cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simulator model for sacroiliac screw placement.

Objective Fixation with percutaneously placed sacroiliac screws has become a well-established technique for fixation of the posterior pelvic ring in the proper clinical setting. This technique, however, carries with it the risk of iatrogenic injury to neurovascular structures with aberrant screw placement. Given the potential risks involved with this technique, a model whereby the psychomotor skills involved could be refined before entering the operating room may be of benefit. The purpose of the current study is (1) to describe a simulator model for SI screw placement that can be assembled from readily available equipment and (2) to attempt to demonstrate the construct validity of such a simulator. Design A simulator was assembled using readily available equipment found in the hospital and at a hardware store, and the cost of set up is less than $50. Orthopedic surgeons and novice operators were then observed using the simulator and results were recorded. Setting Tertiary referral teaching hospital. Participants Orthopedic surgery residents, resident faculty, x-ray technicians. Results This simulator has been found to be a safe and effective model for teaching junior residents the technique of sacroiliac (SI) screw placement. An added benefit to this module is that it helps train new C-arm technicians to learn how to obtain the necessary views for this procedure. Conclusions This model can be a valuable component of orthopedic training programs whereby technical and psychomotor skills necessary for percutaneous SI screw placement can be developed in a controlled setting.
Designing a Programme to Support Smallholder Agriculture in Mexico: Lessons from PROCAMPO and Oportunidades

This article argues that there is a gap in current Mexican rural development policy that could be filled by a smallholder-targeted programme. The gap exists because agricultural programmes tend to benefit better-off farmers, while social programmes tend to focus on long-term investment in human capital, specifically for the children of today's poor. Drawing on lessons from PROCAMPO and Oportunidades, it offers a specific design for such a programme at a time when the government is considering how to reform PROCAMPO, given that, after 15 years, it is due to come to an end.
Fourier transform spectroscopy on the 3ν2, 2ν2 + ν6 and ν3 + ν5 bands of H2CO

Abstract Fourier transform spectra covering the range from 1500 to 5400 cm −1 with 0.02-cm −1 resolution have been obtained for formaldehyde. A study of the region above 4000 cm −1 has yielded rotational constants and other asymmetric rotor parameters for three bands: 3 ν 2 ( ν 0 = 5177.7611 ± 0.0005 cm −1 )2 ν 2 + ν 6 ( ν 0 = 4734.193 ± 0.004 cm −1 ), and ν 3 + ν 5 ( ν 0 = 4335.102 ± 0.001 cm −1 ). An analysis of the A -type Coriolis interaction between the 2 ν 2 + ν 6 state and the unobserved 2 ν 2 + ν 4 state has yielded partially deperturbed rotational constants for the 2 ν 2 + ν 6 state. Vibration-rotation interaction constants have been obtained for the ν 2 and ν 6 normal modes by combining the present results with those of previous workers.
Macroscopic Friction Coefficient Measurements on Living Endothelial Cells

Arterial stent deployment by balloon or self-expandable structure introduces shear forces and radial forces that can damage or remove the endothelial cell layer. These factors can subsequently cause failure by restenosis or endothelial leaks. These conditions can be exacerbated by pulsatile blood flow and arterial asymmetry, which can cause migration or displacement. In mechanical or finite-element models which attempt to explain this motion, friction between the stent materials and endothelial cells is eclipsed by pressure, or assumptions that cells are moved along with the stent. During device deployment or migration, some relative motion between stent materials and endothelial cells occurs. This study aims to quantify friction between a polished glass pin and a single layer of arterial endothelial cells, and include observations of cell damage in an attempt to better understand the biological response to tribological stresses. Measured friction coefficient values were on the order of μ = 0.03–0.06.
Eight and Nine-Coordinate Plutonium (IV) Complexes of the f-Element Extractant 2,5-Bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)benzene P,P'-dioxide Including Structural Characterization of a Plutonium (IV) Alkoxide

The bidentate ligand 2,6-bis[(diphenylphosphino)-methyl]benzene P,P'-dioxide (POPO) is a liquid-liquid extraction agent for the separation of actinide and lanthanide ions in acid. When combined with an aqueous nitric acid solution of Pu(IV), POPO produces 1:1 coordination complexes Pu(POPO)(NO3)2Cl2 (3) and Pu(POP0)(NO3)3(OMe) (4). The former was isolated from a chloroform solution and the latter from a basic methanol solution. Monoclinic crystals of both complexes were characterized by single-crystal, X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 3 is eight-coordinate, containing a bidentate POPO ligand, two bidentate nitrates, and two chlorides. Complex 4 is nine-coordinate and contains a bidentate POPO ligand, three bidentate nitrates, and one methoxide. The plutonium to oxygen distances, Pu-O(P), of the bound phosphine oxide moieties are 2.250(3) A and 2.238(3) A in complex 3, and 2.301(2) and 2.276(2) A in complex 4. Plutonium to nitrate distances, Pu-0(NO3), range from 2.447(4) A to 2.468(4) A in 3 and from ...
Loss of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Receptor Type I Mediates TGF-β Resistance in Human Papillomavirus Type 16-Transformed Human Keratinocytes at Late Stages of in Vitro Progression

Abstract Human keratinocytes (HKc) immortalized by human papillomavirus type 16 DNA (HKc/HPV16) progress toward malignancy through growth factor-independent (HKc/GFI) and differentiation-resistant stages (HKc/DR). This progression is associated with a loss of sensitivity to growth inhibition by both all- trans -retinoic acid (RA) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In the accompanying article (Borger et al., 2000, Virology 270, 397–407), we demonstrate that RA resistance in HKc/HPV16 arises despite functional nuclear retinoid receptors and that TGF-β mediates growth inhibition by RA. To investigate the basis for the loss of TGF-β sensitivity during in vitro progression of HKc/HPV16, we explored the expression of TGF-β receptors type I and type II in independently derived HKc/HPV16 lines and their corresponding HKc/GFI and HKc/DR derivatives. While TGF-β receptor type II mRNA levels were unchanged during progression, mRNA levels for TGF-β receptor type I decreased dramatically as the cells became TGF-β resistant. At the HKc/DR stage, loss of TGF-β receptor type I mRNA, compared to low-passage cells, ranged from 55 to 87% in four HKc/HPV16 lines examined. Immunohistochemistry, using anti-TGF-β receptor type I antibodies, confirmed a loss of TGF-β receptor type I expression in HKc/DR. Reintroduction of the TGF-β-receptor type I into TGF-β-resistant HKc/DR completely restored growth inhibition by TGF-β. Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from normal HKc, HKc/HPV16, and HKc/DR ruled out any gross changes in the TGF-β receptor type I gene. The activity of the TGF-β receptor type I promoter, cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene, was decreased in HKc/DR, to an extent comparable to the decrease in mRNA levels for the TGF-β receptor type I. Thus, TGF-β resistance at late stages of HPV16-mediated transformation of HKc is the result of a loss of expression of TGF-β receptor type I.
The effects of ethnic similarity on tutor–tutee interactions

The effects of ethnically matching tutors and mothers participating in Project PRIMER (PRoducing Infant/Mother Ethnic Readers), a community-based literacy program, were investigated. It was hypothesized that mothers ethnically matched to tutors would show increased satisfaction with the program, greater increases in literacy-promoting behaviors, and decreased attrition. It was also hypothesized that their children would show greater progress in conceptual knowledge and language production. Tutors were trained to teach Head Start parents techniques to increase language development in their children. During each instructional visit, tutors introduced literacy tips to mothers, modeled reading, taught an abstract concept, and sang a song with the mother and child. Tutors also took the mother and child on four library visits. Mothers' satisfaction with the tutor was assessed, and their progress was measured by scales assessing reading, teaching, and library behaviors at both pre- and post-assessments. Children's gains were assessed via standardized tests of conceptual knowledge and language production. The results indicated that there was no advantage of matching tutors and tutees on ethnic similarity. The implications of these findings for the use of indigenous paraprofessionals is discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Basic FGF, NGF, and IGFs protect hippocampal and cortical neurons against iron-induced degeneration.

Iron is believed to contribute to the process of cell damage and death resulting from ischemic and traumatic insults by catalyzing the oxidation of protein and lipids. Exposure of cultured rat hippocampal neurons to iron (FeSO4) caused a dose-dependent reduction in neuronal survival, which was potentiated by ascorbate. Damage to neurons was associated with a significant level of oxygen radical in the culture medium. The iron chelator desferal prevented both the neuronal degeneration caused by FeSO4 and the production of oxygen radical, demonstrating that ionic iron was responsible for the cell damage. Iron neurotoxicity was associated with an elevation of [Ca2+]i and was attenuated by NMDA receptor antagonists. Since recent findings demonstrated neuroprotective effects of growth factors in cell culture and in vivo models of ischemia, we examined the effects of growth factors on iron-induced damage. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and insulinlike growth factors (IGF-I and ...
Bounded Equivalence of Hull Classes in Archimedean Lattice-Ordered Groups with Unit

A hull class in a category is an object class H for which each object has a unique minimal essential extension in H. This paper addresses the enormity of the collection of hull classes in the category W of Archimedean l-groups with distinguished weak order unit through consideration of the action on the hull classes of the bounded coreflection $\textbf {W} \overset {B}\rightarrow \textbf {W}^{\ast }$ onto the subcategory where the units are strong. It is shown that hull classes go forth under B and back under B −1, that the B-equivalence class of a hull class in W always has a top, and that these B-equivalence classes are frequently not sets. The property “top” is related to various other properties that hull classes might have. This paper is the third by us on the complex taxonomy of hull classes in W, and more are planned.
Stabilization of Drug use Patterns on the American Campus

Patterns of drug use among students in higher education change and reach stabilization as a result of societal reactions, institutional adjustment mechanisms, and the students' own experiences and experimentation in drug use. The thesis of this article is that patterns of drug use on large U.S. campuses have been institutionalized to such an extent that they are no longer a disruptive element in education and adjustment. Looking at the stages of the institutionalization process may help us in understanding the correct scope of drug abuse, as opposed to drug use, and in recognizing parallel processes in other populations.
Print vs. electronic resources: a study of user perceptions, preferences, and use

The arrival and proliferation of electronic resources and digital libraries have a number of significant impacts on the use of print resources and traditional libraries. This study explores the extent to which graduate students in a metropolitan university setting use print and electronic resources. Reading preferences and use of print and electronic resources vary among different disciplines. Graduate students seem to expect a hybrid of print and electronic resources. They desire to meet their information needs through a mix of print and online resources, even though reasons for supplementing another type of resource differ. Circumstances that affect the selection of use between digital libraries and traditional libraries are also discussed.
Structure and gene expression of avian cyclin D2

Avian cyclin D2 (Cyl D2)-encoding cDNA clones were isolated from a chicken UG9 T-cell lambda gt10 library. Sequence analysis revealed a high degree of sequence conservation with both the mouse and human Cyl D2, and somewhat lower similarity with the mouse and human Cyl D1 and D3. The homology is highest between species in the Cyl-box domain which is well conserved among human, mouse and chicken. A single 6.0-kb CYL2 mRNA is produced in both avian B- and T-cells, as expected.
Prepubertal ethanol exposure alters hypothalamic transforming growth factor-α and erbB1 receptor signaling in the female rat

Glial-derived transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) activates the erbB1/erbB2 receptor complex on adjacent glial cells in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). This receptor activation stimulates the synthesis and release of prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) from the glial cells, which then induces the release of prepubertal luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion from nearby nerve terminals; thus, showing the importance of glial-neuronal communications at the time of puberty. Ethanol (EtOH) is known to cause depressed prepubertal LHRH secretion and delayed pubertal development. In this study, we assessed whether short-term EtOH exposure could alter the hypothalamic glial to glial signaling components involved in prepubertal PGE(2) secretion. Immature female rats began receiving control or EtOH diets beginning when 27 days old. The animals were killed by decapitation after 4 and 6 days of treatment and confirmed to be in the late juvenile stage of development. Blood and brain tissues were collected for gene, protein, and hormonal assessments. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated that EtOH did not affect basal levels of erbB1 gene expression in the MBH. Expression of total erbB1 protein was also unaffected; however, the EtOH caused suppressed phosphorylation of erbB1 protein in the MBH at both 4 and 6 days (P<.01) as revealed by Western blotting. Phosphorylation and total protein levels of erbB2 receptor were not affected by EtOH exposure. Because this receptor is critical for PGE(2) synthesis/release, which mediates the secretion of LHRH, we assessed whether in vivo EtOH exposure could affect the release of PGE(2). EtOH exposure for 6 days suppressed (P<.01) basal levels of PGE(2) released into the medium. The effects of 4- and 6-day EtOH exposure on gene and protein expressions of TGFα, an upstream component in the activation of erbB1/erbB2, were also studied. The levels of TGFα mRNA were increased markedly at 4 days (P<.001), but declined to near basal levels by 6 days in the EtOH-treated animals. The EtOH caused increases in TGFα protein expression at both 4 (P<.001) and 6 (P<.01) days; hence, suggesting that the EtOH inhibited release of the peptide. We confirmed this inhibition by showing decreased (P<.01) TGFα released from MBHs incubated in vitro following 6 days of EtOH exposure in vivo. Thus, these results demonstrate that EtOH is capable of interfering with hypothalamic glial to glial signaling processes involved in prepubertal PGE(2) secretion.
Experimental Model of Temperature-Driven Nanofluid

This paper presents a systematic experimental method of studying the heat transfer behavior of buoyancy-driven nanofluids. The presence of nanoparticles in buoyancy-driven flows affects the thermophysical properties of the fluid and consequently alters the rate of heat transfer. The focus of this paper is to estimate the range of volume fractions that results in maximum thermal enhancement and the impact of volume fraction on Nusselt number. The test cell for the nanofluid is a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure with differentially heated vertical walls and adiabatic horizontal walls filled with 27 nm Al 2 O 3 -H 2 O nanofluid. Simulations were performed to measure the transient and steady-state thermal response of nanofluid to imposed isothermal condition. The volume fraction is varied between 0% and 8%. It is observed that the trend of the temporal and spatial evolution of temperature profile for the nanofluid mimics that of the carrier fluid. Hence, the behaviors of both fluids are similar. Results shows that for small volume fraction, 0.2 ≤ O≤2% the presence of the nanoparticles does not impede the free convective heat transfer, rather it augments the rate of heat transfer. However, for large volume fraction O>2%, the convective heat transfer coefficient declines due to reduction in the Rayleigh number caused by increase in kinematic viscosity. Also, an empirical correlation for Nu o as a function of O and Ra has been developed, and it is observed that the nanoparticle enhances heat transfer rate even at a small volume fraction.
Self-repelling processes associated with Brownian motions

Abstract We consider Dynkin's polynomials of the occupation field ⋮Tn⋮ for a 2-dimensional Brownian motion X. Using a relationship between the occupation field and connected Feynman diagrams, we obtain Lp-estimates for the renormalization of ⋮Tn⋮. We also obtain a measure on the space of continuous sample paths dQ = Z−1 exp{−⋮Tn⋮λ} dP, where dP is the distribution of X, Z is a normalization constant, and λ represents a space cutoff. Since ⋮Tn⋮ characterizes the self-intersection of X of order n, dQ is a self-repelling process of order n. Our development is parallel to the development of the well-known:φ2n: quantum field theory.
Decreased Right Ventricular Function in Healthy Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients Versus Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction may occur in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and strain and strain rate analysis are new echocardiographic tools that can quantitate RV function. This study aimed to compare the RV function between healthy CF patients and non-CF patients to determine whether differences exist. Healthy CF children and age-matched non-CF children were enrolled in the study. In this study, TDI analysis of the RV free wall was performed at the level of the tricuspid valve annulus. Two-dimensional speckle echocardiography was used to measure global strain and strain rates in a six-segment model of the RV. Independent t tests were used to compare the groups. The study enrolled 18 CF patients (age, 7.7 ± 2.0 years) and 15 non-CF patients (age, 6.4 ± 2.5 years). The age difference was not significant. The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) for the CF patients was 91 ± 15 %. The systolic annular velocity by TDI was significantly lower in the CF group. The RV strain values in the CF group were significantly lower in four of the six segments (RV free-wall base, RV free-wall mid, RV septal apex, and RV septal mid). The global strain value, the systolic strain rate, and the early diastolic strain rate were significantly lower in the CF group. Decreased systolic and diastolic RV properties were present in young healthy CF patients. Further studies with longitudinal follow-up evaluation are needed to determine the significance of these findings for the pediatric CF population.
Utilizing Real-World Transportation Data for Accurate Traffic Prediction

For the first time, real-time high-fidelity spatiotemporal data on transportation networks of major cities have become available. This gold mine of data can be utilized to learn about traffic behavior at different times and locations, potentially resulting in major savings in time and fuel, the two important commodities of 21st century. As a first step towards the utilization of this data, in this paper, we study the real-world data collected from Los Angeles County transportation network in order to incorporate the data's intrinsic behavior into a time-series mining technique to enhance its accuracy for traffic prediction. In particular, we utilized the spatiotemporal behaviors of rush hours and events to perform a more accurate prediction of both short-term and long-term average speed on road-segments, even in the presence of infrequent events (e.g., accidents). Our result shows that taking historical rush-hour behavior we can improve the accuracy of traditional predictors by up to 67% and 78% in short-term and long-term predictions, respectively. Moreover, we can incorporate the impact of an accident to improve the prediction accuracy by up to 91%.
The reinstatement model of drug relapse: recent neurobiological findings, emerging research topics, and translational research

Results from many clinical studies suggest that drug relapse and craving are often provoked by acute exposure to the self-administered drug or related drugs, drug-associated cues or contexts, or certain stressors. During the last two decades, this clinical scenario has been studied in laboratory animals by using the reinstatement model. In this model, reinstatement of drug seeking by drug priming, drug cues or contexts, or certain stressors is assessed following drug self-administration training and subsequent extinction of the drug-reinforced responding. In this review, we first summarize recent (2009–present) neurobiological findings from studies using the reinstatement model. We then discuss emerging research topics, including the impact of interfering with putative reconsolidation processes on cue- and context-induced reinstatement of drug seeking, and similarities and differences in mechanisms of reinstatement across drug classes. We conclude by discussing results from recent human studies that were inspired by results from rat studies using the reinstatement model. Main conclusions from the studies reviewed highlight: (1) the ventral subiculum and lateral hypothalamus as emerging brain areas important for reinstatement of drug seeking, (2) the existence of differences in brain mechanisms controlling reinstatement of drug seeking across drug classes, (3) the utility of the reinstatement model for assessing the effect of reconsolidation-related manipulations on cue-induced drug seeking, and (4) the encouraging pharmacological concordance between results from rat studies using the reinstatement model and human laboratory studies on cue- and stress-induced drug craving.
Factors affecting gestation length in dairy cattle

Abstract Data were collected through a special record keeping system for 2,254 herds that used artificial insemination, 37% of which were enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement Associations. Information was available on a total of 35,162 gestations, consisting of 24,367 Holstein, 5,849 Guernsey, 2,872 Jersey, 1,667 Ayrshire and 407 Brown Swiss pregnancies resulting in single births plus 930 multiple births. Breeds, twinning, sex of calf, parity of the cow and time of day on which estrus occurred were associated with differences in gestation length. Month of insemination had no effect. Mates and sires of the cows both affected gestation length slightly, but significantly. Selection of sires for high milk production of their daughters over a 23-year period appears to have had little, if any, effect on gestation length, as the mean gestation length has increased only one day, from 278 to 279 days for Holsteins during that time.
The Simon-Yule approach to bibliometric modeling

Abstract Using an index approach to take into account the scattering pattern of the observed values, Chen and Leimkuhler showed that the three well-known bibliometric distributions (i.e., Lotka's law of scientific productivity, Bradford's law of bibliographic scattering, and Zipf's law of word frequency) are equivalent. Furthermore, Chen showed that Lotka's law can be derived from a generating mechanism (the Simon-Yule Model) proposed by Herbert A. Simon. In this paper, we use a simulation algorithm based on the Simon-Yule model to conduct computational experimentation on these three laws. The results indicate that the probability of a new entry (α), be it constant or decreasing, determines the characteristics of all three distributions.
Video shot detection and characterization for video databases

Abstract The organization of video information for video databases requires segmentation of a video into its constituent shots and their subsequent characterization in terms of content and camera work. In this paper, we look at these two steps using compressed video data directly. For shot detection, we suggest a scheme consisting of comparing intensity, row, and column histograms of successive I frames of MPEG video using the chi-square test. For characterization of segmented shots, we address the problem of classifying shot motion into different categories using a set of features derived from motion vectors of P and B frames of MPEG video. The central component of the proposed shot motion characterization scheme is a decision tree classifier built through a process of supervised learning. Experimental results using a variety of videos are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of performing shot detection and characterization directly on compressed video.
Realizing Lean Concept in Automotive Parts Production: Child Parts in Sub-Assembly Line

This paper addresses the application of a promising and concept known as Lean Manufacturing (LM) concepts that can be used to prevent incorrect parts size at subassembly 1 and 5. In the context of size versus volume, the possibility of small parts to encounter defects is much greater compare to huge size. This undesirable circumstance will lead to the financial deficits in terms of waste. At this stage, this paper will identify and investigate the sources of inputs that cause the failure in the manufacturing system. The finding of the failure will be analysed and extending to the problem solution by suggesting the lean approach at the allocated area. By adapting some of this approach, it will deliver to the performance of production line that includes an assessment of fulfilling the objectives in terms of preventing parts incorrect size, reducing related cost from waste and providing customer with quality products. Taking into account of the objectives, the implementation of this approach in the sub assembly line is then described. Nevertheless, further investigations are necessary to improve the proposed applications which currently function with limitation due to small area of production line.
Differential Estradiol and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) Regulation of Keratin 13 Gene Expression and Its Underlying Mechanism in Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Expression of the Keratin 13 (KRT13) gene, which encodes a cytoskeletal protein thought to play important roles in breast cancer growth and metastasis, is differentially regulated by estradiol (E2) and the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and raloxifene. While stimulation of KRT13 by tamoxifen is robust and prolonged, stimulation by E2 is more transient and raloxifene has virtually no effect. To investigate the mechanistic basis for the differential ligand regulation of KRT13, we have defined the regulatory regions of KRT13, compared gene expression by E2 and SERMs, and explored the magnitudes and time courses of estrogen receptor (ER) and cofactor recruitment patterns on these regions. Using a ChIP scanning approach and reporter transactivation assays, we identified a 2.5 kb upstream ER-binding regulatory region for KRT13. Directed composite mutations in this region revealed that three estrogen response elements and three Sp1 sites were involved in its ligand-dependent regulation. Differential recruitment of ERα and cofactors to the KRT13 regulatory sites paralleled the different time course and magnitude of regulation by these ligands: there was almost no ERα or cofactor recruitment with raloxifene, whereas there was strong, prolonged ER recruitment and histone acetylation with tamoxifen, and an early and more transient recruitment with E2. Taken together, our results suggest that the different ligand regulations of KRT13 are due to ligand-differential recruitment of ER and coactivators, and they provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for the different agonistic activities and differential gene regulation by estradiol and the SERMs tamoxifen and raloxifene.
The impact of margins on outcome after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis.

Hepatic resection is the only treatment modality associated with long-term survival in patients with colorectal liver metastasis. Five-year survival rates ranging from 25% to 58% have been reported with hepatic resection.1–3 With improved surgical techniques and chemotherapy, more patients are subjected to resection, including patients previously considered unresectable. Several clinicopathologic factors have been analyzed and are now considered to be independent prognostic factors associated with survival.4–13 The role of resection margin status as a prognostic factor to predict survival after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis is controversial. In addition, the optimal margin width, if any, is unclear. Early documentation by some reports of a potential benefit associated with a 1-cm margin led to the general acceptance of this margin width to guide hepatic resections.14 Since that time, several studies addressing the issue of margin width have yielded conflicting results. Some authors have shown that a margin width >1 cm is associated with improved survival when compared with subcentimeter resections.4,15–19 In contrast, other reports have documented that the margin width does not have any effect on survival as long as it is negative,2,20,21 whereas some studies have noted that although a >1 cm margin is desirable, survival is not influenced by the width of the subcentimeter margin (0–9 mm).3,22 Firm conclusions from these studies are limited by small numbers of patients and limited statistical power. The only reports with a large number of patients were multi-institutional studies,2,7,11 in which institutional differences in the method of liver transection and pathologic analysis of the margin may confound the results. From these conflicting studies, the prognostic significance of margin status and the optimal margin width remain unclear. This is all the more important, since an increasing number of complex resections are performed in which the extent of hepatic involvement frequently mandates close resection margins. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of margin width on long-term survival after hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis in a large, consecutive series of patients from a single institution. Second, the study hopes to determine the influence of margin width on survival in the context of well-established clinicopathologic prognostic factors.
Aspects of the Limno-Ecology of Corophium Spinicorne Stimpson (Amphipoda) and Gnorimosphaeroma Oregonensis (Dana) (Isopoda)

[Der Oso Flaco See ist ein flacher, in Sanddunen eingefaster See nahe am Ozean. Das Seebett ist sandig und grostenteils mit Torf bedeckt. Die vorherrschenden anlandigen Winde sorgen fur eine standige Vermischung des Wassers. Der See zeigt daher nur geringe Stratifikation; tagliche Fluktuationen wurden jedoch beobachtet. Limnologisch und biologisch handelt es sich um einen Suswassersee. Corophium spinicorne und Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis lutea - beides bodenbewohnende Crustaceen mit marinen Affinitaten - sind zwei bemerkenswerte Ausnahmen von dieser Verallgemeinerung. Ihr Vorkommen in diesem See stellt eine betrachtliche sudwarts gerichtete Expansion ihres Verbreitungsareals dar und lieferte neue Informationen uber ihre artspezifische Toleranz gegenuber physiko-chemischen Umweltsqualitaten. Die Untersuchung ergibt unter anderem, das die untere Chlorid-Grenze fur beide Arten bei mindestens 105 ppm liegt. Sie zeigt gleichzeitig, das die Verbreitung nicht nur auf Grund des kritischen Chloridgehalts erklart werden kann., Der Oso Flaco See ist ein flacher, in Sanddunen eingefaster See nahe am Ozean. Das Seebett ist sandig und grostenteils mit Torf bedeckt. Die vorherrschenden anlandigen Winde sorgen fur eine standige Vermischung des Wassers. Der See zeigt daher nur geringe Stratifikation; tagliche Fluktuationen wurden jedoch beobachtet. Limnologisch und biologisch handelt es sich um einen Suswassersee. Corophium spinicorne und Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis lutea - beides bodenbewohnende Crustaceen mit marinen Affinitaten - sind zwei bemerkenswerte Ausnahmen von dieser Verallgemeinerung. Ihr Vorkommen in diesem See stellt eine betrachtliche sudwarts gerichtete Expansion ihres Verbreitungsareals dar und lieferte neue Informationen uber ihre artspezifische Toleranz gegenuber physiko-chemischen Umweltsqualitaten. Die Untersuchung ergibt unter anderem, das die untere Chlorid-Grenze fur beide Arten bei mindestens 105 ppm liegt. Sie zeigt gleichzeitig, das die Verbreitung nicht nur auf Grund des kritischen Chloridgehalts erklart werden kann.]
A convenient method for the conversion of trans to cis-cinnamic acids

Abstract trans -Cinnamic acids react in sequence with bromine, base, and carbon monoxide [palladium(0) and phase transfer catalysis] to give cis -acids in reasonable yields.
Vegetative Treatment Area Geospatial Nutrient Distribution After Eight Years of Operation

Cattle feeding operators are interested in alternative runoff control and treatment systems that eliminate the need for long-term liquid storage; however, the long-term sustainability of these systems is yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate kriging and cokriging of soil data and electromagnetic induction apparent soil conductivity (EMI ECa) data to predict spatial nutrient distribution of a vegetative treatment area used to control feedlot runoff. Once the nutrient spatial distribution is known, a total nutrient mass can be calculated and monitored year to year to evaluate sustainability. Thirty-three soil samples were collected from a 4.5 hectare vegetative treatment area (VTA) to provide for geospatial nutrient predictions. Samples were analyzed for chloride, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. In addition, transect EMI ECa data were collected from the VTA on 6 m intervals with data continuously collected at one point per second along the transects. This resulted in a data point approximately every 2.5 m. Soils data from the 0 – 15 cm depth were kriged to generate a root mean squared standard error (RMSSE) value as an indicator of the model’s ability to predict spatial nutrient distribution. Soils data were then cokriged with EMI ECa data to evaluate any improvement in prediction. Improvement was based on a reduction in the RMSSE term. Little or no improvement was detected when the entire VTA was evaluated as one field; however, predictions were improved when the VTA was separated into north and south segments to account for chronic nutrient loading in the south segment. A strategy of focusing most or all of the soil samples in the segment that receives the most nutrient loading may improve spatial prediction without increasing sampling cost, but still may not provide adequate spatial prediction. Additional spatial prediction strategies such as multiple linear regression using high density, relatively low-cost EMI ECa may provide more detailed predictions without the need for as many high-cost soil samples as cokriging.
Characterization of the fluorescent morphological structures in human arterial wall using ultraviolet-excited microspectrofluorimetry

In this study, the fluorescent morphological structures in normal coronary artery, normal aorta, and atherosclerotic aorta were histochemically identified and spectroscopically characterized in situ using ultraviolet-excited microspectrofluorimetry. Excitation wavelengths of 290 nm and 310/312 nm were employed to observe two distinct fluorescence bands, with peak emission wavelengths near 335 nm and 380 nm, respectively. Emission of the short wavelength 335 nm band, previously assigned to tryptophan residues in tryptophan-containing proteins, was observed from all the morphological structures in the vessel walls and was isolated in groups of smooth muscle cells in aorta and coronary artery media. The long wavelength 380 nm band was assigned to distinct fluorophores associated with the structural proteins collagen and elastin and was observed in collagen fibers and elastic fibers, respectively. The corresponding morphological structures in normal aorta, normal coronary artery, and atherosclerotic aorta exhibited similar fluorescence lineshapes. In atherosclerotic plaque, a distinct fluorescence band, peaking near 370 nm, was observed in the emission from both ceroid granules and necrotic core. Using a simple, quantitative model, differing contributions of collagen, elastin, and tryptophan-containing protein fluorescence were shown to account for over 95% of the emission from the intima, media, and adventitia layers of non-necrotic aorta and coronary artery.
On the Regularity of Optimal Sets in Mass Transfer Problems

Given a set Ω1 ⊂ ℝ n with fixed volume and D ⊂ ℝ n , we study the regularity of the boundary of a set Ω that minimizes both its perimeter in D and the transportation cost from Ω1 onto Ω. We prove t...
Modified extraperitoneal endoscopic separation of parts for abdominal compartment syndrome

Background Standard therapy for abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is laparotomy and temporary abdominal wall closure with significant morbidity. The component separation technique allows for difficult abdominal closure. We studied a modified extraperitoneal endoscopic separation of parts technique on an animal model of ACS.
Effect of lindane on intestinal nitroreductase, azoreductase, β-glucuronidase, dechlorinase, and dehydrochlorinase activity

Abstract It has been reported that pretreatment of rats with the organochlorine insecticide γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) significantly increases nitroreductase activity as well as the biotransformation of parathion to aminoparathion in the intestinal tract of rats. Such an interaction could affect the metabolism, toxicity, and risk assessment of many environmental nitro compounds that become toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic upon reduction of their nitro groups. This study was conducted to determine: (i) the effect of lindane on the activity of five microbial enzymes in the intestinal tract; (ii) possible regional differences in the effect of lindane; (iii) whether the enzymes selected for study were exclusively of microbial origin; and (iv) how lindane produced the effect. Weanling male and female Fischer 344 rats received daily po injections of 20 mg/kg lindane in peanut oil for 2 or 5 weeks while controls received the vehicle. After 4 weeks, half the remaining treated animals were transferred to isolation cubicles and received antibiotics in addition to their regular treatment. At autopsy, the small intestine and cecum were aseptically excised, homogenized, and incubated with a dimethyl sulfoxide mixture of p,p′ -DDT, 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene, p -nitrophenyl β- d -glucuronide, and methyl orange. After 2 weeks, lindane produced significantly higher β-glucuronidase activity in the small intestine and significantly greater dechlorinase and azoreductase activity in the cecum. After 5 weeks, lindane significantly increased nitroreductase and azoreductase activity in the small intestine. Coadministration of antibiotics with lindane markedly reduced the microbial flora in both the small intestine and cecum. However, whereas enzyme activity in the cecum of the treated rats was decimated, enzyme activity in the small intestine of these animals was reduced to a level not significantly below that of the controls. Thus, while increased enzyme activity in the small intestine of the lindane-treated rats appears to be of microbial origin, substantial amounts of mucosal enzyme may also be present in this region.
Distributing data to the user: a distributed user querying interface standard for the future distributed database

The variety of user interfaces of existing database querying tools made the interfaces unfriendly to the database users. The users are forced to shift between different application environments to pass information between applications. The diverse interface definitions and command sets of the different applications prevent the users from having high productivity. In this paper we propose a new standard querying interface, whose querying power is distributed to applications throughout the operating system. The proposed querying interface would improve the data accessibility of the databases. This new standard is called Distributed Querying Interface Standard(DQIS) by the authors.
Individual differences in the rejection-aggression link in the hot sauce paradigm: The case of Rejection Sensitivity.

Prior research shows that social rejection elicits aggression. In this study, we investigated whether this is moderated by individual differences in Rejection Sensitivity (RS) – a processing disposition to anxiously expect, readily perceive and overreact to rejection. Participants (N = 129) took part in a purported web-based social interaction in which they were either rejected or not by a potential partner. Subsequently, they were given the opportunity to allocate hot sauce to the perpetrator, knowing that he/she disliked spicy food. Amount of hot sauce was used as a behavioral index of aggression. Participants in the rejection condition allocated more hot sauce to the perpetrator than those in the control condition. However, RS moderated this effect such that rejection elicited aggression in high but not in low RS people. These results held after controlling for trait neuroticism. Implications of these findings for understanding how and why rejection elicits aggression are discussed.
Male‐female sexual variations: Functions of biology or culture

Male-female disparities in sexual attitudes and behavior are so obvious, and pervade all strata of the society, that it would be easy to assume that this is the natural order of things. Howeverv any historical or cross-cultural analysis would challenge many notions concerning innate difference among males and females in sexual attitudesv desire or behavior. From both an historical and cross-cultural perspective, societies and epochs may vary greatly as to the kinds of behavior approved for different sex role groupings. These variations reflect the fact that while male and female are biological entities, they appear to be social roles as well (Maccoby, 1966). According to some nineteenth-century anthropologists (Bachofen, 1861 and Morgan, 1871) ancient societies allowed free sexual relations to prevail and the fathers of the children were unknown. Within certain tribal groupings, every woman belonged to every man, and there was unrestricted sexual intercourse between brother and sister, parent and child. In these primitive societies, there was absolute sexual equality between males and females. It was only after the emergence of private property that sexual freedom was restricted for either sex. As part of the evolution of civilization, man had to secure the faithfulness of wives in order to insure reliability of paternal lineage. This was required because the children would later on inherit the fortunes of their fathers. Not only did this stage of civilization mark the beginning of monogamous marriages but the double standard of sexual conduct as well. Only women were expected to be strictly faithful and adultery on their part was cruelly punished (Engels 1902). These theories and many similar ones have only historical interest today For the most part they are now recognized as undocumerlted metaphysics. As Leslie (1962) notes, the proposition that families everywhere have passed through similar stages or that there is any unilinear trend toward the monogamous family has long since been rendered implausible by more sophisticated anthropological study. In essence, he says, the question of family origins is lost in prehistory,
Golgi membrane dynamics and lipid metabolism

The striking morphology of the Golgi complex has fascinated cell biologists since its discovery over 100 years ago. Yet, despite intense efforts to understand how membrane flow relates to Golgi form and function, this organelle continues to baffle cell biologists and biochemists alike. Fundamental questions regarding Golgi function, while hotly debated, remain unresolved. Historically, Golgi function has been described from a protein-centric point of view, but we now appreciate that conceptual frameworks for how lipid metabolism is integrated with Golgi biogenesis and function are essential for a mechanistic understanding of this fascinating organelle. It is from a lipid-centric perspective that we discuss the larger question of Golgi dynamics and membrane trafficking. We review the growing body of evidence for how lipid metabolism is integrally written into the engineering of the Golgi system and highlight questions for future study.
Measurement of fecal sulfide using gas chromatography and a sulfur chemiluminescence detector

We describe a simple technique to measure sulfide in fecal homogenates (or any other liquid milieu), which involves acidification followed by the G.C. measurement of H2S in a gas space equilibrated with a small quantity of homogenate. An internal standard of Zn35S added to the homogenate permits correction for incomplete recovery of H2S in the gas space. The use of a sulfur chemiluminescence detector, which specifically and sensitively responds to sulfur-containing compounds, greatly facilitates this measurement.
Natriuretic and depolarizing effects of a stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) factor on Malpighian tubules.

Abstract A two-step HPLC purification procedure resulted in a factor from the stable fly that depolarizes the lumen-negative transepithelial voltage (Vt) of the adult stable fly Malpighian tubule. When applied to tubules of the female mosquito, Aedes aegypti, this factor partially mimics the electrophysiological actions of the mosquito natriuretic factor (MNF). It also selectively increases active transepithelial Na transport by the mosquito Malpighian tubule. The blood meal causes a transient increase in hemolymph Na and Cl contents and hemolymph volume during the course of the 24-h post-feeding period. The level of a factor that is immunologically cross-reactive with the human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increases more than 6-fold within 6 h following a blood meal by the stable fly. The temporal pattern of the levels of the ANP-immunoreactive factor closely parallels the blood meal-induced rise and subsequent fall in hemolymph NaCl content and hemolymph volume, suggesting a functional correlation between the ANP-immunoreactive factor and the rate of NaCl and fluid loss from the hemolymph.
Super‐hyper singularity treatment for solving 3D electric field integral equations

The super-hyper singularity treatment is developed for solving three-dimensional (3D) electric field integral equations (EFIE). EFIE usually takes two forms: one of which includes a super-hyper singular kernel generated by the double gradient of the Green's function. So far, there is no way to evaluate these super-hyper singular integrals needed for constructing the pertinent matrix equation. We apply the series expansion of the Green's function to the super-hyper singular kernel and derive closed-form expressions for their evaluations in the Cauchy principal-value sense. The derivation is based on the constant current approximation over a flat triangle patch, but it can be extended easily to higher-order approximations of the current. The scheme can be used to accurately calculate the near and self interaction terms in the impedance matrix for the method of moments (MoM), Nystrom method or boundary element method (BEM). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1383–1388, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI.10.1002/mop.22443