cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iliofemoral Venous Thrombectomy Indications, Technique, and Results in Forty-five Cases

Experience with iliofemoral venous thrombectomy in 45 cases has been reviewed. The indications for this procedure have been presented, and only two absolute contraindications are recognized. Certain aspects of surgical technique and of postoperative care have been discussed, with emphasis on the use of local anesthesia, the balloon catheter, and early postoperative ambulation. Results indicate that iliofemoral venous thrombectomy does relieve early morbidity and appears to be as successful as nonoperative management in the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Clinical improvement has been achieved in 76% of the entire group, and these results are influenced by both the preoperative duration of symptoms and the degree of success in removing the thrombus at operation. Of particular significance is a group of 14 patients followed for 2 or more years, only 14% of whom were afflicted by the sequelae of deep venous insufficiency. This finding provides encouraging support for the thesis that iliofemoral venous thro...
DNA. swivel enzyme activity in a nuclear membrane fraction

DNA swivel (nicking-rejoining) enzyme activity has been studied in various cell fractions of a human lymphoid cell line. Swivel activity is found only in chromatin and in a nuclear membrane fraction containing DNA and possessing endogenous DNA synthesizing activity. Twenty percent of the total swivel activity and less than one percent of the total DNA are in the membrane fraction. The swivel enzyme is more tightly bound to the membrane fraction than to the chromatin fraction. These observations suggest that the swivel enzyme may be a replication factor, specifically bound to replicating DNA in the membrane fraction.
On measures for decision model structuring

Abstract Quantitative measures that can be useful in guiding the process of structuring and analysing a decision tree model are identified. These are classified according to whether they relate to the structure of the primary decision problem or the structure of the secondary or information gathering decision problem. An important question that arises during the process of developing a structural model of a decision situation is whether to encode uncertainty on an important variable directly or to model the situation further. These represent two different but complementary approaches to quantifying judgment whose use must be balanced in any decision problem. One is related to the value of modelling and one related to the value of information. The measures associated with the value of modelling are specifically useful in developing a model of the decision situation. The measures associated with the value of information are specifically useful in the analysis of the decision model. Four measures related to ...
Four-photon photoemission from tungsten

Four-photon photoemission is observed from tungsten using carefully controlled and calibrated single pulses produced by a passively mode-locked Nd:YAG laser system. The results are shown to be in quantitative agreement with a four-photon generalization of the Fowler and DuBridge theories of photoemission.
Teaching developmentally disabled persons how to react to fires

Four elements of fire reaction are delineated: investigating, reporting, suppressing, and evacuating areas in which fires are present. Important issues in the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of fire reaction skills for developmentally disabled persons are identified and reviewed. Learning-based treatment strategies and fire safety literature relevant to the authors' concerns are reviewed. The authors suggest that behavioral research on training should be congruent with fire safety experts' recommendations on fire reaction skills.
Effect of ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with angiotensin II and indomethacin on the plasma vasopressin concentration.

In anesthetized dogs, perfusion of the cerebral ventricles with indomethacin (IM), an inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis, at rates of 1.9 or 7.6 µg/min was without effect on the plasma ADH concentration. Ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with angiotensin II (All; 19 ng/min) resulted in a 3-fold increase in the plasma ADH concentration within 45 min. When All and IM were perfused together, the plasma ADH concentration increased only 2-fold, a response which was significantly lower than that obtained with All alone. Thus, the ability of central All to stimulate ADH release may depend, at least in part, upon the local release of prostaglandins.
Vertical Resolution of Temperature Profiles Obtained from Remote Radiation Measurements.

The Backus-Gilbert theory is applied to the problem of the vertical sounding of the atmosphere by means of remote radiation measurements. An application is made to spectral intervals 2.8/cm wide in the 667/cm band of CO2, and tradeoff curves are presented which quantitatively define the relationship between intrinsic vertical resolution and random error in temperature profile estimates. It is found that for a 1-2K random error with state-of-the-art instrumentation, the intrinsic vertical resolution ranges from approximately 0.5 local scale height (l.s.h.) in the lower troposphere to 2 l.s.h. in the upper stratosphere with approximately 2 l.s.h. resolution in the vicinity of the tropopause. These values are somewhat smaller than the widths of the radiactive transfer kernels at similar levels. Increasing the number of spectral intervals from 7 to 16 is found to produce only a marginal improvement in vertical resolution.
On Scale and Pattern

Landscape ecologists embrace scale and pattern. If, as Simon Levin argued in his MacArthur Award lecture, “the problem of pattern and scale is the central problem in ecology” (Levin 1992:1943) then the paper trail for the discipline of landscape ecology must trace these concepts of scale and pattern. My favorite invocation of scale comes from Sir Arthur Tansley (1935), in his classic essay on the nature of vegetation. This essay is famous, of course, for his coining the term ecosystem. But in the same paper—indeed, in the same paragraph—Tansley noted (pages 299–300) that these systems are arrayed over a continuous range of scales, “from the universe as a whole down to the atom.” We mentally slice particular scales out of this continuum as objects of study, isolating a phenomenon of interest while censoring distractions at other scales. Many decades later, this hierarchical approach to scaling has come to be the norm for ecologists.
Early-age body size, adult weight gain and endometrial cancer risk.

To further characterize the association of obesity and endometrial cancer, in particular with regard to the role of early-age obesity and adult weight gain, the authors assembled by computer linkage a population-based historical cohort of 30,266 women born between 1913 and 1932, for whom weight and height had been recorded in 1942-43 and 1972. Linkage of this cohort to the Hawaii Tumor Registry resulted in the Identification of 214 (mainly post-menopausal) Incident cases of endometrial cancer for 1972-1986. An average of 3.7 cancer-free controls were matched to each case on month and year of birth and ethnicity. A case-control analysis, conducted In each 5-year birth cohort, revealed no clear association of endometrial cancer with weight, height or body mass at ages 10 to 29 years. However, positive associations with adult body weight and gain in body mass since 1942 were observed for women diagnosed at age 60 or older. This association with obesity was strongest in women whose body mass was below the median in 1942 and equal to or above the median in 1972. No association with body size was detected in women diagnosed before age 60. Parity, age at first birth and socio-economic indicators for 1942 and 1972 did not confound the analysis. These findings suggest that obesity affects the late stages of endometrial carcinogenesis, and the possibility that one or more determinants of weight gain may be independently associated with endometrial cancer risk.
Self-initiated smoking cessation among high school students

The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial predictors of self-initiated smoking cessation among high school students. Students from nine high schools were pretested using a questionnaire which assessed smoking behavior, beliefs about positive and negative consequences of smoking, moral attitudes toward smoking, normative expectations about smoking, rebelliousness, peer smoking and parent smoking. Smokers identified at pretest were reexamined three months and fifteen months later. Three variables, moral attitudes, peer smoking and positive beliefs about smoking significantly discriminated continuing smokers from quitters at the three-month posttest. Three different variables, negative beliefs about smoking, parental smoking and rebelliousness significantly discriminated between those who quit and later relapsed and those who quit and maintained their non-smoking status at the 15 month posttest. Smoking characteristics at pretest failed to discriminate either those who would quit or those who would maintain their non-smoking status. Results support the development of public information programs which encourage early cessation of smoking which feature the development of appropriate attitudes and beliefs and which foster social support.
Soap and lotion trial: Healthcare workers narrow the choices for hand hygiene

ISSUE: Healthcare worker (HCW) acceptance of hand-hygiene (HH) products is important when selecting products for hospital use. Standard methods for HCW input in product evaluations have not been published. PROJECT: The purpose of this project was to develop a process for a multihospital system to evaluate soaps and lotions utilizing HCW input. The evaluations and outcome of contract negotiations will be used to select HH products for 10 of the system's hospitals. RESULTS: Materials management (MM) coordinated a product fair where hospital and system infection control professionals (ICPs) evaluated 5 HH product lines using a 15-question, five-point Likert-scale tool. The three highest scoring product lines were selected for hospital trial. An advisory panel of MM and ICPs was established to facilitate communication, describe roles, and address issues. The hospital ICPs identified trial areas, communicated with key stakeholders, facilitated product delivery, distributed flyers, ensured trial product use, and collected tools. The system ICPs coordinated the plan, provided tools, and entered and analyzed data. The vendors provided and distributed product and answered questions. The HCWs used the products and completed evaluation tools. The plan included two 9-week trial phases, one in summer and one in winter. The current product under contract for use was evaluated during week 1 and used between trial products for 1 week. Trial products were used for 2 weeks. The three specific products, chosen by the vendors, were trialed in 20 volunteer areas in seven hospitals, allowing 943 HCWs the opportunity to participate. HCW opinion was solicited for each product using an electronically scanned 22-question, five-point Likert-scale tool. Indicators included fragrance, consistency, skin irritation and softness, lathering, rinsing, residue, stickiness, greasiness, ease of glove application after use, and product acceptability. HCW preference was identified by scores assigned to the products based on responses to the questions. LESSONS LEARNED: The development and implementation of a multihospital product evaluation process required a partnership and communication among MM, trial areas, key stakeholders, hospital and system ICPs, and vendors. Outlining the plan and expectations of all involved prevented confusion and allowed for a smooth evaluation. This process allowed HCWs the opportunity to offer input into the HH product selection.
IDENTIFYING INTERACTIONS AMONG SALMON POPULATIONS FROM OBSERVED DYNAMICS

A simple direct correlation analysis of individual counts between different populations often fails to characterize the true nature of population interactions; however, the most common data type available for population studies is count data, and one of the most important objectives in population and community ecology is to identify interactions among populations. Here, I examine the dynamics of the spawning abundance of fall-run chinook salmon spawning within the California Central Valley and the Klamath Basin, California, and the Columbia River Basin, Oregon. I analyzed multiple time series from each watershed using a multivariate time-series technique called maximum autocorrelation factor analysis. This technique was used for finding common underlying trends in escapement abundance within each watershed. These trends were further investigated to identify potential resource-mediated interactions among the three groups of salmon. Each group is affected by multiple trends that are likely to be affected by environmental factors. In addition, some of the trends are coherent with each other, and the differences in population dynamics originate from variations in the relative importance of these trends among the three watershed groups.
Ultrastructural localization of extranuclear progestin receptors relative to C1 neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

To better understand the role of progestins in the C1 area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), immunocytochemical localization of progestin receptors (PRs) was combined with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in single sections of RVLM from proestrus rat brains prepared for light and electron microscopy. By light microscopy, PR-immunoreactivity (-ir) was detected in a few nuclei that were interspersed between TH-labeled perikarya and dendrites. Electron microscopy revealed that PR-ir was in several extranuclear locations. The majority of PR-labeling was in non-TH immunoreactive axons (51+/-9%) near the plasma membrane. Additional dual labeling studies revealed that PR-immunoreactive axons could give rise to terminals containing the GABAergic marker GAD65. PR-ir also was found in non-neuronal processes (29+/-9%), some resembling astrocytes. Occasionally, PR-ir was in non-TH-labeled terminals (10+/-3%) affiliated with clusters of small synaptic vesicles, or in patches contained in the cytoplasm of dendrites (10+/-1%). These findings suggest that progestins can primarily modulate neurons in the C1 area of the RVLM by presynaptic mechanisms involving GABAergic transmission. Moreover, they suggest that PR activation may contribute to progestin's effects on arterial blood pressure during pregnancy as well as to sex differences in central cardiovascular regulation.
Topic based classification and pattern identification in patents

Patent classification systems and citation networks are used extensively in innovation studies. However, non-unique mapping of classification codes onto specific products/markets and the difficulties in accurately capturing knowledge flows based just on citation linkages present limitations to these conventional patent analysis approaches. We present a natural language processing based hierarchical technique that enables the automatic identification and classification of patent datasets into technology areas and sub-areas. The key novelty of our technique is to use topic modeling to map patents to probability distributions over real world categories/topics. Accuracy and usefulness of our technique are tested on a dataset of 10,201 patents in solar photovoltaics filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) between 2002 and 2013. We show that linguistic features from topic models can be used to effectively identify the main technology area that a patent's invention applies to. Our computational experiments support the view that the topic distribution of a patent offers a reduced-form representation of the knowledge content in a patent. Accordingly, we suggest that this hidden thematic structure in patents can be useful in studies of the policy–innovation–geography nexus. To that end, we also demonstrate an application of our technique for identifying patterns in technological convergence.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT NODE SCHEDULING MODELS IN SENSOR NETWORKS WITH ADJUSTABLE RANGES

In this paper, we study the problem of maintaining sensing coverage by keeping a small number of active sensor nodes and using a small amount of energy consumption in wireless sensor networks. This paper extends a result from 22 where only uniform sensing range among all sensors is used. We adopt an approach that allows non-uniform sensing ranges for different sensors. As opposed to the uniform sensing range node scheduling model in 22, two new energy-efficient models with different sensing ranges are proposed. Our objective is to minimize the overlapped sensing area of sensor nodes, thus to reduce the overall energy consumption by sensing and communication to prolong the whole network's life time, and at the same time to achieve the high ratio of coverage. Extensive simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of our node scheduling models.
Lacunary differentiability of functions in Rn

Abstract The existence of directional derivatives of functions in the Sobolev spaces Lpk(Rn) is studied. The novelty consists in calculating them through lacunary incremental quotients. Under these conditions no restrictions on p are necessary; the condition p > ( n k ) can be dropped.
Analysis of the bremsstrahlung component in 6-18 MeV electron beams.

The magnitude of the bremsstrahlung component in the 6--18 MeV electron beams from a Varian Clinac 18 accelerator was measured directly using a 0.16 T magnetic field to deflect the electron beams. The central axis depth ionization curves were measured at 130- and 197-cm source--surface distances in a Therados RFA-3 water phantom with and without the magnet being placed between the 4 x 4 cm/sup 2/ electron cone and the water phantom. Results obtained clearly demonstrate that the bremsstrahlung component is primarily (>90%) generated in the electron scattering-foil/collimation system and not in the water phantom. The x-ray central axis depth ionization curves exhibit buildup and attenuation regions characteristic of megavoltage x-ray beams. Ionization profiles of the x-ray component, measured in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, were also examined. Analysis of bremsstrahlung production as a function of photon collimation jaw opening shows a strong dependence, especially for the smaller openings.
Induction of endogenous avian tumor virus gene expression by pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Abstract The pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are toxic compounds which occur naturally in plant species throughout the world. They have been implicated as both carcinogenic and mutagenic agents. An active metabolite of the alkaloids, the pyrrole, which is a strong alkylating agent, is thought to be the toxicant. The naturally occurring alkaloid, jacobine, is able to induce the production of endogenous avian RNA tumor virus particles in cultured chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF). When jacobine was modified to form retronecine it no longer induced virus particles. Conversion of retronecine to its pyrrole resulted in a compound capable of inducing virus particle production. The isobutyryl monoester of retronecine was also able to induce virus particle production, but the isobutyryl monoester pyrrole was unexpectedly inactive as an inducer. This type of viral induction system is useful for studying the effect of modification of the inducer on its biological activity.
Future Trends and Possibilities for Creating More Gender Equitable Community Colleges

A review of the articles in this issue highlights how gender as a lens, construct, and identity shapes each current issue within the community college. Using the articles in this issue as a basis, this final article provides a series of recommendations for researchers and practitioners who are interested in identifying causes, methods, and practices for creating more democratic and pluralistic environments.
The hypersonic boundary layer on a wedge with uniform mass addition and viscous interaction

Abstract The effects of uniform surface blowing on the hypersonic boundary layer with viscous interaction are investigated analytically and experimentally. For strong and moderate viscous interaction, the heat transfer on a flat plate and a slender wedge is calculated by use of the local similarity technique to solve the boundary layer equations and the tangent wedge approximation to determine the inviscid pressure. The experiments are conducted at Mach numbers of 16 and 20, at unit Reynolds numbers of 2.3 and 1.3 × 10 5 ft −1 , and at the cold wall condition. The analytical and experimental results are in good agreement. For moderate blowing, it is found that the effects of viscous interaction dominate the flow when the interaction is strong and that the effects of blowing become more important as the strength of the viscous interaction decreases.
Structure of AlSb(001) and GaSb(001) surfaces under extreme Sb-rich conditions

We use density-functional theory to study the structure of AlSb(001) and GaSb(001) surfaces. Based on a variety of reconstruction models, we construct surface stability diagrams for AlSb and GaSb under different growth conditions. For AlSb(001), the predictions are in excellent agreement with experimentally observed reconstructions. For GaSb(001), we show that the previously proposed model accounts for the experimentally observed reconstructions under Ga-rich growth conditions but fails to explain the experimental observations under Sb-rich conditions. We propose a model that has a substantially lower surface energy than all $(n\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5)$-like reconstructions proposed previously and that, in addition, leads to a simulated scanning tunneling microscopy image in better agreement with experiment than existing models. However, this model has higher surface energy than some of $(4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3)$-like reconstructions, models with periodicity that has not been observed. Hence, we conclude that the experimentally observed $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5)$ and $(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5)$ structures on GaSb(001) are kinetically limited rather than at the ground state.
A Multi-Function Compact Small-Animal Imaging System Incorporating Multipinhole Standard and Helical SPECT and Parallel-Hole SPECT

A small-animal imaging system suitable for SPECT imaging and multipinhole standard/helical SPECT has been designed and constructed. Copper-beryllium parallel-hole collimators suitable for imaging the ~35 keV photons from the decay of 125I have been built and installed to achieve better spatial resolution and to reduce imaging time on our dual-detector array. To further address the limitations in the resolution of parallel-hole SPECT and the sensitivity and limited field of view of single-pinhole SPECT, we have incorporated multipinhole circular/helical SPECT in addition to expanding parallel-hole SPECT capabilities. The pinhole SPECT system is based on a 110 mm circular detector equipped with pixellated NaI(Tl) scintillator (1 times 1 times 5 mm3/pixel). The helical trajectory is accomplished by two stepping motors controlling the rotation of the detector-support gantry and displacement of the animal bed along the axis of rotation of the gantry. Results obtained in SPECT studies of various phantoms show an enlarged field of view, enhanced resolution and improved sensitivity over our earlier results. In particular, improved reconstructed resolution is obtained with the helical pinhole SPECT. Pinhole collimators with one, three and five 1 mm diameter pinholes have been used in these tests. Spatial resolution of 1.26 mm, 1.43 mm and 1.55 mm have been obtained respectively with those collimators.
An observation on quartz resonator aging

Aging and acceleration sensitivity of certain fabrication lots of quartz resonators show a trend that may arise from a common predominating mechanism, such as stresses arising from the mounting structure. The presence or absence of such a trend is discussed. As part of the work on bulk-acoustic-wave (BAW) resonators, a database of all known parameters of the resonators in question was assembled. Resonator processing and electrical parameters were examined for correlations with the acceleration sensitivity. A similar effort was being undertaken in regard to resonator aging, and possible correlations between the aging and acceleration sensitivities of the various resonators were examined. The results for two such fabrication lots are shown. The magnitude of the observed aging was typically in the 10/sup -10/ per day range. The identity of the common contributor is unknown at the present time. It is likely that mounting related stresses are the common contributor. >
Analysis of Cardiovascular Responses to PACAP-27, PACAP-38, and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptidea

Responses to pituitary adenylate cyclase polypeptide (PACAP)-27, PACAP-38, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were compared in the peripheral and pulmonary vascular beds of the cat and in the isolated perfused neonatal pig heart. Intravenous injections of PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 produced biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure whereas iv injections of VIP caused only decreases in arterial pressure. When blood flow to the hind limb and mesenteric vascular beds was maintained constant, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 caused dose-related biphasic changes in perfusion pressure, whereas VIP only decreased perfusion pressure. PACAP-27 was approximately threefold more potent than PACAP-38, and the pressor component of the biphasic response was blocked by alpha-adrenergic antagonists and adrenalectomy. PACAP-27, PACAP-38, and VIP produced decreases in pulmonary vascular resistance, and all three peptides had significant vasodilator activity in the isolated perfused neonatal pig heart. Although all three peptides decreased coronary vascular resistance, only PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 increased left ventricular contractility, with PACAP-27 approaching isoproterenol in potency. The results of these experiments show that PACAP-27, PACAP-38, and VIP have significant effects on vasomotor tone that depend on the vascular bed studied and the contribution of adrenal catecholamines.
Bacterial promoter repression by DNA looping without protein–protein binding competition

The Escherichia coli lactose operon provides a paradigm for understanding gene control by DNA looping where the lac repressor (LacI) protein competes with RNA polymerase for DNA binding. Not all promoter loops involve direct competition between repressor and RNA polymerase. This raises the possibility that positioning a promoter within a tightly constrained DNA loop is repressive per se, an idea that has previously only been considered in vitro. Here, we engineer living E. coli bacteria to measure repression due to promoter positioning within such a tightly constrained DNA loop in the absence of protein–protein binding competition. We show that promoters held within such DNA loops are repressed ∼100-fold, with up to an additional ∼10-fold repression (∼1000-fold total) dependent on topological positioning of the promoter on the inner or outer face of the DNA loop. Chromatin immunoprecipitation data suggest that repression involves inhibition of both RNA polymerase initiation and elongation. These in vivo results show that gene repression can result from tightly looping promoter DNA even in the absence of direct competition between repressor and RNA polymerase binding.
Tumor Endothelial Marker 8 Expression in Triple-negative Breast Cancer

Background/Aim: Tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) is a tumor endothelial-associated antigen that is having an increasingly recognized role in tumor biology. The expression of TEM8 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not yet been characterized. Materials and Methods: We hypothesize that TEM8 is overexpressed in TNBC and in metastatic TNBC in lymph nodes (LN) compared to normal breast tissue and normal lymphatic tissue, respectively. We studied expression of TEM8 in cases of primary (n=17) and metastatic (n=2) TNBC using immunohistochemical analyses. Results: All cases demonstrated increased expression of TEM8 in tumor tissue compared to non-cancerous breast tissue. TEM8 was expressed at a higher level in the stroma adjacent to the TNBC in all cases, with focal immunoreactive areas within the tumor. TEM8 was not expressed in normal lymphoid tissue, but showed expression at sites of LN metastases. Conclusion: TEM8 would appear to represent a new biologic target for designing novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches for TNBC. Breast cancer manifests as a spectrum of clinical behavior defined by the inherent biology of the disease. Triple- negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer which lacks protein expression for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) (1-5). TNBC comprises 15% of breast cancer cases and merits intense scientific investigation for its peculiar and often aggressive clinical course. There are currently no targeted therapies available for patients with TNBC and the ultimate development of targeted therapies will rely on identification of biologic targets expressed in
Sexual Assault and Current Mental Health: The Role of Help-Seeking and Police Response:

We examine the extent to which seeking help from social service agencies, family and friends, reporting to the police, or responses by the police might buffer or exacerbate the impact of sexual assault on mental health outcomes among sexual assault victims.The trend in many cases was for help-seeking and police response to exacerbate the impact of sexual assault victimization. With respect to depression, we found that the association of rape penetration was greater among those seeking help from social services and those reporting their victimization to the police. Although arresting the offender appears to be associated with higher levels of depression, it actually results in a lower probability of heavy episodic drinking.
Genetic dissection of methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase indicates a complex role for mitochondrial leucine catabolism during seed development and germination.

Summary 3-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase (MCCase) is a nuclear-encoded, mitochondrial-localized biotin-containing enzyme. The reaction catalyzed by this enzyme is required for leucine (Leu) catabolism, and it may also play a role in the catabolism of isoprenoids and the mevalonate shunt. In Arabidopsis, two MCCase subunits (the biotinylated MCCA subunit and the non-biotinylated MCCB subunit) are each encoded by single genes (At1g03090 and At4g34030, respectively). A reverse genetic approach was used to assess the physiological role of MCCase in plants. We recovered and characterized T-DNA and transposon-tagged knockout alleles of the MCCA and MCCB genes. Metabolite profiling studies indicate that mutations in either MCCA or MCCB block mitochondrial Leu catabolism, as inferred from the increased accumulation of Leu. Under light deprivation conditions, the hyper-accumulation of Leu, 3-methylcrotonyl CoA and isovaleryl CoA indicates that mitochondrial and peroxisomal Leu catabolism pathways are independently regulated. This biochemical block in mitochondrial Leu catabolism is associated with an impaired reproductive growth phenotype, which includes aberrant flower and silique development and decreased seed germination. The decreased seed germination phenotype is only observed for homozygous mutant seeds collected from a parent plant that is itself homozygous, but not from a parent plant that is heterozygous. These characterizations may shed light on the role of catabolic processes in growth and development, an area of plant biology that is poorly understood.
Comparison of antifading agents used in immunofluorescence

Various chemicals including p-phenylenediamine, n-propyl gallate, 1,4-diazobicyclo[2,2,2]-octane and Citifluor were tested to determine their effectiveness in retarding the fading of fluorescein-conjugated antibody bound to eosinophil granule major basic protein in tissues. Immunofluorescence fading and intensity were measured quantitatively using the Zeiss Zonax microphotometer system. All of these agents effectively retarded fluorescence fading; p-phenylenediamine and n-propyl gallate were the most effective. Comparison of glycerol-based and polyvinyl alcohol-based media containing n-propyl gallate or p-phenylenediamine showed that the glycerol-based medium yields higher mean fluorescence intensities than the polyvinyl alcohol-based medium. Slides mounted with p-phenylenediamine-glycerol could be stored for up to 2 weeks without loss of fluorescence intensity. Although p-phenylenediamine has many undesirable chemical properties, we conclude that it is the agent of choice for retarding the fading of tissue preparations stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugates when used in a glycerol-based medium.
NEURONET: a distributed real-time system for monitoring neurophysiologic function in the medical environment

A specific medical application, namely repair of a narrow aorta in children, served by Neuronet, a large software package integrated with 80 computer workstations and instrumentation, is considered to demonstrate the offline and real-time capabilities of the package. An overview of the system is given, and a case example is presented. The system's remote capabilities, signal processing, user interface, and database are discussed. Reliability and upgradeability are considered. >
Repeated games and direct reciprocity under active linking

Direct reciprocity relies on repeated encounters between the same two individuals. Here we examine the evolution of cooperation under direct reciprocity in dynamically structured populations. Individuals occupy the vertices of a graph, undergoing repeated interactions with their partners via the edges of the graph. Unlike the traditional approach to evolutionary game theory, where individuals meet at random and have no control over the frequency or duration of interactions, we consider a model in which individuals differ in the rate at which they seek new interactions. Moreover, once a link between two individuals has formed, the productivity of this link is evaluated. Links can be broken off at different rates. Whenever the active dynamics of links is sufficiently fast, population structure leads to a simple transformation of the payoff matrix, effectively changing the game under consideration, and hence paving the way for reciprocators to dominate defectors. We derive analytical conditions for evolutionary stability.
SOX15 governs transcription in human stratified epithelia and a subset of esophageal adenocarcinomas.

Background & Aims Intestinal metaplasia (Barrett’s esophagus, BE) is the principal risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Study of the basis for BE has centered on intestinal factors, but loss of esophageal identity likely also reflects the absence of key squamous-cell factors. As few determinants of stratified epithelial cell-specific gene expression have been characterized, identifying the necessary transcription factors is important. Methods We tested regional expression of mRNAs for all putative DNA-binding proteins in the mouse digestive tract and verified the esophagus-specific factors in human tissues and cell lines. Integration of diverse data defined a human squamous esophagus-specific transcriptome. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) to locate transcription factor binding sites, computational approaches to profile the transcripts in cancer data sets, and immunohistochemistry to reveal protein expression. Results The transcription factor Sex-determining region Y-box 15 ( SOX15 ) is restricted to esophageal and other murine and human stratified epithelia. SOX15 mRNA levels are attenuated in BE, and its depletion in human esophageal cells reduces esophageal transcripts significantly and specifically. SOX15 binding is highly enriched near esophagus-expressed genes, indicating direct transcriptional control. SOX15 and hundreds of genes coexpressed in squamous cells are reactivated in up to 30% of EAC specimens. Genes normally confined to the esophagus or intestine appear in different cells within the same malignant glands. Conclusions These data identify a novel transcriptional regulator of stratified epithelial cells and a subtype of EAC with bi-lineage gene expression. Broad activation of squamous-cell genes may shed light on whether EACs arise in the native stratified epithelium or in ectopic columnar cells.
Videotape Applications in Pragmatic Intervention with Language-Impaired Children

In this article, problems in developing pragmatic-based language intervention programs are discussed, and some theoretical applications of client-directed, context-bound video playback are described. Specifically, it is suggested that the use of video systems to record children's behaviors in natural settings and to play back these recordings to children themselves can enhance therapeutic acquisition and expansion of pragmatic, communication-oriented skills. Observations from an experimental language project are presented to support this hypothesis, and the need for further clinical research is identified.
Attenuation of sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity during the onset of acute mental stress in humans

Mental stress consistently induces a pressor response that is often accompanied by a paradoxical increase of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). The purpose of the present study was to evalua...
Rediscovered Populations of the Idaho Point-Headed Grasshopper, Acrolophitus pulchellus (Bruner), 1890 (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The Idaho point-headed grasshopper, Acrolophitus pulchellus, is a rare endemic of the Sinks Drainages of east central Idaho. Past collections were infrequent and found few specimens. Searches by entomologists in 2002-2003 failed to find specimens, leading to speculation that A. pulchellus was extinct. I report rediscovered popula- tions of A. pulchellus based on 55 capture records (10 collected) at 13 localities; describe distribution, habitat, possible host plant relationships, morphology, and life history; and present the first photos of live adult specimens. RESUMEN.—El saltamontes de Idaho, Acrolophitus pulchellus, es una rara especie endemica de los desagues del cen- tro y este de Idaho. Las colecciones pasadas se realizaron con poca frecuencia y encontraron pocos especimenes. En las busquedas realizadas por entomologos en 2002-2003 no se encontraron especimenes, llevando a la especulacion de que el A. pulchellus se habia extinguido. Reporto reencuentros de las poblaciones de A. pulchellus basandome en 55 reg- istros de captura (10 colectados) en 13 localidades; describo la distribucion, el habitat, las posibles relaciones con plantas huespedes, morfologia, e informacion de historia de vida; y presento las primeras fotos de especimenes de adultos vivos.
Theoretical and experimental study of microstrip-to-slot line uniplanar transition

Recent advances in MMIC technology makes it possible to construct transitions from CPW-to-microstrip with via hole, microstrip-to-slot line and microshield line-to-CPW all of which have potential applications in the feed network of antennas. In this study we investigated the characteristics of the microstrip-to-slot line uniplanar transition using the finite element method (FEM) and finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique, and compared the theoretical results with the measurements. In both cases, the results agree with the measurements within a few percent. >
Cell Number and Cell Size in Parthenocarpicvs. Pollinated Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) Fruits

Abstract Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) promotes parthenocarpic fruit development and is used commercially to increase fruit set in many crops. However, fruit size is usually smaller than that of pollinated fruit. The purpose of this work was to determine the anatomical basis for differences in fruit size between pollinated and GA 3 -induced parthenocarpic blueberry ( Vaccinium ashei Reade) fruits. Fresh weights at ripening averaged 1.6 and 2.5 g for GA 3 -treated vs . pollinated fruits, respectively. In both pollinated and GA 3 -treated fruits, mesocarp cell number comprised about 75% of the total pericarp cell number, and increased from ∼7000 cells per cross-sectional area at bloom to ∼9000 at harvest. The duration of the cell division period in pollinated and GA 3 -treated fruits was similar, with the majority of cell division ceasing by 24 d after bloom (DAB). Cell size in both middle and inner mesocarp of ripe pollinated fruits was significantly larger than in ripe GA 3 -treated fruits (31000 vs . 22000 μm 2 ). Differences in final fruit size between pollinated and GA 3 -induced parthenocarpic blueberry fruit are due to differences in cell enlargement rather than cell number.
Effects of understory foliage on patterns of light attenuation near the forest floor

Understory light availability is an important component of the environment for canopy tree seedlings. Understanding what generates variation in understory light availability represents one step in understanding processes regulating seedling banks, the beginning capital of regeneration in tropical forests. Near the forest floor, variation in light availability may be strongly influenced by the structure and composition of the understory. I examined abundance of understory foliage and patterns of light attenuation in five Neotropical forests (La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica = LS; Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panama = BCI; Cocha Cashu Biological Station, Manu National Park, Peru = CC; Kilometer 41, Manaus, Brazil = KM41; and Nouragues, French Guiana = NG). I used hemispherical canopy photos to estimate light availability at two heights (0.65 and 1.7 m) above the forest floor and counted foliage between these heights. Light availability differed significantly among sites, and site rankings depended on measurement height. At 0.65 m, NG had significantly lower mean light availability than CC, with KM41, LS, and BCI equivalent and intermediate. At 1.7 m, light availability was still lowest at NG, and highest at CC, but LS had levels similar to CC while KM41 and BCI remained intermediate. Across sites, light attenuation was positively related to foliage density. LS had the most understory foliage and the highest light attenuation between 0.65 and 1.7 m. KM41, NG and CC had intermediate amounts of foliage and intermediate light attenuation. BCI had the lowest density of understory foliage and no difference between light at the two measurement heights. My results show significant effects of understory foliage on understory light and indicate that the selective environment of canopy tree seedlings differs among sites.
Abstract IA13: Mechanisms of chromatin regulation by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma

Our laboratory uses genomic approaches to identify and characterize abnormalities in gene regulation in cancer. Large scale sequencing studies have shown that transcriptional regulators, including transcription factors, chromatin modifiers and histones, are frequently altered in cancer and may thus contribute to transformation through widespread changes in gene expression programs. This is particularly evident in pediatric tumors, which have low numbers of recurrent genetic events and where alterations in a transcriptional regulator may be the sole genetic “driver”. In the case of Ewing sarcoma, the second most common pediatric bone cancer, translocations involving EWS and the ETS transcription factor FLI1 generate a fusion protein that has been shown to be essential for the growth and survival of tumor cells. We recently used genome-wide chromatin profiling to study the mechanisms of action of EWS-FLI1 and found that it utilizes two distinct patterns of chromatin remodeling to either activate or repress enhancers. At repeats of the GGAA ETS recognition motif, which are poorly conserved in evolution, EWS-FLI1 multimers induce chromatin opening and create active enhancers de novo. These repeat enhancers can loop to physically interact with target promoters, as demonstrated by chromosome conformation capture assays. In contrast, at conserved enhancers containing canonical ETS motifs, EWS-FLI1 displaces wild-type ETS transcription factors and leads to significant reductions in enhancer activity. These different chromatin remodeling mechanisms are associated with the repression of tumor suppressors and mesenchymal lineage genes and the activation of oncogenes and potential therapeutic targets. Our studies thus illustrate how chromatin profiling can reveal mechanisms of chromatin regulation that are critical in establishing an oncogenic regulatory program in cancer. Citation Format: Miguel N. Rivera. Mechanisms of chromatin regulation by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research: From Mechanisms and Models to Treatment and Survivorship; 2015 Nov 9-12; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(5 Suppl):Abstract nr IA13.
Phosphatase activity of placental extracts and pregnant mare's plasma.

Equine placental extracts show phosphatase activity with a pH optimum between 4.5 and 6. The enzyme shows heat stability to 45°C and electrophoresis on cellulose acetate demonstrates the presence of two bands of activity. Histochemistry confirms the presence of phosphatase activity in the placental villi. Assay of plasma samples from pregnant mares showed no increase in phosphatase activity through pregnancy under conditions of test.
Identification of an NKX3.1-G9a-UTY transcriptional regulatory network that controls prostate differentiation

The prostate and seminal vesicle have closely related developmental histories and both are regulated by the same androgenic hormones. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the two tissues could help solve why cancer arises frequently in the prostate but only rarely in seminal vesicles. Working with cell and mouse models, Dutta et al. show that forced expression of a single gene, the homeobox gene NKX3.1 , causes seminal vesicle epithelium to differentiate into prostate. NKX3.1 regulates the expression of a gene program associated with prostate differentiation by interacting with the G9a histone methyltransferase. Disruption of this regulatory network probably contributes to prostate cancer development. Science , this issue p. [1576][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad9512
Is Data Sampling Required When Using Random Forest for Classification on Imbalanced Bioinformatics Data

Random Forest is a robust and powerful ensemble classifier that is known to perform well on bioinformatics data. However, the Random Forest algorithm does not take into account the level of class imbalance that is a common problem within this domain and imposes such complications as bias towards the majority class and decreased classification performance. In this study, we seek to determine if the inclusion of data sampling will improve the performance of the Random Forest classifier. We test the effect of data sampling using three data sampling techniques coupled with two post-sampling class distribution ratios. Additionally, we built inductive models with Random Forest when no data sampling technique was applied, so we can observe the true effect of the data sampling. Lastly, we utilize three feature selection techniques, four feature subset sizes, and fifteen imbalanced bioinformatics datasets. Our results show that, in general, data sampling does improve the classification performance of Random Forest. However, statistical analysis shows that the increase in performance is not statistically significant. Thus, we can state that while data sampling does improve the classification performance of Random Forest, it is not a necessary step as the classifier is fairly robust to imbalanced data on its own. Note, this work is an extension of our previous work “The Effect of Data Sampling When Using Random Forest on Imbalanced Bioinformatics Data” [13] with more experimental results.