cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Changes in Epithelial Cell Population Undergoing Neoplastic Transformation in Vitro

Publisher Summary Explant cultures of F-344 rat tracheas exposed in vivo or in vitro to chemical carcinogens form established cell lines, whereas nonexposed tracheal explants do not. Many of these carcinogen-altered cell lines are not capable of forming tumors when inoculated into isologous, immunosuppressed rats, but they acquire this ability with repeated subculture in vitro . These altered cell populations are phenotypically distinguishable from normal populations on the basis of increased DNA contents by flow cytometry and by the appearance of a cell surface antigen. This chapter reviews changes in these markers that occur as carcinogen-altered nontumorigenic populations acquire the neoplastic phenotype in vitro . All carcinogen-altered cell lines examined in the chapter show increases in DNA values as compared to DNA contents of normal diploid tracheal cell populations. The transition from nontumorigenic to tumorigenic populations is also characterized by a change in relative DNA content in four of the five lines tested, which suggested the emergence of a new cell population. DNA histograms of neoplastic populations of cell lines 3F3 and 165D showed profiles indicative of mixed populations. In both cases, the smaller subpopulation had DNA profiles that corresponded to profiles obtained during the preneoplastic phase. Cloning of the neoplastic phase of cell line 3F3 confirmed the coexistence of two subpopulations and tumorigenicity studies confirmed that the minor cell subpopulations were the remnants of nontumorigenic preneoplastic cells.
Technical advances in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Since it was introduced in 1999, the da Vinci Surgical System has become an integral tool in urologic surgery, specifically in the management of localized prostate cancer. The original technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) was developed and standardized in 2000 at the Institut Mutualiste Monsouris. Since that time, the technique of RALP has undergone various modifications. The driving force behind the evolution of the RALP technique in the past decade has been based on efforts to improve upon the three main objectives of surgery, namely the ‘trifecta’ of cancer cure and the preservation of potency and of urinary continence. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the midterm oncologic outcomes of RALP and focus specifically on two technical modifications that have been introduced in an effort to optimize the outcomes of potency and earlier return of urinary continence.
Effects of tillage and cropping sequence on Alaskan weed vegetation: Studies on land under cultivation for eleven years

Abstract Soil erosion is potentially a serious problem in Alaskan agricultural land located near Delta Junction, Alaska. The effects of tillage and cropping sequence on weed species composition and cover were studied from 1980 to 1982 on land near Delta Junction, Alaska, that had been in cultivation for 11 years. Ground cover of perennial grasses, foxtail barley ( Hordeum jubatum L.) and quackgrass ( Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.), increased when tillage was reduced to less than two spring disking operations. Greater cover by perennial weeds occurred under no-till than under tilled treatments. Only a minimal amount of tillage (a single disking in the spring) was required to reduce total weed cover by > 50%. Total weed cover increased from 1981 to 1982 on plots receiving less than two diskings per year. Perennial grasses contributed more cover when spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) rather than rapeseed ( Brassica campestris L.) was grown. The ground cover of perennial grass was greatest when barley was grown continuously rather than in rotation with rapeseed. Neither paraquat nor glyphosate adequately controlled introduced perennial grasses when barley was grown without rotation and without tillage. The short Alaskan growing season makes it difficult to control perennial grasses effectively with non-selective herbicides during the cropping year.
The Impact of Cervical Cancer Education for Deaf Women Using a Video Educational Tool Employing American Sign Language, Open Captioning, and Graphics

Background. Deaf women encounter barriers to accessing cancer information. In this study, we evaluated whether deaf women’s knowledge could be increased by viewing a graphically enriched, American Sign Language (ASL) cervical cancer education video. Methods. A blind, randomized trial evaluated knowledge gain and retention. Deaf women (n=130) completed questionnaires before, after, and 2 months after viewing the video. Results. With only a single viewing of the in-depth video, the experimental group gained and retained significantly more cancer knowledge than the control group. Conclusions. Giving deaf women access to the ASL cervical cancer education video (http://cancer.ucsd.edu/deafinfo) significantly increased their knowledge of cervical cancer.
The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with alpha blockers in men over the age of 80 years.

Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of alpha blockade with doxazosin and terazosin in men over the age of 80 years with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and methods Thirty-six men (mean age 83.6 years, sd 5.6, range 80-96) received either doxazosin 4 mg (11 men) or 8 mg (10 men), or terazosin 5 mg (five men) or 10 mg (10 men), once daily at night. Twenty-eight men (78%) were on other anti-hypertensive medication; the type and dosage were not changed during the study. Efficacy and safety were assessed using measurements of peak urinary flow rate, symptom scores and the incidence of adverse events. Results Of the 36 men, 33 (92%) remained on study medication at 6 months; the remaining three (8%) discontinued because of asthenia. After 3 months of treatment, the peak urinary flow rate increased significantly (P<0.008) for both doxazosin (+3.7 mL/s) and terazosin (+3.2 mL/s). The American Urological Association symptom score improved significantly (P<0.01) with both alpha blockers after 3 months of treatment and efficacy was maintained at 6 months. There were small, non-significant decreases in blood pressure in patients receiving doxazosin or terazosin, but no differences between patients who were normotensive at baseline and those whose blood pressure was controlled by other anti-hypertensive drugs. Conclusion These results suggest that alpha blockade with either doxazosin or terazosin is well tolerated and effective in older men with symptomatic BPH. Furthermore, patients on concomitant anti-hypertensive medication need no alteration of their therapeutic regimen before the initiation of alpha blockade for BPH.
Gender and Sex-Role Orientation Effects on Friendship Choice

This investigation explored the impact of gender and sex-role orientation upon the differences in description of ideal same-sex and other sex friends. It was hypothesized that less difference in such description would exist: (I) for androgynous rather than sex-role stereotyped subjects; and (2)for female subjects rather than male subjects. Gender differences affected perceptions whereas sex-role orientation differences did not. This finding confirmed the second hypothesis with female Ss exhibiting significantly less difference in their description of ideal male and ideal female friends than male Ss. Implications of this finding for Bem's (1979) reconceptualization of sex-role orientation were discussed.
Hepatitis B virus infection in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Testing of paired serum samples of 12 children with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HB s Ag), antibody to HB s Ag, and antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen revealed evidence of hepatitis B virus infection in three. None of the three, however, developed overt clinical hepatitis or the chronic HB s Ag carrier state. These data suggest that the immunologic defects seen in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome permit adequate immune responses to the hepatitis B virus and do not predispose to the chronic HB s Ag carrier state.
Multiaxial cyclic deformation and non-proportional hardening employing discriminating load paths

Abstract Some novel discriminating multiaxial cyclic strain paths with incremental and random sequences were used to investigate cyclic deformation behavior of materials with low and high sensitivity to non-proportional loadings. Tubular specimens made of 1050 QT steel with no non-proportional hardening and 304L stainless steel with significant non-proportional hardening were used. 1050 QT steel was found to exhibit very similar behavior under various multiaxial loading paths, whereas significant effects of loading sequence were observed for 304L stainless steel. In-phase cycles with a random sequence of axial-torsion cycles on an equivalent strain circle were found to cause cyclic hardening levels similar to 90° out-of-phase loading of 304L stainless steel. In contrast, straining with a small increment of axial-torsion on an equivalent strain circle results in higher stress than for in-phase loading of 304L stainless steel, but the level of hardening is lower than for 90° out-of-phase loading. Tanaka’s non-proportionality parameter coupled with a Armstrong–Fredrick incremental plasticity model, and Kanazawa et al.’s empirical formulation as a representative of such empirical models were used to predict the stabilized stress response of the two materials under variable amplitude axial-torsion strain paths. Consistent results between experimental observations and predictions were obtained by employing the Tanaka’s non-proportionality parameter. In contrast, the empirical model resulted in significant over-prediction of stresses for 304L stainless steel.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF A CHAIN-FORMING DIATOM PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM1

The ultrastructure of a chain-forming clone of the polymorphic diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin has been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Both fusiform and tri-radiate cells are capable of forming chains. The cells, lacking any silica shell, are attached to each other at the central region of the theca, leaving the arms free. Neither homogenization nor sonication completely disrupts the chains. The attachment is due to fusion of the cell wall in the central region of the cell during cell wall deposition. This fusion results from failure of the cytoplasmic cleavage furrow to separate the plasma membranes of the two daughter cells sufficiently so that a single wall is deposited instead of two separate walls. Possible explanations for this are discussed.
Trends in the Aesthetic Responses of Children to the Musical Experience

The purpose of this study was to identify and define possible age-related characteristics of children's aesthetic responsiveness to music they performed on the violin; to investigate the relationship between any identifiable characteristics with an area of musical conceptualization (conservation of rhythm); and to determine the relationship between musical training and aesthetic responsiveness. Forty-six violinists between the ages of 3 and 16½ were presented an author-designated Aesthetic Responsiveness Task designed to elicit verbal responses on aesthetic judgments and experiences in the areas of preferential judgment, qualitative judgment, emotional experience, and empathy. The high level of agreement found between the judges' scoring of the Aesthetic Responsiveness Task tended to support protocols established for the study. Results seemed to indicate that age was the primary factor in the development of aesthetic judgments and experiences over both training and rhythmic conservation.
Family Camps: an Overview of Benefits and Issues of Camps and Programs for Families

One form of family leisure in which many families choose to participate is attending a family camp. Recent increases in family camps (both formation and attendance) and reasons for attending family camps are reviewed. This article addresses types of family camps, and philosophies and foundations of family camps and structures and activities are discussed. Benefits (both immediate and long-term) of family camp attendance are presented, and concerns associated with this type of camp are mentioned. The authors give a call for theoretical-based family camp programs and research and provide specific recommendations for programs and future research.
First lasing and operation of an ångstrom-wavelength free-electron laser

The Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser has now achieved coherent X-ray generation down to a wavelength of 1.2 A and at a brightness that is nearly ten orders of magnitude higher than conventional synchrotrons. Researchers detail the first operation and beam characteristics of the system, which give hope for imaging at atomic spatial and temporal scales.
A survey of device reliability concerns for LV/LP IC technologies

Abstract This survey paper will discuss reliability considerations for low voltage/low power (LV/LP) integrated circuit technologies with a focus on device level issues. The growing LV/LP market will continue to be dominated by scaled CMOS. However, CMOS on SOI (silicon on insulator) may grow in importance due to improved performance when compared to bulk, low power CMOS. Aggressive low voltage/ low power technologies may alter the relative importance of current reliability concerns. This survey will attempt to assess the effect of a LV/LP roadmap on device reliability.
Pooling Data From Multiple Longitudinal Studies: The Role of Item Response Theory in Integrative Data Analysis

There are a number of significant challenges researchers encounter when studying development over an extended period of time, including subject attrition, the changing of measurement structures across groups and developmental periods, and the need to invest substantial time and money. Integrative data analysis is an emerging set of methodologies that allows researchers to overcome many of the challenges of single-sample designs through the pooling of data drawn from multiple existing developmental studies. This approach is characterized by a host of advantages, but this also introduces several new complexities that must be addressed prior to broad adoption by developmental researchers. In this article, the authors focus on methods for fitting measurement models and creating scale scores using data drawn from multiple longitudinal studies. The authors present findings from the analysis of repeated measures of internalizing symptomatology that were pooled from three existing developmental studies. The authors describe and demonstrate each step in the analysis and conclude with a discussion of potential limitations and directions for future research.
The brain and the immune system : an intact immune system is essential for the manifestation of withdrawal in opiate addicted rats

Gamma irradiation (500 rad) is often used to suppress the immune system in mice, rats and man. Recently, it was shown that irradiation prior to chronic morphine treatment, dramatically reduces the severity of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine-dependent animals. In the present study adoptive transfer of 2-6 x 10(8) splenocytes to irradiated rats prior to chronic morphine treatment restored the severity of all withdrawal signs precipitated by naloxone. In contrast, adoptive transfer of fractionated splenocyte subpopulations only partially restored withdrawal severity; and transfer of irradiated splenocytes, red blood cells or diluted numbers of normal splenocytes did not have any observed restorative effect. These findings suggest that specific cellular activities or factors derived from lymphoid cells are required for the expression of opiate withdrawal.
No pain, no change: Reductions in prior negative affect following physical pain

In general, organisms are motivated to avoid stimuli that induce pain. However, some individuals intentionally inflict pain on themselves (e.g., nonsuicidal self-injury) and report doing so for the perceived emotional benefits following the experience of pain. Two controlled laboratory studies sought to expand upon the relatively limited literature on the effects of pain on emotion. In Study 1, participants provided momentary affect ratings immediately before and after experiencing physical pain. Results demonstrated that both positive affect and negative affect (NA) decreased following the experience of pain. In the Study 2, we examined the effect that individual differences in emotional reactivity had on affective reactions to pain. Individuals high in emotional reactivity experienced larger decreases in NA following the experience of pain than individuals who were low in emotional reactivity. Our findings may potentially explain why some individuals intentionally seek out the experience of pain.
The Ag-InP(110) interface: Photoemission studies of interfacial reactions and Schottky-barrier formation

The effects of interfacial reaction at Ag-InP(110) interfaces have been studied with soft-x-ray photoemission spectroscopy of the core levels and valence band. By systematically increasing the Ag coverages, we have been able to identify two coverage ranges with different stages of physical interactions and interface developments from a detailed study of the In $4d$, P $2p$ and Ag $3d$ core levels as well as valence-band structures. At lower Ag coverages [$0l\ensuremath{\Theta}l1$ monolayer (ML)], identified as the "band-bending region," both the In $4d$ and P $2p$ levels shift by the same amount with no measurable changes in the core-level shapes for both $n$ and $p$ type, and a continuous and monotonic shift of the Ag $3d$ core levels toward their metallic positions is observed with increased Ag coverages. At high coverages ($1\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\Theta}l72$ ML), identified as the "intermixed region," the presence of P atoms at the topmost layer and evidence of dissociated In were observed from the core-level variations and relative intensity studies at the interface. In both regions, island growth of the overlayer is observed. The surface-Fermi-level (${E}_{\mathrm{Fs}}$) pinning position, determined from core-level movements in this region, can be affected by the intermixing of Ag with dissolved InP constituents. Ag interacts with InP in a way that is essentially different in details as compared with other metals, to the extent that the model identifying Ag as a nonreactive metal on InP may need to be modified.
Application of continuous incisional infusion of local anesthetic after major pediatric urological surgery.

Abstract Objectives To determine the efficacy of the locally infused anesthetic, ON-Q® pain relief system (Kimberly–Clarke, GA–USA), in improving postoperative pain, reducing narcotic requirement, and shortening recovery time after major pediatric urological surgery. Material and methods A case–control analysis comparing 20 patients undergoing major urological procedures who were treated postoperatively with the ON-Q system was compared to 20 patients treated with current hospital standard of care intravenous and oral analgesics. Pain was assessed in both groups by staff nurses using the different validated scales depending on the child's age. Information regarding analgesic consumption along with recovery parameters such as temperature, start of oral nutrition, and length of hospitalization (LOH) were collected. Results The ON-Q group experienced significantly lower ratings of maximal pain on the first postoperative day as compared to the control group (3 vs. 5.2, p = 0.03) and a trend toward lower mean of maximal pain score on postoperative day two (1.8 vs. 3.5, p = 0.055). Systemic intravenous and oral analgesics were significantly lower on the day of surgery and the first postoperative day for the ON-Q group (p = 0.014; and p = 0.046 respectively). No differences in frequency of fever, start of oral nutrition and LOH were found between the study groups. Conclusion Continuous incisional infusion of local anesthetic with the ON-Q system is a viable option for postoperative pain management in children undergoing major urological surgeries. This technology significantly decreases the need for systemic analgesic consumption.
The characterization and evaluation of accidental explosions

Accidental explosions are discussed from a number of viewpoints. First, all accidental explosions, intentional explosions and natural explosions are characterized by type. Second, the nature of the blast wave produced by an ideal (point source or HE) explosion is discussed to form a basis for describing how other explosion processes yield deviations from ideal blast wave behavior. The current status blast damage mechanism evaluation is also discussed. Third, the current status of our understanding of each different category of accidental explosions is discussed in some detail.
Intolerance of error and culture of blame drive medical excess.

Jerome R Hoffman and Hemal K Kanzaria argue that efforts to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment should focus on changing professional and public attitudes towards medical error and uncertainty
Amyloid precursor protein is enriched in radial glia: Implications for neuronal development

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein and the source of the amyloid that accumulates in brains of individuals with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Although its function is unknown, previous in vitro studies indicate that APP can facilitate neuronal cell adhesion and neuronal survival. If APP has a similar function in vivo, it should be expressed in fetal brain. To investigate this possibility, the present study determined the cellular distribution of APP in fetal and postnatal mouse brain. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy detected abundant APP immunoreactivity in radial glial cells in fetal and early postnatal mouse brain. In mature mouse brain, APP was detected in neuronal perikarya and dendrites but not in astrocytes. These results support a functional role for APP during radial glia-mediated neuronal histogenesis.
Genetic testings for cancer: the surgeon’s critical role

Dr Niederhuber: In April 1998, at the Annual Spring Meeting of the American College of Surgeons, 4 distinguished faculty were assembled to present a symposium on the current status of genetic testing. This symposium was especially timely in view of the explosion of new knowledge about the genetic basis of cancer, the rapid growth in available genetic markers for inherited cancer risk, and the increasing awareness of our patients about the potential for genetic testing. As surgeons, we are most often responsible for establishing the diagnosis and the first to present the findings to the patient. It is imperative, therefore, that we be knowledgeable about the genes that can be tested for in hereditary and nonhereditary malignancies, the indications for recommending genetic testing, and the ethical and legal issues involved in testing. The importance of this subject for surgeons and the special expertise of the assembled panel seem, to the editors of the Journal of American College of Surgeons, to warrant publication for a wider audience. What follows is an edited version of the recorded presentations of each of the speakers.
Clofazimine Modulates the Expression of Lipid Metabolism Proteins in Mycobacterium leprae-Infected Macrophages

Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) lives and replicates within macrophages in a foamy, lipid-laden phagosome. The lipids provide essential nutrition for the mycobacteria, and M. leprae infection modulates expression of important host proteins related to lipid metabolism. Thus, M. leprae infection increases the expression of adipophilin/adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) and decreases hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), facilitating the accumulation and maintenance of lipid-rich environments suitable for the intracellular survival of M. leprae. HSL levels are not detectable in skin smear specimens taken from leprosy patients, but re-appear shortly after multidrug therapy (MDT). This study examined the effect of MDT components on host lipid metabolism in vitro, and the outcome of rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine treatment on ADRP and HSL expression in THP-1 cells. Clofazimine attenuated the mRNA and protein levels of ADRP in M. leprae-infected cells, while those of HSL were increased. Rifampicin and dapsone did not show any significant effects on ADRP and HSL expression levels. A transient increase of interferon (IFN)-β and IFN-γ mRNA was also observed in cells infected with M. leprae and treated with clofazimine. Lipid droplets accumulated by M. leprae-infection were significantly decreased 48 h after clofazimine treatment. Such effects were not evident in cells without M. leprae infection. In clinical samples, ADRP expression was decreased and HSL expression was increased after treatment. These results suggest that clofazimine modulates lipid metabolism in M. leprae-infected macrophages by modulating the expression of ADRP and HSL. It also induces IFN production in M. leprae-infected cells. The resultant decrease in lipid accumulation, increase in lipolysis, and activation of innate immunity may be some of the key actions of clofazimine.
Growth characteristics of axenic strains of Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn, 1903.

SYNOPSIS. An account of the culture methods for axenic growth of Entamoeba histolytica is given. Three media, including Diamond's medium, have been reliable. At present 6 strains are maintained axenically; details of isolation and axenization are outlined. Growth characteristics and oxygen requirements of 2 strains are examined.
Vanadium oxide-carbon nanotube composite electrodes for energy storage by supercritical fluid deposition: experiment design and device performance.

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) deposited on porous multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) buckypaper using supercritical fluid CO2(scCO2) deposition shows excellent performance for electrochemical capacitors. However, the low weight loading of V2O5 is one of the main problems. In this paper, design of experiments and response surface methods were employed to explore strategies for improving the active material loading by increasing the organo-vanadium precursor adsorption. A second-order response surface model was fitted to the designed experiments to predict the loading of the vanadium precursors onto carbon nanotube buckypaper as a function of time, temperature and pressure of CO2, buckypaper functionalization, precursor type, initial precursor mass and stir speed. Operation conditions were identified by employing a model that led to a precursor loading of 19.33%, an increase of 72.28% over the initial screening design. CNTs–V2O5 composite electrodes fabricated from deposited samples using the optimized conditions demonstrated outstanding electrochemical performance (947.1 F g−1 of V2O5 at a high scan rate 100 mV s−1). The model also predicted operation conditions under which light precursor aggregation took place. The V2O5 from aggregated precursor still possessed considerable specific capacitance (311 F g−1 of V2O5 at a scan rate 100 mV s−1), and the significantly higher V2O5 loading (~81%) contributed to an increase in overall electrode capacitance.
The Electoral Fortunes of Legislative Factions in Japan.

The legislative factions of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan are so autonomous that the LDP is typically viewed as a coalition of factions, rather than a unitary party. We focus on the electoral role of these factions, finding that the five main factions differed substantially in electoral success in the 1960–79 period, but have been so closely tied together in the 1980s that differences in their electoral fates are statistically indiscernible. In particular, we find that the so-called mainstream factions did consistently better than their nonmainstream rivals before 1980 but not after. We explain the lessening of interfactional differences in terms of a decentralization of fund-raising within factions, which tended to equalize factional war chests (on a per capita basis).
From Classmates to Inmates: An Integrated Approach to Break the School-to-Prison Pipeline

This article explores the connection between dropping out of school and being incarcerated, particularly for youth, including students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, students from poverty, and students with disabilities, who have been shown to be at higher risk for both. This article seeks to shift focus away from a deficit-based perspective and instead creates an integrated learning model that incorporates culturally responsive teaching with an integrated services model in order to promote access, equity, and culturally supported experiences for children. If students are supported and successful in school, then dropout and incarceration should decrease and the pipeline from school to prison can be broken.
Adsorption characteristics of tripodal thiol-functionalized porphyrins on gold

X-ray photoelectron and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies are reported for self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of two tripodal thiol-functionalized metalloporphyrins (Zn and Cu) and three benchmark tripods on gold substrates. The tripodal unit common to all five molecules is 1-(phenyl)-1,1,1-tris(4-mercaptomethylphenyl)methane (Tpd). Both porphyrins contain S-acetyl-protected thiols and are linked to the 4-position of the phenyl ring of Tpd via a phenylethyne group. The benchmark molecules include (1) two tripods containing a bromine atom at the 4-position of the apical phenyl ring, one a free thiol and the other its S-acetyl-protected analogue, and (2) a S-acetyl-protected tripod containing a phenylethyne unit at the 4-position of the apical phenyl group. Together, the spectroscopic studies reveal that none of the five tripodal molecules bond to the gold surface via all three sulfur atoms. Instead, the average number of bound thiols ranges from 1.5 to 2, with the porphyrinic molecules generall...
Double-Play: Using Minor League Baseball to Apply Themes and Standards in Human Geography Courses

Growing student interest in sports provides geography teachers with a special opportunity to make connections between it and fundamental concepts in the discipline. This article examines the structure, arrangement, relationships, and distinctions among minor league baseball franchise locations, stadia, and team names, and presents examples of their applicability to teaching the five themes of geography and addressing many of the national geography standards in introductory human geography courses.
The Economics of Asset Values and Current Income in Farming

In March of this year land values in the United States averaged 3 times their 1970 level. The increases in this decade sarpassed even those following World Wars I and II. It is not surprising that this Association should once again inquire into both the causes of land value changes and the implications of these changes for the future of Agriculture. Increasing land values are viewed by some with elation and by others with concern. To some the old saying that "farmers live poor and die rich" has been verified. Land owners have generally benefited from the sharp growth in their wealth position. But they dislike the higher real estate taxes that follow land appreciation. And they foresee difficulty in expanding their farms or in transferring ownership to younger farmers.
An Adaptive Self-Sensing Strategy for Piezoelectrically-Actuated Microcantilevers Used in Ultra-Small Mass Sensing Applications

This paper presents a mathematical model of a self-sensing microcantilever beam for mass sensing applications. Equations of motion are derived for a microcantilever beam with a tip mass and a piezoelectric patch actuator deposited on the cantilever surface. In the self-sensing mode, the same piezoelectric patch is used for actuation and sensing. Selfinduced voltage signals, which are extracted using a capacitive bridge mechanism, reveal frequency information of the vibrating beam, which in turn, reveals the particle mass. Equations of motion are obtained using the extended Hamilton's principle by considering the microcantilever as a distributed- parameters system. Two methods to estimate the unknown tip mass are presented. The first one is based on an inverse solution to the characteristic equation problem, while the second method uses a constraint-based optimization approach to estimate the tip mass. To improve the self-sensing performance, the need for adaptive estimation of the piezoelectric capacitance is stressed and an online estimation mechanism is presented. Simulations are presented to demonstrate the ability of the model to detect tip mass up to 0.1 femtogram (1 femtogram = 10-15 gm). Further simulation results demonstrate the working of constraint optimization method and adaptive self-sensing mechanism.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Piece rate pay

The theory of piece-rate pay suggests firms may be able to adjust their variable costs by altering work standards and the piece rate itself. Another argument holds that piece-rate systems can economize on the cost of monitoring worker output, that such systems are a substitute for management. Union positions on these points have supported the notion that piece-rate pay can be both a benefit and a cost to workers, depending on the cost of monitoring. However, competitive forces ultimately force all pay systems to reflect the opportunity costs of all factors of production.
Towards a postmodern understanding of crisis communication

Abstract From a postmodernist perspective, it is possible to see crisis as a disruption in the dominant narrative that members of an organization's power elite wish to perpetuate. The crisis itself often evolves into a multiplicity of competing narratives. Much standard advice given by crisis communication experts—such as to tell the truth, choose a single spokesperson, and establish a crisis command center to regain control of the crisis—sounds suspiciously like the self-protecting actions favored by the power elite within the organization. A postmodernist approach might instead favor mitigation of suffering, attention to dissent, and a polyvocal organizational response.
What Specific Facets of Executive Function are Associated with Academic Functioning in Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relation between ratings of Executive Function (EF) and academic functioning in a sample of 94 middle-school-aged youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; Mage = 11.9; 78 % male; 21 % minority). This study builds on prior work by evaluating associations between multiple specific aspects of EF (e.g., working memory, inhibition, and planning and organization) as rated by both parents and teachers on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), with multiple academic outcomes, including school grades and homework problems. Further, this study examined the relationship between EF and academic outcomes above and beyond ADHD symptoms and controlled for a number of potentially important covariates, including intelligence and achievement scores. The EF Planning and Organization subscale as rated by both parents and teachers predicted school grades above and beyond symptoms of ADHD and relevant covariates. Parent ratings of youth’s ability to transition effectively between tasks/situations (Shift subscale) also predicted school grades. Parent-rated symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and planning and organization abilities were significant in the final model predicting homework problems. In contrast, only symptoms of inattention and the Organization of Materials subscale from the BRIEF were significant in the teacher model predicting homework problems. Organization and planning abilities are highly important aspects academic functioning for middle-school-aged youth with ADHD. Implications of these findings for the measurement of EF, and organization and planning abilities in particular, are discussed along with potential implications for intervention.
Glucocorticoid induction of cleft palate in mice; no correlation with inhibition of mucopolysaccharide synthesis

Glucocorticoids were administered once intramuscularly on day 11.5 of gestation to pregnant C3H/An mice. Triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/ kg) produced 80% fetal cleft palates and reduced 35S-sulfate incorporation into palate mucopolysaccharides to 74% of control values. Cortisol acetate (320 mg/ kg) administration under the same conditions resulted in 70% cleft palate and 35% of control incorporation. A nonteratogenic dose of cortisol (64 mg/kg) in-hibited mucopolysaccharide synthesis to 68% of control values, i.e., this effect was similar to that obtained with the teratogenic dose of triamcinolone. Maximal palatal mucopolysaccharide synthesis occurs during day 14.5 of gestation, the time at which fetal palate shelves normally move horizontally and grow toward each other prior to fusion. Marked inhibition of mucopolysaccharide synthesis by glucocorticoids at this time has been considered to be the basis of their induction of cleft palates, analogous to their antiinflammatory effects on other connective tissue. However, our results suggest that the induction of cleft palate by gluco-corticoids is not related to inhibition of mucopolysaccharide synthesis by them but rather to growth inhibition.
An effective scalar photon interaction from ordinary non-relativistic spinless two-body QED

Abstract An effective scalar photon interaction emerges from two-body non-relativistic spinless QED due to finite mass corrections. This has the interesting consequence that even in a non-relativistic theory, a hydrogenic atom in the metastable 2S 1 2 state can decay by emitting one single photon. However, in a self-conjugate system like positronium, this one photon decay mode via this effective scalar photon interaction is totally suppressed.
ACMG Practice Guideline: lack of evidence for MTHFR polymorphism testing.

MTHFR polymorphism testing is frequently ordered by physicians as part of the clinical evaluation for thrombophilia. It was previously hypothesized that reduced enzyme activity of MTHFR led to mild hyperhomocysteinemia which led to an increased risk for venous thromboembolism, coronary heart disease, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Recent meta-analyses have disproven an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and risk for coronary heart disease and between MTHFR polymorphism status and risk for venous t­hromboembolism. There is growing evidence that MTHFR polymorphism testing has minimal clinical utility and, therefore should not be ordered as a part of a routine evaluation for thrombophilia. Genet Med 2013:15(2):153–156.
Ethics Seminars: The Practice of Medical Procedures on Newly Dead Patients—Is Consent Warranted?

Abstract. The use of the newly dead to teach procedures is widely practiced in training institutions. This model allows a realistic opportunity both to become more familiar with lifesaving maneuvers before they are actually necessary and to maintain proficiency. Whether to notify the next of kin first has been an issue of ethical debate. Some argue a “don't ask, don't tell” policy is justified, while others mandate open consent by family members prior to the practice. Several medical studies have found that patients and families are likely to consent to the procedures but prefer to be asked permission first. Multiple legal cases have addressed the issue of usage of cadavers postmortem without expressed permission. Earlier cases emphasized the concept of “pseudo-property” rights and declared that the next of kin do not have constitutional ownership of the deceased person's body. More recent legal cases are declaring that families do, in fact, possess these rights. In this day and age of increasing recognition of personal autonomy, it is probably prudent to approach the next of kin for permission before performing procedures on the newly deceased.
Transport service and protocols for high-speed networks

Several physical communication networks currently available can offer very high bandwidth. At the same time, many potential applications are in need for all that bandwidth. Unfortunately, the communication subsystems used today do not preserve the raw network throughput up to the application level. In this paper, we give an overview of the major current trends and approaches proposed to solve the so-called transport bottleneck problem. We discuss issues related to protocol design and implementation as well as the provision of new features at the transport service interface to accommodate emerging applications.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Acceleration of the Dissolution of Iron in Sulfuric Acid by Ferric Ions

The dissolution of iron in solutions was studied as a function of Fe+++ concentration. In the dissolution rate (5‐hr period) increased at first with Fe+++ concentration and then decreased beyond 0.47 Fe+++ g ion/1 until at 4.00 Fe+++ g ions/1, it became approximately equal to the rate in containing no Fe+++. The hydrogen evolution rate decreased with time and with Fe+++ concentration. For a given Fe+++ concentration, the dissolution rate decreased, and the hydrogen evolution rate increased with increasing H+ concentration.The accelerating effect of Fe+++ is due to the direct reduction of the Fe+++ to Fe++. Consumption of Fe+++ was related to iron dissolution according to Faraday's law. Decrease in hydrogen evolved was considered the result of unfavorable electrode conditions for the reduction of H+, created by the reduction of Fe+++ to Fe++.
Prosthetic reconstruction following resection of the hard and soft palate

The restoration of the soft palate presents a challenge completely different from that of the hard palate. The mobility of the soft palate tends to interfere with velar extensions. The reduction in size of the soft palate extension to prevent impingement upon the mobile margins of the defect will lead to insufficient oronasal separation during functional activities. The solution is to construct a specially designed prosthesis to attain the maximum utilization of the remaining structures and their motility. Although each pharyngeal extension is different in shape, they give the patient an effective functional mechanism that enhances speech and swallowing.
Magnetic instabilities in Kondo insulators.

Kondo insulators such as Ce 3 Bi 4 Pt 3 and CeNiSn are small-gap semiconductor compounds. We consider a stoichiometric Kondo insulator described by the symmetric Anderson lattice without orbital degeneracy and on average two electrons per site. We use a Gutzwiller-type mean-field approximation formulated in terms of four slave bosons per site in analogy with Kotliar and Ruckenstein's approach for the Hubbard model. A hybridization gap on the scale of the Kondo temperature opens in the paramagnetic phase, giving rise to the semiconducting properties at low temperatures
Truth and Goodness: Does the Sociology of Inequality Promote Social Betterment?:

The historical development of sociology is outlined, from (1) close ties with social reform in the early 20th century, to (2) the divorce of sociology from social reform in the 1930s through the 1960s, when the “pure science” model dominated, to (3) the domination of the “unmasking inequality” model since the 1970s. I argue for a “reducing inequality” model. A content analysis of articles on inequality in three leading journals shows a shift in the 1970s to a structuralist perspective linked to unmasking inequality. But research that unmasks inequality still ignores social reform because career advancement depends on following the pure science model. Case studies of 12 sociologists illustrate strategies for combining research with social betterment.
Lysine methylation and ‘signaling memory’

A combination of various post-translational modifications regulates the formation of signaling networks in both the nucleus and the cytosol. Of these, lysine methylation provides a relatively stable marker on histones and contributes to the formation of a distinct pattern of histone-dependent gene regulation ('transcriptional memory'). Thus far, lysine methylation was considered to be nucleus specific; however, recent findings indicate that lysine methylation contributes to receptor-mediated signal transduction in the cytosol.
Bacteriocin Production by Group A Streptococcal L-Forms

L-forms induced from a bacteriocin-producing strain of group A streptococcus retained both the ability to produce the streptococcin and producer strain immunity to the homologous bacteriocin. L-forms of a spontaneously cured (bacteriocin negative) derivative of this same strain failed to produce streptococcin but were sensitive to its action.
Thymic hormones and humoral immunity: Potential clinical applications

Summary Thymic hormones appear to have an immunomodulating effect that can be demonstrated in vitro for a myriad of immune functions in a variety of control or patient groups. Humoral immunity, probably because of the intricate network of regulatory influences, is no exception. In the studies we have cited, including our own work with the MASELA, investigators have observed profound activity of these thymic factors. The importance of this biologic activity observed in vitro, however, will be validated once successful in vivo immunologic reconstitution has been shown to correlate with in vitro predictions.
Use of the Medial Upper Arm Skin as an Arterialised Flap

The skin on the underside of the upper arm is supplied in part by the superior ulnar collateral artery, a direct cutaneous artery arising from the brachial artery four to six cm distal to the pectoralis major insertion. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the length of the medial arm skin can be reliably transferred as an arterialized undelayed pedicle flap. This skin provides excellent coverage for the opposite hand from a relatively inconspicuous donor site. Transfer of this flap is safe and patient discomfort is minimal. It is recommended for elective reconstruction and emergency procedures.
Steroid 17α-hydroxylase of the rat adrenal☆

Abstract The 105,000 g microsomal fraction of male or female rat adrenal contains steroid 17α-hydroxylase activity, as measured by a tritium exchange assay using 17α-[ 3 H]-pregnenolone as substrate. Administration of estrogen caused a pronounced increase in enzyme activity in the adrenals of both sexes, but the increase was greater in males. Ovine prolactin also caused an increase in hydroxylase in ovariectomized females. These results indicate that hydroxylase activity may play an important role in altering production of sex steroids by the adrenal.
The impact of the spatial mismatch between parolee and employment locations on recidivism

Prior research has shown that employed parolees are less likely to recidivate. Yet, these studies often ignore the underlying employment context of the neighborhoods to which parolees return. Given that parolees often reside in disadvantaged neighborhoods, it is likely that few potential employment opportunities exist nearby, and those opportunities that do exist are of relatively poor quality. This study examines the influence of geographic access to employment opportunities on the likelihood of recidivism. We use a unique data set of parolees and jobs in Ohio to determine whether parolees living closer to a greater number of potential employers or higher-paying jobs are less likely to recidivate. Further, we examine if these relationships are conditioned by parolee race. More job opportunities and higher paying jobs closer to the parolees' homes increase recidivism, and the likelihood of recidivating is highest within smaller geographic distances. Because many parolees reside in the inner city, jobs loc...