cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Coloradans View Attorneys

This article analyzes the results of a 2018 survey conducted with Colorado residents regarding their perceptions of attorneys. The ages of the respondents ranged from 18 to 69. The mean age was 37 and the median age was 31. Three versions of the survey, each with slight differences, were used to see how variations in the questions affected responses.
A Game of Adaptability: Reflecting on the Highlights & Challenges of Applying for Surgical Residency During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Virtual recruitment of candidates applying into General Surgery residency during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of benefits and challenges. Notable benefits for candidates included financial and resource cost savings, the ability to conduct multiple interviews within short time frame, and the ability to meet more faculty members on virtual interview day. Challenges included technological difficulties, difficulty assessing culture and authenticity of in-program relationships, zoom fatigue, and inability to form relationships with co-applicants. After assessing our experiences with these benefits and challenges, the authors recommend that future recruitment cycles maintain virtual interview days with optional, nonevaluative open house days for revisit and second look opportunities.
Tunable and Cooperative Catalysis for Enantioselective Pictet-Spengler Reaction with Varied Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Carboxaldehydes.

Herein we report an organocatalytic enantioselective functionalization of heterocyclic carboxaldehydes via the Pictet-Spengler reaction. Through careful pairing of novel squaramide and Bronsted acid catalysts, our method tolerates a breadth of heterocycles, enabling preparation of a series of heterocycle conjugated β-(tetrahydro)carbolines in good yield and enantioselectivity. Careful selection of carboxylic acid co-catalyst is essential for toleration of a variety of regioisomeric heterocycles. Utility is demonstrated via the three-step stereoselective preparation of pyridine-containing analogues of potent selective estrogen receptor downregulator and U.S. FDA approved drug Tadalafil.
Stress Incontinence: Classification and Surgical Approach

We present a modified classification for stress urinary incontinence based on the nature of vesical neck descent and the integrity of the intrinsic sphinteric mechanism. Surgical treatment was undertaken in 72 patients with this classification. With a minimum followup of 18 months there was a 94 per cent cure rate with respect to stress incontinence. However, in 14 patients significant frequency and urgency developed, which persisted for at least 6 months postoperatively. Of these patients 13 had undergone a pubovaginal sling procedure, 3 of whom had refractory symptoms, including urge incontinence, which resulted in augmentation cystoplasty in 2 and supravesical urinary diversion in 1.
Our Lives, Our Fortunes and Our Sacred Honor: The Forging of American Independence, 1774–1776. By Richard Beeman. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2013. Pp. xix, 528. $29.99.)

Like his recent book on the Federal Convention, Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution, this author's latest book highlights political leadership at a key juncture in the nation...
Nucleotide Composition of Nucleic Acids of Fungi I. Ribonucleic Acids

Storck, Roger (The University of Texas, Austin). Nucleotide composition of nucleic acids from fungi. I. Ribonucleic acids. J. Bacteriol. 90:1260-1264. 1965.-The nucleotide composition of the ribonucleic acids (RNA) present in extracts of 26 species of fungi was determined. The results were analyzed, together with those in the literature. It was found that the content in moles per cent of guanine plus cytosine (GC content) varied from 44.1 to 60.5 in a distribution composed of 8 species of zygomycetes, 10 of ascomycetes, 11 of deuteromycetes, and 8 of basidiomycetes. The GC-content range and average were, respectively, 44.1 to 49.3 and 46.4 for the zygomycetes, 47.4 to 54.4 and 50.2 for the ascomycetes, 48.2 to 54.5 and 51.6 for the deuteromycetes, and 50.4 to 60.5 and 52.4 for the basidiomycetes. The GC content averaged 45.6 and ranged from 44.1 to 46.3 for four Mucor species. In addition, GC contents significantly lower than 50 were also encountered in some species of Hemiascomycetidae, suggesting that AT type RNA is not uncommon in fungi. It was proposed that the base composition of fungal RNA might have a taxonomic and phylogenetic significance.
Limits on Schools' Ability to Regulate Off-campus Student Conduct

The critical issue in this case was whether the school board overstepped its authority with the implementation of a new regulation that stated that students could lose their privilege of participating in extracurricular activities based on off-campus misconduct.
A Nightmare on the Brain: Gothic Suspicion and Literary Modernism

Tracing out a brief history of the formal and historical trajectory of the Gothic novel, the essay demonstrates how modernist authors such as Joyce and Woolf deployed the tropes of the Gothic-Romance.
GASTROPOD ABUNDANCE AND BIOMASS RELATIONSHIPS WITH SALT MARSH VEGETATION WITHIN OCEAN-DOMINATED SOUTH CAROLINA, USA ESTUARIES

Abstract Molluscs, both gastropods and bivalves, appear to disproportionately influence the dynamics of salt marsh habitats. Bivalves typically are facilitators positively affecting the growth and survival of marshes, but gastropods may have unanticipated top-down effects through direct consumption of the predominant marsh vegetation, Spartina alterniflora. Natural, elevational differences in S. alterniflora density and morphology also may exert an influence on the spatial distributions of marsh snails. We examined the abundance of both plants and snails across an elevation gradient to determine if similarities or differences existed in the observed distribution patterns. Plant, mainly S. alterniflora, and snail, Littoraria irrorata (Say) and Melampus bidentatus Say, densities were measured along tidal creek to forest transects within the intertidal marshes of three marine-dominated South Carolina inlets. Significant differences in S. alterniflora density among marsh zones were paralleled by similar L. ir...
Rates of Oxygen Consumption for Proliferating and Quiescent Cells Isolated from Multicellular Tumor Spheroids

Multicellular tumor spheroids have proven to be valuable models of the interactions between the extracellular microenvironment and the metabolism, proliferation and viability of tumor cells (1,2). Studies on a variety of cell systems have shown that the supply of oxygen and glucose is critical to the maintenance of cellular viability (2–5). The role of oxygen and other energy-related nutrients in the development of proliferation arrest is considerably less well established. While it is generally believed that hypoxia is related to cellular quiescence, there is evidence that proliferation arrest in spheroids occurs at relatively high oxygen concentrations (4,6,7). Recent work also indicates that restricted cellular energy metabolism is not the mechanism behind quiescence in spheroids, either at small diameters or during the saturation phase of growth (8,9).
Informatics for the Health Information Technology Workforce

Interest in informatics education took a significant leap with the inclusion of funding for “workforce development” in the Heath Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, the portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, also known as the “economic stimulus bill”) of 2009 devoted to the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (HIT). The focus of this chapter is on the challenges of trying to create a workforce to meet the informatics and IT needs of a nation that is rapidly changing from a paper medical record environment to electronic health records. The chapter describes the issues that motivated the program, the goals and accomplishments of its components, the lessons learned, and what the future portends after the HITECH funding ends.
A planning quality evaluation tool for prostate adaptive IMRT based on machine learning.

Purpose: To ensure plan quality for adaptive IMRT of the prostate, we developed a quantitative evaluation tool using a machine learning approach. This tool generates dose volume histograms (DVHs) of organs-at-risk (OARs) based on prior plans as a reference, to be compared with the adaptive plan derived from fluence map deformation. Methods: Under the same configuration using seven-field 15 MV photon beams, DVHs of OARs (bladder and rectum) were estimated based on anatomical information of the patient and a model learned from a database of high quality prior plans. In this study, the anatomical information was characterized by the organ volumes and distance-to-target histogram (DTH). The database consists of 198 high quality prostate plans and was validated with 14 cases outside the training pool. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to DVHs and DTHs to quantify their salient features. Then, support vector regression (SVR) was implemented to establish the correlation between the features of the DVH and the anatomical information. Results: DVH/DTH curves could be characterized sufficiently just using only two or three truncated principal components, thus, patient anatomical information was quantified with reduced numbers of variables. The evaluation of the model using the test data set demonstrated its accuracy ∼ 80 % in prediction and effectiveness in improving ART planning quality. Conclusions: An adaptive IMRT plan quality evaluation tool based on machine learning has been developed, which estimates OAR sparing and provides reference in evaluating ART.
Experimental evidence that refuges delay insect adaptation to Bacillus thuringiensis

Theoretical projections suggest that refuges from exposure can delay insect adaptation to environmentally benign insecticides derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, but experimental tests of this approach have been limited. We tested the refuge tactic by selecting two sets of two colonies of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) for resistance to B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai in the laboratory. In each set, one colony was selected with no refuge and the other with a 10 per cent refuge from exposure to B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai. Bioassays conducted after nine selections were completed show that mortality caused by B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai was significantly greater in the refuge colonies than in the no-refuge colonies. These results demonstrate that the refuges delayed the evolution of resistance. Relative to a susceptible colony, final resistance ratios were 19 and 8 for the two no-refuge colonies compared to 6 and 5 for the refuge colonies. The mean realized heritability of resistance to B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai was 0.046 for colonies without refuges, and -0.002 for colonies with refuges. Selection with B. thuringiensis subsp. aizawai decreased susceptibility to B. thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ab, but not to Cry1C or B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. Although the ultimate test of refuges will occur in the field, the experimental evidence reported here confirms modelling results indicating that refuges can slow the evolution of insect resistance to B. thuringiensis.
The Presence of Asbestos in the Natural Environment is Likely Related to Mesothelioma in Young Individuals and Women from Southern Nevada

Background Inhalation of asbestos and other mineral fibers is known causes of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and lung cancers. In a setting of occupational exposure to asbestos, MM occurs four to eight times more frequently in men than in women, at the median age of 74 years, whereas an environmental exposure to asbestos causes the same number of MMs in men and women, at younger ages. Methods We studied the geology of Nevada to identify mineral fibers in the environment. We compared MM mortality in different Nevada counties, per sex and age group, for the 1999 to 2010 period. Results We identified the presence of carcinogenic minerals in Nevada, including actinolite asbestos, erionite, winchite, magnesioriebeckite, and richterite. We discovered that, compared with the United States and other Nevada counties, Clark and Nye counties, in southern Nevada, had a significantly higher proportion of MM that occurred in young individuals ( Conclusions The elevated percentage of women and individuals younger than 55 years old, combined with a sex ratio of 1:1 in this age group and the presence of naturally occurring asbestos, suggests that environmental exposure to mineral fibers in southern Nevada may be contributing to some of these mesotheliomas. Further research to assess environmental exposures should allow the development of strategies to minimize exposure, as the development of rural areas continues in Nevada, and to prevent MM and other asbestos-related diseases.
Reaction of Sensitized Dog's Kidney to Horse Serum Injected into the Renal Artery

SummaryIn a series of 9 dogs, an attempt was made to produce an experimental glomerulo-nephritis by the injection of horse serum into the left renal artery of previously sensitized animals. Functional studies failed to reveal any impairment as a result of the procedure, and pathologically no animal showed a real glomerulo-nephritis. In the kidneys of 2 dogs lesions were found which were the result of traumatization and infection respectively; in 2, minor changes were noted, as just described, whose relation to the procedure of the experiment is uncertain; in 5 no pathological changes were observed. It is concluded that the procedure described by Masugi as productive of glomerulo-nephritis in rabbits failed to produce the disease in dogs.
Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) technology for environmentally sound production of tantalum metal and alloys from their oxide sources

The Solid-Oxide-Oxygen-Ion conducting membrane (SOM) technology offers great potential for environment friendly and energy-efficient extraction of high-energy-content metals. This work was performed to demonstrate the technical viability of the SOM technology to produce tantalum metal and tantalum-niobium alloy directly from tantalum oxide and ore concentrates. An electric potential is applied to dissociate the tantalum oxide source, reduce the Ta metal at the cathode, pump the oxygen ions through the membrane (SOM), and oxidize them at the anode. The process can be used to efficiently produce tantalum metal without the expensive pre-processing of raw materials and generation of harmful byproducts. The work reported in this paper demonstrates that the SOM process can produce high-purity tantalum metal. The electrochemical behavior of the cell and the method to increase membrane stability are also discussed.
Use of ATP-MgCl2 in the evaluation and treatment of children with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUNDPulmonary hypertension results in increased morbidity and mortality in children after surgical repair of congenital heart defects. Various vasodilators have been unsuccessful in providing preferential pulmonary vasodilation in these patients. Identification of a more preferential pulmonary vasodilator would improve the assessment, management, and outcome of these children. To determine whether ATP-MgCl2 is a preferential pulmonary vasodilator in children with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart defects, ATP-MgCl2 was administered during routine cardiac catheterization, and the effects were compared with tolazoline. In addition, ATP-MgCl2 was infused intravenously during episodes of postoperative pulmonary hypertension.METHODS AND RESULTSDuring cardiac catheterization in 28 children, the effect of ATP-MgCl2 on the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (Rp) was compared with tolazoline. ATP-MgCl2 (0.1 mg of ATP per kilogram per minute) decreased m...
Influenza: Pathways to human adaptation.

An outbreak of avian H7N9 influenza in humans was reported in early 2013. Structural and infection studies are helping to reveal how these viruses can adapt to infect, and potentially transmit in, new species. See Letters p.496 & p.500 The H7N9 avian flu virus emerged in the human population on mainland China in February 2013, and by the first week of July WHO had recorded 133 cases including 43 deaths. Most cases so far have been linked to live bird markets. In this issue of Nature two groups report on the receptor-binding properties of H7N9. Both find that the virus has acquired the ability to bind the human α-2,3-linked sialic acid receptor yet has a retained preference for binding to the avian 2,3-linked receptor, a factor that may restrict its further evolution towards efficient transmission between humans. Steven Gamblin and colleagues also solve the crystal structure of the H7 haemagglutinin in complex with the receptor analogues, revealing details of how the human-receptor-binding properties may have arisen. Yuelong Shu and colleagues examine the pattern of virus infection in lung tissue. In human tracheal and lung explants, the virus infects epithelial cells in the lower respiratory tract and type II pneumocytes in the alveoli, and is better able to replicate in the lower respiratory tract compared with the trachea, a possible factor in the inefficient human-to-human transmission seen to date. They also report hypercytokinaemia in some patients — a cytokine storm that can contribute to disease severity — comparable to that seen in some H5N1 infections.
In-Stent Stenosis of Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of the Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

The intracranial stent functions primarily to prevent protrusion of coils into the parent vessel during the embolization of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms and might also reduce aneurysm recanalization rate. In spite of these advantages, little is known about the long-term interaction of the stent with the parent vessel wall. We present a rare case of severe in-stent stenosis occurring as a delayed complication of Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm.
MINOS — A status report

Abstract The Fermilab/Soudan Mine long baseline neutrino experiment design status is discussed, as well as the expected physics capabilities.
The submental island flap in head and neck reconstruction

Background The submental island flap (SIF) is a new alternative in the reconstruction of various head and neck defects. We present our preliminary experience in the use of this flap and describe the surgical technique. Methods Nine patients underwent reconstruction with the SIF between January 1998 and July 1999. The SIF has been used for the reconstruction of the cervical esophageal stenosis in 2 patients, floor of mouth and tongue defects in 6 patients, and a hemilaryngectomy defect in 1 patient. Results With the exception of one partial flap loss caused by arterial insufficiency, no flap failures were observed. All the donor site defects but one were closed primarily. One patient who underwent reconstruction of a hemilaryngectomy defect underwent revision surgery because of intractable hair growth on the transferred skin paddle. Marginal mandibular nerve function was intact in all the cases. Conclusions When combined with the reported experience of other surgeons, our preliminary experience showed that the SIF was an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of head and neck defects because of its reliability, versatility, and relative ease of application. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 22: 572–578, 2000.
Physiological and chemical analysis of neurotransmitter candidates at a fast excitatory synapse in the jellyfish Cyanea capillata (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa).

Motor nerve net (MNN) neurons in the jellyfish Cyanea capillata communicate with one another by way of fast, bidirectional excitatory chemical synapses. As is the case with almost all identified chemical synapses in cnidarians, the identity of the neurotransmitter at these synapses is unclear. MNN neurons are large enough for stable intracellular recordings. This, together with the fact that they can be exposed, providing unlimited access to them and to their synapses, prompted a study of the action of a variety of neurotransmitter candidates, including those typically associated with fast synapses in higher animals. Only the amino acids taurine and β-alanine produced physiological responses consistent with those of the normal EPSP in these cells. Moreover, chemical analysis revealed that both taurine and β-alanine are present in the neurons and released by depolarization. These various findings strongly suggest that either or both of these amino acids, or a closely related compound is the neurotransmitter at the fast chemical synapses between MNN neurons.
Form Error Estimation Using Spatial Statistics

Form error estimation is an essential step in the assessment of product geometry created through one or more manufacturing processes. We present a new method using spatial statistics to estimate form error. Using large sets of uniform sample points measured from five common machined surfaces, we compare the form error estimates using individual points and fitted surfaces obtained through spatial statistical methods. The results show that spatial statistics can provide more accurate estimates of form error under certain conditions.
Seven big ideas in robotics, and how to teach them

Robotics is widely recognized as an interdisciplinary mixture of engineering and computer science, but the latter component is not well represented at many undergraduate institutions. The sophisticated technologies that underlie perception, planning, and control mechanisms in modern robots need to be made accessible to more computer science undergraduates. Following the curriculum design principles of Wiggins and McTighe (Understanding by Design, 2nd Ed.), I present seven big ideas in robotics that can fit together in a one semester undergraduate course. Each is introduced with an essential question, such as "How do robots see the world?" The answers expose students to deep concepts in computer science in a context where they can be immediately demonstrated. Hands-on labs using the Tekkotsu open source software framework and robots costing under $1,000 facilitate mastery of these important ideas. Courses based on parts of an early version of this curriculum are being offered at Carnegie Mellon and several other universities.
Hand-raising a philippine tarsier, Tarsius syrichta

An infant female tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) weighing 20 g at birth was removed for hand-raising at 1 day of age. The infant was maintained in an incubator (32°C, 80% humidity), and fed every 2–3 hours for the first 10 days of life. The infant received a varied formula for the first 4 days. Esbilac (3.3–8.0 cc daily) was given for days 5–10. From days 11 to 67 the infant was fed 6.5–8.0 cc of formula seven times daily. A liver fortified formula was introduced on day 53. Birthweight doubled by day 41 and tripled by day 101. The animals first successful jump was observed at day 25. On day 68 she captured and ate her first live prey. Introduction to adult tarsiers began on day 60. This is the first successful hand-raising of any species of tarsier, which is a genus that reproduces poorly in captivity.
Steroids May Prevent Leukopenia, Hastening Response to IV Azathioprine in Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Reply. We appreciate the comments by Butel and Szylit that clarify their observations on the newborn quail model of NEC. We agree that the germfree quail model using monobiotic and polybiotic supplementation is a useful and interesting approach to characterize the importance of bacterial colonization on neonatal intestinal inflammation and necrosis. We referred to the neonatal rat models of NEC in our article not to be complete, but because those were the studies that initiated our experimental design and methodology. Furthermore, because rats appear to respond to platelet-activating factor similar to humans, the model was ideal for evaluating the role of this phospholipid mediator on neonatal NEC. Regarding the mechanism of Clostridium-induced intestinal necrosis found in the quail model, although we misinterpreted the bacterial colonization data on Clostridium species, we referenced the article by Butel et al. to emphasize the novel findings on butyric acid. They show that a reduction in luminal butyric acid resulting from bifidobacteria colonization correlates with attenuated intestinal necrosis. Because this mechanism may play an important role in the pathophysiology of NEC, this specific effect of probiotic supplementation warrants further investigation. Finally, we agree that prebiotic and probiotic supplementation offers a potential preventive approach for NEC in preterm infants and support ongoing investigation using this technique in neonatal patients.
A Transuranic Aerosol Measurement System: Preliminary Results

We have completed the design, fabrication, and assembly of a computer-based prototype system for the measurement of transuranic aerosols in the workplace and environment. This system (called WOTAMS for Workplace Transuranic Aerosol Measurement System) incorporates two detectors: (1) an in-line solid-state alpha detector that sends out an alarm the moment a transuranic release occurs, and (2) an in-vacuum detector that increases off-line-analysis sensitivity. The in-line sensitivity of the system is better than 5.0 MPC-h, and the in-vacuum sensitivity exceeds 0.5 MPC-h.
Weight-bearing effects on skeletal muscle during and after simulated bed rest.

Abstract The detrimental consequences of bed rest include a rapid loss of muscle mass and strength. Yet, the utility of treatment to offset the effects of bed rest has not been well established. It was the purpose of this study to examine the effects of therapeutic intervention on simulated bed rest in rats. Simulated bed rest was accomplished by unweighting the hindlimbs of rats for 2 weeks via a suspension apparatus attached to the tail and midriff. Weight-bearing (eg, standing, walking) effects on hindlimb unweighting (HLU) were investigated under three conditions: (1) 1 hour of weight bearing per day during HLU; (2) a week of natural cage recovery after HLU; and (3) a combination of 1 hour of weight bearing per day during HLU and a week of recovery after HLU. Muscle contractile function and fiber atrophy were examined in the soleus (SOL), a postural muscle, and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), a nonpostural muscle. The unweighted SOL showed a 37% loss in wet weight and a 61% decline in peak tetanic tension (P 0 ). The SOL in rats allowed 1 hour of weight bearing per day lost 22% of its mass and 38% of its P 0 , a 38% attenuation. One week of cage recovery after HLU resulted in a SOL wet weight that was 26% less and P 0 that was 42% less than controls. Animals that received the combination of 1 hour of weight bearing per day and 1 week of cage activity nearly recovered muscle mass, but P 0 still was 19% less than controls. The EDL was much less affected by HLU than the SOL. Results strongly support early intervention, particularly weight bearing, during a period of bed rest to modify the decline in strength and muscle mass in postural muscles such as the SOL. Further, results suggest that simply sending a patient home from the hospital to recover from bed rest delays return of strength unnecessarily.
Spinal anesthesia: Mechanisms, agents, methods, and safety☆

Abstract Recent advances in our understanding of neurotransmitter and receptor pharmacology in the spinal cord have provided new directions for the development of novel analgesic compounds. Although IT opioids provide effective analgesia for most patients, limited duration of action, tolerance, and side effects represent a limitation. Nonopioids such as alpha-2 adrenergic and cholinergic agonists may be more suited as adjuvants rather than sole analgesic agents. N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists could be used to treat centrally mediated hyperalgesia, although ketamine might have a neurotoxic potential. The role of other agents in pain management, such as somatostatin analogs, calcitonin, and calcium channel blockers, which all act by different pathways, remains to be determined. It is essential that appropriate animal neurotoxicity studies followed by controlled clinical trials are performed before widespread spinal administration of new drugs. The combined use of low doses of drugs with separate but synergistic mechanisms of analgesia can reduce the required dose as well as unwanted side effects.
Multiscaling for classical nanosystems: Derivation of Smoluchowski & Fokker–Planck equations

Abstract Using multiscale analysis and methods of statistical physics, we show that a solution to the N -atom Liouville equation can be decomposed via an expansion in terms of a smallness parameter ϵ , wherein the long scale time behavior depends upon a reduced probability density that is a function of slow-evolving order parameters. This reduced probability density is shown to satisfy the Smoluchowski equation up to O ( ϵ 2 ) for a given range of initial conditions. Furthermore, under the additional assumption that the nanoparticle momentum evolves on a slow time scale, we show that this reduced probability density satisfies a Fokker–Planck equation up to O ( ϵ 2 ) . This approach has applications to a broad range of problems in the nanosciences.
Affective neural response to restricted interests in autism spectrum disorders.

Background: Restricted interests are a class of repetitive behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) whose intensity and narrow focus often contribute to significant interference with daily functioning. While numerous neuroimaging studies have investigated executive circuits as putative neural substrates of repetitive behavior, recent work implicates affective neural circuits in restricted interests. We sought to explore the role of affective neural circuits and determine how restricted interests are distinguished from hobbies or interests in typical development. Methods: We compared a group of children with ASD to a typically developing (TD) group of children with strong interests or hobbies, employing parent report, an operant behavioral task, and functional imaging with personalized stimuli based on individual interests. Results: While performance on the operant task was similar between the two groups, parent report of intensity and interference of interests was significantly higher in the ASD group. Both the ASD and TD groups showed increased BOLD response in widespread affective neural regions to the pictures of their own interest. When viewing pictures of other children’s interests, the TD group showed a similar pattern, whereas BOLD response in the ASD group was much more limited. Increased BOLD response in the insula and anterior cingulate cortex distinguished the ASD from the TD group, and parent report of the intensity and interference with daily life of the child’s restricted interest predicted insula response. Conclusions: While affective neural network response and operant behavior are comparable in typical and restricted interests, the narrowness of focus that clinically distinguishes restricted interests in ASD is reflected in more interference in daily life and aberrantly enhanced insula and anterior cingulate response to individuals’ own interests in the ASD group. These results further support the involvement of affective neural networks in repetitive behaviors in ASD. Keywords: Autism, restricted interests, reward, repetitive behavior, fMRI, insula, salience.
Student perceptions of classroom achievement goals as predictors of belonging and content instrumentality

The goal of the current study was to examine the predictive relationships among a set of cognitive-motivational variables that have been found in previous studies to support academic achievement. Student perception of a classroom’s achievement goal structure (classroom mastery, classroom performance-approach, classroom performance-avoidance) was used as the primary set of predictor variables, while student perceptions of belonging and subject matter instrumentality were used as dependent variables. There were 227 participants in the current study each of whom were enrolled in a rural high school in the Midwestern United States. Results indicated that the classroom level goal orientation was, in fact, predictive of belonging and perceived instrumentality. Specifically, classroom mastery goals and classroom performance-approach goals were found to positively relate to both belonging and perceived instrumentality. Implications of the aforementioned relationships are discussed.
Fast-dissolving intraoral drug delivery systems

Fast-dissolving drug delivery is rapidly gaining interest in the pharmaceutical industry. These delivery systems either dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth rapidly, without requiring any water to aid in swallowing. Such technologies offer a convenient way of dosing medications, not only to special population groups with swallowing difficulties, but also to the general population. They also impart unique product differentiation, thus enabling use as line extensions for existing commercial products. This review discusses the various technologies in recent patents used to achieve quick dissolution/dispersion in the oral cavity. They are categorised based on either processing or formulation variables. Processing techniques, such as lyophilisation, tablet moulding, sublimation and spray drying, are discussed in this article. Review of the formulation techniques includes addition of sugar-based ingredients, foaming agents and disintegrants. Finally, an emerging novel dosage form, a quick-dissolving film, is d...
THERMAL STRESSES AND BUCKLING OF ELASTIC PLATES WITH REINFORCED EDGES

The role of edge stiffeners on the thermal stresses and buckling of thin elastic rectangular plates is examined. The edge stiffeners always affect the distribution of the in-plane stresses. They can either help or kinder the thermal buckling of plates as compared to a flat plate. Usually a reinforced plate must be thicker than a flat one to prevent buckling.
Studies on 2-piperidino-8-mercaptoadenine, a potent inhibitor of cleavage in echinoderm embryos.

Abstract Several 8-mercaptoadenine derivatives inhibited pronuclear fusion, karyokinesis and cleavage in the sand dollar embryo. The most potent of these, 2-piperidino-8-mercaptoadenine (PMA) prevented cleavage when present at a concentration of 0.1 μg/ml or greater. At cleavage-inhibitory concentrations PMA did not inhibit synthesis of protein; drug effects upon synthesis of DNA seemed to be secondary to changes in karyokinesis. The microscopic and biochemical effects of PMA closely resembled those of colchicine; they differed significantly from the effects produced by dinitrophenol, usnic acid, cycloheximide, β-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol. Both 6-NH 2 and 8-SH substitutions on the purine molecule were necessary for cleavage inhibitory potency. Marginal protection against cleavage inhibition was afforded by mercaptopurines, mercaptopurine ribosides and cysteine but not by purines, purine ribosides, methylmercaptopurine or cystine.
Neuromodulation for Brain Disorders: Challenges and Opportunities

The field of neuromodulation encompasses a wide spectrum of interventional technologies that modify pathological activity within the nervous system to achieve a therapeutic effect. Therapies including deep brain stimulation, intracranial cortical stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation have all shown promising results across a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. While the mechanisms of therapeutic action are invariably different among these approaches, there are several fundamental neuroengineering challenges that are commonly applicable to improving neuromodulation efficacy. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of neuromodulation for brain disorders and discusses the challenges and opportunities available for clinicians and researchers interested in advancing neuromodulation therapies.
Oxygen tension in a murine tumor: A combined EPR and MRI study

The effects of fusinite, a new agent for the measurement of the concentration of oxygen in vivo by EPR, on MRI images have been studied. There was little effect on spin-echo T1-weighted images, but the fusinite resulted in large effects on T2-weighted images. Especially large effects could be observed when using spoiled gradient echo sequences (SPGR). The observed measurements of oxygen by EPR corresponded to the relative vascularity at the site of the fusinite both histologically and by MRI studies of vascularity using Gd-DTPA as a contrast agent. We conclude that by using the effects of fusinite on magnetic susceptibility, it can be located accurately and noninvasively with MRI and thereby the value of the use of fusinite to measure concentration of oxygen in vivo is enhanced.
Microsurgical resection of colloid cysts using a stereotactic transventricular approach

Abstract BACKGROUND Several surgical approaches have proven effective in the management of colloid cysts. Cited disadvantages of the transventricular route are its difficulty in patients with small ventricles, and the risk of postoperative seizures; advantages include the avoidance of interhemispheric retraction and venous injury, and callosal section in the transcallosal route. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated patient outcomes after minimally invasive transventricular microsurgical resection. Twenty patients underwent computed tomography-guided stereotactic resection of a colloid cyst based on trajectory planning through the middle frontal gyrus. The mean patient age was 38 years (range, 14–65 years). The colloid cyst was discovered incidentally in one patient; two patients presented in coma. Fourteen patients (70%) had preoperative hydrocephalus. RESEULTS Total or near-total (only a small remnant of cyst wall left attached to the fornix or thalamostriate vein) cyst removal was achieved in all patients. Mean follow-up after surgery was 4.3 years (range, 0.5–11 years). All patients had an excellent outcome (100%) with return to full function or employment status. Postoperative morbidity occurred in one patient (5%) who sustained a small caudate nucleus hemorrhagic contusion associated with temporary hemiparesis. A single postoperative seizure occurred in one patient 5 months after surgery; no patient developed a persistent seizure disorder. CONCLUSIONS This technique relies on the use of a precisely placed limited craniotomy, a small cortical opening (10–20 mm), a precise trajectory to the foramen of Monro, and standard microsurgical instruments. Stereotactic transventricular microsurgical resection provided safe and effective management of patients with colloid cysts, even in the absence of hydrocephalus.
The Constitutional Significance of the Executive Office of the President.

Whatever the formula, these 10 urban states, geographically not adjacent, constituted a matrix of political strength, 'together similar in political complexion and trend, but often distinct from their special regions. Not only do their electoral divisions in the past two decades demonstrate the breakup of the old regional patterns, but they suggest that they may well be considered the balance of political power which accounted considerably for Roosevelt's triumphs and were indispensable to Truman. There is quantitative evidence here that Professor Holcombe's observation has been borne out. In 1933, he noted: "A leading feature of contemporary American politics is the shift in the balance of power from the country to the cities."38 Urban presidential election tides from 1932 on, as explored here, indicate the validity of that observation. No conclusions are permissible from this study, such as bio-ecologists have indulged in,39 concerning the political dominance by metropolitan centers of political regions, or, for that matter, of the United States. Nor can a single theory or interpretation of urbanism in politics adequately account for urban political behavior. Cities are not identical politically in composition, organization, and functioning. Above all, the urban electorate is unpredictable and irregular in its political behavior, and further studies describing the characteristics associated with voting in metropolitan areas need to be made.40 Since the twenties, tremendous political change in the orientation of our national politics has taken place. It is a significant political fact that metropolitan party pluralities have played a major r6le in this change. The metropolitan vote may well have become the balance-wheel in our political system.4'
Morphology and growth modes of metal-oxides deposited on SrTiO3

Abstract Classical molecular dynamics simulations are used to examine the growth of SrO and TiO2 thin films on SrTiO3 (STO). In particular, the simulations consider the deposition of SrO and TiO2 molecules at incident energies of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 eV/atom onto the (0 0 1) surface of STO. The role of surface termination layer (SrO vs. TiO2) is analyzed. In the case of SrO deposition, smooth, ordered films are produced for all incident energies considered and for both surface terminations. By contrast, in the case of TiO2 deposition, three-dimensional islands are formed under all conditions. These predictions are in good agreement with experimental data. Importantly, the simulations explain why these differing morphologies are produced for SrO and TiO2 deposition.
THE INTRINSIC RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA IN POSTNATAL MESENTERIC ARTERY IS ENDOTHELIUM- AND AGE-DEPENDENT 1379

THE INTRINSIC RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA IN POSTNATAL MESENTERIC ARTERY IS ENDOTHELIUM- AND AGE-DEPENDENT 1379
Anemia, hospitalization, and mortality in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis in the United States

Anemia, hospitalization, and mortality in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis in the United States. Background The view that hemoglobin levels in peritoneal dialysis patients should be maintained at 11 to 12g/dL is based largely on the results of studies in hemodialysis patients. Methods We studied 13,974 erythropoietin-treated Medicare patients who initiated peritoneal dialysis between 1991 and 1998. Mean hemoglobin levels for the first 6months of the study and, subsequently, time to first hospitalization and death during a 2-year follow-up were determined. Results The percentages of patients with hemoglobin levels of P P P P P P P P Conclusion In peritoneal dialysis patients, anemia is associated with hospitalization and mortality in a manner supporting current Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) hemoglobin targets. In addition, hemoglobin levels of ≥12g/dL are associated with lower hospitalization rates in diabetic patients.
The Treadmill of Accumulation Schnaiberg’s Environment and Marxian Political Economy

Allan Schnaiberg’s “treadmill of production” model has formed the single most influential framework of analysis within environmental sociology in the United States. Schnaiberg’s work is often characterized as “neo-Marxist,” but its actual relation to Marxian political economy has been left obscure. The following article examines Marx’s treatment of the treadmill as the crudest historical expression of the capitalist mode of production; the roots of Schnaiberg’s analysis in Baran and Sweezy’s conception of monopoly capital and Gabriel Kolko’s conception of political capitalism; the later divergence of the treadmill theory and Marxian political economy; the disappearance of the explicit critique of capitalism in the joint work of Schnaiberg and Kenneth Alan Gould; and the reconvergence of these traditions in the current phase of environmental sociology characterized by the debate with ecological modernization. The treadmill model demonstrates that the choice between barbarism and civilization is not simply ...
Potentials, actuals and residues: Entanglements of culture and subjectivity

Exploring subjectivity is a powerful theoretical practice of feminist science studies that has enabled scholars to open the black box of authority, objectivity and purity around science in order to include multiple voices and perspectives in new and powerful ways. This paper contributes to this existing dialog on multiplicity while supplementing it with the formation of subjectivities within social worlds. Using a snap shot of an inquiry into rice, technology and gender from my field site in West Africa I explore a residue of our theoretical work in feminist science studies and our scholarship on subjectivity in order to draw attention to the production, temporality, and translation of subjectivity in our thinking and research. In addition, the paper explores the potentiality and actuality in naming subjects, in order to reflect on where we might be going in our theorizing about the shifting entanglements between culture and subjectivity.
Cytopathology of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: report of 8 cases.

BACKGROUND. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma rarely subjected to cytologic analysis. With the exception of a few small series, the cytology literature of EMC is largely limited to single-case reports. The purpose was to evaluate the cytomorphology of 8 EMC cases as obtained by imprint/scrape cytology and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, to review the literature, and to demonstrate the utility of cytogenetic analysis in the diagnosis of EMC. METHODS. The cytology files were reviewed for all soft-tissue lesions signed out as chondrosarcoma, myxoid sarcoma, and EMC, and the tissue files for any cases of EMC that had corresponding cytopathology. FNA was performed using a standard technique. Scrape preparations were performed from tissue sent fresh to the laboratory for either frozen section or for special studies such as electron microscopy or tissue banking. RESULTS. Eight cases of EMC were retrieved from 4 men and 3 women (median age = 62 years). One patient had 2 separate cytologic specimens 4.5 years apart. All patients had subsequent tissue confirmation of the diagnosis of EMC. Five individuals presented as new patients, and 2 had a prior diagnosis of EMC. Sites included 4 masses from the foot/ankle, 2 from the calf, 1 wrist mass, and 1 buttock mass. Five patients were diagnosed from FNA biopsy, whereas 3 were diagnosed using scrape slides. Five cases were correctly and categorically diagnosed by the cytologic method as EMC, 1 as chondrosarcoma favor EMC, 1 as sarcoma favor EMC, and 1 as myxoid spindle/epithelial neoplasm. Cytologic features ranged from hypocellular to highly cellular smears composed primarily of rounded cells set in an abundant myxoid stroma that varied from opaque to semitransparent and lacked vascularity or necrosis. Smears showed cells in short, sometimes anastomosing cords, but also as single cells and nondescript cell clusters. Cells displayed a monotonous uniformity in nuclear diameter and cell size. Bland nuclei with evenly dispersed chromatin displayed variably sized nucleoli, and a moderate amount of infrequently vacuolated cytoplasm. Tissue fragments of variable size were found in 5 of 5 FNA cell blocks. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using the EWSR1 probe showed a positive 22q12 translocation in 2 of 3 FNA cases that were tested. One case with negative FISH results on the cytologic preparation showed a positive translocation using the same technique in the subsequent resection specimen. CONCLUSIONS. A confident cytologic diagnosis of EMC depends on the presence of a uniform, round to oval cell population often arranged in cords and set in an abundant myxoid/chondromyxoid background and arising in the appropriate clinical context. If positive, FISH testing (of paraffin cell blocks or cytospin preparations) is confirmatory when coupled with this cytomorphology. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.