cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unlocking Doors: Providing MSW Programs and Students with Educational “Keys” to Social Justice

ABSTRACT How can social work educators identify what constitutes social justice as a practice, as a social work stance? How can we teach our students to recognize this stance, to work toward it, to practice it, and to live it? Symbolic interactionist Erving Goffman's concepts of keys and keying, as underscored in his work Frame Analysis, provide useful tools for helping students to recognize the value of social justice within social work educational encounters and to apply this value when they enter the field. The concepts of keys and keying can also help programs to assess and amplify their commitments to social justice.
Lattice theory of shear modes of vibration and torsional equilibrium of simple-cubic crystal plates and bars

Abstract With a view toward helping to bridge the gap, from the discrete side, between discrete and continuum models of crystalline, elastic solids, analytic solutions, in closed form, are obtained of the Gazis-Herman-Wallis finite difference equations of a simple-cubic, crystal lattice for the cases of thickness-shear vibrations of a plate, face-shear and thickness-twist waves in a plate, axial shear vibrations of a rectangular bar and torsional equilibrium of a rectangular bar. The simple character of the solutions facilitates detailed studies of frequencies and deformations as the dimensions of the bodies and the wave lengths (or the dimensions alone, in the case of equilibrium) increase from interatomic distances to the sizes at which the classical continuum theory may be used.
Engaging Latino/a Students in the Secondary English Classroom: A Step Toward Breaking the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Behavior issues in the classroom directly relate to the teaching style and the type of interactions between the teacher and students. In particular, Latino/a students need to be engaged in the curriculum content if they are to be successful, both academically and emotionally. If this does not occur, then behavioral issues will arise, which will then feed into the school-to-prison pipeline theory.
Leaf anatomy of Bruniaceae: ecological, systematic and phylogenetic aspects

CARLQUIST, S., 1991. Leaf anatomy of Bruniaceae: ecological, systematic and phylogenetic aspects. Quantitative and qualitative data are given for 60 species of the 12 genera of Bruniaceae; most data are based on liquid-preserved material. Leaves of Bruniaceae are basically linear (broader forms are probably derived) with an apicula that contains phellogen activity. Most bruniaceous leaves have some degree of isolateral construction, with transition to normal bifacial construction in a few species, but more commonly transition to ‘inverse’ bifacial structure (stomata on adaxial face, palisade on abaxial face). The latter type is correlated with the tendency for leaves to be appressed to stems. Tannins and very likely other dark-staining materials are very characteristic of mesophyll cells. Six genera have a large strand of fibres on the midvein and rhomboidal crystals in bundle sheath cells. The other six genera have few or no fibres on veins and have druses in mesophyll cells (but not in bundle sheath cells). These distinctions may relate to intrafamilial taxonomy, but they also support the primitive position usually accorded to Audouinia, Thamnea and Tittmannia. A key to genera based on leaf antomy is offered. Details of epidermal cell shape, cuticular relief and trichome form and structure based on scanning electron microscopy are given. Leaf anatomy, combined with other features, favours a relationship between Bruniaceae and Grubbiaceae in particular and in broader contexts allies Bruniaceae to rosalean and possibly hamamelidalean families.
Ultrastructure of Human Mast Cells

Ultrastructural studies of human mast cells define their organelles and the impact of environment, development and function on their ultrastructural morphology. The studies we review here implicate lipid bodies in eicosanoid and cytokine biology, and extend the functional repertoire of secretory-storage granules to synthesis.
Review of Information-gap decision theory: Decisions under severe uncertainty by Yakov Ben-Haim

This book examines uncertainty from a nonprobabilistic point of view. The author is concerned with the development of info-gap models that seek to define the disparity between what is known and what could be known, with very little information about the structure of the uncertainty. Clustering of events is the central concept used in info-gap models of uncertainty rather than the frequency of recurrence, likelihood, plausibility, or possibility of events. The book is theoretical in nature with several theorems but contains many examples from structural mechanics, project management, and various other disciplines. The author puts forth the notion that probability models do not capture all facets of the phenomena associated with risk taking. However, he also recognizes that some information is modeled well probabilistically. Therefore, hybrid probabilistic/info-gap decision algorithms are also explored in the book. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the various parts of the book, while Chapter 2 gives milestones of the development of uncertainty from numbers to statistics, quantum mechanics and nonlinear dynamics. The author describes the different forms of uncertainty, including linguistic, and uncertainty caused by sparse information. The chapter contains contrasts between info-gap uncertainty models, and distribution-based models including probabilistic and fuzzy models with physical examples. The mathematical definition of an info-gap model of uncertainty is given, and various forms of info-gap models are presented. Chapter 3 introduces the robustness function, which is defined as the immunity to failure and the opportunity function, which expresses the immunity to windfall gain; these are the basic decision functions in info-gap decision theory. The author explains that when robustness is large, the decision is unaffected by large errors in the information; on the other hand, the opportunity function is the lowest level of uncertainty that can enable ~but not guarantee! a large windfall reward. The components of info-gap decision theory are defined, and examples such as vibrations of a cantilever beam under uncertain loads are used to implement infogap decision models. Structural reliability is treated in the context of the robustness function in terms of a threshold robustness based on acceptable levels of risk.
Appliance classification and energy management using multi-modal sensing

In this demonstration, we introduce a low-cost energy management system that tracks appliance energy usage and identifies particular sources of waste that can be optimized. In order to better understand appliance usage patterns, we correlate electrical load information with environmental sensors to identify clusters. These patterns can be used to identify when devices are accidentally left active in unoccupied rooms and provide a means to identify excessive consumption. The correlation is based on learned information over time and hence requires minimal manual labeling. Our system combines measurements from a circuit-panel energy meter with multiple low-cost wireless sensors. We utilize an EMF-based appliance state detector that when combined with circuit-panel and plug-load energy meters allows the system to track the energy consumption of loads at a lower cost and in a less invasive manner than previous metering systems. We deployed our system in a house, collecting data from over 60 sensing points for more than six months. During this period, the system was able to identify wasteful energy usage as high as 17% of the total daily consumption.
SEUSS and AINTEGUMENTA Mediate Patterning and Ovule Initiation during Gynoecium Medial Domain Development

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) gynoecium, the female floral reproductive structure, requires the action of genes that specify positional identities during its development to generate an organ competent for seed development and dispersal. Early in gynoecial development, patterning events divide the primordium into distinct domains that will give rise to specific tissues and organs. The medial domain of the gynoecium gives rise to the ovules, and several other structures critical for reproductive competence. Here we report a synergistic genetic interaction between seuss and aintegumenta mutants resulting in a complete loss of ovule initiation and a reduction of the structures derived from the medial domain. We show that patterning events are disrupted early in the development of the seuss aintegumenta gynoecia and we identify PHABULOSA (PHB), REVOLUTA, and CRABS CLAW (CRC) as potential downstream targets of SEUSS (SEU) and AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) regulation. Our genetic data suggest that SEU additionally functions in pathways that are partially redundant and parallel to PHB, CRC, and ANT. Thus, SEU and ANT are part of a complex and robust molecular system that coordinates patterning cues and cellular proliferation along the three positional axes of the developing gynoecium.
Chloramphenicol and L-phenylalanine therapy in experimental Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in mice.

SummaryParenteral administration of phenylalanine in a dose equivalent to that of chloramphenicol enhanced the antibacterial effect of chloramphenicol in mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae. L...
To end an epidemic. Lessons from the history of diphtheria.

ONE hundred years ago, diphtheria was predicted to be "the scourge of America in the future."1 Although this prediction was realized, diphtheria has since become only a chapter in the history of Am...
Relation of Water Metabolism to Porphyrin Incrustations in Pantothenic Acid-Deficient Rats

SummaryPorphyrin incrustations on nose and fur, the most conspicuous symptom of pantothenic acid deficiency in albino rats, has been induced by partial dehydration of normal rats. This indicates that pantothenic acid may be involved in the regulation of water metabolism.
Abstract A244: Characterization of a novel potent and selective CDK4/6 inhibitor and a resistance mechanism.

CDK4 and CDK6 are two highly related cyclin D-dependent cell cycle regulatory kinases. CDK4/6 activity promotes G1 to S phase transition by phosphorylating the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein. Here, we report the characterization of a potent, selective and orally-available small molecule inhibitor of CDK4/6 for treating Rb-positive cancer. The inhibitor was over 1000-fold more potent in inhibiting CDK4 than CDK1. It also showed Rb-dependent anti-proliferative activity both in cancer cell lines and in xenograft tumor models. A greater degree of variation in sensitivity to the inhibitor was observed in colon cancer cell lines compared to the other cell lines tested. To understand this difference in sensitivity, we isolated CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant colon cancer cells by growing sensitive cells in the presence of the inhibitor. Gene expression in the parental and the resistant cells was analyzed and compared. Cyclin E1, a CDK2 cyclin, was found to be the most significantly overexpressed gene in the resistant cells. Consistent with this, CDK2-associated cyclin E1 protein and CDK2 kinase activity were also significantly increased in the cells. These results suggest that high expression of cyclin E1 may make tumors less sensitive to CDK4/6 inhibition and could be a potential sensitivity marker for patient selection for treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A244.
Synthesis and evaluation of conformationally constrained peptide analogues as the Src SH3 domain binding ligands.

Abstract Src kinase activity is regulated by the interaction of SH3 domain with protein sequences that are rich in proline residues. Identification of more potent SH3 domain binding ligands that can regulate Src kinase activity is a subject of major interest. Conformationally constrained peptides have been previously used for improving the binding potency of the Src SH2 domain binding peptide ligands and peptide substrates of the substrate-binding site of Src. A series of peptide analogues of Ac-VSLARRPLPPLP ( 1 , Ac-VSL12, K d = 0.34 μM) were synthesized by introducing conformational constraints to improve the binding affinity towards the Src SH3 domain. Peptides synthesized through cyclization between N -terminal to C -terminal [VSLARRPLPPLP] or N -terminal to side chain flanking residues (i.e., [ β AVS]LARRPLPPLP and [VSLE]RRPLPPLP) exhibited at least 6.4-fold less binding affinity ( K d = 2.19–4.85 μM) when compared to 1 . The data suggest upon N-terminal cyclization with C-terminal or flanking residues, the interactions of the amino acids in the core RPLPPLP reduce significantly with the residues within the Src SH3 domain. Conformationally constrained peptide V[SLARRPLPPLP] ( 5 ) was synthesized through cyclization of C-terminal to the serine side chain and displayed a comparable binding affinity ( K d = 0.35 μM) towards the Src SH3 domain versus that of 1 . Thus, this template may be used to optimize and generate more potent analogues with higher stability.
The empowerment squeeze ‐ views from the middle management position

Empowerment has been added to the long list of environmental hazards facing the organizationally endangered species known as “middle managers”. For the sake of balance and interest, the author asked middle managers for their views regarding empowerment. This article presents the views of middle managers along with those found in the literature. Definitions are set forth, pros and cons are covered, and dos and don’ts are delineated. The author closes with the following advice for those seeking to implement empowerment: organizations should set the unifying vision for empowerment at the top management level; organizations should train and develop their line employees prior to giving them full empowerment; and organizations should rely on middle managers to provide two‐way communication and coaching for line employees as they are trained for empowerment. The article concludes that organizations should view middle managers as “bridges” rather than “blockages” to the implementation of empowerment.
High Speed Photography and Photonics - One Year Later

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this conference on High Speed Photography, Video-graphy, and Photonics just one year almost to the day since we welcomed a large audience of delegates and attendees to the 15th International Congress on High Speed Photography and Photonics. The size and scope of that meeting clearly indicated the continuing importance and strength of this field. It is, perhaps, a more exciting and growing field today than at any time in the past. What other field can claim to cover fifteen to twenty orders of magnitude as all in a day's work?: Certainly those of you here are doing just that as you use the technology to record slowly changing events and play them back at much higher speeds to study the changes in the phenomena being observed and also to investigate the phenomena and events in the picosecond and even femtosecond regimes.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Production and characterization of recombinant lignin peroxidase isozyme H2 from Phanerochaete chrysosporium using recombinant baculovirus.

Recombinant Phanerochaete chrysosporium lignin peroxidase isozyme H2 (pI 4.4) was produced in insect cells infected with a genetically engineered baculovirus containing a copy of the cDNA clone λML-6. The recombinant enzyme was purified to near homogeneity and is capable of oxidizing veratryl alcohol, iodide, and, to a lesser extent, guaiacol. The Km of the recombinant enzyme for veratryl alcohol and H2O2 is similar to that of the fungal enzyme. The guaiacol oxidation activity or any other activity is not dependent upon Mn2+. The purified recombinant peroxidase is glycosylated with N-linked carbohydrate(s). The recombinant lignin peroxidase eluted from an anion exchange resin similar to that of native isozyme H1 rather than H2. However, the pI of the recombinant enzymes is different from both H1 and H2 isozymes. Further characterization of native isozymes H1 and H2 from the fungal cultures revealed identical N-terminus residues. This indicates that isozymes H1 and H2 differ in post-translational modification.
Influence of Structural Details in Modeling Electrostatically Driven Protein Adsorption

Mechanistic modeling of protein adsorption has evolved to include increasingly detailed descriptions of protein structure in an effort to capture experimentally observed behavior. This has been especially true of electrostatically driven adsorption, for which colloidal models have been used frequently. These efforts have focused on adsorption of proteins to oppositely charged surfaces and often capture the experimental trends even with gross simplification of protein structure. As a more stringent test of model sensitivity to structural details, we have modeled the patch-controlled adsorption of basic proteins on anion-exchange surfaces, where a small number of negative charges on the protein surface lead to a net attraction between the net positively charged protein and the positively charged surface. We account in detail for the protein shape and charge distribution and examine the role of the assumed surface description. A model assuming a uniformly charged surface is unable to predict electrostaticall...
Communication accommodation competence: The nature and nurture of accommodative resources across the lifespan

Abstract This Epilogue briefly reviews some themes present in this collection, and highlights its many contributions. We then look beyond the contributions of the Special Issue papers to consider the continued conceptual development of communication accommodation theory. We argue for re-conceptualizing CAT as a theory of competence, suggesting that accommodation competence is a developmental phenomenon built on the accumulation of accommodation resources and repertoires over the lifespan. We address contexts in which communicative resources are stretched and competent accommodation becomes difficult. The competence approach provides one useful avenue for future empirical and theoretical development of CAT.
Lack of requirement of reverse transcriptase function for the activation of murine leukemia virus by halogenated pyrimidines.

Abstract Polynucleotides, poly(adenylate) and poly(uridylate), and corresponding vinyl polymers, poly(vinyladenine) and poly(vinyluracil), which were shown to inhibit in vitro murine RNA tumor virus reverse transcriptase, do not effect the induction of AKR virus by IdUrd from virus negative AKR cells. Under identical conditions, exogenous infection by AKR virus in these cells was markedly inhibited. These results suggest that the function of virus specific reverse transcriptase is not essential for the induction process.
THE APPLIED THEORY OF REGULATION : POLITICAL ECONOMY AT THE INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION

Economists are seldom privileged to be active participants in bodies vested with jurisdiction in economic regulation. These collegial forums are traditionally the provinces of lawyers and former members and staff of legislatures. The selection in 1977 of Alfred Kahn, a noted and respected specialist in industrial and public utility economics, to head the Civil Aeronautics Board opened a crack in the regulatory agency appointments door through which later passed Elizabeth Bailey (CAB), Darius Gaskins (Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)), and this writer (ICC).1 Service on the ICC has presented me with an unusual, though not unique, experience as an economist to see firsthand the internal operations of the procedural, analytical and decision-making structures of the nation's oldest Federal regulatory commission. This paper is an attempt to organize that experience into a coherent framework for purposes of commenting and elaborating on the now vast literature which purports to illuminate the motive forces that propel the ICC and other regulatory machines. I first present a brief history of the conditions leading to the passage of the 1887 Interstate Commerce Act and to the 1935 amendment which brought interstate trucking under ICC regulation. Next, I discuss the "received doctrine" on economic regulation in general and surface transportation in particular. This is followed by a "case history" of regulatory change in the trucking industry. I conclude with a restatement and generalization of the current explanations (theories) of the workings of regulatory processes.
An algorithm for online optimization of accelerators

Abstract A general algorithm is developed for online optimization of accelerator performance, i.e., online tuning, using the performance measure as the objective function. This method, named robust conjugate direction search (RCDS), combines the conjugate direction set approach of Powell's method with a robust line optimizer which considers the random noise in bracketing the minimum and uses parabolic fit of data points that uniformly sample the bracketed zone. It is much more robust against noise than traditional algorithms and is therefore suitable for online application. Simulation and experimental studies have been carried out to demonstrate the strength of the new algorithm.
Elucidating the Dimer Interface of Seca

SecA is an ATPase that mediates preprotein translocation through the SecYEG channel. SecA is a potential target for antibacterial therapeutics because it is crucial for protein transport and cell viability, it is highly conserved among species of bacteria, and it has no close human homologs. As a central component in the general secretion pathway of bacteria, SecA interacts with various ligands, including other SecA molecules. SecA exists in a monomer-dimer equilibrium at micromolar concentrations that is highly sensitive to salt concentration and temperature. Although the structure of the SecA protomer is well-conserved among bacterial homologs, multiple dimer interfaces have been identified. To define the physiological dimer interface of SecA, we have performed site-directed mutagenesis based on the alternative dimer interfaces reported in the crystal structures. Residues for mutagenesis were chosen by computational alanine scanning using the program Robetta. The selected mutations were predicted to destabilize the interface by at least 1 kcal/mol. By using sedimentation velocity, we determined the effect of alanine substitution on dimerization energetics. We have identified four residues that substantially affect dimerization.
Studies of cerebral circulation in brain injury. IV. Ischemia and hypoxemia of the brain stem and respiratory center.

Abstract Concurrent studies of local blood flow, oxygen availability, steady potential (SP) and pH of the respiratory center and carotid body have been made together with continuous recording of blood pressure and respirations. The EPG electrode placed in the wall of the carotid artery records changes in the partial pressure of oxygen of the blood rather than changes in oxygen saturation. The first effect of anoxic anoxia is stimulation of respiration by the carotid body reflex, continued anoxic anoxia or ischemic anoxia damages the respiratory center, resulting in various patterns of dysrhythmia such as slowed respiration, Cheyne-Stokes breathing, apneusis, gasping and finally respiratory arrest. Incomplete anoxia of the respiratory center causes respiratory arrest due to a state of reversible anoxic neuronal paralysis. In this state of reversible paralysis the respiratory neurones continue to metabolize oxigen but at a reduced rate. Anoxic damage to the respiratory center is associated with local acidity and hyperemia. Whenever respirations fail there is an accompanying injury potential (SP shift) of the respiratory center with respect to the spinal cord white matter. Seven per cent CO 2 and oxygen causes hyperpnea which appears to be mediated in the first few seconds by its action on the carotid body and later by its additional action on the respiratory center. Occlusion of the carotid arteries cause hyperpnea which is mainly due to resultant hypoxemia of the carotid body. There is an increased blood flow in the collateral circulation from the vertebral, basilar and dorsal spinal arteries. Occlusion of the vertebral arteries causes incomplete ischemic anoxia of the brain stem. Respiration continues because the posterior communicating arteries provide a collateral circulation. Additional occlusion of the carotid arteries causes medullary anoxia and respiratory arrest. Repeated anoxia lowers the threshold of the respiratory neurones to its paralytic effects. Patterns of periodic breathing, resulting from ischemia or anoxemia of the brain under the conditions of these experiments, do not appear to be mediated by periodic fluctuations of oxygen availability of carotid body and respiratory center or rhythmic fluctuations in pH of the respiratory center. They appear to result from anoxic damage to various levels of the brain stem and are reversible. Brief carbon monoxide breathing lowers the oxygen saturation of the blood without reducing the partial pressure of blood oxygen, the oxygen dissolved in the plasma may provide a critical supply sufficient for the metabolic needs of the respiratory center as the normal oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is slowly restored.
A Review of the Nematode Genus Trichodorus With Descriptions of Ten New Species 1)

Trichodorus primitivus (de Man 1880) is redescribed and ten new species of Trichodorus are described, including the species first reported to cause stubby-root disease in Florida, U.S.A. The species descriptions and illustrations present details of the morphology of both males and females and indicate the presence of two distinct species groups in the genus. The morphology of the onchiostyle is discussed and illustrated and evidence is presented to indicate that the onchiostyle in Trichodorus is not a hollow axial spear but is dorsal to the lumen of the esophagus. A key to the species is presented as an aid to identification.
Radical-surface interactions during film deposition: A sticky situation?

Our imaging of radicals interacting with surfaces (IRIS) method was used to in- vestigate radical-surface reactions during low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of surface re- activities for CH, SiH, CN, NH, NH 2 , CF 2 , and SiCl 2 radicals during film growth. The ef- fects of plasma parameters, such as radio frequency (rf) power and gas composition, substrate temperature, and substrate bias on radical-surface reactivity were analyzed. Different radicals exhibit different behavior at the surface of a depositing film. Specifically, CH, SiH, and CN are "sticky", with high surface reactivities. In contrast, other species such as NH, CF 2 , and SiCl 2 do not stick to the surface of growing films and, in some cases are actually generated at the surface of the depositing film. Different plasma systems and parameters can have an effect on the stickiness of some of these species. Our IRIS measurements indicate a mole- cule's surface sticking probability may also be related to the molecule's electronic configu- ration and stability, with the most reactive species being molecules with a doublet electron configuration. In contrast, the singlet species examined here tend to be generated at the sur- face during film deposition. Our results also indicate that when a molecule scatters with greater than 100 % probability, it is likely to be strongly affected by energetic ion bombard- ment of the film surface.
Hormone levels in yolk decline throughout development in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

This study investigates the potential effects of maternally derived hormones present in the yolk of reptile eggs. Specifically, we ask when are these hormones utilized by developing red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), a species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Eggs were incubated at 27 degrees C, a male-producing temperature, and at 31 degrees C, a female-producing temperature. Concentrations of progesterone, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol were measured at four points during development: at oviposition, at the start of the temperature sensitive period (TSP), at the end of the TSP, and at hatching. No effects of incubation temperature on yolk hormone concentrations were detected. The highest concentrations of all three hormones were measured at oviposition. Hormone-specific patterns of decline occurred throughout development. Each hormone declined between oviposition and the early TSP. Although estradiol was present in detectable quantities at oviposition, it was virtually undetectable by the early TSP. Testosterone showed no further decline after the early TSP. Progesterone continued to decline between the early and post-TSP. These results demonstrate that maternally derived yolk hormones decline at different rates. Alternative explanations for the disappearance of these yolk hormones are presented.
Oxide — Non-Oxide Composites by Sol-Gel

In this paper, three types of composites prepared using the sol-gel process are examined. Porous composites, based upon the dispersion of solid, oxide and non-oxide ceramic particles in a sol-gel derived matrix are described. A transparent composite, prepared by the impregnation of a polymer phase into a porous gel matrix is presented. Light-weight, “triphasic” composites, possessing good abrasion resistance and high fracture ductility, can also be fabricated by the polymer impregnation of a porous gel composite.
Evidence for overestimation of the prevalence of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III.

Background Several recent analyses of indeterminate thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda III (follicular lesion of undetermined significance) have reported considerably greater rates of malignancy than those initially reported by the Bethesda System for Reporting Cytopathology (BSRTC). These values, however, may be overestimates owing to several sources of bias, such as referral, selection, and publication biases. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence of malignancy in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules in a comprehensive health system less prone to institutional referral bias, excluding incidental carcinomas, and we examine the literature for publication bias. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis with pathologic re-review of 119 patients with Bethesda III/IV cytology undergoing surgery in a comprehensive health system by examining patient and nodule characteristics. A review of the literature was performed and analyzed for publication bias. Results The malignancy rate in resected thyroid nodules was 13% (6/48) for Bethesda III and 28% (20/71) for Bethesda IV. There were 9 of 119 patients (8%) with incidental microcarcinomas. Age P = .005). Sex, nodule size, and ultrasonographic features were not associated with risk of malignancy. Analysis of the literature was indicative of publication bias for Bethesda III cohorts, with reported rates positively skewed ( P = .039). Conclusion In a comprehensive health system, the rate of malignancy in Bethesda III nodules was similar to the range reported by the BSRTC. Recent reports of greater rates of malignancy may be attributable to institutional referral patterns, operative selection, inclusion of incidental microcarcinomas, and publication bias.
Adaptive minimum bit-error rate equalization for binary signaling

We consider the design and adaptation of a linear equalizer with a finite number of coefficients in the context of a classical linear intersymbol-interference channel with Gaussian noise and a memoryless decision device. If the number of equalizer coefficients is sufficient, the popular minimum mean-squared-error (MMSE) linear equalizer closely approximates the optimal linear equalizer that directly minimizes bit-error rate (BER). However, when the number of equalizer coefficients is insufficient to approximate the channel inverse, the minimum-BER equalizer can outperform the MMSE equalizer by as much as 16 dB in certain cases. We propose a simple stochastic adaptive algorithm for realizing the minimum-BER equalizer. Compared to the least-mean-square algorithm, the proposed algorithm can provide a substantial reduction in BER with no increase in complexity.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Transport in Diamond and GaN: Role of Collective Excitations

In this paper we consider the role of collective excitations in transport of charge carriers in the conduction band of diamond and GaN. The present molecular dynamics simulation uses a Monte Carlo algorithm to determine the time between collisions with scattering rates calculated quantum mechanically using the Fermi Golden Rule. For very thin films (L=0.01 μm) and for low fields (F<10 V/μm), the energy spectra of both diamond and GaN contain a series of peaks which are attributed to the absorption and emission of discrete plasmons. In diamond. the intervalley LA, LO and TO scattering becomes increasingly more important at higher fields while electron-plasmon interactions decrease. For thicker diamond films (L=0.1 μm), there is hot electron transport for F∼10 V/μm and quasi-ballistic transport for F∼100 V/μm. In GaN with L=0.01 μm and fields F∼10 V/μm, there is a discrete series of peaks in the energy spectrum corresponding to excitations associated with polar optical scattering.
Dry-Weight: A Concept Revisited in an Effort to Avoid Medication-Directed Approaches for Blood Pressure Control in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and objectives: Achieving and maintaining dry-weight appears to be an effective but forgotten strategy in controlling and maintaining normotension among hypertensive patients on hemodialysis. Methods: Qualitative review of literature to define dry-weight and its utility in achieving blood pressure control. Results: The concept of dry-weight has evolved over time and its definition has changed. One such definition defines dry-weight as the lowest tolerated postdialysis weight achieved via gradual change in postdialysis weight at which there are minimal signs or symptoms of hypovolemia or hypervolemia. Although clinical examination does not perform well in detecting latent increase in dry-weight, several technologies such as relative plasma volume monitoring and body impedance analysis are emerging that may help in assessing dry-weight in the future. Sodium restriction is a modifiable risk factor that can lead to better blood pressure (BP) control. However, dietary sodium restriction requires lifestyle modifications that are difficult to implement and even harder to sustain over the long term. Restricting dialysate sodium is a simpler but underexplored strategy that can reduce thirst, limit interdialytic weight gain, and assist the achievement of dry-weight. Achievement of dry-weight can improve interdialytic BP, reduce pulse pressure, and limit hospitalizations. Conclusions: Avoiding medication-directed control of BP may enhance the opportunity to probe dry-weight, facilitate removal of volume, and limit the risk for pressure-volume overload, which may be a significant concern leading to myocardial remodeling in the hemodialysis patient. Probing dry-weight among patients with ESRD has the potential to improve dismal cardiovascular outcomes.
The Archaeology of African-American Slave Religion in the Antebellum South

An interest in New World slavery is a recent and exciting development within American archaeology. As archaeologists have rushed to discover the material aspects of what slaves ate, what kinds of dwellings they inhabited, and what sorts of material culture they used, they have also gathered information about slave religion. Although much of this information is incomplete and open to numerous interpretations, it nonetheless exposes an important area of archaeological endeavour. I explore some of what is today known about the slaves' religious observances, both African-inspired and non-African. My focus is on the antebellum period, roughly from 1800 to 1861, of the American South, with some reference to other times and places.
Development of Serological Procedures for Rapid and Reliable Detection of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus in a Single Wheat Curl Mite

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is transmitted by the wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella. Immunofluorescent and dot-immunobinding assays were developed to detect the presence of WSMV in single WCM. Virus-specific immunofluorescent microscopy detected WSMV near the anterior end of viruliferous WCM. With dot-immunobinding assay, WSMV was detected in WCM fed on WSMV-infected wheat (Triticum aestivum) but not in WCM maintained on healthy plants. Both immunofluorescent and dot-immunobinding assays were sufficiently sensitive to detect WSMV in individual WCM, providing a means to determine the percentage of viruliferous WCM in field collections.
Respiratory gas exchange during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Study Objective Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy requires patients to be secured in a steep Trendelenburg position for several hours. Added to the CO 2 pneumoperitoneum that is created, this positioning invariably restricts diaphragmatic and chest wall excursion, which can adversely affect respiratory gas exchange. This study sought to measure the extent of respiratory gas change during this procedure. Design Retrospective, institutional review board approved. Setting Operating room. Patients N = 186 males, American Society of Anesthesiologists 2-3, with prostatic carcinoma undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Interventions Arterial blood gases and noninvasive respiratory measurements were recorded for those patients (n = 32) in whom a radial arterial catheter had been inserted intraoperatively, specifically timed to different phases of the procedure: supine lithotomy, steep Trendelenburg, and return to supine. Ventilatory parameters were standardized. Measurements Systemic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, Pao 2 , Paco 2 , oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, and end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure. Main Results Although no patients developed perioperative respiratory complications, the Pao 2 invariably fell (395 vs 316 mm Hg; P = .001) while the patients were in steep Trendelenburg, and the Paco 2 –end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure rose (10.0 vs 13.4 mm Hg; P Conclusions Positioning patients with a CO 2 pneumoperitoneum in steep Trendelenburg for several hours imposes restriction of diaphragmatic and chest wall movement sufficient for respiratory gas exchange to be adversely affected. Return of function to within 15% of baseline occurred within minutes after return to supine and release of the CO 2 pneumoperitoneum. No patients during the study period developed pulmonary complications that required alteration in their level of care.
Craft production in a central Mexican marketplace

The marketplace was an important institution for household provisioning and elite resource conversion in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica. Despite their importance, marketplaces are difficult to identify because exchange relationships are generally invisible in the archaeological record. This study examines the evidence for marketplaces at the Epiclassic period site of Xochicalco, Morelos, Mexico. It explores the role of craft production in the marketplace as a possible indicator of market activity. Excavations in a suspected market area at Xochicalco uncovered evidence for the production of obsidian prismatic blades on the floor of a public plaza. The results of these explorations are discussed and it is concluded that craft production can be a useful indicator for market activity if production debitage is found in primary contexts in public plazas.
Parents' speech to toddlers: the effect of play context *

The language of mothers and fathers to their toddler sons and daughters at play with three different types of toy was analysed for both sentence types and structural elements. Two of the play contexts, dolls and vehicles, were highly sex-role stereotyped, and the third, shape sorters, was neutral. Few differences in speech were found as a function of either parent or child gender. Each of the three play contexts, however, elicited its own language pattern. With dolls, parental speech was characterized by a relatively large amount of language and a frequent use of questions and nouns, especially by contrast with vehicle play, which involved little language. Play with shape sorters elicited a high proportion of directives and attentionals and a relatively low variety in language. These results suggest that children who play frequently with dolls may receive more opportunities to learn and practise language than do children who select other toys for play. In this way early toy preferences may contribute to differential socialization by parents.
C-band microwave scattering from small balsam fir

An experiment that examined the C-band backscattering characteristics of conifer trees was conducted using a truck-mounted scatterometer. Small (1-m tall) balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees were arranged at various equidistant spacings on a platform to present canopies of varying density to the radar. C-band backscattering measurements of a range of canopy densities were acquired under different polarizations and incidence angles. In addition, physical measurements of the trees were made including leaf area index, biomass, leaf and branch angle distributions, and dielectric constant. A backscatter model was implemented using measured canopy attributes and showed close agreement with scatterometer measurements over the range of canopy densities. >
NEURAL RESPONSES TO EXERCISE IN HUMANS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

1. During static handgrip exercise, muscle metaboreceptors are stimulated, evoking the 'exercise pressor reflex.' As part of this reflex, sympathetic discharge to skeletal muscle is increased. The muscle 'metaboreceptors' are thought to be free nerve endings of unmyelinated group IV nerve fibres. These receptors are stimulated by a number of metabolites, including lactic acid, H+, diprotonated phosphate, adenosine and the biproducts of prostaglandin synthesis. 2. During chronic, repetitive activity, muscle metabolite-sensitive afferents may be desensitized. We speculate that metaboreceptor desensitization also occurs in congestive heart failure (HF). Despite this desensitization, sympathoexcitatory responses to forearm exercise are preserved. This suggest that some other neural system aside from muscle metaboreceptors must be activated to a greater degree in HF. We speculate that in HF the activity of muscle mechanoreceptors is increased. Furthermore, we believe that limb congestion can increase the discharge of muscle mechanoreceptors, thereby evoking non-metaboreceptor-mediated increases in sympathetic discharge. Future studies in our laboratory will examine the role limb congestion and decongestion play in evoking muscle mechano-receptor-mediated sympathoexcitatory responses.
Effects of in vitro storage on the ATP-phosphohydrolase activity and ultrastructure of ejaculated bull sperm.

Extended bull ejaculates were stored in vitro at 4 ± 1°C in the dark. The pH of the ejaculates did not change significantly during storage. The percentage of sperm with intact plasmalemmae was 70% on day 2 and negligible by day 36. On day 2, acrosomes were absent in 3% of the sperm and partial in about 20%; acrosomal damage increased with storage, and by day 36 acrosomes were absent in 12% of the sperm and partially degraded in 72%. The Mg+ +-ATPase activity decreased from 2.6 to 1.9 μM Pi liberated per 2 × 107 sperm per 30 min incubation at 37° between days 2 and 9, but remained at about 65% of its initial value between days 9 and 36. Thin-sectioned sperm sampled from ejaculates at days 2, 9, and 36 of storage showed a gradual but steady deterioration, which began and was most drastic in the head. Flagellar deterioration was negligible on day 9, but by day 36 subtle evidence of deterioration appeared. The persistence of Mg+ +-ATPase at 65% of initial levels in sperm stored 36 days in vitro is probably at...
SOUTH KOREAN BUSINESSES' PERSPECTIVES ON REUNIFICATION

The efforts of Korean reunification would involve greater difficulties than those experienced by the Germans in their reunification efforts. Eberstadt (1992) enumerated these difficulties as follows based on a comparative analysis:
Discrete chirp-Fourier transform and its application to chirp rate estimation

The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) has found tremendous applications in almost all fields, mainly because it can be used to match the multiple frequencies of a stationary signal with multiple harmonics. In many applications, wideband and nonstationary signals, however, often occur. One of the typical examples of such signals is chirp-type signals that are usually encountered in radar signal processing, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse SAR imaging. Due to the motion of a target, the radar return signals are usually chirps, and their chirp rates include the information about the target, such as the location and the velocity. In this paper, we study discrete chirp-Fourier transform (DCFT), which is analogous to the DFT. Besides the multiple frequency matching similar to the DFT, the DCFT can be used to match the multiple chirp rates in a chirp-type signal with multiple chirp components. We show that when the signal length N is prime, the magnitudes of all the sidelobes of the DCFT of a quadratic chirp signal are 1, whereas the magnitude of the mainlobe of the DCFT is /spl radic/N. With this result, an upper bound for the number of the detectable chirp components using the DCFT is provided in terms of signal length and signal and noise powers. We also show that the N-point DCFT performs optimally when N is a prime.
Sensory cues mediating mating-induced potentiation of sexual receptivity in female rats

Repeated mating of estradiol-primed female rats increases sexual receptivity. Two studies were conducted to determine the contribution of vaginal--cervical stimulation (VCS) to this increase. In the first study, female rats were repeatedly mated for 165 min. The vaginas of half of the females were covered with tape (masked) to prevent intromissions by the males. The remaining females were unmasked. Only females receiving intromissions (unmasked) showed a significant increase in sexual receptivity during repeated mating, suggesting that VCS from intromissions is necessary for repeated mating to increase sexual receptivity. In the second experiment, female rats received either experimentally administered VCS or control scapular stimulation administered with a plastic probe 1 h prior to testing for sexual receptivity. VCS applied in this manner significantly increased sexual receptivity. Together, these findings suggest that VCS from intromissions is one of the primary factors responsible for increases in sexual receptivity following repeated mating.