cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Surgery in Older Adults

This article provides an overview of the current role of laparoscopic surgery in older patients. A retrospective review and analysis of the recent English-language literature on laparoscopic procedures with special attention devoted to those articles focused on geriatric patients was performed. Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly become the fastest-growing discipline within the surgical arena and new applications for laparoscopy continue to be reported. The primary benefits to patients of these developments are smaller scars, decreased postoperative pain, and more-rapid return to normal activity. As society ages, more older patients will present with pathology amenable to laparoscopic intervention. Several aspects of laparoscopy impose unique physiologic stresses and, as such, may alter surgical risk to the geriatric patient. In addition, older patients often have delayed surgical interventions because of more-conservative medical management or unusual symptomatology, which may further complicate the laparoscopic approach. These limitations may alter the risk-to-benefit ratio of laparoscopic versus open procedures. Despite this lack of elucidation of full-risk profiles, laparoscopic approaches should be considered regardless of a patient's age.
Humidity dependence of tribocharging of electrophotographic carriers coated with poly(vinylidene fluoride)-poly(methyl methacrylate) blends

In this study, the effect of humidity on the work function of ferrite carrier particles coated with blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate) was investigated. Charging measurements made as a function of humidity using toner surface treated with hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica were analyzed using an extension of the surface state model of tribocharging. The carrier work function is a linear function of the ratio of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate) in the carrier coating. In contrast to the work function of the surface treated toners used, the carrier work function is independent of humidity. The density of states of the charging sites on the carrier is large enough that the term containing it is much less than 1.0. Thus, unlike the toner, the carrier is in the so-called high density of states limit.
Millimeter Imaging of the beta Pictoris Debris Disk: Evidence for a Planetesimal Belt

We present observations at 1.3 millimeters wavelength of the beta Pictoris debris disk with beam size 4.3 x 2.6 arcsec (83 x 50 AU) from the Submillimeter Array. The emission shows two peaks separated by ~7 arsec along the disk plane, which we interpret as a highly inclined dust ring or belt. A simple model constrains the belt center to 94+/-8 AU, close to the prominent break in slope of the optical scattered light. We identify this region as the location as the main reservoir of dust producing planetesimals in the disk.
Disability and Physician-Assisted Suicide

On January 8, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Vacco v. Quill 1 and Washington v. Glucksberg, 2 the two cases concerning whether a state may prohibit persons in the terminal stage of an illness from obtaining the assistance of their physicians in ending their lives. A protest by a few hundred people with disabilities, which took place in front of the courthouse that day, raised related questions: whether a right to physician-assisted suicide is in the interest of people with disabilities and whether the majority of people with disabilities are opposed to the recognition of such a right. . . .
A general finite element procedure for problems with high gradients

Abstract A unified approach for treating finite element solutions with embedded, enriched and super-imposed fields is presented for large deformation problems. These methods are aimed at problems with high gradients. The unified approach allows the combination of various techniques developed previously by merging them either in separate domains, or in the same domain but in different directions. Results are obtained for a viscoplastic bar with shear bands.
Stories, probes, and games

This paper is a reflection on the potential of narrative video games for human sense making and perspective taking. Such games are considered in the context of storytelling and reflective action as the two core foundations of human sense making. I propose that narrative video games allow a form of player storytelling at the intersection of the game’s grand narrative and reflective action in a virtual world. I further propose that such games have the potential to create empathy for other people’s situations and perspectives in life.
Comments on "On necessary conditions for decoupling multivariable control systems"

In a recent correspondence two necessary conditions for decoupling multivariable systems by linear state-variable feedback are shown through unnecessarily long proofs. These necessary conditions are trivially proven here.
A piecewise linear model for the zones of instability of an area-preserving map

Abstract In this note we study the global behavior of the piecewise linear area-preserving transformation x 1 = 1 − y 0 + | x 0 |, y 1 = x 0 , of the plane. We show that there are infinitely many invariant polygons surrounding an elliptic fixed point. The regions between these invariant polygons serve as models for the “zones of instability” in the corresponding smooth case. For our model we show that some of these annular zones contain only finitely many elliptic islands. The map is hyperbolic on the complement of these islands and hence exhibits stochastic behavior in this region. Unstable periodic points are dense in this region.
UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of cis—-amides

UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy with 210 nm excitation was used to study the cis-amide bonds of caprolactam (CAP) and cis-N-methylacetamide (NMA) in aqueous solution. The UVRR spectrum of CAP is dominated by an intense stretching mode at 1492 cm−1, designated amide cII, which is assigned to a localized CN stretching vibration. The amide cI mode, described as a C=O stretch, can be located at 1621 cm−1 using Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Photoisomerization of NMA with high laser power, followed by subtraction of the trans-NMA spectrum, is used to generate the isolated UVRR spectrum of cis-NMA and its (C)CD3, (N)CD3 and (C,N)CD3 methyl isotopomers. The spectrum of cis-NMA is also dominated by an intense amide cII band at 1495 cm−1, and a weak band at 1623 + 3 cm−1 can be assigned to amide cI. The amide cII mode is strongly mixed with vibrations of the (N)CH3 group, as revealed by its 24 cm−1 downshift upon (N)CD3 substitution, but no isotopic sensitivity is observed for (C)CD3 substitution. Studies of CAP in various solvents show linear correlations between amide cI and cII wavenumbers and the solvent acceptor number, where amide cI downshifts and amide cII upshifts in hydrogen bonding solvents. However, the slope of the wavenumber dependence for the cis-amide modes of CAP is smaller than for the corresponding trans-amide modes of NMA and cannot be attributed to the differences in mode composition. This behavior is ascribed to different orientations of the ground-state dipole for amides in trans and cis configurations. Finally, the selective enhancement of cis-amide modes at 210 nm excitation was applied to monitor the increase in equilibrium population of cis-NMA with increasing temperature. A Van't Hoff plot of the spectral data to calculate ΔH for cis-trans isomerization yielded values of 1.9 + 0.2 kcal mol−1 from peak heights and 1.7 + 0.2 kcal mol−1 from peak areas (1 kcal = 4.180 kJ), which are in good agreement with previously published theoretical and experimental results.
A simple technique for blood collection in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

The left and right brachiocephalic veins were used for rapid collection of 5-10 ml blood samples in adult opossums. These vessels were also used to collect 0.5-1 ml blood samples in 120-day-old opossums. The animals were anaesthetized with 30 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride given intramuscularly prior to blood collection.
Electronic properties of the amino acid side chains contribute to the structural preferences in protein folding.

A database of 118 non-redundant proteins was examined to determine the preferences of amino acids for secondary structures: alpha-helix, beta-strand and coil conformations. To better understand how the physicochemical properties of amino acid side chains might influence protein folding, several new scales have been suggested for quantifying the electronic effects of amino acids. These include the pKa at the amino group, localized effect substituent constants (esigma), and a composite of these two scales (epsilon). Amino acids were also classified into 5 categories on the basis of their electronic properties: O (strong electron donor), U (weak donor), Z (ambivalent), B (weak electron acceptor), and X (strong acceptor). Certain categories of amino acid appeared to be critical for particular conformations, e.g., O and U-type residues for alpha-helix formation. Pairwise analysis of the database according to these categories revealed significant context effects in the structural preferences. In general, the propensity of an amino acid for a particular conformation was related to the electronic features of the side chain. Linear regression analyses revealed that the electronic properties of amino acids contributed about as much to the folding preferences as hydrophobicity, which is a well-established determinant of protein folding. A theoretical model has been proposed to explain how the electronic properties of the side chain groups might influence folding along the peptide backbone.
Evidence of a microbial community associated with rock varnish at Yungay, Atacama Desert, Chile

[1] Rock varnish is a very slow-growing nanostratigraphic coating consisting of approximately 70% fine-grained clay and 30% iron and manganese oxides that forms on the surfaces of rocks in arid and semiarid climates. The microbial diversity associated with rock varnish collected from the hyperarid Yungay region of the Atacama Desert was investigated using culture-independent biomolecular methods and an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay. The extraction of DNA from rock varnish collected at Yungay, a region in which little to no DNA has been extracted from the surface soil (<1 cm) to date, indicates that rock varnish may provide a niche habitat for microbial life where water is essentially absent. The clone library constructed suggests the presence of numerous phylogenetically distinct microorganisms, ranging in diversity from Cyanobacterial to a-proteobacteria lineages. The findings also show that only a few micrometers of varnish material are enough to shelter microbes like Chroococcidiopsis spp. from the intense ultraviolet radiation present in the Atacama Desert. Whether or not microorganisms are involved in its nucleation and/or growth, rock varnish appears to provide a microhabitat resembling cryptoendolithic communities seen on a larger scale.
Overexpression of SERCA2b in the heart leads to an increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium transport function and increased cardiac contractility

The sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase SERCA2b is an alternate isoform encoded by the SERCA2 gene. SERCA2b is expressed ubiquitously and has a higher Ca(2+) affinity compared with SERCA2a. We made transgenic mice that overexpress the rat SERCA2b cDNA in the heart. SERCA2b mRNA level was approximately approximately 20-fold higher than endogenous SERCA2b mRNA in transgenic hearts. SERCA2b protein was increased 8-10-fold in the heart, whereas SERCA2a mRNA/protein level remained unchanged. Confocal microscopy showed that SERCA2b is localized preferentially around the T-tubules of the SR, whereas SERCA2a isoform is distributed both transversely and longitudinally in the SR membrane. Calcium-dependent calcium uptake measurements showed that the maximal velocity of Ca(2+) uptake was not changed, but the apparent pump affinity for Ca(2+) (K(0.5)) was increased in SERCA2b transgenic mice (0.199 +/- 0.011 micrometer) compared with wild-type control mice (0.269 +/- 0.012 micrometer, p < 0.01). Work-performing heart preparations showed that SERCA2b transgenic hearts had a higher rates of contraction and relaxation, shorter time to peak pressure and half-time for relaxation than wild-type hearts. These data show that SERCA2b is associated in a subcompartment within the sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiac myocytes. Overexpression of SERCA2b leads to an increase in SR calcium transport function and increased cardiac contractility, suggesting that SERCA2b plays a highly specialized role in regulating the beat-to-beat contraction of the heart.
Co-expression of nAChRs and molecules of the bitter taste transduction pathway by epithelial cells of intrapulmonary airways

Abstract Aims The ability to sense the bitter taste of nicotine is an important component of addiction to, and withdrawal from, cigarette smoking. α-Gustducin and phospholipase C-β2 (PLC-β2), molecules involved in the taste transduction pathway, have been identified in airway epithelial solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs). Airway epithelial cells also express multiple nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the relationship between nAChRs and molecules of taste transduction in response to nicotine is not known. This study was designed to determine whether nAChRs and the taste transduction molecules α-gustducin, PLC-β2 and bitter taste receptors (T2R38) reside at sites of the intrapulmonary airways where interaction with the nicotine components of cigarette smoke is likely. Main methods We used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect α-gustducin, PLC-β2 and T2R38 mRNA and immunohistochemistry to localize expression of these proteins by nAChR expressing cells of the airway. Key findings RT-PCR demonstrated the presence of mRNA for α-gustducin, PLC-β2 and T2R38. Immunohistochemistry showed the expression of α-gustducin, PLC-β2 and T2R38 by subsets of epithelial cells at all levels of the intrapulmonary airways including bronchi, terminal and respiratory bronchioles. Double labeling demonstrated the co-expression of α-gustducin with α3, α4, α5, α7 and β2, as well as, PLC-β2 and T2R38 with α4, α5 and β2 nAChR subunits. Significance These findings provide morphological evidence for the presence of molecules of the bitter taste transduction pathway in nAChR expressing SCCs of the intrapulmonary airways. These SCCs may, thus, constitute a peripheral component of the bitter taste signal transduction pathway for nicotine.
A multidisciplinary approach to toxicological screening. I: Systemic toxicity

The toxicity of 10 chemicals, including pesticides (carbaryl, chlordane, heptachlor, and triadimefon), solvents (carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethylene), and industrial chemicals [diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) and phenol] was examined in the liver, kidneys, spleen, thymus, and adrenals of female F344 rats after 1 or 14 d of oral dosing. For each chemical, 4 doses were based on fractions of the acute LD50, which was estimated using an abbreviated (up-and-down) method. A multivariate analysis (MANOVA) was conducted for each organ using selected measures of toxicity. A post hoc contrast analysis was also conducted for significant MANOVA results in order to determine effective and ineffective doses. A single dose of heptachlor resulted in necrotic lymphocytes in the spleen and thymus at doses > or = 23 mg/kg. Triadimefon altered liver and spleen weights; this effect has not been described previously. Dichloromethane (> or = 337 mg/kg/d for 14 d) increased the incidence of necrosis of individual centrilobular hepatocytes. Trichloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity was obtained at doses an order of magnitude lower than those reported in the literature. Acute DEHP (150 mg/kg) increased mitotic figures in hepatocytes, which were replaced by hepatocellular cytomegaly after 14 d of dosing at the same level. Following phenol exposure, there was an increased incidence in hepatocellular necrosis at 1 d, and an increased incidence of kidney lesions at 1 and 14 d; these findings were considered to be the result of vascular stasis. Overall, the algorithm used to select doses was effective for both 1- or 14-d dosing regimens. For all chemicals except carbon tetrachloride, the lowest effective dose for systemic toxicity was within the range of 3-56% of the LD50 for acute dosing, and 1-30% of the LD50 for repeated administration.
Synthesis, Structure, and Coordination Chemistry of a Tridentate, Six-Electron-Donor Amidinate Ligand

The coordination chemistry of ancillary amidinate ligands with a pendant pyridine functionality is described. Reaction of p-toluoyl- or p-tBu-benzoyl chloride with 2-aminoethylpyridine generates the amides 2-Py-(CH2)2NHCO(p-RPh) (R = Me 1a; tBu 1b); these amides are then converted to the amidines 2-Py-(CH2)2NHC(p-RPh)NR‘ (R = Me, R‘ = Ph (2a) (LMeH); R = tBu, R‘ = 3,5-dimethylphenyl (2b) (LtBuH)) by reaction with PCl5 followed by R‘NH2. The amidines 2a,b were characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses, and 2b was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 2a or 2b with homoleptic metal−alkyls or −amides yields the mono- or bis(amidinate) complexes (LMe)2Mg (3a), (LtBu)AlMe2 (4), (LtBu)Zr(CH2Ph)3 (5), and (LMe)2La[N(SiMe3)2] (6). All metal complexes were characterized by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 3−6 show them to be monomeric, with the pendant pyridine coordinated intramolecularly in ...
Neonatal Isolation Stress Potentiates Cocaine Seeking Behavior in Adult Male and Female Rats

Little is known with regard to how sex and stress might interact as vulnerability factors in cocaine abuse. In this study, we compared the effects of neonatal isolation stress on cocaine self-administration under extended access conditions and on subsequent responding in a cue-induced reinstatement paradigm in adult male and female rats. Pups from each litter were subjected to either neonatal isolation (1 h/day) or brief daily handling from postnatal day 2 through 12. Adults rats were then trained to self-administer cocaine, and once they acquired lever responding for cocaine under a fixed ratio 1 schedule, they were given 24-h access to intravenous cocaine infusions (1.5 mg/kg) that were available in discrete trials (4, 10 min trials/h) for 7 consecutive days. At 10 days after the last discrete trial session, responding was assessed during six to eight 1-h extinction sessions that were followed by a 1-h cue-induced reinstatement session. Results revealed that females took more cocaine than did males over the 7-day discrete trial self-administration period and tended to respond at higher levels during the initial extinction sessions. Although intake did not differ between handled control rats and isolated rats under extended access conditions, stress effects were observed under subsequent extinction and cue-induced reinstatement testing conditions with isolated rats responding at higher levels during both phases. Notably, stress seemed to obscure sex differences in extinction responding such both isolated males and females responded at high levels. These findings demonstrate robust and enduring effects of neonatal isolation stress on cocaine seeking behavior in adult male and female rats.
The morphology and grain size of Nb3Sn filaments in in situ prepared multifilamentary Nb3Sn-Cu composite wire

Multifilamentary Nb3Sn-Cu wire was prepared from chill-cast Cu-20 wt% Nb ingots by drawing 12.5 mm ingots to 0.15 mm diameter wire, plating with 9 vol% Sn and reacting at temperatures ranging from 450 to 725° C. The morphology and grain size of the as-cast Nb filaments and the Nb3Sn filaments formed on heat treatment were characterized by TEM and SEM studies, and the Sn diffusion process was evaluated using electron microprobe analysis. The as-drawn Nb filaments had a cross-section typically 50 A by 2500 A and were generally convoluted in the wide direction. Tin diffusion produced Nb3Sn filaments with an essentially equi-axed cross-section having diameters of around 800 A for the 550° reaction temperature and grains extending across the diameter. It was shown that the change in cross-sectional shape is produced largely by coarsening of the thin Nb filaments prior to diffusion of Sn to form the Nb3Sn. Optimum Jc values at both 1 and 8 T were found to occur for diffusion temperatures of 550° C and times of 3 to 6 days where the grain size was 750 to 800 A.
Pulsed-dye laser and retinoic acid delay progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a murine model.

Objectives/Hypothesis: This study examined the role of the pulsed-dye laser (PDL) at 585 nm coupled with retinoic acid at therapeutic (5.0 mg/kg) and non-therapeutic (0.5 mg/kg) doses to delay the progression of cancer with a two-hit approach. The existing vasculature is selectively targeted by the laser, whereas retinoic acid inhibits future angiogenesis. Study Design: Randomized, prospective study in a murine model. Methods: Twenty-five athymic nude mice were inoculated with oral squamous cell cancers on six flank sites and randomly divided into five groups: 1) control subjects, 2) treatment with 0.5 mg/kg retinoic acid (RA 0.5), 3) treatment with 5.0 mglkg retinoic acid (RA 5.0), 4) treatment with RA 0.5 + PDL, and 5) treatment with RA 5.0 + PDL. The PDL groups received irradiation after inoculation. The retinoic acid was administered daily. The tumors were counted and measured for 14 days. Results: The control group developed visible tumors in 50% of the inoculation sites at 3 days compared with 3 days (RA 0.5) and 4 days (RA 5.0) for the retinoic acid groups and 9 days (RA 0.5 + PDL) and 10 days (RA 5.0 + PDL) for the laser treatment groups. There was no tumor growth until day 7 in the RA 5.0 + PDL group. The tumor volume was statistically different between the treatment groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the superiority of a single treatment with the PDL coupled with retinoic acid to delay the progression of cancer when compared with treatment with retinoic acid alone, thus introducing a novel strategy in cancer control.
Inhibition of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity by alkenal products of lipid peroxidation.

Abstract Lipid peroxidation causes the generation of the neurotoxic aldehydes acrolein and 4-hydroxy- trans -2-nonenal (HNE). These products are elevated in neurodegenerative diseases and acute CNS trauma. Previous studies demonstrate that mitochondrial class 2 aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is susceptible to inactivation by these alkenals. In the liver and brain another mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH/ALDH5A1), is present. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that aldehyde products of lipid peroxidation inhibit SSADH activity using the endogenous substrate, succinic semialdehyde (SSA, 50 μM). Acrolein potently inhibited SSADH activity (IC 50 =15 μM) in rat brain mitochondrial preparations. This inhibition was of an irreversible and noncompetitive nature. HNE inhibited activity with an IC 50 of 110 μM. Trans -2-hexenal (HEX) and crotonaldehyde (100 μM each) did not inhibit activity. These data suggest that acrolein and HNE disrupt SSA metabolism and may have subsequent effects on CNS neurochemistry.
Morphological features of lamina V neurons receiving nociceptive input in cat sacrocaudal spinal cord

Thirty-six neurons from laminae III-VII in cat sacrocaudal spinal cord were labeled by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase, following physiological characterization. Of these 36 neurons, 24 had cell bodies within lamina V. Twelve lamina V neurons were multireceptive; i.e., they responded differentially to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimuli. Most multireceptive neurons had the following morphological features: (1) large cell bodies; (2) extensive dendritic spreads in all directions; and (3) axons which ascended in the contralateral ventral white matter. Three labeled lamina V neurons were activated only by noxious stimuli. Compared to the multireceptive neurons, these nociceptive-specific (NS) units had smaller cell bodies but a similar dendritic spread. Seven lamina V neurons were excited by innocuous mechanical stimuli with no evidence of nociceptive input. These seven neurons had less extensive dendritic trees than the multireceptive and the NS neurons. Six neurons labeled in lamina VII (three multireceptive and three NS) contrasted to most lamina V cells by having smaller cell bodies and short, sparsely branched dendrites. Among the lamina VII neurons, there was no obvious morphological feature that distinguished the multireceptive group from the NS group. Fifteen fully stained neurons from laminae III-VII had late discharges which were correlated with C fiber input. The dendrites of three of these neurons extended into laminae II and I; the dendrites of two neurons reached into the inner portion of lamina II; and the dorsal dendrites of the remaining ten neurons extended no further than the nucleus proprius (laminae III and IV). Thus, deeper dorsal horn neurons evincing reliable, excitatory influences from C fibers do not necessarily have superficially situated dendrites. Tests for correlations between size of cutaneous, excitatory receptive field (RF) and dendritic spread revealed a significant positive correlation between the mediolateral extent of dendritic spread and the size of the low-threshold component of the RF for lamina V neurons.
The extinction of shuttlebox avoidance

Abstract Rats were trained in a shuttlebox with CS termination, feedback presentation, avoidance of shock, and escape from unavoided shock. Different groups were extinguished with one or more of these contingencies removed. The most important factors in maintaining the avoidance response were the avoidance contingency and how it was removed. If avoidance was prevented in the traditional manner of discontinuing all shock, Ss gave about 62 responses in extinction. If all behavior was punished (i.e., failed to avoid shock), Ss gave 25. If only the avoidance response was punished, Ss gave 4. The other contingencies appear to have little overall effect; their contribution to the maintenance of avoidance also depends upon how the avoidance contigency is removed.
A template-finding algorithm and a comprehensive benchmark for homology modeling of proteins

The first step in homology modeling is to identify a template protein for the target sequence. The template structure is used in later phases of the calculation to construct an atomically detailed model for the target. We have built from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) a large-scale learning set that includes tens of millions of pair matches that can be either a true template or a false one. Discriminatory learning (learning from positive and negative examples) is used to train a decision tree. Each branch of the tree is a mathematical programming model. The decision tree is tested on an independent set from PDB entries and on the sequences of CASP7. It provides significant enrichment of true templates (between 50 and 100%) when compared to PSI-BLAST. The model is further verified by building atomically detailed structures for each of the tentative true templates with modeller. The probability that a true match does not yield an acceptable structural model (within 6 A RMSD from the native structure) decays linearly as a function of the TM structural-alignment score. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EFFECT OF METHOD OF READING TRAINING ON INITIAL LEARNING AND TRANSFER.

Letter (phonic) and word (look-say) methods of reading training were compared with regard to transfer of training to new words. The graphemes were completely novel although the phonemes and words were familiar. The letter-training group was superior to the word-training group on the initial transfer trial as well as on a learning performance measure. Intelligence proved to be a significant variable in transfer but not in initial training.
Multicultural teacher education for the 21st century

Abstract This article explains several reasons why multicultural preservice teacher education is important and suggests some ways it can be better accomplished. The authors make a strong case for teacher education programs to be more deliberate about preparing European Americans to teach ethnically diverse students of color. They argue that this explicit professional preparation is needed because of the increasing racial, cultural, and linguistic divide between teachers (predominately European American) and K–12 students (increasingly from ethnic groups of color). Two other factors underscore the need for more multicultural teacher education: the fear of diversity and the resistance to dealing with race and racism frequently expressed by students enrolled in teacher education programs. To overcome these problems and better prepare preservice teachers to work effectively with ethnically diverse students the authors suggest a two‐part program of professional development.
Assessment of tissue-engineered islet graft viability by fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Introduction Despite significant progress in the last decade, islet transplantation remains an experimental therapy for a limited number of patients with type 1 diabetes. Tissue-engineered approaches may provide promising alternatives to the current clinical protocol and would benefit greatly from concurrent development of graft quality assessment techniques. This study was designed to evaluate whether viability of tissue-engineered islet grafts can be assessed using fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F-MRS), by the noninvasive measurement of oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and the subsequent calculation of islet oxygen consumption rate (OCR).
Effect of the synthetic NC-1059 peptide on diffusion of riboflavin across an intact corneal epithelium.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of the peptide NC-1059 on riboflavin (RF) diffusion across an intact corneal epithelium into the stroma. METHODS NC-1059 peptide was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis with 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chemistry, characterized by reversed-phase HPLC, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The diffusion of RF across embryonic day 18 chick corneal epithelium ex vivo was monitored using confocal microscopy. The depth distributions of RF in the corneal stroma were calculated using a group of linear equations based on the relationship between RF fluorescence intensity and concentration. RESULTS Data presented in this study demonstrate that the NC-1059 peptide can transiently open the intact epithelial barrier to allow the permeation of RF into the stroma. The effect of NC-1059 peptide on RF diffusion across the corneal epithelium was concentration and time dependent. The amount of RF reaching a 50-μm depth of chick corneal stoma increased dramatically after exposure to NC-1059 for 10 minutes, reaching a plateau by 30 minutes. The concentrations of RF in the presence of NC-1059 at corneal stromal depths of 50, 100, and 150 μm were significantly higher than in the absence of the peptide, and almost as high as in corneas in which the epithelium first had been physically removed. In addition, a cell viability assay indicated that the NC-1059 peptide did not kill corneal epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS NC-1059 peptide significantly enhances the diffusion of RF across intact corneal epithelium into the stroma.
Interpretation of hall and resistivity measurements in polycrystalline silicon

Grain boundary barriers play a dominant role in the transport properties of polycrystalline silicon. As a result, resistivity and Hall measurements in polysilicon, when interpreted in the normal manner used for single crystals, do not represent in general the same physical entities as in single crystals. The bulk of the grain is more conducting and has a larger free carrier concentration than the barrier. However, the Hall voltage, from which the carrier concentration and mobility are computed, arises from both the bulk and the barrier region. For small grains (< 10μm) the contribution to the Hall voltage from the barrīer region is dominant, while for large grains (≥ 100μm) the bulk dominates. There is a transition region between the two. The magnitudes of the contributions depend on the relative size and resistivity of the grain and the boundary. Thus the interpretation of the data varies with grain size. Doping also affects the relative contribution of the bulk and barrier regions. It is not necessary to invoke carrier depletion within the grain to account for the observed mobility minimum.
Autophagy Mediates Astrocyte Death During Zinc-Potentiated Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Pathological release of excess zinc ions and the resultant increase in intracellular zinc has been implicated in ischemic brain cell death, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Since zinc promotes the formation of the autophagic signal, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increases autophagy, a known mechanism of cell death, we hypothesized that autophagy is involved in zinc-induced hypoxic cell death. To study this hypothesis, we determined the effect of zinc on autophagy and ROS generation in C8-D1A astrocytes subjected to hypoxia and rexoygenation (H/R), simulating ischemic stroke. C8-D1A astrocytes subjected to 3-h hypoxia and 18-h reoxygenation exhibited dramatically increased autophagy and astrocyte cell death in the presence of 100 μM zinc. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy decreased zinc-potentiated H/R-induced cell death, while scavenging ROS reduced both autophagy and cell death caused by zinc-potentiated H/R. These data indicate that zinc-potentiated increases in ROS lead to over-exuberant autophagy and increased cell death in H/R-treated astrocytes. Furthermore, our elucidation of this novel mechanism indicates that modulation of autophagy, ROS, and zinc levels may be useful targets in decreasing brain damage during stroke.
Father Love and Child Development History and Current Evidence

Six types of studies show that father love sometimes explains as much or more of the variation in specific child and adult outcomes as does mother love. Sometimes, however, only father love is statistically associated with specific aspects of offsprings' development and adjustment, after controlling for the influence of mother love. Recognition of these facts was clouded historically by the cultural construction of fatherhood and fathering in America.
Near infrared wound monitor helps clinical assessment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Background:The efficacy of using diffuse near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in predicting wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers was demonstrated by conducting a pilot human study.Method:Sixteen chronic diabetic wounds were followed and assessed for subsurface oxyhemoglobin concentration using the NIRS device. Weekly measurements were conducted until there was wound closure, limb amputation, or 20 completed visits without healing. Wound size and degree of wound contraction were measured by image analysis of digital photographs, and results were compared to NIRS results.Results:In the 16 patients followed, seven wounds healed, six limbs were amputated, and three wounds remained opened after 20 visits. Initial values of subsurface hemoglobin concentration, in all wounds, were higher than in nonwound control sites. Healed wounds exhibited a consistent reduction of hemoglobin concentration several weeks prior to closure, and the absolute hemoglobin concentration approached the value at the control site. In woun...
Spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in gases: Corrections to the Doppler-recoil shift

We analyze the excitation by an electromagnetic wave of a two-level molecule (or atom) within a rarefied gas. This process differs from the excitation of an isolated molecule because there is significant interaction between the molecule and the surrounding gas particles as they are all polarized by the electromagnetic wave. These interactions lead to corrections to the recoil and Doppler shifts of the molecule's transition frequency. We propose an experiment using saturation spectroscopy to observe sodium molecular transitions near the atomic $D$ lines which could easily detect the correction to the first-order Doppler shift caused by the interaction between the sodium molecules and the surrounding atomic vapor.
Large-Scale Simulations of Sky Surveys

Large-volume sky surveys have accessed the Universe's vast temporal and spatial expanse via a remarkable set of measurements, and many more are sure to follow. To make new predictions for these cosmological observations and to properly interpret them, large-scale numerical simulation and modeling has become an essential tool. Here, the authors discuss Hardware/Hybrid Accelerated Cosmology Code (HACC), an extreme-scale N-body cosmology code and its associated analysis framework, focusing on the complexity of the analysis workflow, which is as important as running the underlying simulation.
INELASTIC EFFECTS IN ONE-CHANNEL N/D CALCULATIONS

The possibility of including inelastic effects within a one-channel $\frac{N}{D}$ calculation is discussed, and it is seen that the one-channel calculation agrees with the Bjorken matrix calculation whenever the elastic amplitude has no zero on the physical sheet. An example indicates that this may be the case for $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ scattering in the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ channel.
New Trends in Camera and Software Technology in Nuclear Cardiology

This article describes advancements in hardware and software for myocardial perfusion imaging that are becoming commercialized today and their implication in clinical practice.
A comparison of responses and stimuli as time markers

A rat's behavior, as well as a stimulus, may be a time marker. But do they lead to similar performance? Eight rats were trained on a 20-s DRL procedure in which head-entry responses were time markers, i.e., each head-entry response indicated that food would not be delivered for 20s. Concurrently, eight rats were trained on a control procedure in which light stimuli, yoked to the responses of a rat in the DRL procedure, were time markers, i.e., each light stimulus indicated that food would not be delivered for 20s. A comparison of performance between the two groups showed a lower response rate in the DRL procedure than in the yoked control procedure. However, similar response patterns between the two groups were observed, suggesting that rats anticipated the food similarly with a stimulus or a response as the time marker.
Quasi-parallel switched-capacitor and regulating PWM DC-DC converter

Datacenter power consumption makes up two percent of United States electricity consumption or 80TWhr. Roughly half of this energy is spent on cooling or lost in power conversion. Further as datacenters try to maximize compaction, the need for small and highly efficient power supplies is highlighted. Telecom power supplies often rely on large and lossy transformers to achieve large conversion ratios or to provide isolation for Quasi-Parallel or Sigma configurations. Low power switched capacitors converters can eliminate the large magnetic components and even provide ground isolation. Switched capacitor converters suffer from poor load regulation, poor line regulation, and discontinuous conversion ratios. Using a multilevel modular switched capacitor converter in a quasiparallel structure, a lesser power rated regulating converter can provide load regulation and line regulation. This configuration can provide lightweight, efficient, and magnetic-less power.
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis masquerading as interstitial pneumonia in a 66-year-old man: a case report and review of literature.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) is a rare, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated systemic angiodestructive lymphoproliferative disorder that may progress to a diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Pulmonary involvement may mimic other more common lung pathologies including pneumonias. Therapeutic standards have not been established for LG, but rituximab, interferon-α2b (INF-α2b), and chemotherapy have shown to improve symptoms and long term prognosis.
Advances in breast reconstruction of mastectomy and lumpectomy defects.

Abstract Breast reconstruction continues to evolve along with advances in the detection and management of breast cancer. With more patients diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in life and increased identification of genetic mutations predisposing patients to breast cancer, patients' desires and expectations regarding reconstruction have become more sophisticated. Restoration of the breast to a form as close as possible to its presurgical state continues to be a primary goal. The past decade has seen many advances in implant and autologous tissue-based reconstruction. The future of reconstruction for breast cancer patients is promising with continued research in ways to improve the care provided.
Ultrawideband SAR for detection of subsurface unexploded ordnance (UXO): measurement, modeling, and signal processing

We report here on the use of rigorous scattering models for SAR-based detection of buried UXO. In this paper we concentrate on the algorithm used for the scattering computations, the fast multiple method (FMM), and in the talk we will demonstrate how this is applied to subsurface- target detection, using data from the Army Research Laboratory BoomSAR. The FMM is applied to scattering from an arbitrary, 3D perfect conductor situated above or below a lossy, dielectric half space. Example results are presented for an electrically large target buried in a lossy, dispersive half space, with comparisons presented between the FMM and a rigorous method of moments solution.
A cost-effective approach to evaluate insulative materials for low heat flux applications

Insulative materials are used as thermal barriers to protect a substrate (e.g., wood, metal, or ordnance) from heat sources (e.g., fires or aerodynamic heating). Insulative coatings can be either inert, ablative, intumescent, or a combination of these three. This paper describes a cost-effective approach that we have developed to screen candidate materials for an application before proceeding with expensive qualification testings. Both radiant heat and hydrocarbon flame environments were used and compared. Several applications are discussed in this paper with emphasis on fast cookoff simulations. Eight insulative materials were tested and compared. Mass loss, maximum expansion, backface temperature, thermal margin, and surface and subsurface analyses were performed. 8 refs.
“DECENT PEOPLE SHOULDN'T LIVE HERE”: The American City in Cinema

ABSTRACT:This paper explores how the cinema uses the US urban scene as a landscape of the imagination. The essay is an exploratory look at the reactions to the US city by some of our most acute and sophisticated observers, American moviemakers. The assumption underlying this effort is that films help structure the context within which urban affairs take place, are perceived, and are studied. Movies can tell us much about our urban pasts, presents, and futures and provide insights into our collective hopes, fears, fantasies, and phobias. The essay focuses on a number of complementary and competing images of our cities in US cinema over the last quarter century.
Are Private Prisons More Cost-Effective Than Public Prisons? A Meta-Analysis of Evaluation Research Studies

The need to reduce the costs of incarceration to state and federal correctional agencies has allowed the movement to privatize correctional institutions to gain considerable momentum. The empirical evidence regarding whether private prisons are more costeffective than public institutions, however, is inconclusive. To address this question, a meta-analysis was conducted of 33 cost-effectiveness evaluations of private and public prisons from 24 independent studies. The results revealed that private prisons were no more cost-effective than public prisons, and that other institutional characteristics—such as the facility's economy of scale, age, and security level—were the strongest predictors of a prison's daily per diem cost.
Barriers to sustaining customer participation in hospital-based farmers’ markets: insights from employees

92 farmers’ markets are located on hospital campuses in the United States but no known studies have evaluated factors influencing employee use of on-site markets. We examine modifiable barriers that reduced employee participation in a hospital-based market at Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center. 360 employees of Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center who used a weekly on-site seasonal market less than twice annually were sent an online survey, and frequency of response data were analyzed. Most frequently referenced barriers to participation were: location/access to the market, personal work schedules, cost of market products, and hours of operation, while top perceived benefits were support of local agriculture, health benefits, atmosphere/environment, and affordability. Hospital markets using value-based marketing campaigns to promote local economic and individual health benefits of participation, maximize convenience and access, and incentivize attendance are likely to sustain employee participation. These modifiable features may be relevant to worksite markets in diverse regions.
Living Anionic Surface-Initiated Polymerization (LASIP) of a Polymer on Silica Nanoparticles

To demonstrate living anionic surface-initiated polymerization (LASIP) on silica nanoparticles, the initiator precursor 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) was functionalized with alkyldimethylchlorosilane and grafted onto silica particle surfaces. n-BuLi was used to activate the DPE, which allowed the anionic polymerization of the styrene monomer to proceed in benzene solution. A high-vacuum reactor was used to allow polymerization from the surface of silica particles under anhydrous solution conditions. The dispersion of the DPE functionalized silica particles showed a distinct red color indicating an activated nanoparticle−DPE−n-BuLi complex suitable for anionic polymerization. The degree and mechanism of polymerization were determined based on characterization of the grafted and detached polystyrene chains using thermogravimetric analysis, size exclusion chromatography, NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to chara...
Interface issues in hardware-in-the-loop simulation

This paper discusses the interface issues in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations. Different interfacing schemes are introduced to extend the applicability of HIL to power electronics applications that contains switching events and power hardware testing. Application examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of these interfaces, and HIL simulation results are presented.
Managerial Agents Watching other Agents: Multiple Agency Conflicts Regarding Underpricing in IPO Firms

We contribute to multiple agency theory by examining cases in which ventures making initial public offerings (IPOs) have managerial agents on their boards whose goals conflict with those of the investment bank agents hired to underwrite the stock. Underwriters have an incentive to underprice IPOs to maintain strong ties with institutional investors. We develop theory on agent differences based on time horizons and risk taking by managerial agents as framed through behavioral agency theory. Examining governance mechanisms, we find both monitoring by board insiders and board experience decrease underpricing. Furthermore, underpricing increases when venture capitalists have prior ties with underwriters.