We propose a new inductive learning framework to automatically augment background data for low-confidence events and then conduct global inference. Without using any additional data or accessing the baseline algorithms this approach obtained significant improvement over a state-of-the-art bilingual (English and Chinese) event extraction system.
Technical factors associated with radiation pneumonitis after local ± regional radiation therapy for breast cancer

Abstract Purpose : To assess the incidence of, and clinical factors associated with, symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) after tangential breast/chest wall irradiation with or without regional lymph node treatment. Methods and Materials : The records of 613 patients irradiated with tangential photon fields for breast cancer with >6 months follow-up were reviewed. Clinically significant RP was defined as the presence of new pulmonary symptoms requiring steroids. Data on clinical factors previously reported to be associated with RP were collected, e.g., tamoxifen or chemotherapy exposure and age. The central lung distance (CLD) and the average of the superior and inferior mid lung distance (ALD) in the lateral tangential field were measured on simulator films as a surrogate for irradiated lung volume. Many patients were treated with partly wide tangential fields that included a heart block shielding a part of the lower lung. Results : RP developed in 15/613 (2.4%) patients. In the univariate analysis, there was an increased incidence of RP among patients treated with local-regional radiotherapy (RT) (4.1%) vs. those receiving local RT only (0.9%) (p = 0.02), and among patients receiving chemotherapy (3.9%) vs. those not treated with chemotherapy (1.4%) (p = 0.06). According to multivariate analysis, only the use of nodal RT remained independently associated with RP (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant association between ranked CLD or ALD measurements and RP among patients treated with nodal irradiation with tangential beams. However, there was a statistically nonsignificant trend for increasing rates of RP with grouped ALD values: below 2 cm (4% RP rate), between 2 and 3 cm (6%), and above 3 cm (14%). Conclusions : RP was an uncommon complication, both with local and local-regional RT. The addition of regional lymph node irradiation slightly increased the incidence of RP among patients treated with the partly wide tangential field technique. Concern for RP should, however, not deter patients with node-positive breast cancer from receiving local-regional RT.
The lack of V-SRC involvement in tumorigenicity of marmoset cells transformed in vitro with rous sarcoma virus

Abstract The transformation of nonhuman primate marmoset cells by Rous sarcoma virus of Schmidt-Ruppin strain (RSV-SR) generates transformants which lack tumorigenicity in allo- and xenogeneic hosts. Marmoset cells acquire this property when they are transformed by RSV rescued from non-tumorigenic allogeneic cells. One of the rescued RSV, when used to infect marmoset kidney cells in vitro, yielded transformants which became tumorigenic in adult allogeneic hosts. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses of transformants revealed progressive genetic changes from cell diploidy to aneuploidy and from the presence to the loss of v- src during propagation in vitro. The loss of v- src in transformed cells coincided with the evolution of aneuploid cell clone with specific marker chromosome (M1). Although both early passage diploid and late passage aneuploid transformants were tumorigenic, the induced tumors originated from different type of cells. Tumors induced by diploid- and v- src —positive transformants were derived predominantly from the host cells, while tumors induced by late-passage transformants and with deleted v- src originated from an aneuploid cell clone that contained a rearranged M1 marker chromosome. These results suggest that besides the v- src oncogene, proviral integration can facilitate chromosomal rearrangements that contribute to tumorigenic transformation of nonhuman primate cells in vitro.
Optical Sol-Gel Materials Based on Binding and Catalysis by Biomolecules

The proteins copper-zinc Superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), cytochrome c, myoglobin, hemoglobin, and bacterio-rhodopsin are encapsulated in stable, optically transparent, porous, silica glass matrices prepared by the sol-gel method such that the biomolecules retain their characteristic reactivities and spectroscopic properties. The resulting glasses allow transport of small molecules into and out of the glasses at reasonable rates but retain the protein molecules within their pores. The transparency of the glasses enables the chemical reactions of the immobilized proteins to be monitored by means of changes in their visible absorption spectra. Silica glasses containing the immobilized proteins have similar reactivities and spectroscopic properties to those found for the proteins in solution. The enzymes glucose oxidase and peroxidase were also encapsulated in transparent silica glass matrices. Upon exposure to glucose solutions, a colored glass is formed that can be used as the active element in a solid state optically based glucose sensor. Likewise, gels containing oxalate oxidase and peroxidase exhibit spectroscopic changes upon exposure to aqueous solutions containing oxalic acid.
Spatiotemporal Chaos in Electroconvection

Spatiotemporal chaos (STC) near the onset of electroconvection in a nematic liquid crystal is reported. In samples with conductivities greater than 1 × 10−8 per ohm per meter, STC was found to evolve by means of a supercritical Hopf bifurcation from the uniform conduction state. Because this example of STC resulted from nonlinear interactions between only four modes, it provides a realistic opportunity to understand the observed phenomena in terms of a weakly nonlinear theory in the form of four coupled complex Ginzburg-Landau equations derived from the full equations of motion of the system. For smaller conductivities, the pattern immediately above onset consisted of localized pulses of convection that coexisted with the conduction state. The pulses had a unique width in the direction perpendicular to the director (the axis parallel to the average orientation) and had much larger and varying lengths parallel to the director.
A cost analysis method of establishing training criteria

A significant problem encountered in designing operator training programmes is the lack of a method for establishing appropriate training criteria (final performance levels). This paper presents such a method which has been derived on the basis of integrating three relatively distinct technical areas: (1) learning curve modelling, (2) quality assurance concepts, and (3) economic analysis. The information requirements for making training decisions are discussed and sources of that information are proposed. The end result of applying the method is a quantifiable measure of the cost effectiveness of a training programme.
Characterization of major histocompatibility antigens on trinitrophenyl-modified cells

Abstract Cell membrane proteins encoded for by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)∗ are associated with the antigenic determinant(s) recognized on trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified cells by syngeneic murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes and by hapten-reactive guinea pig T cells. To investigate the relationship of the TNP moiety on TNP-modified cells to these major histocompatibility antigens, peritoneal exudate cells or splenocytes from two inbred guinea pig strains and one inbred murine strain were TNP-modified, radioiodinated and lysed in detergent. TNP-derivatized proteins were then isolated using an anti-TNP immunoabsorbent, and the presence on TNP-derivatized histocompatibility antigens in the eluted proteins was determined by immunoprecipitation experiments and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis. Whereas most of the various histocompatibility antigens examined were found to be TNP-derivatized in amounts proportional to the degree of membrane protein derivation as a whole, only small amounts of TNP-modified strain 2 guinea pig Ia antigens were found, and no hapten-modified strain 13 guinea pig Ia antigens were detected. It is concluded that, in contrast to most MHC gene products, strain 13 Ia antigens are not derivatized on TNP-modified cells and, thus, represent an important exception demonstrating that histocompatibility antigens need not be directly TNP-derivatized for T cell recognition and activation.
Poly(Ethylene Oxide), a New Slowing Agent for Protozoa

SYNOPSIS The water-soluble, viscoelastic resin Polyox® (WSR 301), a poly(ethylene oxide) of high molecular weight (4 million) is introduced as a new slowing agent for protozoa. Generally, as the kinetic viscosity of the resin increased from 0.25% to 1% (w/v), the swimming velocity of Euglena gracilis, Didinium nasutum, Paramecium aurelia, Blepharisma undulans, and Prorodon platyodon decreased. The 1.0% solution had the highest viscosity and decreased velocity more effectively than 1.0% methyl cellulose and Protoslo® solutions. The Polyox solutions differed from those of methyl cellulose and Protoslo by having, in addition to viscous drag, an elastic recoil that pulled the protozoa backwards when their swimming efforts stopped. The toxicity of these slowing agents was determined using 10 P. aurelia/test slide preparation. Paramecium numbers decreased in 1.0% methyl cellulose and Protoslo to nearly zero by 24 hr; in Polyox, not only were most of these ciliates alive after 24 hr, but many survived for 96 hr and divisions occurred in 0.25% and 0.50% solutions.
The Role of the Physician as an Information Source on Mammography

purpose: The value of mammography for asymptomatic women younger than 50 years of age has been under debate, and it had been suggested that each woman should decide for herself whether to start having mammograms in her 40s. This decision-making process requires women to have knowledge of screening guidelines. This study reported key determining informational factors that led women age 40 and older to obtain a mammogram. description of study: To examine the relationship between sources of information and utilization of mammography, the authors conducted a communitywide telephone survey, in English and Spanish, of a stratified random sample of 999 white, black, and Hispanic women in Dade County, Florida. The survey was designed to measure knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs about breast cancer, its prevention, and its early detection. Data for 784 women 40 years and older are analyzed and reported here. results: The most commonly cited source of information was the media (90.2%). In a logistic regression, having had a checkup in the past year was the strongest predictor of having had a recent mammogram as opposed to a distant one (OR 4.17; 95% CI 2.92–5.95). Women who named their physician as an important source of information about health and prevention were also more likely to have had a recent examination (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.27–2.69). clinical implications: This analysis of the relationship between the source of information and utilization of mammography suggests that physicians, as sources of information, serve to motivate women to obtain a mammogram. This is true even after taking into account the patient's age and utilization of the healthcare system for preventive care in general. For this reason, it is imperative that clinicians be aware of national guidelines for breast cancer screening; of the risks and benefits of screening measures; and of the implications of a positive and negative test result. In addition, clinicians must realize the importance of follow-up to remind the patient to obtain a mammogram or other screening test and should develop strategies to provide this service.
Inter-country comparison of ‘real’ (PPP) incomes: Revised estimates and unresolved questions

Abstract Adjusting for purchasing power parities of national currencies makes a significant difference to inter-country income comparisons. However, PPP estimates require detailed price data which are not readily available for most countries. Kravis, Heston and Summers have used regression analysis to extend their PPP estimates from the 16 countries for which they have detailed prices to any country for which data are available on the share of trade in GDP and on inflation. The first part of this paper argues that a variant of this ‘short-cut’ approach, one which relies on measures of human-resource development rather than on trade and inflation, is preferable on theoretical and statistical grounds. The second part of the paper raises a more fundamental issue. It argues that the treatment of services in their detailed analysis, and hence in any short-cut approach derived from it, is biased. This bias tends to exaggerate the PPP incomes of countries with relatively good human-resource development, and so produces misleading estimates of relative incomes among poor countries and of the gap between poor and rich countries.
Preliminary Examination of Polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTZ1 in Relation to Semen Quality

Abstract Background Environmental, lifestyle, and occupational exposures on semen quality have been investigated in epidemiological studies with inconsistent results. Genetic factors involved in toxicant activation and detoxification have been examined in relation to the risk of outcomes such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurologic disorders. However, the effect of common genetic variants in the metabolism of toxicants on semen quality parameters has rarely been evaluated. In this analysis, we evaluated functional SNPs of three genes of the glutathione-S-transferase (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTZ1) enzyme family. Methods Participants were 228 presumed fertile men recruited as part of a community-based study. Semen outcome data from this study included total sperm count and concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA integrity and chromatin maturity. DNA was obtained from 162 men from a mouth-rinse sample and genotyped for the presence of GSTT1-1 and GSTM1-1 null genotypes and the GSTZ1 SNPs at positions 94 (rs3177427) and 124 (rs3177429). We used multivariable linear regression to assess the relationship between each genotype and sperm outcomes. Results Overall, our results did not reveal a consistent pattern between GSTM1 and GSTZ genotypes and increased occurrence of adverse sperm outcomes. However, the GSTT1 non-null genotype yielded the coefficients with the largest magnitude for sperm count and sperm concentration ( β = −0.528, 95% CI −1.238 to 0.199 and β = −0.353, 95% CI −0.708 to 0.001, respectively), suggesting that it might be adverse. Conclusions These results indicate that common polymorphisms in GST genes do not negatively impact sperm parameters in healthy men with good semen quality. Contrary to expectations, the GSTT1 non-null genotype was associated with reduced sperm concentration and count in semen. Further study with a larger study size and inclusion of gene-exposure interactions is warranted.
Peritoneal Catheter Site Metastasis in a Patient With Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Refractory ascites can significantly reduce quality of life in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Paracentesis is a commonly used procedure for the management of refractory ascites. However, there are potential risks associated with paracentesis such as pain, infection, and injury to intra-abdominal organs. In an effort to decrease the number of serial paracentesis, placement of intraperitoneal catheters has been described for the management of intractable ascites. Here we describe a case of metastasis involving a palliative peritoneal catheter in a patient with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Review on Grinding Tool Wear in Terms of Sustainability

Products and manufacturing processes need to become more sustainable. Grinding tools and grinding processes are no exception. The wear of grinding tools is an important factor in their grinding performance and affects the grinding process outcome strongly. Different wear mechanisms on the grit and bond level lead to a change in tool profile and sharpness. This paper discusses and defines common terms used in the literature. Wheel wear occurs in three phases, initial wear, steady-state wear, and wheel collapse. In multi-layer tools, a steady self-sharpening state is preferable. This means that tool material loss is intrinsic to grinding processes and needed for the process to function. The G-ratio is a common parameter to evaluate tool life but not exhaustive. Economic, environmental and social sustainability of tool wear touches many different aspects which are sometimes contrary, e.g. in terms of economic sustainability tool manufacturers need tool wear to sell replacements, but tool wear leads to more waste and reduces environmental sustainability.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Thermal-Mechanical Analysis of a Flip-Chip VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) Package With Low-Temperature Lead-Free (SnBi) Solder Joints

To perform Failure Analysis of an 1657CCGA package on PCB with OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative) surface finish.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Freedom, boldness, and economic creativity

The improvement of mankind’s material well-being in a scarcity world is an unending struggle. It is no small, easy task but rather an arduous, difficult, continuous endeavor. Over time, the betterment of man’s condition requires, at a minimum, that economic growth outstrip population expansion. Although economic growth is so important, it is by no means automatic. Rapid economic growth is the outcome of a fine-tuned interaction between mankind and his environment. Maintaining sustained high levels of economic growth depends critically on the product of man’s genius and imagination — technological progress or economic creativity. It is therefore of the utmost importance to identify the determinants of technological improvement, the conditions under which it flourishes, and the characteristics of human beings that foster its development. This paper looks across countries to assess the effect of two potential factors, freedom and boldness, on economic creativity.
A note on optimal error estimates for finite element approximations of a nonlinear two-point boundary-value problem

Abstract In this note we derive optimal error estimates for finite element approximations of a restricted class of one-dimensional nonlinear elliptic problems. The operators involved are monotone and differentiable, and it is assumed that the solutions are smooth.
AFRICAN AMERICANS IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH REPORTED IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE : 1990-2000

This article reports the results of a review of research published in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice from 1990-2000 regarding the African-American experience in community colleges. The authors found three major themes related to articles published over the 10-year period: (a) environmental factors related to student success, (b) the need for faculty diversity, and (c) race and community college administration. The authors found that more research needs to be done to understand and improve the African-American experience in community colleges.
Parents as direct contributors to the medical record: validation of their electronic input.

Abstract Study objectives: We assessed the validity and completeness of data in the past medical history (PMH) obtained electronically from parents and examined effects of the human-computer interface and sociodemographic variables on electronic parental report. Methods: We compared parents' electronic report of PMH data with a criterion standard, structured face-to-face interview by a pediatrician blinded to the electronic data. The electronic medical record interface enabled parents to provide 5 elements of the PMH: birth status, allergies, current medications, immunization status, and previous hospitalizations. The setting was the emergency department waiting room in an academic, urban children's hospital; parents of infants up to 12 months old participated. Outcome measures were validity of the PMH data obtained using the electronic medical record interface and odds of having an invalid or incomplete response using the electronic medical record interface. Results: One hundred parents were enrolled (69.4% of eligible subjects). Study subjects did not differ from nonenrollees on demographic variables and visit characteristics. The validity of the electronic medical record interface data was high across the PMH elements (94% to 99%). Two demographic features predicted invalid response: parental primary language other than English or Spanish (odds ratio [OR] 11.4, 95% confidence interval CI 1.7 to 76.3), and Asian ethnicity (OR 14.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 182.4). Incomplete responses were predicted by limited previous experience with computers; computer-naive subjects had an eightfold increased odds of skipping a question (OR 7.9, 95% CI 1.8 to 34.6). Conclusion: Parents are accurate independent reporters of their infants' general PMH using the electronic medical record interface. Their participation in care may be enhanced by allowing them to contribute medical information directly to the electronic medical record. [Porter SC, Silvia MT, Fleisher GR, Kohane IS, Homer CJ, Mandl KD. Parents as direct contributors to the medical record: validation of their electronic input. Ann Emerg Med. April 2000;35:346-352.]
“A compelling sense of place”: Recent ethnographic approaches in the British Isles

Bell, Michael Mayerfeld. Childerley: Nature and Morality in a Country Village. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1994. xi + 279 pp. including notes, references, and index. $32.50 cloth. Gulliver, P. H. and Marilyn Silverman. Merchants and Shopkeepers: A Historical Anthropology of an Irish Market Town. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1995. ix + 440 pp. including appendices, notes, references, and index. $60.00 cloth, $29.95 paper. Kennedy Neville, Gwen. The Mother Town: Civic Ritual, Symbol, and Experience in the Borders of Scotland. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. ix +150 pp. including appendix, notes, references, and index. $35.00 cloth, and $16.95 paper.
Tension-based multi-stable compliant rolling-contact elements

This paper presents models for a tension-based, multi-stable, large displacement, compliant rolling-contact element (CORE). The models are capable of determining stress, strain, and retaining forces and are derived using a strain-energy approach. Models are compared to empirical results and the utility of these models is demonstrated in a case study. The case study demonstrates a device with multiple stable equilibrium positions and tests the fatigue properties of tension-stable CORE.
Hydrodynamic properties of macromolecular complexes. V. Improved calculation of rotational diffusion coefficient and intrinsic viscosity

In our previous calculations of rotational diffusion coefficients and intrinsic viscosities of macromolecular complexes modeled by arrays of spherical subunits [J. G. de la Torre & V. A. Bloomfield, Biopolymers16, 1765, 1779 (1977); 17, 1605 (1978)], results were poor when the dominant subunit was located near the center of frictional resistance. A simple means of correcting this flaw, which gives satisfactorily accurate results with little increase in computation time, is to replace the single large subunit with an array of smaller ones. We have examined trigonal bipyramidal, octahedral, and cubic arrays of spheres whose radii were chosen to give the same total volume or the same rotational diffusion coefficient as the parent sphere. These all give similar results, so the details of the modeling are not important. Results obtained using this stratagem are in much better agreement with the theories of Perrin and Simha for short prolate ellipsoids of revolution, and with experimental measurements of rotational diffusion coefficients of T-even bacteriophage without fibers or with fibers retracted. We have also extended our previous calculations to consider phage with various numbers of fibers attached.
Tritiated 17 beta-estradiol uptake by the brain and other tissues of the cichlid jewel fish, Hemichromis bimaculatus

Abstract Intact and gonadectomized mature and immature Hemichromis bimaculatus were treated with tritium-labeled estradiol to investigate estrogen uptake by various tissues. The metabolism of the injected estradiol was examined by column chromatography of blood, liver, kidney, optic tract, and brain tissue extracts. The inferior lobe of the brain (hypothalamus and hypophysis) showed a characteristic pattern of uptake and retention of radioactivity similar to that shown by other vertebrates in that the uptake was not displaced by a second injection of unlabeled estrogen but could be blocked by preinjection of the unlabeled steroid. Chromatographic analysis of tissue extracts indicated the bound hormone to be predominantly 17β-estradiol. Regions of the brain and other body tissues which did not differentially take up and retain radioactivity contained a relatively larger fraction of the label as estrone or more polar compounds. The cerebrum, although containing less radioactivity as estradiol than the inferior lobe, did retain a greater percentage of its radioactivity as estradiol than the remaining brain regions.
THE Arabidopsis PHYTOCHROME A GENE HAS MULTIPLE TRANSCRIPTION START SITES AND A PROMOTER SEQUENCE MOTIF HOMOLOGOUS TO THE REPRESSOR ELEMENT OF MONOCOT PHYTOCHROME A GENES

We have determined the sequence of the phytochrome A gene (PHYA) and its flanking DNA from Arabidopsis thaliana and have identified transcription start sites for three nested transcripts of increasing length. The overall structure of the gene is similar as regards exon/intron organization to other angiosperm PHY genes characterized. The triple transcription start site arrangement is similar to that of pea PHYA but different from the single start site of oat, rice and maize PHYA genes, indicating a possible monocot-dicot difference. Comparison of the Arabidopsis PHYA promoter sequence with others available indicates that both pea and Arabidopsis promoters contain a DNA element with a core sequence motif identical to one conserved in all existing monocot PHYA sequences and defined by functional assay in the oat PHYA gene as repressor element, RE1, responsible for negative light regulation.
Effects of lead on growth in young herring gulls (Larus argentatus).

One‐day‐old herring gulls (Larus argentatus) were injected intraperitoneally with lead nitrate solution (0.1 or 0.2 mg Pb/g) or sterile saline to examine differences in growth rates. Despite the low levels of lead exposure, by d 8 there were significant differences in growth rates as a function of treatment. There were also, by d 8, significant differences in bill length, tarsus length, and wing bone length. Except for bill length, these differences persisted for the duration of the study. Developmental curves varied, with lead‐treated birds reaching the same asymptote as control birds for bill length, but having a lower asymptote for tarsus length. For curves where asymptotes were reached, lead‐treated birds required more days to reach it than control birds. The initial amount of food eaten each day was positively correlated with weight gain for control birds, but negatively correlated for lead‐treated birds.
Lipoprotein mutations in pigs are associated with elevated plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis

A strain of pigs bearing three immunogenetically defined lipoprotein-associated markers (allotypes), designated Lpb5, Lpr1, and Lpu1, has marked hypercholesterolemia on a low fat, cholesterol-free diet. Unlike individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia or WHHL rabbits, the affected pigs have normal low density lipoprotein receptor activity. The animals, by 7 months of age, have extensive atherosclerotic lesions in all three coronary arteries. This strain of pig represents an animal model for atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia associated with mutations affecting the structures of plasma lipoproteins. One of the variant apolipoproteins, Lpb5, is apolipoprotein-B. A second variant apolipoprotein (Lpr1), termed apo-R, is a 23-kilodalton protein present in both the very low density (d less than 1.006 g/ml) and the very high density (d greater than 1.21 g/ml) fractions of pig plasma. Isoforms of this protein correlate with two Lpr alleles, Lpr1 and Lpr2. The Lpr genes segregate independently of the Lpb5 and Lpu1 alleles. The Lpu1 allotype is a component of low density lipoprotein and is genetically linked to Lpb5.
Employment and first-year college achievement: the role of self-regulation and motivation

Students often work in order to meet monetary requirements for college. However, employment reduces the time students can devote to their studies, which can hinder performance. This study examined whether motivation (self-efficacy goal orientation) and self-regulated learning (help-seeking, metacognitive self-regulation, time management and effort regulation) are related to potential achievement differences between employed and unemployed students, and whether reduction in hours worked over time translates to better performance. A total of 591 US first-year college students completed surveys at the beginning of their first semester and 243 completed a similar survey at the end of the term. Work status and student grade point average (GPA) were also obtained. Results revealed that the number of hours worked was negatively associated with performance, and reducing the number of hours worked over the first year was associated with increased academic performance. Working students who were able to maintain a h...
Survival Benefit of Aortic Valve Replacement in Older Patients With Asymptomatic Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation

Background According to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a class III indication for patients with asymptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) greater than 50%, LV end-diastolic dimension less than 70 mm, and LV end-systolic dimension less than 50 mm. Methods We screened our echocardiographic database for all chronic severe AR patients between 1993 and 2007. Chart reviews were performed to collect clinical, demographic, and pharmacological data. Mortality was analyzed as a function of AVR. Results In all, 123 patients were found to have chronic severe asymptomatic AR; they had a mean age of 60 ± 17 years and mean LVEF of 60% ± 15%. A subgroup of 79 patients was found to have asymptomatic severe AR with an LVEF greater than 50%, LV end-diastolic dimension less than 70 mm, and LV end-systolic dimension less than 50 mm. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients not undergoing AVR had 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of 86%, 71%, and 46%, respectively, compared with 100%, 94%, and 94%, respectively, for patients who underwent AVR ( p = 0.004). Aortic valve replacement remained an independent predictor of increased survival after adjusting for group differences and univariate predictors of mortality. The benefit of AVR was further supported by propensity score analysis. Conclusions Despite serving as a class III indication, AVR is independently associated with increased survival among patients with severe asymptomatic AR, LVEF greater than 50%, LV end-diastolic dimension less than 70 mm, and LV end-systolic dimension less than 50 mm.
Instrumentation for Measuring Respiratory Impedance by Forced Oscillations

Recent reports have suggested that the frequency dependence of the respiratory impedance may provide a sensitive method for characterizing early changes in pulmonary mechanics. A modification of the forced-oscillation technique provides an experimental method for obtaining the necessary data. A loudspeaker was used to provide the pressure oscillations, and the magnitudes and phase angle of the transduced pressure and flow signals were measured with a special electronics unit. A test comparing predicted values of a standard impedance (a 5-g bottle) to experimental data indicates that the measured amplitude is within 10 percent and the measured phase within over the frequency range of 1-16 Hz. Dog studies showed that measurements at all frequencies up to 16 Hz were reproducible within a few percent of the mean value on a given animal. Data obtained following bronchoconstriction and its reversal in six dogs indicate that the measurements are sensitive to alterations in pulmonary mechanics. Data from two dog models of clinical disease suggest that the technique may provide meaningful diagnostic information.