cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The road to foreign language competency in the United States: A leadership perspective

A prevailing thought regarding foreign language competency (FLC) is that it can lead to an advantaged workforce by improving performance, especially in service-oriented professions. This prevailing thought is logical, considering banking, hospitality and tourism, social services, sales, and health care industries. Foreign language teachers, training and development professionals, workforce education professionals, and government agencies (e.g., the military) all play a leading role in the effort to improve FLC in segments of the U.S. workforce. Workplace learning and performance (WLP) establishes the framework for companies that can quantitatively demonstrate that having a foreign-language-competent staff will increase performance and company profits (or value for the nonprofit sector). Leadership competencies guide the function of workplace foreign language training and development and has a direct impact on the success of achieving workplace FLC. In addition, scenarios demonstrating how a foreign-language-competent staff might improve overall company performance are explored. Methods of conducting appropriate assessments prior to implementing a workplace foreign language training and development program are addressed.
Sociobiological Explanations of Incest Avoidance: A Critical Review of Evidential Claims

Sociobiologists of human behavior, arguing that close inbreeding results in deleterious offspring, have proposed that natural selection processes have produced incest avoidance mechanisms in the human genotype. To support this evolutionary hypothesis, universal cultural incest proscriptions and research indicating a close compliance with these taboos are cited. Additional evidence from population genetics, ethology, and human community studies is also offered as evidential support. In this article I argue that the research cited in support of a biological basis for incest avoidance does not justify these resolute conclusions.
The effects of nuclear radiation on the electrical strength of air

With the emphasis today upon extended environmental conditions for electronic equipment used in military aircraft and guided missiles, there is a pressing need for the simultaneous testing of such equipment under two or more of these extreme environments. This paper describes a program completed by the General Electric Company covering the testing of spark gaps in the Brookhaven National Laboratory's graphic reactor. It consisted of a 2-week in-pile exposure designed to investigate the voltage breakdown strength of air at various pressures in the presence of intense nuclear radiation of the following approximate levels: Fast flux: 1 × 1011 fast neutrons per cm2-sec (centimeter2-seconds) Thermal flux: 2 × 1012 thermal neutrons per cm2-sec Gamma flux: 1 × 1012 gamma photons per cm-sec2
Production of biofuels and biochemicals by in vitro synthetic biosystems: Opportunities and challenges.

The largest obstacle to the cost-competitive production of low-value and high-impact biofuels and biochemicals (called biocommodities) is high production costs catalyzed by microbes due to their inherent weaknesses, such as low product yield, slow reaction rate, high separation cost, intolerance to toxic products, and so on. This predominant whole-cell platform suffers from a mismatch between the primary goal of living microbes – cell proliferation and the desired biomanufacturing goal – desired products (not cell mass most times). In vitro synthetic biosystems consist of numerous enzymes as building bricks, enzyme complexes as building modules, and/or (biomimetic) coenzymes, which are assembled into synthetic enzymatic pathways for implementing complicated bioreactions. They emerge as an alternative solution for accomplishing a desired biotransformation without concerns of cell proliferation, complicated cellular regulation, and side-product formation. In addition to the most important advantage – high product yield, in vitro synthetic biosystems feature several other biomanufacturing advantages, such as fast reaction rate, easy product separation, open process control, broad reaction condition, tolerance to toxic substrates or products, and so on. In this perspective review, the general design rules of in vitro synthetic pathways are presented with eight supporting examples: hydrogen, n-butanol, isobutanol, electricity, starch, lactate,1,3-propanediol, and poly-3-hydroxylbutyrate. Also, a detailed economic analysis for enzymatic hydrogen production from carbohydrates is presented to illustrate some advantages of this system and the remaining challenges. Great market potentials will motivate worldwide efforts from multiple disciplines (i.e., chemistry, biology and engineering) to address the remaining obstacles pertaining to cost and stability of enzymes and coenzymes, standardized building parts and modules, biomimetic coenzymes, biosystem optimization, and scale-up, soon.
Nicaragua: An Example of Commitments and Strengths Despite Problems of Poverty

Nicaragua is located in the middle of the Central American isthmus between the countries of Honduras and Costa Rica. It is the largest Central American country and is equivalent in size to the state of Georgia. Nicaragua is cited by Pan American Health Organization as one of the poorest third-world countries. One factor that continues to contribute to Nicaragua's chronic poverty state is the demographics of the country. Nearly half of all Nicaraguans are under 15 years of age, and more than a quarter are between the ages of 15 and 29 years. Only a quarter of the population is over 30 years of age. Beyond the hardship and poverty, there is a country rich in beauty. Nicaragua has a beautiful countryside with lush green mountains, black sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean, and the natural wonder of active volcanoes. It is easy to become engulfed by the tranquility of these surroundings and to steer away from the harsh conditions of the country. It is, however, a temporary escape from reality, for it was the hardships and unfavorable circumstances of this country that are never forgotten and which persist until today. This article focuses on a variety of interventions used to assist Nicaragua with their health care and state of well-being.
Contribution and Challenges of Observational Research in Evaluating PAR

In this article, we examine the contributions and challenges of participation and observation in evaluating the efficacy of a Youth-Participatory Action Research (Youth-PAR) project. Participation and observation help us, as evaluators, assess intervention fidelity, identify implementation issues, and make suggestions for changes in the way the intervention is delivered. In this article we examine our individual experiences as observers in order to question critically how we, as research instruments, affect the data we collect and the inferences we draw. We provide preliminary analysis of process data collected through observation to discuss the role of project facilitators, examine how congruent their delivery is to the theory of the intervention, and provide them with ongoing feedback. We conclude with some of the issues raised by non-participant observation as a method of process evaluation and the unique contribution that it offers to comprehensive assessment of youth participatory action research pro...
Neurologic abnormalities and cerebrospinal fluid changes in horses administered fumonisin B1 intravenously.

The objective of this experiment was to characterize a dose-dependent toxic effect of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and to document initial neurologic signs, clinical progression, and terminal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes in horses administered FB1 IV. Seventeen healthy horses were administered 0.00 (n = 4), 0.01 (n = 3), 0.05 (n = 3), 0.10 (n = 3), or 0.20 mg (n = 4) of purified FB1 IV q24h. When neurologic abnormalities observed by a masked observer became severe, atlanto-occipital CSF taps were performed and CSF pressure, cell count, cytology, protein, albumin and glucose concentrations, and creatine kinase activity were measured. Changes in CSF and number of days to 1st observation of neurologic abnormalities were compared between doses by ANOVA, with the level of significance set at P < .05. Control horses and low-dose horses (0.01 mg/kg) remained neurologically normal. In higher dose FB1-treated horses (n = 10), initial clinical signs (days 4–10) included hindlimb ataxia, delayed forelimb placing, and decreased tongue tone and movement. Hindlimb and trunkal ataxia, depression, hyperesthesia, and intermittent dementia gradually became apparent. When data from all horses with neurologic abnormalities were pooled (0.05-0.20 mg/kg FB1), mild clinical signs (mean day 6.3) occurred significantly earlier than did more severe (mean day 8.9) clinical signs (P = .009). Neurologic horses had high CSF protein, albumin, and IgG concentrations and increased albumin quotients (P < .05). It was concluded that FB1-induced neurologic and CSF changes in a dose-dependent manner, with a no-observable-limit of 0.01 mg FB/kg IV q24h for 28 days. The neurologic and CSF changes were consistent with vasogenic cerebral edema.
Plasticity in the in vitro neurohypophysis: effects of osmotic changes on pituicytes.

Abstract The ultrastructure of rat neurohypophyses incubated in vitro was studied to investigate secretion-related changes that may be intrinsic to the isolated neurohypophysis and to establish the morphological integrity of this preparation. Neurohypophyses were incubated for 2 h in an in vitro chamber in medium of low (290 mosM/kg), normal (310 mosM/kg), or high (340mosM/kg) osmolality. Subsequent morphometric analyses at the ultrastructural level revealed that the number of axons completely enclosed by pituicyte cytoplasm was inversely related and the amount of neuro-vascular contact was directly related to the osmolality of the medium. These results mimic those found in preparations from in vivo experiments with hydrated and dehydrated rats. The number of pituicyte liposomes did not vary consistently with osmolality. We conclude that: (1) dynamic interactions between pituicytes and neurosecretory axons may be stimulated, at least in part, by the immediately surrounding milieu; (2) pituicytes may have an active role as modulators of hormone release; and (3) the in vitro neurohypophysis provides a suitable model to study events intrinsic to this area.
A selfconsistent formulation for the prediction of the anisotropic behavior of viscoplastic polycrystals with voids

In this work we consider the presence of ellipsoidal voids inside polycrystals subjected to large strain deformation. For this purpose, the originally incompressible viscoplastic selfconsistent (VPSC) formulation of Lebensohn and Tome (Acta Metall. Mater. 41 (1993) 2611) has been extended to deal with compressible polycrystals. In doing this, both the deviatoric and the spherical components of strain-rate and stress are accounted for. Such an extended model allows us to account for the void and for porosity evolution, while preserving the anisotropy and crystallographic capabilities of the VPSC model. The formulation can be adjusted to match the Gurson model, in the limit of rate-independent isotropic media and spherical voids. We present several applications of this extended VPSC model, which address the coupling between texture, plastic anisotropy, void shape, triaxiality, and porosity evolution.
Integrated multi-sensor control of II-VI MBE for growth of complex IR detector structures

Next-generation HgCdTe infrared detectors and detector arrays require the growth of multilayer heterojunction structures with precisely controlled alloy composition and doping levels and minimal defect densities. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) provides the ability to produce such structures. However, in the absence of a real-time, in situ control methodology the extreme sensitivity of HgCdTe layer quality and doping efficiency on fundamental MBE variable such a substrate temperature and effusion cell flux provide serious challenges to the uniform and reproducible growth of such structures. In this paper, we describe an integrated, multi-sensor approach for monitoring and controlling the variables that are most important for MBE growth of HgCdTe device structures used in advanced multi-color infrared detectors and high speed, low-noise avalanche photodiodes. Substrate temperature, effusion cell flux, and layer composition are monitored using absorption-edge spectroscopy (ABES), optical flux monitoring (OFM), an spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), respectively. Flexible, custom software has been developed and implemented for analysis of sensor inputs and feedback control of the MBE system in response to those inputs. The sensors and their application to growth of HgCdTe will be described, and the use of a custom software framework for data analysis and system control will be discussed.
The organization of the endocrine pancreas: a hypothetical unifying view of the phylogenetic differences.

Abstract The comparative morphology of the endocrine pancreas is seemingly quite divergent in the vertebrate classes of bony fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. However, a hypothesis based on the concept of regional differences of islets unifies this apparent diversity. Such a hypothesis has several elements: (1) the splenic portion of the pancreas has a larger concentration of islet tissue than most other parts of the pancreas; (2) islets in the splenic portions are larger and contain A, B, and D cells but only few or no PP cells; (3) islets of the duodenal portion are smaller and are principally B cells with numerous D cells and occasional A cells. In an often limited area of this portion PP cells are found in greater number than elsewhere usually as a major component of the islets. This organization may have functional significance and not be just an embryological pattern. Higher nonmammalian vertebrates are readily encompassed by this hypothesis and mammals may be included as well. These concepts may have important implications for our understanding of the mammalian pancreas.
Lamotrigine monotherapy in children

The effectiveness of lamotrigine as a monotherapeutic agent for a variety of pediatric epilepsies was reviewed retrospectively. Children were categorized as having focal vs generalized epilepsy and according to whether they were antiepileptic drug naive or drug exposed. Data collected included dosages, side effects, length of follow-up, number of prior drugs, and treatment response. Treatment was considered successful if the patient was seizure free for 6 months or more. Eighty-three children were identified (average age = 8.7 years); 43 had focal epilepsy, 32 had generalized epilepsy, and eight were not classified. Twenty-nine patients were classified as having specific syndromes. Fourteen patients were drug naive. The median follow-up period was 8 months (mean = 8.5). Overall, 45% were seizure free, 44% with focal epilepsy and 36% with generalized epilepsy. All children with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood were seizure free, although not all had been treated for at least 6 months. One third of drug-naive patients were seizure free. Rash was the most common side effect and was reported in five patients (6%); two patients discontinued the drug. None had Stevens-Johnson syndrome. One quarter of children experienced nonquantifiable improvements, namely increased alertness and improved behavior regardless of seizure control. Lamotrigine is effective as a monotherapeutic agent in children for both focal and generalized epilepsies. Side effects are relatively uncommon. Lamotrigine may be an effective firstline agent.
In Situ Laser Raman Determination of Electrochemical Reactions of Y2O3‐Stabilized ZrO2 and Molten Na2SO4

When used as components of advanced energy conversion systems, oxide ion conductors and molten electrolytes may react or decompose according to various mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is important in improving system performance. In situ laser Raman spectroscopy was used successfully to study the reactions between an oxide ion conductor and a molten salt. Changes in the Raman spectrum of molten Na2SO4 were observed near Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 electrodes when they were polarized anodically in the molten salt. These changes were interpreted to indicate the formation of yttrium sulfate complexes.
Rhetoric and Rational Enterprises Reassessing Discourse in Organizations

Commentary: It is easier to articulate the issues addressed in this piece today than it was when Written Communication first published it in 1985; we now have the familiar idioms of postmodernism, cultural studies, and reception theory to help illuminate the paradigm that we were arguing governs everyday communication behavior in organizations. In particular, while terms such as contingency, intersubjectivity, shared understandings, social construction of meaning, and discourse communities were familiar enough at the time in the fields of philosophy and critical theory, they had not yet influenced textbooks in organizational communication. Instead, these textbooks were dominated by the human resource and social systems models of the organization at work and by prescriptive approaches to writing.We drew on the work of contemporary theorists (Polanyi, Popper, Kuhn, Toulmin, Perelman, and others) to support the notion that, like scientific communities, organizational communities are “rational enterprises” th...
Acoustic comparison of vowel sounds among adult females.

Summary Introduction/Objective This study consist of an experiment comparing acoustic characteristics of vowel production among females. The aim of this investigation was to explore the stability among vowels with quantification of acoustic changes in the voice related to speech production associated with an ample variety of vowel sounds. An additional goal was to establish a systematic control of variables and standardization of the data collection procedures. Methods All data were collected in a quiet environment using the Computerized Speech Lab ( CSL ; Kay Elemetrics, Montvale, NJ), a computer-based system designed to measure characteristics of voice. Jitter and shimmer, measures of perturbation that reflect characteristics of voice, were applied. Two additional acoustic measures were examined: (1) noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), a general evaluation of presence of noise in the voice signal; and (2) voice turbulence index (VTI), related to turbulence caused by abnormal adduction of vocal folds. A systematic methodology of data collection was organized, in an effort to establish a research protocol based on relevant literature, involving (1) keeping constant fundamental frequency (F0) and intensity, (2) positioning of participants and recording equipment, and (3) environmental noise. Results and Conclusion When measured acoustic parameters of vowels were compared, results revealed that the vowel sounds had a significant effect on shimmer and VTI. Furthermore, speech sounds classified as back vowels exhibited less perturbation and noise in the acoustic signal: the high-back vowels [u] and [ ]; and the mid-back vowels [o] and [ ], demonstrated most of the statistically significant reduced values of shimmer and VTI among the 12 vowels compared. Further comparisons among front and back vowels grouped in clusters associated to more and less variability led to statistically significant differences in shimmer, NHR, and VTI. Overall, speech sounds classified as back vowels exhibited less variability and noise. Based on the results of this study, back vowels of the English language should be used in voice acoustic tasks in females, given the higher stability of their acoustic signal, as compared with other vowels tested.
A Disorienting Look at Euler's Theorem on the Axis of a Rotation

(2009). A Disorienting Look at Euler's Theorem on the Axis of a Rotation. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 116, No. 10, pp. 892-909.
ACETALDEHYDE-COLLAGEN ADDUCTS IN CCL4-INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

Summary Circulating AC levels as well as antibodies against AC-protein adducts are increased in non-alcoholic liver injury. To identify the adducts, we used rats with CCl 4 -induced cirrhosis. Liver subcellular fractions were analyzed by immunochemical staining of protein slot blots and of electrophoretically separated proteins, transferred to nitrocellulose, using AC-protein adduct-specific antibodies. One reactive protein of about 200 kD was detected in the liver soluble fraction and in the cytosol of isolated hepatocytes and, to a lesser extent in the liver microsomes of CCl 4 -treated rats; in control animals, this reactivity was much weaker. The immunopositive AC adduct co-migrated with the β1, 2 dimer of rat collagen type I; it was sensitive to digestion by a highly purified collagenease and also reacted with anti-rat collagen type I-specific IgG. In addition, comparison of peptides of the CNBr-digested, immunoprecipitated AC adduct with those of rat collagen type I revealed a high degree of similarity. Thus, AC adduct formation occurs in liver injury of non-alcoholic origin, and a target protein appears to be related to collagen type I, most likely the procollagen precursor.
Mortality in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

The current issue of JAMA Psychiatry includes an important article on premature mortality among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sweden between 1969 and 2009. 1 According to the study by Fazel et al, 1 among 218 300 patients with a TBI compared with ageand sex-matched controls without brain injury (10 to 1 match, n = 2 163 190) and unaffected siblings of TBI patients (n = 150 513), there was a 3-fold increased odds of all-cause mortality, adjusted for sociodemographic confounders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.2; 95% CI, 3.0-3.4), among patients who survived at least 6 months after TBI compared with general population controls or unaffected siblings (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.3-2.8). The increased rates of mortality were related to injury (aOR, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.8-4.8), assault (aOR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.7-5.7), or suicide (aOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.9-3.7).
Synthesis of an optically active poly(aryleneethynylene) containing extended conjugation in the repeat unit

Abstract A binaphthyl-based chiral poly(aryleneethynylene) (R)- 9 that contains significantly longer conjugated repeat unit than the previously reported such materials has been synthesized. GPC analysis of (R)- 9 shows that its molecular weight is Mw = 38,200 and Mn = 29,000 (PDI = 1.3). The specific optical rotation of this polymer is [α]D =−288.6 (c = 0.5, CH2Cl2). Although the conjugated repeat unit of (R)- 9 contains a total of 54 π electrons, this polymer is still soluble in regular organic solvents. The polymer made of racemic binaphthyl units is also prepared.
Development of a macroprolactinoma in association with hormone replacement therapy in a perimenopausal woman with presumed idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.

OBJECTIVE To describe a 48-year-old woman with presumed idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, who was found to have a macroprolactinoma after receiving hormone replacement therapy for almost 3 years. METHODS We present a detailed case report, including a chronologic summary of clinical and laboratory findings as well as the drug history of our patient. The related literature is also reviewed. RESULTS Premenopausal women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia or microprolactinomas (<1 cm) are treated with dopamine agonists if fertility is desired or galactorrhea is bothersome. Otherwise, estrogens and progestational agents may be prescribed to regularize menses and prevent osteoporosis. Several case reports of prolactinoma formation or enlargement after exposure to exogenous estrogens have been published. In our patient, a perimenopausal woman with presumably idiopathic long-standing hyperprolactinemia, a macroprolactinoma developed within 3 years after initiation of hormone replacement therapy for management of perimenopausal symptoms. The only clue for ordering a pituitary imaging study in this case was a substantial increase in the level of the serum prolactin. Treatment with cabergoline normalized the patient's serum prolactin level and considerably decreased the size of her pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSION It is postulated that exogenous estrogens could have an important role in tumor development or growth in some patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Therefore, it is recommended that women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia or microprolactinomas treated with estrogens be considered for concomitant therapy with dopamine agonists. In all cases, serum prolactin levels should be diligently monitored.
A rapidly convergent method for the inversion of separable, positive, self-adjoint discrete elliptic operators in three or more dimensions

An algorithm for solving the Poisson equation in separable coordinates is presented. (AIP) copyright 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Kant on Complete Determination and Infinite Judgement

In the Transcendental Ideal Kant discusses the principle of complete determination: for every object and every predicate A, the object is either determinately A or not-A. He claims this principle is synthetic, but it appears to follow from the principle of excluded middle, which is analytic. He also makes a puzzling claim in support of its syntheticity: that it represents individual objects as deriving their possibility from the whole of possibility. This raises a puzzle about why Kant regarded it as synthetic, and what his explanatory claim means. I argue that the principle of complete determination does not follow from the principle of excluded middle because the externally negated or ‘negative’ judgement ‘Not (S is P)’ does not entail the internally negated or ‘infinite’ judgement ‘S is not-P.’ Kant's puzzling explanatory claim means that empirical objects are determined by the content of the totality of experience. This entails that empirical objects are completely determinate if and only if the total...
Pulsed reduced dose-rate radiotherapy: a novel locoregional retreatment strategy for breast cancer recurrence in the previously irradiated chest wall, axilla, or supraclavicular region.

Purpose Reirradiation of breast cancer locoregional recurrence (LRR) in the setting of prior post-mastectomy radiation poses a significant clinical challenge due to the high risk for severe toxicity. In an attempt to reduce these toxicities, we have developed pulsed reduced dose-rate radiotherapy (PRDR), a reirradiation technique in which a series of 0.2 Gy pulses separated by 3-min time intervals is delivered, creating an apparent dose rate of 0.0667 Gy/min. Here we describe our early experience with PRDR. Patients and methods We reirradiated 17 patients with LRR breast cancer to the chest wall, axilla, or supraclavicular region using PRDR. The median prior radiation dose was 60 Gy. We delivered a median PRDR dose of 54 Gy (range 40–66 Gy) in 1.8–2.0 Gy per fraction. Eight patients received concomitant low dose capecitabine for radiosensitization. The median treatment volume was 2,084 cm3 (range 843–7,881 cm3). Results At a median follow-up of 18 months (range 4–75 months) only 2 patients have had tumor failure in the treatment region. Estimated 2-year local control rate is 92%. Treatment was well tolerated with 4 patients experiencing grade 3 acute skin toxicity. Despite a median cumulative dose of 110 Gy (range 80–236 Gy), there has been only one grade 3 and one grade 4 late toxicity. Conclusions With a median follow-up of 18 months, PRDR appears to be an effective method to reirradiate large volumes of previously irradiated tissue in selected patients with locoregional chest wall, axilla, and supraclavicular recurrences.
Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Normal Modes

An attempt to provide physical insight into the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) representation of data fields by the study of fields generated by linear stochastic models is presented in this paper. In a large class of these models, the EOFs at individual Fourier frequencies coincide with the orthogonal mechanical modes of the system - provided they exist. The precise mathematical criteria for this coincidence are derived and a physical interpretation is provided. A scheme possibly useful in forecasting is formally constructed for representing any stochastic field by a linear Hermitian model forced by noise.
Mixed sulfated tallow alkanolamides as lime soap dispersing agents

Sulfated alkanolamides of hydrogenated tallow fatty acids have been shown to possess excellent lime soap dispersing and detergent properties. However the high melting points of the alkanolamides and their relative insolubility in organic solvents such as dichloroethane make sulfation on an industrial scale awk ward. This difficulty has been overcome by the use of a eutectic mixture of the N-(2-hydroxypropyl)amide and N-(2-[2-hydroxyethoxy]ethyl)amide of unhydrogenated tallow fatty acids. The sulfation of such a mixture can be carried out at or slightly above room temperature, and only a small amount of a chlorinated solvent is required in order to keep the sulfation mixture fluid. The resulting sulfated mixed alkanolamide is an excellent lime soap dispersing agent, which is formulated readily with tallow soap and a glassy silicate into an effective heavy duty detergent.
Rehearsing masculinity: challenging the ‘boy code’ in dance education

Dance education experiences of boys and male youth are investigated in terms of dominant constructions of contemporary Western masculinity and the potential limitations these hegemonic discourses may place on male participation. Recent research on boys and male youth in dance, although limited, suggests prevailing social stigma, heteronormative assumptions, narrow definitions of masculinity, and internalized homophobia in the field. For boys and young males, however, choosing to dance may be an important vehicle for investigating dominant notions about masculinity, gender, sexual orientation, and the body. From emerging research, this review essay explores the ways in which male youth in dance confront heterocentric bias, gender norms, and gendered bodies, as well as peer pressure and dominant cultural ideology in dance training and education. Focal points include key social questions of difference, pleasure, marginalization, and the larger effects and limitations of contemporary masculinity.
Phase II evaluation of oxaliplatin in previously treated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: a gynecologic oncology group study

Abstract Objective A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy of oxaliplatin therapy in patients with previously treated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Methods Eligible patients were to have measurable disease and not more than one prior chemotherapy regimen that could include carboplatin or cisplatin but not oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2 was administered intravenously over 2 h. This treatment was repeated every 21 days until progression of disease or adverse effects prohibited further therapy. Results Twenty-eight patients were entered onto this study, of whom 24 were evaluable for toxicity and 22 were evaluable for response; 23/24 evaluable patients had had prior platinum. There were two (8.3%) responses. One patient achieved a complete response which lasted 2.2 months, and a second patient attained a partial response which lasted 3.2 months. Nine (37.5%) patients had stable disease with a median duration of 7.6+ (3.1–21.2) months. The most frequently reported drug-related toxicities consisted of anemia, nausea and vomiting, and neurotoxicity. Three (12.5%) patients had a grade 3 allergic response that was infusion-related and was largely resolved by increasing infusion time. Conclusions Oxaliplatin has limited activity in patients with persistent or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix at the dose and schedule tested.
Collaboration at work: An integrative multilevel conceptualization

Abstract The term collaboration has been used throughout a variety of research disciplines to describe multiple types of interaction; yet, a unified, comprehensive definition of the construct remains elusive. This lack of clarity regarding the distinctions and commonalities between collaboration and other interaction concepts has resulted in conceptual confusion that affects practice and research in human resource management. Practitioners see collaboration as more of a buzzword than as an effective human resource strategy. Previous theory development efforts have not yet taken a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. This has resulted in failure to integrate key themes across disciplines into an overall view of collaboration, which is a commonplace practice in business and military sectors alike. This paper describes a multidisciplinary conceptualization of collaboration and discusses the implications of this integrative theory to human resource management and strategy development as well as future research efforts.
No-Nit Policies in Schools: Time for Change.

No-nit policies that exist in many schools throughout the United States were established years ago based on fear and misinformation, rather than scientific evidence. Children who are found to have live lice are no more infectious on the day of diagnosis than they had been prior to the discovery. Transmission of head lice requires close personal contact, which is not common in the school setting. To date, no scientific literature exists to support the exclusion of children from school due to head lice infestation. Therefore, there is a need to develop updated school policies using research-based evidence to determine the best method of treating infestations while allowing children to remain in school.
Early outcomes after aortic arch replacement by using the Y-graft technique.

Background Aortic arch replacement remains among the most technically challenging cardiovascular operations, incurring considerable risk for perioperative death and stroke. The trifurcated graft technique, in which a double Y-graft is used to connect brachiocephalic branches to the main aortic graft, was recently developed to simplify arch reconstruction, reduce embolization, and minimize related cerebral ischemia. We examined early outcomes of aortic arch replacement performed by using single or double Y-graft variations of this technique. Methods Between December 2006 and May 2009, the Y-graft technique was used to perform aortic arch replacement in 55 patients. Thirty-three patients had prior median sternotomy (60%), and 34 (62%) had ascending aortic dissection. Axillary cannulation was used in 52 patients (95%), and hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade cerebral perfusion were used in all patients. Median systemic and cerebral circulatory arrest times were 65 minutes and 0 minutes, respectively. A first-stage elephant trunk repair was performed in 46 patients (84%). Follow-up data were obtained for all patients. Results There were no in-hospital deaths and one 30-day death (2%). Three patients (5%) had strokes, 1 of which was transient. Actuarial 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 80.0% ± 5.4% and 77.6% ± 5.7%, respectively. Thirty-one of the elephant trunk patients (67%) subsequently underwent second-stage completion procedures, 5 (16%) of them endovascular. Conclusions Early results of aortic arch replacement by the Y-graft technique compare favorably with those of traditional approaches. The technique enables effective delivery of antegrade cerebral perfusion during complex arch procedures and incurs only a low risk of neurologic sequelae.
Variation in economically and ecologically important traits in onion plant organs during reproductive development

The spatial distribution of organosulphur compounds throughout the onion (Allium cepa L.) plant body during reproduction is of ecological and horticultural interest. These secondary metabolites are associated with both pest resistance and many of the vegetable's culinary and medicinal properties, including the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. Inhibition of platelet aggregation can be of benefit to human cardiovascular health. Organosulphur compound concentrations are associated with elemental sulphur, pungency, soluble solids and effect on human platelet aggregation. These parameters were evaluated in extracts collected separately from bulb scales, leaf blades, scapes and umbels biweekly throughout the reproductive phase of the life cycle of the onion. Significant variation in pungency, platelet inhibition, total sulphur content and soluble solids existed among samples of organs and within organs over time during reproductive growth. Furthermore, some extracts from leaf, scape and bulb induced rather than inhibited platelet aggregation.
The adhesive and migratory effects of osteopontin are mediated via distinct cell surface integrins. Role of alpha v beta 3 in smooth muscle cell migration to osteopontin in vitro.

Abstract Osteopontin is an arginine-glycine-aspartate containing acidic glycoprotein postulated to mediate adhesion, migration, and biomineralization in diverse tissues. The mechanisms explaining this multifunctionality are not well understood, although it is known that one osteopontin receptor is the alpha v beta 3 integrin. In this work, we studied human smooth muscle cells varying in alpha v beta 3 levels to identify additional osteopontin receptors. We report that, in addition to alpha v beta 3, both alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 1 are osteopontin receptors. Moreover, the presence or absence of alpha v beta 3 on the cell surface altered the adhesive and migratory responses of smooth muscle cells to osteopontin. Adhesion of alpha v beta 3-deficient cell populations to osteopontin was only half that of cells containing alpha v beta 3, and migration toward an osteopontin gradient in the Boyden chamber was dependent on cell surface alpha v beta 3. Although alpha v beta 3-deficient smooth muscle cells were unable to migrate to osteopontin, they did migrate significantly in response to vitronectin and fibronectin. These findings represent the first description of alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 1 as osteopontin receptors and suggest that, while adhesion to osteopontin is supported by integrins containing beta 1, beta 3, and beta 5, migration in response to osteopontin appears to depend on alpha v beta 3. Thus, interaction with distinct receptors is one mechanism by which osteopontin may initiate multiple functions.
Selective mirror-image reversal of ciliary patterns inTetrahymena thermophila homozygous for ajanus mutation.

The development of the oral apparatus (OA) and of neighboring ciliary structures ofTetrahymena thermophila was analyzed in cells homozygous for ajanus (jan A) mutation plus a recessiveenhancer of janA (eja). Such cells frequently possess two OAs located on opposite sides of the cell, a primary (1°) OA previously reported to be normal, and a secondary (2°) OA previously reported to express a mirror-reversal of right-left asymmetry. This study confirms the reality of a reversal in the gross orientation of membranelles in most developing 2° OAs. It also shows that there is a reversal of asymmetry in the pattern of resorption of basal bodies of ciliary rows adjacent to the 2° OA, and in the arrangement of basal-body couplets making up the portion of the apical “crown” of the cell situated close to the 2° OA. However, the locations at which membranelles of the 2° OA become modified during late phases of oral development remain normal, so that membranelles of 2° OAs are superimposable on those of 1° OAs. In addition, the membranelles of 2° OAs frequently undergo a rotation during the final phases of oral development, so that even their spatial orientation becomes normal. This mixture of reversed and normal features can be accounted for by postulating a superimposition of a reversed largescale asymmetry on a normal local asymmetry of ciliary units. This postulate predicts that no single mutation can bring about a complete mirror-image reversal of ciliary patterns. 1° OAs appear normal by light microscopy. However, detailed analysis of SEM, preparations of isolated 1° OAs indicate subtle abnormalities of basal body arrangement in some of these OAs.
A mutation in the GABAA receptor α1 subunit linked to human epilepsy affects channel gating properties

A genetic component is associated with the development of many forms of epilepsy. Recently, mutations in the GABAA receptor have been linked to several inherited epilepsies. One of these mutations is a non-conservative change of alanine to aspartate in the third transmembrane domain of the alpha1 subunit. To determine the functional consequences of this alteration, mutated alpha subunits were transiently transfected along with wild-type beta3 and gamma2L subunits into HEK-293T cells. The mutated alpha1(A294D) subunit reduced GABA sensitivity of the receptor, increased the deactivation rate and slowed desensitization. The mutation caused a reduction in channel open time but no change in single channel conductance. Studies with additional mutants, altering the charge and/or size of the side-chain, indicated that both size and hydrophobicity of the residue at this location influence channel gating. The effects on GABA sensitivity, deactivation rate and channel open time are consistent with a reduced efficacy of channel gating, and would be expected to decrease GABAergic neurotransmission. The alpha1 subtype is the most widely expressed of the alpha subunits, with expression increasing throughout development. Therefore, production of the mutated subunit could cause global hyperexcitability throughout the brain, leading to generalized seizures with juvenile onset.
Technical trade barriers in US/Europe agricultural trade

Technical barriers strongly affect US/European agricultural and food trade. A 1996 USDA survey identifies 57 questionable European regulations affecting US agricultural exports with an estimated trade impact of $899.55 million. This article identifies European and US technical regulations that impede bilateral trade. The article provides a background for case studies and draws conclusions regarding the future role of technical barriers. We expect that technical barriers in US/Europe trade will proliferate in the future because of changes in trade rules, higher demand for food safety and various food quality attributes, and EU membership of Eastern European countries. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Q-Filter Structures with Applications in Mobile Communication Systems

An advanced approach for adaptive nonlinear digital data processing is described in this article. Three primal computational structures referred to as Q-Measures, Q-Metrics, and Q-Aggregates are introduced and utilized in unison as highly adaptive data analysis handlers. The proposed approach relies on universal functionals using few parameters to characterize dynamic system behaviors in broad ranges of unconventional measure, metric, and aggregation spaces. We present this unique approach in application to real-valued signal processing tasks, with suitable optimization algorithms, so that the parameters of the proposed models can be tuned automatically. The new approach is tested on real data sets to enable applications in mobile communication systems and the experiments show promising results.
Monitoring and Anti-Reductionism in the Epistemology of Testimony

One of the central points of contention in the epistemology of testimony concerns the uniqueness (or not) of the justification of beliefs formed through testimony–whether such justification can be accounted for in terms of, or ‘reduced to’, other familiar sort of justification, e.g. without relying on any epistemic principles unique to testimony. One influential argument for the reductionist position, found in the work of Elizabeth Fricker, argues by appeal to the need for the hearer to monitor the testimony for credibility. Fricker (1994) argues, first, that some monitoring for trustworthiness is required if the hearer is to avoid being gullible, and second, that reductionism but not anti-reductionism is compatible with ascribing an important role to the process of monitoring in the course of justifiably accepting observed testimony. In this paper we argue that such an argument fails.
On the Design of Polymeric Composite Structures for Cold Regions Applications

This study focuses attention on low-temperature hygrothermal effects which influence the short- and long-term behavior and characterization of polymeric composite materials. A review of the literat...
Mycophenolate mofetil, microemulsion cyclosporine, and prednisone as primary immunosuppression for pediatric liver transplant recipients

Triple immunosuppressive therapy using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), microemulsion cyclosporine (me-CsA), and prednisone offers the potential for potent immunosuppression without intravenous drug therapy or anti-T-cell antibody induction therapy. This report describes the application of an immunosuppressive protocol (CNp) using MMF, me-CsA, and prednisone as primary immunosuppression for pediatric liver transplant recipients at the University of California at San Francisco. From August 1995 through December 1996, 26 children (17 boys, 9 girls) aged 1 month to 16 years (mean +/- standard deviation, 58 +/- 62 months; median, 31 months) underwent liver transplantation at our institution, receiving CNp as primary immunosuppression. Posttransplantation renal function, incidence of leukopenia, and drug tolerance within the group receiving CNp as primary immunosuppression were compared with those of 19 children who received primary immunosuppression consisting of azathioprine, oil-based gel-encapsulated cyclosporine, and prednisone with anti-T-cell antibody induction therapy at the same institution from October 1993 through July 1995. No significant difference was observed between immunosuppressive protocols in serum creatinine level or incidence of leukopenia requiring medical therapy during the first year posttransplantation. Whereas gastrointestinal symptoms were observed in approximately 30% of CNp recipients during initial immunotherapy, tolerance of CNp primary immunotherapy was routinely achieved by the dose reduction of MMF. At 1 year posttransplantation, 20 children (77%) remained on CNp primary immunotherapy, 5 children (19%) were receiving tacrolimus-based immunotherapy secondary to rejection, and 1 patient (4%) converted to tacrolimus-based immunotherapy secondary to persistent gastrointestinal intolerance. In conclusion, CNp provides an alternative immunosuppressive protocol that eliminates the necessity of intravenous and induction immunosuppressive therapy with no increased incidence of posttransplantation renal dysfunction or leukopenia and is well tolerated in children.
Design of a non-contacting electromagnetic device for measurement of the vibratory response of long bones

Development of non-invasive methods for quantitating the bone mass is important in the diagnosis and treatment of many skeletal diseases, particularly for osteoporosis. As standard roentgenographic methods can not detect early osteoporosis, presently quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and single, and dual photon absorptiometry (SPA and DPA) are being used to monitor the skeletal health of elderly population [1]. Although widely used clinically, these methods are relatively expensive and they involve some exposure to radiation. Previously we and others have used impact response of human long bone to measure the degree of osteoporosis and the rate of fracture healing [2,3]. However, skin-mounted accelerometer response as a parameter to measure in vivo bone condition is affected by the preload and condition of the soft tissue, thus affecting its use as a diagnostic tool. We have developed a non-contacting electromagnetic device that can detect the propagation of stress waves in a bone independent of the mechanical properties of the soft tissue. This device monitors the magnetic field produced by the strain-generated charge associated with a vibrating long bone [4]. The objective of this study was to characterize and improve the sensitivity of this device and to compare it with other methods as a diagnostic tool to measure the properties of long bone.