cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Risk and Follow-up Recommendations for Young Women Diagnosed with Atypical Hyperplasia and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS).

The risk of breast cancer in young women diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia and (LCIS) is not well defined. The objectives were to evaluate outcomes and to help determine guidelines for follow-up in this population. A retrospective review of women under age 35 diagnosed with ADH, ALH, LCIS, and severe ADH from 1987 to 2010 was performed. Patient characteristics, pathology and follow-up were determined from chart review. We identified 58 young women with atypical breast lesions. Median age at diagnosis was 31 years (range 19–34). 34 patients had ADH, 11 had ALH, 8 had LCIS, and 5 had severe ADH. 7 (12%) patients developed breast cancer. The median follow-up was 86 months (range 1–298). Median time to cancer diagnosis was 90 months (range 37–231). 4 cancers were on the same side, 3 were contralateral. 4 were IDC, 1 was ILC, and 2 were DCIS. Cancer was detected by screening mammogram in 4 patients, 2 by clinical exam, and 1 unknown. In the entire cohort, 26 (45%) patients had screening mammograms as part of their follow up, 12 patients had only clinical follow up, and 20 had no additional follow up. 13 patients required subsequent biopsies. Young women with atypical breast lesions are at a markedly increased risk for developing breast cancer and should be followed closely. Based on our findings, we recommend close clinical follow-up, MRI starting at age 25 through age 29, and screening mammograms for those over 30 in this high-risk group of patients.
Electrocardiography at diagnosis and close to the time of death in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background Scarce information exits on the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients close to their death and whether observed abnormalities progress from the time of PAH diagnosis. Methods We analyzed the characteristics of the ECG performed at initial diagnosis, during the course of the disease and close to the time of death on consecutive PAH patients followed at our institution between June 2008 and December 2010. Results We included 50 patients with PAH (76% women) with mean (SD) age of 58 (14) years. Median heart rate (83 vs 89 bpm, P = 0.001), PR interval (167 vs 176 ms, P = 0.03), QRS duration (88 vs 90 ms, P = 0.02), R/S ratio in lead V1 (1 vs 2, P = 0.01), and QTc duration (431 vs 444 ms, P = 0.02) significantly increased from the initial to the last ECG. In addition, the frontal QRS axis rotated to the right (97 vs 112 degrees, P = 0.003) and we more commonly observed right bundle branch block (5% vs 8%, P = 0.03) and negative T waves in inferior leads (31% vs 60%, P = 0.004). No patient had normal ECG at the time of death. Conclusions Significant changes progressively occur in a variety of ECG parameters between the time of the initial PAH diagnosis and close to death.
Closing the background integral

We use the asymptotic behavior of the partial-waveS-matrix given in a previous report; namely, that asymptotically in the left-half λ-plane the single two-body, elasticS-matrix element has the behavior exp [2πiλ] in a sector of the left-half λ-plane for a fairly general class of (energy-dependent) potentials, and derive consequent representations for the total scattering amplitude. Two basic representations are given. The first is valid when the potential is such as to imply the Mandelstam symmetry; the second is an extension of the earlier Khuri representation and is valid for a fairly general superposition of (energy-dependent) Yukawa potentials; the latter representation is given both with and without subtracting the Born term. A brief comparison with exact results shows good agreement in a one-pole approximation.
What Knowledge is Shaping Teacher Preparation in Early Childhood Mathematics

This article examines the bodies of knowledge that influence and inform the teaching of mathematics methods courses for preservice early childhood teachers, focusing on the U.S. context. In particular, the article reports on an analysis of scholarship published over the last 20 years in four journals (two focused on early childhood education and two focused on mathematics education), which examined the discourse in these journals around mathematical content and instructional strategies. The analysis found that attention to the context of early childhood education was minimal, largely as a result of a dominant focus on elementary education. This focus on elementary rather than early childhood showed up in greater attention to advanced content in mathematics and in an emphasis on formal over informal instructional methods. This review suggests a need for research on how preservice teachers learn to teach early mathematics, such as counting and cardinality, to adapt early childhood curricula, to use teaching...
Can Fund Managers Select Outperforming REITs? Examining Fund Holdings and Trades

Despite at least six empirical studies published since 2000 designed to assess fund managers’ Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)-selection ability, their skill remains in question. Unlike previous studies, we examine fund holdings and trades of REITs to answer this question. This approach allows us to explicitly account for portfolio rebalancing that alters REIT-characteristic weights of fund portfolios. Results show that fund managers, after controlling for property type, size and momentum, generated significant positive alpha with their securities-selection ability. To understand the sources of such ability, we examine whether fund managers who followed certain trading strategies outperformed relative to other managers. The potential trading strategies are based on public information related to geographic concentration, net-asset-value-to-price ratios, income and appreciation styles and leverage of the underlying REITs. Comparative and regression analyses show that none of the strategies fully explains why fund managers were able to select REITs that outperformed. We surmise that the outperformance mainly derives from the endemic abilities of managers to uniquely process REIT-specific information and generate private valuation beliefs that lead to profitable investment decisions.
A 190µW–915MHz active neural transponder with 4-channel time multiplexed AFE

This paper reports a highly integrated neural tag for biosignal streaming data recording. The analog front-end uses a time multiplexed architecture with tunable bandwidth amplifiers, a shared output stage and 8-bit SAR ADC, and achieves an NEF of 2.7 with input referred noise of 18nV/√Hz. Streaming digitized signal recordings are packetized and transmitted via a low power 915MHz backscattering modulator. The chip was fabricated in 130nm CMOS process, measures 1.64mm2, and dissipates 190µW when fully operational.
Kapitza Resistance at a Solid-Fluid Interface

A theory is presented for the thermal boundary resistance, usually called the Kapitza resistance, between a planar interface that separates a solid and a fluid. The theory includes transverse modes in the fluid that can carry diffusive heat from the surface into the fluid volume.
Hippocampal and visuospatial learning defects in mice with a deletion of frizzled 9, a gene in the Williams syndrome deletion interval

Wnt signaling regulates hippocampal development but little is known about the functions of specific Wnt receptors in this structure. Frizzled 9 is selectively expressed in the hippocampus and is one of about 20 genes typically deleted in Williams syndrome. Since Williams syndrome is associated with severe visuospatial processing defects, we generated a targeted null allele for frizzled 9 to examine its role in hippocampal development. Frizzled 9-null mice had generally normal gross anatomical hippocampal organization but showed large increases in apoptotic cell death in the developing dentate gyrus. This increase in programmed cell death commenced with the onset of dentate gyrus development and persisted into the first postnatal week of life. There was also a perhaps compensatory increase in the number of dividing precursors in the dentate gyrus, which may have been a compensatory response to the increased cell death. These changes in the mutants resulted in a moderate decrease in the number of adult dentate granule cells in null mice and an increase in the number of hilar mossy cells. Heterozygous mice (the same frizzled 9 genotype as Williams syndrome patients) were intermediate between wild type and null mice for all developmental neuronanatomic defects. All mice with a mutant allele had diminished seizure thresholds, and frizzled 9 null mice had severe deficits on tests of visuospatial learning/memory. We conclude that frizzled 9 is a critical determinant of hippocampal development and is very likely to be a contributing factor to the neurodevelopmental and behavioral phenotype of patients with Williams syndrome.
Are the parents to blame? Predicting franchisee failure

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to show how franchisor characteristics influence franchisee failure. To achieve this aim, we developed a heuristic model using the methodology and power of predictive analytics. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data from the World Franchising Council’s and from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The data cover 271 diverse USA franchise chains that are present in both databases. Findings – The model predicts potential defaults of SBA-backed loans issued to American franchisees, and the authors identify 13 variables that help explain franchisee failure. Practical implications – The authors offer guidance for stakeholder groups – lenders, franchisors and franchisees – to minimize the risk of lending and business failure. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the franchising literature by considering parent firms’ characteristics to predict franchisee failure.
Modulation of host signaling by a bacterial mimic: structure of the Salmonella effector SptP bound to Rac1.

Abstract Salmonella spp. utilize a specialized protein secretion system to deliver a battery of effector proteins into host cells. Several of these effectors stimulate Cdc42- and Rac1-dependent cytoskeletal changes that promote bacterial internalization. These potentially cytotoxic alterations are rapidly reversed by the effector SptP, a tyrosine phosphatase and GTPase activating protein (GAP) that targets Cdc42 and Rac1. The 2.3 A resolution crystal structure of an SptP–Rac1 transition state complex reveals an unusual GAP architecture that mimics host functional homologs. The phosphatase domain possesses a conserved active site but distinct surface properties. Binding to Rac1 induces a dramatic stabilization in SptP of a four-helix bundle that makes extensive contacts with the Switch I and Switch II regions of the GTPase.
Dynamical aspects of large angle heavy-ion scattering

Abstract The recent data on large-angle scattering of heavy ions are reviewed. Typical features of these data are anomalously large cross sections in the backward hemisphere, strongly oscillatory angular distributions, and highly regular gross structures modulated by much narrower structures in excitation functions. A critical evaluation is presented of the different models proposed to understand various aspects of the data. Independent of these models, all the data show that the nuclear surface is more transparent than previously thought. The presence in the excitation functions of both narrow and broad structures indicates that there is an interplay of various reaction times, ranging from the lifetime of the compound nucleus to the time associated with shape resonances in the ion-ion potentials. Partly because of this apparently very complex reaction mechanism, there is at present no quantitative all-encompassing understanding of the physical origin of the observed phenomena. Promising avenues for future theoretical and experimental investigations are pointed out.
Evidence for a spin-1 resonance in the reaction gamma gamma *-->K0K+/- pi +/-

We confirm the observation of a spin-1 resonance at 1423 MeV in the K/sub S//sup 0/K/sup +- /..pi../sup minus-or-plus/ system produced in single-tagged two-photon interactions. The Dalitz plot indicates that this resonance decays primarily via a K/sup */K intermediate state. We measure a radiative width times branching ratio B/sub K//sub K-bar//sub ..pi../(M/sup 2//Q/sup 2/)GAMMA/sub ..gamma..//sub ..gamma..//sub */ = 3.2 +- 1.4 +- 0.6 keV on the assumption of a rho-pole form factor.
RNA and dynamic nuclear organization

The human genome consists of more than 2 m of linear DNA, which is packaged into a three-dimensional structure in the nucleus of each cell. To ensure proper cell-type–specific gene regulation, each cell must organize its DNA, RNA, and protein within the nucleus in ways that differ in each cell type. It had long been suspected that RNA itself might be a key organizing factor that shapes this dynamic nuclear floor plan (1), with recent research pointing to a role for nuclear-retained long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in organizing nuclear architecture. Here we provide a perspective on the classical and newly emerging role of RNA in this process.
Four new species of the myrmecophile Diplocotes Westwood (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) from Queensland and South Australia

Four new species of the Australian ptinid genus Diplocotes are described. Two of these species are from the dry tropical and subtropical areas of northern and central Queensland, while the other two are from the arid areas of South Australia. While the four new species described here have not been observed with ants in the field, the species of this genus are known to be myrmecophilous, and similar interactions may occur between the new species and their host ants. Additionally, many characters are shared with other unrelated myrmecophilous species, and may be convergent adaptations to the ant-associated lifestyle.
Basal cell carcinomas in mice arise from hair follicle stem cells and multiple epithelial progenitor populations

Uncontrolled Hedgehog (Hh) signaling leads to the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human cancer, but the cell of origin for BCC is unclear. While Hh pathway dysregulation is common to essentially all BCCs, there exist multiple histological subtypes, including superficial and nodular variants, raising the possibility that morphologically distinct BCCs may arise from different cellular compartments in skin. Here we have shown that induction of a major mediator of Hh signaling, GLI2 activator (GLI2ΔN), selectively in stem cells of resting hair follicles in mice, induced nodular BCC development from a small subset of cells in the lower bulge and secondary hair germ compartments. Tumorigenesis was markedly accelerated when GLI2ΔN was induced in growing hair follicles. In contrast, induction of GLI2ΔN in epidermis led to the formation of superficial BCCs. Expression of GLI2ΔN at reduced levels in mice yielded lesions resembling basaloid follicular hamartomas, which have previously been linked to low-level Hh signaling in both mice and humans. Our data show that the cell of origin, tissue context (quiescent versus growing hair follicles), and level of oncogenic signaling can determine the phenotype of Hh/Gli-driven skin tumors, with high-level signaling required for development of superficial BCC-like tumors from interfollicular epidermis and nodular BCC-like tumors from hair follicle stem cells.
Evaluation model for developing, implementing, and assessing conservation education programs: Examples from Belize and Costa Rica

Evaluation of conservation education programs can: (1) provide accountability in demonstrating a program's worth, (2) offer an opportunity for receiving feedback and improving programs, (3) further our understanding of the process of program development, and (4) promote conservation education by substantiating claims about its benefits. The Planning-Process-Product systems evaluation model provides feedback needed for making decisions about the development, implementation, and outcome of a program. Planning evaluation was useful in assessing the needs, goals, opportunities, and constraints of a number of programs in Costa Rica and Belize, such as a forestry education project and a zoo outreach program. It provided a basis for making planning decisions incorporating specific objectives, such as the reforestation of a region or a change in knowledge and attitudes in program participants. Process evaluation provided a Costa Rican sustainable development program with feedback during its implementation and enabled it to modify and improve its newsletter for local farmers and its ecology classes for school children. Product evaluation assessed project accomplishments, such as the $700,000 raised by the Children's Rainforest group and the 20 miles of riparian land under conservation management as part of the Belize Community Baboon Sanctuary project. Outcomes are compared with the programs original monetary or land management objectives to determine the success of the programs and to provide feedback for improvement.
Personal Costs Associated With High-Risk Prenatal Care Attendance

Personal costs associated with attending prenatal care may influence women's care-seeking behavior, particularly poor, pregnant women and those with complicated pregnancies who receive more visits. This study described personal costs incurred by poor, high-risk pregnant women while attending care. Personal costs included direct out-of-pocket and time costs. Also, the relationship between personal costs and atten- dance was examined. Mean direct costs throughout pregnancy were $101.96 per patient. Women waited a mean of3.22 hours per visit for care and received direct physician care for a mean of 5 minutes. As child care costs inaeased, attendance decreased significantly (r = 0.60, I < 0.05). As transportation costs, meal costs, wages lost, and time spent awaiting care increased, attendance decreased. Prenatal care has associated dollar and time costs for patients. Problem solving these issues with patients is critical. System changes to decrease waiting times and to address child care issues are needed.
Correlation induction without the inverse transformation

Inducing correlation between estimators is a common way to try to reduce variance in simulation experiments. To induce the correlation between estimators, random variates are generated as functions of the same random-number streams. Although the optimal correlation induction occurs with the inverse transformation. The inverse can be quite slow compared to other methods for generating random variates. We discuss an approach for generating random variates quickly while still obtaining substantial correlation induction.
Amorphization and Recrystallization Processes in Monocrystaline Beta Silicon Carbide Thin Films

Individual, as well as multiple doses of /sup 27/Al/sup +/, /sup 31/P/sup +/, /sup 28/Si/sup +/, and /sup 28/Si/sup +/ and /sup 12/C/sup +/, were implanted into (100) oriented monocrystalline ..beta..-SiC films. The critical energy of approx. =16 eV/atom required for the amorphization of ..beta..-SiC via implantation of /sup 27/Al/sup +/ and /sup 31/P/sup +/ was determined using the TRIM84 computer program for calculation of the damage-energy profiles coupled with the results of RBS/ion channeling analyses. In order to recrystallize amorphized layers created by the individual implantation of all four ion species, thermal annealing at 1600, 1700, or 1800/sup 0/C was employed. Characterization of the recrystallized layers was performed using XTEM. Examples of SPE regrown layers containing precipitates and dislocation loops, highly faulted-microtwinned regions, and random crystallites were observed.
Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction Studies of Lotus tetragonolobus A Isolectin Cross-linked with a Divalent Lewisx Oligosaccharide, an Oncofetal Antigen

The interactions of lectins with multivalent carbohydrates often leads to the formation of highly ordered cross-linked lattices that are amenable to structural studies. A particularly well ordered, two-dimensional lattice is formed from fucose-specific isolectin A from Lotus tetragonolobuscross-linked with difucosyllacto-N-neohexaose, an oligosaccharide possessing the Lewisx determinant, which is an oncofetal antigen. A combination of electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, simulation of electron micrographs, and molecular model building was used to determine the relative positions of the tetrameric lectin and bivalent carbohydrate within the lattice. X-ray diffraction from unoriented pellets was used to determine the lattice dimensions and analysis of electron micrographs was used to determine the lattice symmetry. Molecular models of the lattice were constructed based on the known structure of the jack bean lectin concanavalin A and the high degree of sequence homology between the two lectins. Using the symmetry and dimensions of the lattice and its appearance in filtered electron micrographs, molecular models were used to determine the orientation of the lectin in the lattice, and to define the range of lectin-oligosaccharide interactions consistent with the structural data. The present study provides the first description of a highly ordered, two-dimensional, cross-linked lattice between a tetravalent lectin and a bivalent carbohydrate.
HSG-LM: hybrid-copy speculative guest OS live migration without hypervisor

Current Virtual Machine (VM) live migration mechanisms only focus on providing a high availability service by offering minimal downtime to users. In this paper, we present a novel live migration technique called HSG-LM, which also aims to provide short waiting time to whoever is responsible for triggering the VM migration (e.g., the data center administrator). HSG-LM is implemented in the guest OS kernel in order to not rely on the hypervisor throughout the entire migration process. HSG-LM exploits a hybrid strategy that reaps the benefits of both pre-copy and post-copy mechanisms. Furthermore, HSG-LM integrates a speculation mechanism that improves the efficiency of handling post-copy page faults. From our evaluation on different real-world workloads (Sysbench, Apache, etc.), the results show that HSG-LM incurs minimal downtime as well as short total migration time. Moreover, compared with competitors, HSG-LM reduces the downtime by up to 55%, and reduces the total migration time by up to 27%.
Multiple substorm injections and the new substorm paradigm: Interpretation of the CDAW 7 substorm

Abstract In the near-Earth neutral line model, the substorm is triggered by reconnection in the magnetotail and its effects radiate from there. In recent years new observations have suggested a new paradigm for substorms in which there are two coupled acceleration regions. In the current sheet disruption model the substorm is thought to begin in an acceleration region at the inner edge of the plasma sheet (5–10 Re) and to propagate down tail where it may trigger reconnection in the mid-tail (typically > 25 Re). We examine the CDAW 7 substorm in the context of this new substorm paradigm, with emphasis on the role of the substorm injection.
Computerized analysis of double-label autoradiographs: A screening method for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induced changes in intestinal protein synthesis

The McIDAS computer system (Man-computer Interactive Data Access System) at the University of Wisconsin was used to analyze double-label autoradiographs of two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis gels. The 4 samples used to generate the 2-D gels were obtained from 8 vitamin D-deficient rat intestines 25 h after injection with 1,25-dhydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D3) or vehicle. To perform the analysis, the patterns on Kodak XAR5 (XR) film, which detects 14C + 3H by fluorography at -75 °C, and on Kodak NS-2T (NS) film, which detects 14C only by direct autoradiography at room temperature, were converted to digital images. The McIDAS system was used to multiply the NS image by a normalization factor which matched it to the XR image with respect to exposure. After background subtraction from both images, the XR image was divided by the aligned normalized NS image; the resultant ratio image was multiplied by an enhancement factor and colored according to pixel brightness. Polypeptides with a high or low ratio relative to the average ratio stood out clearly in contrasting colors on the ratio image and could be detected by visual inspection. The actual XR/NS density ratios of these highlighted spots could then be quantitated by spot integration. To test the method, XR/NS density ratios were measured for 34 spots on each of the 4 films, sets and the spot ratios compared to the spot appearances on the ratio image. With the exception of a few false positives, agreement was good. Several polypeptides were found to be increased by 25–50 % relative to the average ratio while one polypeptide of molecular weight 50 000, approximate pI 5.5, was increased an average of 240 %.
US Agriculture under Climate Change: An Examination of Climate Change Effects on Ease of Achieving RFS2

The challenges and opportunities facing today's agriculture within the climate change context are at least twofold: in addition to adapting to a potentially more variable climate, agriculture may also take on the addition role of mitigating GHG emissions—such as providing renewable fuels to replace fossil fuels to some extent. For the US, a large-scale GHG mitigation effort through biofuels production pursuant to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) is already unfolding. A question thus naturally arises for the RFS2-relevant US agricultural sector: will climate change make it harder to meet the volume goals set in the RFS2 mandates, considering that both climate change and RFS2 may have significant impacts on US agriculture? The agricultural component of FASOMGHG that models the land use allocation within the conterminous US agricultural sector is employed to investigate the effects of climate change (with autonomous adaptation at farm level), coupled with RFS2, on US agriculture. The analysis shows that climate change eases the burden of meeting the RFS2 mandates increasing consumer welfare while decreasing producer welfare. The results also show that climate change encourages a more diversified use of biofuel feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production, in particular crop residues.
The 1-D Hard Rod Fluid Revisited Using NNPDFs

The new scheme developed in an earlier paper for the determination of the free energy of classical systems is applied to the 1-D single component fluid of hard rods. Exact results for the nearest neighbor probability density functions (NNPDFs) are obtained with origin situated at one end of the 1-D medium of interest. The formulation for NNPDFs are then used to show that the new scheme converges and actually reproduces the well-known exact results for the free energy of the 1-D hard rod system at all densities.
Changes in the mutational response of silkworm spermatozoa exposed to mono- and polyfunctional alkylating agents following storage.

Abstract Following exposure of silkworm spermatozoa to several alkylating agents, treated spermatozoa were stored for various lenghts of time in males. The frequency of mutations induced by two monofunctional agents, ethyleneimine and ethyl methanesulfonate, at two loci, pe and re , increased after storage. On the other hand, a revearse effect was observed when the polyfunctional agents, triethylenemelamine and mitomycin C were used. The present findings tend to suggest that these results may be a reflection of an essential difference between the mechanisms involved in mutation induction by the two classes of agents. The features of the two types of storage effect are discussed in the light of this possibility.
Biosignal pattern recognition and interpretation systems. 4. Review of applications

Applications in the engineering literature of pattern analysis to biomedical signals (electrophysiological (muscle, nerve, and heart) and biomechanical) are presented. The signals include EEG, EMG, ECG and blood pressure. Feature selection techniques often use: 1) thresholding or 2) reasoning with uncertainty. Many pattern analysis systems are only partial systems: they perform stages of pattern recognition or pattern interpretation, but they are not complete systems. Several general trends can be observed: usually, but not always, statistical, syntactic, and connectionist techniques are used for pattern recognition, and statistical and symbolic techniques are used for pattern interpretation. Often, single time series are analyzed (rather than multichannel data). Descriptions of shape are important to pattern analysis at the feature, property, and recognizer (classification, discrimination, detection, and parameter estimation) stages. Typically, statistical techniques are used at various stages of pattern recognition, which assume (perhaps incorrectly) Gaussian distributions. >
The effect of a weak magnetic field on the rare earth catalyzed parahydrogen conversion rate

Abstract If the catalyst is placed in a magnetic field of a few oersteds there may be observed a decrease in the parahydrogen conversion rate at room temperature over the oxides, Pr 2 O 3 , Nd 2 O 3 , Sm 2 O 3 , and Yb 2 O 3 , but not over Eu 2 O 3 , Gd 2 O 3 , Tb 2 O 3 , Dy 2 O 3 , Ho 2 O 3 , Er 2 O 3 , or Tm 2 O 3 . At 40 Oe, the rate decreases range from 5 to 20%. If the rare earth catalysts are supported at relatively low surface concentration on the diamagnetic La 2 O 3 , then all except Gd 2 O 3 show the weak field magnetocatalytic effect. A plot of catalytic conversion rate versus extrinsic field shows an abrupt dependence of rate on field in the region of 3 to 10 Oe. It is possible, in this region, to observe the effect on the reaction rate of a change of field of less than 0.2 Oe.
Endocannabinoid signaling in synchronizing embryo development and uterine receptivity for implantation

There are reports of adverse effects of cannabinoids on pregnancy outcome including retarded embryo development and pregnancy failure. Thus, discoveries of endogenous cannabinoid-like lipid mediators and cannabinoid receptors raise questions about their pathophysiological roles during normal pregnancy. We previously reported that anandamide, an endogenously produced arachidonate derivative (endocannabinoid), is synthesized in the female reproductive tracts, and it acts on cannabinoid receptors expressed on the cell surface of the embryo to regulate the preimplantation embryo development and implantation in mice. This review presents genetic, molecular, physiological and pharmacological evidence that the levels of uterine anandamide and blastocyst CB1 cannabinoid receptors are coordinately regulated to synchronize preimplantation development and uterine receptivity for implantation in mice.
Attitudes Toward Individuals with Disabilities: The Effects of Contact with Different Disability Types

Contact with individuals with disabilities influences positive attitudes toward such individuals. This research investigated if contact with individuals with specific disabilities has an effect on attitudes toward other disabilities. Specifically, this research investigated physical, developmental and behavioral disabilities. While participants reported the most contact with individuals with physical disabilities and the most negative attitudes toward individuals with developmental disabilities, contact with individuals with behavioral disabilities was the best predictor of positive attitudes toward all disability types. This demonstrates that the relation between contact and attitudes is more nuanced than originally thought and can help us better understand disability related bias.
Emergence of crenolanib for FLT3-mutant AML

In this issue of Blood, Zimmerman and colleagues demonstrate that the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crenolanib effectively suppresses growth of leukemic cells harboring both FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD mutations, the latter of which are increasingly seen to emerge as resistant mutations after FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor therapy.
Silica-Based Preservation of Membranes and Whole Cells: Exploring Mechanism and Applications

Trehalose and other glass forming carbohydrates have been used for decades in the preservation of biomolecules, their assemblies, and even whole cells. Successful dry-state preservation has been achieved with many types of biological materials, and the protective mechanism is reasonably well understood as a combination of water-replacement and vitrification. Nucleated cells, however, have posed a significant challenge. Despite active investigation, there is still no reliable method for achieving high viabilities below 0.2 g H2O/g dry weight. Since the benefits of achieving successful preservation of nucleated cells in the dry state would be dramatic, novel approaches appear necessary. Here we describe one possibility, the use of silica glass as a protective agent. Recent work has shown tremendous potential for protecting individual biomolecules and many types of living cells using mineral coats of silicon dioxide. Here, we describe the coating of vesicle membranes and whole cells with silica by vapor phase deposition. We evaluate this system, alone and in combination with trehalose, for its efficiency at protecting cells and membranes from desiccation-induced damage. In addition, we have investigated the mechanism of protection with regard to: (1) direct interactions between phospholipid headgroups and unreacted hydroxyls, present as the silica polymerizes; and (2) depression of the phase transition of the dry membrane to values close to the fully hydrated lipid. We find the mechanism by which silica protects biomolecules to be significantly different from disaccharide-based protection. This exciting partnering of organic and inorganic materials may open the door to many new possibilities in the preservation and immobilization of biologicals. The authors acknowledge C. Jeffrey Brinker (UNM) and Blaine Butler (Luna Innovations Inc.) for stimulating discussions regarding silica-based preservation. Funding from the Department of Energy-USA is gratefully acknowledged.
Physiography of Cobb and Gorda Rises, Northeast Pacific Ocean

Two oceanic rises, present near the coast of the northwestern United States, are bordered on the east by the continental rise, on the west by abyssal hills and plains, and on the north and south by fracture zones. A third fracture zone separates and smaller zones transect the rises. Physiographic provinces on the rises include a crest province with a median valley, a flank province, and a transition province. The crest of Gorda Rise has greater relief and a better-developed median valley and associated positive magnetic anomaly than the Cobb Rise. Both may be Miocene or older. Their physiographic provinces, particularly those of Gorda Rise, are more similar to those of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge than to those of the East Pacific Rise. In previous studies, Cobb and Gorda rises have been interpreted as northern extensions of the East Pacific Rise in the southeast Pacific. Alternative interpretations are that the northern rises may be a rejuvenated segment of an older arcuate rise off the west coast of the United States, or that they may form an auxiliary ridge associated with the Mendocino Fracture Zone and are possibly unrelated to the East Pacific Rise.
Stress-induced Switch in Numb Isoforms Enhances Notch-dependent Expression of Subtype-specific Transient Receptor Potential Channel

The Notch signaling pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of cell specification by controlling differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Numb is an intrinsic regulator of the Notch pathway and exists in four alternative splice variants that differ in the length of their phosphotyrosine-binding domain (PTB) and proline-rich region domains. The physiological relevance of the existence of the Numb splice variants and their exact regulation are still poorly understood. We previously reported that Numb switches from isoforms containing the insertion in PTB to isoforms lacking this insertion in neuronal cells subjected to trophic factor withdrawal (TFW). The functional relevance of the TFW-induced switch in Numb isoforms is not known. Here we provide evidence that the TFW-induced switch in Numb isoforms regulates Notch signaling strength and Notch target gene expression. PC12 cells stably overexpressing Numb isoforms lacking the PTB insertion exhibited higher basal Notch activity and Notch-dependent transcription of the transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) when compared with those overexpressing Numb isoforms with the PTB insertion. The differential regulation of TRPC6 expression is correlated with perturbed calcium signaling and increased neuronal vulnerability to TFW-induced death. Pharmacological inhibition of the Notch pathway or knockdown of TRPC6 function ameliorates the adverse effects caused by the TFW-induced switch in Numb isoforms. Taken together, our results indicate that Notch and Numb interaction may influence the sensitivity of neuronal cells to injurious stimuli by modulating calcium-dependent apoptotic signaling cascades.
Reinvestigation of the electron affinities of O2 and NO

Abstract We have re-examined the photoelectron spectra of O 2 − and NO − using negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy. We observe detachment to three electronic states ( 3 Σ g − , 1 Δ g , 1 Σ g + ) of O 2 and to one electronic state ( 2 Π) of NO. We find the following electron affinities: EA (O 2 )=0.451±0.007 eV and EA(NO)=0.026±0.005 eV. Analyses of the photoelectron spectra yield a value for the fundamental frequency of O 2 − (1073±50 cm −1 ) while the bond lengths are r e (O 2 − =1.347±0.005 A and r e (NO − = 1.271±0.005 A.
A fluorescent polymer film with self-assembled three-dimensionally ordered nanopores: preparation, characterization and its application for explosives detection

The sensitive and rapid detection of nitroaromatic explosives typically requires sophisticated sensor materials. We demonstrate here how a simple dip-coating process of a mixture of polystyrene and the fluorophore pyrene onto a glass slide generates a self-assembled fluorescent nanostructured film expressing regular breath-figure nanopores. Morphology investigation reveals that the fluorescent polymer films consist of a high-density, three-dimensional nanoporous array of holes, allowing the fluorescence of this material to be rapidly and selectively quenched by nitroaromatic vapors. The morphology of the polymer was controlled by variation of the dip-coating parameters and the ratio of polystyrene to pyrene. This ratio also controls the fluorescence quenching efficiency of the material. We demonstrate the possible molecular origins of this through structural XRD studies as well as investigations of the electronic structure (optical properties, band gap and conduction band determinations) of the polymer film. Our results identify a novel high performance form of an otherwise known explosive-sensing material. Most importantly, the findings point toward a general method for the facile realization of well-defined three-dimensional high surface sensor materials with optimized electronic properties.
Use of the CO2 laser for malignant disease of the oral cavity

The CO2 laser has provided the otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon with a valuable addition in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant disease of the oral cavity. It is also helpful in the treatment of the premalignant clinical leukoplakias of the oral cavity. Carcinoma in situ has been diagnosed and treated successfully with the CO2 laser. The T1 carcinomas of the tongue, floor of mouth, and tonsil can be successfully managed with the CO2 laser. It also offers the patient a relatively painless method of debulking large obstructing tumors. Other advantages of the CO2 laser include hemostasis, precise visualization, and less edema and pain than the conventional techniques.
Late ventricular geometry and performance changes of functional single ventricle throughout staged Fontan reconstruction assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.

AbstractObjectives. We sought to test the hypothesis that late ventricular geometry and performance changes occur in functional single ventricles as they progress through staged Fontan reconstructi...
The Electron Distribution in Diamond: a Comparison Between Experiment and Theory

Deformation and valence electron densities in diamond are derived via Fourier summation and pseudoatom multipole refinement of the recently reported structure factors derived from X-ray Pendellōsung beats [Takama, Tsuchiya, Kobayashi & Sato (1990). Acta Cryst. A46, 514–517]. The results are significantly different from those reported previously and are generally in excellent agreement with theoretical calculations.
Thrombocytopenia after isolated limb or hepatic perfusions with melphalan: the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Background: Three cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) were observed in patients undergoing isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with melphalan. This occurrence prompted the discontinuation of prophylactic postoperative heparin in ILP patients and its avoidance in patients undergoing isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP). The need to reassess these decisions led to a review of thrombocytopenia in both patient populations. Methods: Records of all patients treated with ILP or IHP at our institution from July 1992 through November 1996, were reviewed. Nine IHP patients were tested prospectively for heparinrelated antibodies using serum samples obtained perioperatively and during the second postoperative week. Results: Thrombocytopenia (<100,000 platelets/μL) developed postoperatively in 30% of 131 ILP patients and in 77% of 56 IHP patients. No cases of HIT were identified other than the three who had been previously diagnosed. The prevalence of HIT in heparinized ILP patients was 2.8% (3/108). All nine IHP patients developed heparin-related antibodies postoperatively. Conclusions: Because the prevalence of HIT following ILP is in the range observed in other clinical settings, postoperative heparin prophylaxis is an option. However, it probably should be limited to the first week, and daily platelet counts should be reviewed for a pattern of thrombocytopenia consistent with HIT. The prevalence of heparin-related antibodies after IHP is so high that prophylactic heparin should be avoided in this setting.
Naming Facilitates Young Children's Understanding of Scale Models: Language and the Development of Symbolic Understanding

Two studies examined language and understanding of scale models. First, children (N = 16; ages 2;4 to 3;5) received either the standard DeLoache model task or a naming version (in which children are asked to name the hiding location before retrieving a hidden object). Language ability positively correlated with performance on the model task, and children had significantly more errorless retrievals in the naming condition. Study 2 examined naming and transfer effects by giving children (N = 18; ages 2;5–3;1) both versions of the model task. Language ability correlated significantly only with performance in the naming condition. Both prior experience and naming condition significantly improved performance, with the effects being additive. Language and children's development of symbolic understanding are discussed.
Induction of E. coli recA protein via recBC and alternate pathways: Quantitation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been adapted to measure E. coli recA protein in the 1 to 10 ng range in whole-cell sonicates, membrane extracts, and osmotic shock fluid from 2x108 cells. The specific activity of recA protein is maintained at a relatively constant “basal” level (800 to 1,200 molecules per cell for wild-type E. coli in L-broth, salt-depleted broth and minimal media) during early-log and mid-log phase growth, but it increases by two- to ten-fold as the culture approaches saturation density. Nalidixate-induced levels are 20- to 50-fold higher, and 100-fold higher in a constitutive tif - spr -mutant. Induction of recA protein synthesis by nalidixic acid, which normally requires functional recBC enzyme, also occurs in recB -and recC -cells by pathways activated by mutation in the sbcA and sbcB indirect suppressors. In recB - sbcA -mutants, exonuclease VIII, the recE gene product, is required for induction of recA protein. Abolition of exonuclease I activity by mutation in sbcB allows induction of recA protein by nalidixate in recB -and recC -cells. Mutation in recF does not affect induction by nalidixate in RecBC+ cells, but it enables induction to occur in RecBC- cells, suggesting that recF gene product is involved in regulation of recA protein.
Fiction and Religious Education: Be Not Afraid.

Abstract This article is the conversion story of a university professor and voracious reader who has always been afraid to incorporate fiction into her classes. It maps her journey from believing that novels and short stories are effective pedagogical tools only when they are in the hands of competent English professors to recognizing the innumerable benefits of including fiction in the enterprise of Religious Education. The author begins with an examination of the catalyst and foundation of her journey and then proceeds to look at some of the relevant scholarship that has helped her to recognize the inextricable connection between the sacramental quality of fiction and the experience of conversion. Finally, the author imagines some ways to include works of fiction into her courses and shows how fiction requires and cultivates ways of reading and thinking that make conversion possible.
Antibiotic-mediated chemoprotection enhances adaptation of E. coli PNP for herpes simplex virus-based glioma therapy.

The E. coli PNP suicide gene sensitizes solid tumors to nucleoside prodrugs, such as 6-methylpurine-2'-deoxyriboside (MeP-dR). In this study using lentiviral, MuLv, and HSV-based gene transfer, we quantified thresholds for inhibition of tumor growth and bystander killing by E. coli PNP and tested the role of intestinal flora in this process. Regressions of human glioma tumors following retroviral transduction exhibited dose dependence on both the level of PNP expression and the dose of MeP-dR administered, including strong tumor inhibition when 90–99% bystander cells comprised the tumor mass. A replication competent, non-neurovirulent herpes simplex virus (HSV) deficient in both copies of the gamma-1 34.5 gene was next engineered to express E. coli PNP under the egr-1 promoter (HSV-PNP). HSV-PNP injected intratumorally (17 million pfu/0.05 ml) in nude mice bearing 300 mg human glioma flank tumors produced a delay in tumor growth (∼24 days delay to one doubling). MeP-dR treatment after antibiotic therapy (...
Application of Dual Mechanical Port Machine in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles

In full hybrid electrical vehicles, two separate electric machines and two power inverters are required. One machine operates as a generator and the other works both as a generator and motor. The two electric machines are connected to an intelligent gearbox called planetary gear set together with engine. In this paper, a new machine ? Dual Mechanical Port (DMP) machine is proposed, which combines the functions of the two electric machines and the planetary gear set mentioned above. The structure and the dynamic model of DMP are introduced. A prototype is designed and analyzed by FEA. The control algorithms with the overall system operation performance are evaluated by computer simulation.