cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression and Plant Responses to Water Deficit

A large percentage of the world’s crops are exposed to chronic or sporadic periods of drought (Boyer, 1982). In addition, even in the absence of drought, the timing and amount of rainfall are primary determinants of crop selection and yield (Ludlow and Muchow, 1990; Boyer, 1982). Boyer (1982) estimated that 44.7% of U.S. soils are subject to low water availability and drought accounted for the highest proportion of insurance indemnities for crop losses in the U.S. from 1939 to 1978. Improved drought tolerance in crop species would result in improved yield stability.
An efficient design of embedded memories and their testability analysis using Markov chains

This article presents a design strategy for efficient and comprehensive random testing of embedded random-access memory (RAM) where neither are the address, read/write and data input lines directly controllable nor are the data output lines externally observable. Unlike the conventional approaches, which frequently employ on-chip circuits such as linear feedback shift register (LFSR), data registers and multibit comparator for verifying the response of the memory-under-test (MUT) with the reference signature of a fault-free gold unit, the proposed technique uses an efficient testable design, which helps accelerate test algorithms by a factor of 0.5√n, if the RAM is organized into an n×1 array and improve the test reliability by eliminating the LFSR that is known to have aliasing problems. Another serious problem in embedded memory testing by random test patterns is the problem of memory initialization, which has been tackled here by adding word-line flag registers. The paper has made indepth empirical studies of the functional faults such as stuck-at, coupling, and pattern-sensitive by suitably representing these faults by Markov chains and by simulating these chains to derive various test lengths required for detecting these faults. The simulation results conclusively show that, in order to test a IM-bit RAM for detecting the common functional faults, the proposed technique needs only one second as opposed to about an hour needed by the conventional random testing where memory cells are tested sequentially.
Relationship between Course Evaluations and Course Grades in Six Allied Health Programs

Abstract Purpose Most faculty members are evaluated by their administration, in part, based upon student evaluation results. This study sought to determine the relationship between course evaluation scores and course grades, in order to ensure academic rigor and optimize faculty evaluation practices. Methods Overall course evaluation results were compared to average course grades for six allied health programs, over 3 years (n = 256 observations). Results There was no overall relationship between evaluation scores and course grades; however, individual differences between programs were seen. Conclusion Grades achieved in a course did not affect the overall course evaluations. However, since there was a correlation between grades earned and course evaluations for some programs in the School of Allied Health, the importance of utilizing multiple assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of a course must be stressed.
Web-scale Data Integration: You can only afford to Pay As You Go

The World Wide Web is witnessing an increase in the amount of structured content – vast heterogeneous collections of structured data are on the rise due to the Deep Web, annotation schemes like Flickr, and sites like Google Base. While this phenomenon is creating an opportunity for structured data management, dealing with heterogeneity on the web-scale presents many new challenges. In this paper, we highlight these challenges in two scenarios – the Deep Web and Google Base. We contend that traditional data integration techniques are no longer valid in the face of such heterogeneity and scale. We propose a new data integration architecture, PAYGO, which is inspired by the concept of dataspaces and emphasizes pay-as-you-go data management as means for achieving web-scale data integration.
Diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia in newborns and infants

Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition characterized by a short lingual frenulum, which may result in the restriction of tongue movement and function. Considerable controversy regarding the diagnosis, clinical significance, and management of the condition remains, and great variations in practice have been recorded. Indeed, attitudes toward ankyloglossia differ among professional groups, and opinions may vary remarkably even among those within the same specialty. This article reviews the embryology, genetics, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of ankyloglossia to help physicians better understand and treat the condition.
Mitigating Interleaving Jamming of IEEE 802.11

Recent jamming attacks against IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) have targeted the interleaving mechanism to greatly improve power efficiency, getting as good as 95% packet loss using 0.1% transmitter power. In this paper, we propose a novel method of modifying the interleaver to prevent this attack vector through using a shared secret to deterministically interleave the data in such a way that is not susceptible to targeted subcarrier jamming. We implement and test this approach using software defined radio. We show it entirely negates the impact of interleaving targeted jamming, without making the signal more susceptible to more traditional jamming methods or additive Gaussian white noise. We show that our modified interleaver makes these attacks less effective than whole-channel jamming by as much as 15% lower packet loss.
A Cyber Collaborative Protocol for Real-Time Communication and Control in Human-Robot-Sensor Work

Real-time communication and control are essential parts of the Cyber Physical System (CPS) to optimize effective performance and reliability. To gain a sustainable competitive advantage with Automation 5.0, as needed in Work-of-the-Future, this article addresses the concept of real-time communication and control in the case of an agricultural work setting, along with a newly designed Cyber Collaborative Protocol, called CCP-RTC2. The developed protocol aims to minimize information delay and maximize JIN (Just In Need) information sharing, to enable collaborative decisions among system agents. Two experiments are conducted to compare the designed protocol’s performance in agricultural CPS against the current non-CPS practice. The results demonstrate that the CCP-RTC2 is superior compared with current practice in terms of information sharing in a normal operation scenario. When the system obtains an unplanned request, the CCP-RTC2 can integrate such a request to the original work plan while minimizing the system’s objective function (lower is better). Hence, the system has relatively smaller information delays, as well as better timely information shared with system agents that need it.
Impact of climate warming on arid region soils.

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the impact of climate warming on arid region soils. Global atmospheric warming is generally expected to occur as a consequence of the increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone. Arid regions are commonly divided into three climatic zones—namely, (1) hyperarid, (2) arid, and (3) semiarid. Most arid region soils are calcareous somewhere within the top 2 meter of soil, alkaline, neutral or slightly acid in the surface horizon, coarse textured sandy or gravelly on upland sites, and sometimes covered with a desert pavement of gravels and stones; fine texture in closed basins that frequently are saline. One characteristic, arid region soils have in common is a low level of organic matter. Organic matter content varies with rainfall and vegetative cover as well as with texture. An atmospheric temperature change of 3°C without a change in rainfall probably has effects similar to overgrazing. Biomass production would be likely to decline significantly over the area as whole, as the combined result of overgrazing and increased temperatures.
Quality of services specification in distributed object systems design

Traditional object-oriented design methods deal with the functional aspects of systems, but they do not address quality of service (QoS) aspects such as reliability, availability, performance, security, and timing. However, deciding which QoS properties should be provided by individual system components is an important part of the design process. Different decisions are likely to result in different component implementations and system structures. Thus, decisions about component-level QoS should be made at design time, before the implementation is begun. Since these decisions are an important part of the design process, they should be captured as part of the design. We propose a general Quality-of-Service specification language, which we call QML. In this paper we show how QML can be used to capture QoS properties as part of designs. In addition, we extend UML, the de-facto standard object-oriented modeling language, to support the concepts of QML. QML is designed to integrate with object-oriented features, such as interfaces, classes, and inheritance. In particular, it allows specification of QoS properties through refinement of existing QoS specifications. Although we exemplify the use of QML to specify QoS properties within the categories of reliability and performance, QML can be used for specification within any QoS category-QoS categories are user-defined types in QML.
Selecting Patients for Bone Mass Measurements

Self-assessment indices are questionnaires or nomograms that utilize risk factors for low bone mass or osteoporosis to identify women who are likely to have a low bone density. Women who are identified in this fashion should be considered candidates for a bone density measurement. Although a woman can have a low bone density in the absence of any identifiable risk factors, these indices are useful in a variety of ways. They can help select those women who are less likely to have a low bone density as well as those who are more likely. Because most of these indices can be self-administered by the patient, they foster patient education and awareness and encourage the patient to initiate the discussion of bone density testing and osteoporosis with the physician.
Getting the Hang of American Slang: Studies On Understanding and Remembering Slang Metaphors:

Three experiments examined people's understanding and memory for slang metaphors. Experiment 1 showed that people processed slang metaphors, like He's on a trip (meaning "He's using drugs"), faster...
Decay of 16-Minute Ta 1 8 2 m

A revised decay scheme of the 16-minute isomer ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{182m}$ involves three states of ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{182}$ at excitation energies of 147 kev, 319 kev, and 503 kev. Transition multipolarities were classified by measuring both gamma-ray coincidences and internal conversion electrons. The 503-kev isomeric state decays mainly (98%) by a 184-kev $E3$ transition to the 319-kev state. This 319-kev state decays mainly (94%) to the 147-kev state by means of a 172-kev transition that is predominantly $M1$. The 147-kev transition to the ground state is also predominantly $M1$. Two of the three possible crossover transitions were observed; a 356-kev $M4$ transition originates at the isomeric level and a 319-kev $E2$ transition connects the second excited state with the ground state.The 147-kev and the 319-kev states are probably the first and second excited rotational states of the ground-state configuration. The relevant rotational parameters are of particular interest because very little is known about moments of inertia for odd-odd nuclei.The relative probabilities were determined for pile neutron activation of the 16-minute isomer, ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{182m}$, and the 112-day ground state, ${\mathrm{Ta}}^{182}$. If the ground-state formation cross section is taken as 21 barns, the corresponding value for the isomer is only 9 mb.
Fault-Tolerance Considerations in Large, Multiple-Processor Systems

Researcher have long conjectured upon the possibility of constructing large, massively-parallel computing engines by interconnecting many conventional processing elements to form an integrated supersystem. The rapid expansion in very large scale integration, or VLSI, circuit technology during the past decade has accelerated research in this direction. As advances in VLSI push basic component or chip functionalities to the processor level and beyond, it becomes natural to view complex processing elements as the basic components of much larger systems. Several names for such systems have been proposed, including network computers, multicomputers, and distributed multiprocessors. Despite the naming differences, these systems have the following salient features: (1) A large number of basically autonomous processing elements interconnected by a structure that allows high-bandwidth communication between them. At the system level, these processing elements and interconnection facilities are viewed as the basic components of the system. Each processing node has its own local memory and there is no sharing of memory between nodes. (2) A high degree of distribution of control or operating system functions among the processing elements. (3) Highly parallel computation performed by constructing applications as collections of several or many distinct tasks. These tasks may execute concurrently on different processors, withmore » necessary intertask communication carried out over the communication facilities linking the nodes. The collection of cooperating tasks comprising an application is sometimes referred to as a task force.« less
Targeted Interventions for Social Communication Symptoms in Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Young children with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty in social communication, regardless of the child's intellectual capacity. It is important to understand which interventions show the most promise in improving social communication for at least three reasons: (1) social communication plays a crucial role in a child's ability to participate in daily interactions with others, (2) social communication abilities have implications for future development, and (3) social communication remains one of the most difficult aspects of the disorder to effectively treat. A best evidence synthesis of the intervention literature shows that current treatment approaches are more likely to effect change in social communication that is not generalizable beyond the treatment context, and is closely related to the skills taught within the intervention. However, treatments that are shown to produce generalized change in the child include some combination of naturalistic interactions, child-centeredness, adult direction, play routines, parent and family involvement, a developmental orientation, and physiological regulation. Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; intervention; preschool; social communication
Fiber-Optic Probe for Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements of the Fuel-Air Distribution in Gas-Turbine Combustors

A e ber‐ optic probe has been developed for spatially and temporally resolved measurements of the equivalence ratio in actual gas-turbine combustors. The measurement is based on laser-induced e uorescence, where acetone is used as a e uorescence seed. The effects of acetone concentration, temperature, and pressure on the e uorescence signal have been characterized in a steady e ow test cell at temperatures (up to 400&C) and pressures (up to 12 atm) representative of real-gas-turbine combustors. The capabilities of the e ber-optic probe have been demonstrated by making measurements in a turbulent axisymmetric airjet. Under typical measurement conditions it has been shown that the mean and rms e uctuation of the equivalence ratio can be determined with an accuracy of better than 65%.
Tunable, substrate integrated, high Q filter cascade for high isolation

A combination of tunable bandpass/bandstop filter substrate integrated cavity filters is shown for high spectral isolation. Greater than 90 dB of isolation is shown, which is potentially useful for isolating small signals in the presence of large interferers. Both filters are created using the same substrate integrated evanescent-mode cavity resonators which are placed in series or in shunt by changing the cavity feeds. The resonators are tuned using deformation of a copper membrane induced by a piezo electric actuator. The bandstop filter is able to place deep nulls on the skirt of the bandpass filter function on both the high and low frequency sides. The notch can be tuned from 2.1% to 9.6% away from the center frequency of the band-pass filter. The bandstop filter is also designed with a tunable shape which allows for wider bandwidth isolation on demand.
Wavelength Variation of the Second-Order Nonlinear Coefficients of KNbO3, KTiOPO4, KTiOAsO4, LiNbO3, LiIO3, B-BaB2O4, KH2PO4, and LiB3O5 Crystals: A Test of Miller Wavelength Scaling

We measure second-order nonlinear coefficients using optical parametric amplification and second-harmonic generation over a range of wavelengths for the crystals KNbO3,KTiOPO4,KTiOAsO4,LiNbO3,LiIO3,β-BaB2O4,KH2PO4, and LiB3O5. Combining our new measurements with previously reported values, we compare the wavelength variation of individual dijk’s with Miller scaling, and we conclude that Miller scaling is a useful approximation for these crystals.
Tell Jemmeh, Philistia and the Neo-Assyrian Empire during the Late Iron Age

AbstractThe site of Tell Jemmeh near Gaza has long been suggested as the location of an Assyrian administrative centre or even the seat of an Assyrian governor. This paper revisits this issue in the light of the more comprehensive evidence we now have on the site from Van Beek's excavations. Tell Jemmeh yielded both architectural features (in plans and building techniques) and Assyrian-style pottery that link it strongly to the Neo-Assyrian world. Whether these links indicate a massive Neo-Assyrian presence at the site, or that the site was an Assyrian administrative centre is still an open question. The archaeological and textual evidence from this period will be combined in order to examine the nature and extent of Neo-Assyrian influence on Tell Jemmeh in particular, and on Philistia in general. The characteristics of each of the Assyrian features will be studied in detail in order to assess its significance with regard to the Assyrian connection and the regional historical background. It seems that the...
The influence of Cu–Nb interfaces on local vacancy concentrations in Cu

The sink strength of Cu–Nb interfaces was investigated by measuring the steady-state vacancy concentration profile adjacent to Cu–Nb interfaces during 1.8 MeV Kr + irradiation. Broadening of dilute nanoscale Au tracer layers in Cu quantified position-dependent values for radiation-enhanced diffusivity and, accordingly, vacancy concentration. The measured vacancy profile corresponds to results calculated from a steady-state kinetic rate equation that assumes perfect sink efficiency at the Cu–Nb interface, indicating that it behaves like an ideal sink for vacancies in Cu.
EVIDENCE OF A RELATION BETWEEN STOCK PRICE REACTIONS AROUND CASH DIVIDEND CHANGES AND YIELDS

Here, the relation between stock price reactions to announced dividend changes and the yields of the underlying securities is examined. A significant positive (negative) relationship is detected between announcement date returns and yield for dividend increases (decreases) even after controlling for the magnitude of the dividend change. Price reactions associated with dividend increases vary directly with the change in yield and, on average, low-yielding companies do not experience abnormal returns when they increase their dividends. Implied in these results is that the information conveyed through dividend changes varies with the yield of the underlying security and the market response is a function of factors beyond the pure information effect.
The telomere syndromes

There has been mounting evidence of a causal role for telomere dysfunction in a number of degenerative disorders. Their manifestations encompass common disease states such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bone marrow failure. Although these disorders seem to be clinically diverse, collectively they comprise a single syndrome spectrum defined by the short telomere defect. Here we review the manifestations and unique genetics of telomere syndromes. We also discuss their underlying molecular mechanisms and significance for understanding common age-related disease processes.
ECS-induced amnesia: Retention function consistent with state dependency predictions*

Rats were given a single fear conditioning footshock, and retention was tested in different subgroups at 24-h intervals through 144 h after conditioning. Under these conditions, retention was found to be strong and undifferentiated at all test intervals. However, rats given ECS 0.5 sec after the fear conditioning footshock, while evidencing amnesia at all tested intervals, showed less amnesia at 96 and 144 h after training and ECS. This pattern of amnesia was predicted by the state dependency hypothesis. Implications of these data regarding the role of state dependency in determining the recovery of memory following amnesia induced by a posttraining trial ECS are discussed.
Multilevel detonation cell structures in methane-air mixtures

Abstract High-resolution numerical simulations of two-dimensional detonations in a methane-air mixture with extremely high activation energy show the formation of multiple levels of cellular structures caused by the propagation of triple-shock configurations. Two main types of these configurations were observed based on the structure of transverse waves behind the leading edge of the detonation. Collisions were observed between two triple-shock configurations with attached transverse detonations, two triple-shock configurations with inert transverse waves, and one of each of these types. These collisions give rise to the formation of highly irregular, and, in some cases incomplete, cells. Smoke foils obtained from detonation of a near-stoichiometric mixture of natural gas and air show similar results. Estimates of the width of the experimental cells qualitatively match those inferred from the calculations.
Effect of pantothenic acid deficiency upon adrenal cortex, thymus, spleen, and circulating lymphocytes in mice.

SummaryAdult male mice placed on a pantothenate-deficient diet developed a lymphopenia followed by lymphocytosis when compared to control animals. The adrenal cortex showed hypertrophy and simultaneous, gradual depletion of lipid material, including ketosteroids, from the zona fasciculata. By the seventh week the zona fasciculata was nearly depleted of its hormone. In deficient mice, the thymus atrophied and there was a gradual enlargement of the spleen. Starvation caused a rapid depletion of the lipid, including the ketosteroids, from the zona fasciculata. The zona glomerulosa remained unchanged in pantothenic acid deficiency whereas in starvation it was depleted of steroid material but retained some sudanophilic lipids.
What mechanisms contribute to the strength loss that occurs during and in the recovery from skeletal muscle injury

In the workplace or on the athletic field, muscle strength can be decreased by 50% or more following performance of a relatively few high-force, eccentric contractions. The strength loss can be prolonged, taking a month or more for complete recovery. It is important to understand the cause(s) of the strength loss so we can develop means of preventing or attenuating this loss. The cellular-level mechanisms explaining the loss of strength following contraction-induced muscle injury remain controversial. The traditional thought is that initial strength loss is due solely to damage to force-bearing structures within the muscle, as evidenced by histopathology. In addition, inflammation in the days following injury is commonly thought to exacerbate the strength loss. We present data to the contrary. Recent data show that most of the early strength loss results from a failure of excitation-contraction coupling processes and that a slow loss of contractile protein in the days following injury prolongs the time for recovery.
The Influence of Race on Health Status Outcomes One Year After an Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objectives The goal of this study was to compare health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) outcomes of whites and blacks one year after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Background Although racial differences in the use of angiography and revascularization after ACS are known to exist, differences in health status outcomes have not been described. Methods We conducted a prospective registry of 1,159 consecutive ACS patients treated between February 1, 2000 and October 31, 2001. One-year health status was quantified with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and Short Form-12 Physical Component Score (SF-12 PCS). Multivariable models were used to adjust for racial differences in sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics. Results Mortality rates were similar among the 196 black and 963 white patients (7.1% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.93); 81 died during follow-up, and 199 (17%) could not be interviewed. At one year, blacks had a higher prevalence of angina (43.4% vs. 27.1%), worse quality of life (SAQ score = 70.6 ± 28.3 vs. 83.9 ± 20.8), and poorer physical function (SF-12 PCS = 36.8 ± 12.3 vs. 43.2 ± 11.4; p Conclusions Blacks have more angina, worse quality of life, and worse physical function one year after an ACS than do whites. Closer surveillance of black ACS patients is needed to determine whether additional treatment can improve their outcomes.
DISCREPANT AREAL AND VOLUMETRIC BONE DENSITY MEASUREMENTS IN A YOUNG WOMAN WITH IDIOPATHIC LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY

ABSTRACT Objective To discuss a case of idiopathic low bone density in a young woman. Methods We present a detailed report that includes clinical, laboratory, and radiologic assessment of a premenopausal woman with idiopathic low bone mass. Results A 34-year-old healthy woman of small body habitus was found by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to have bone mineral density (BMD) that was less than 2.5 standard deviations below the young and age-matched norm. After a thorough evaluation, no cause of osteoporosis was identified. Calculation of bone mineral apparent density, which minimizes the effect of small skeletal size on areal BMD, resulted in only a modest improvement in T-scores. Measurement of lumbar spine volumetric BMD by quantitative computed tomography, however, revealed a significantly improved T-score of –1.6. Conclusion This report highlights the complexities of low BMD measurements in otherwise healthy young women as well as the potential application of bone mineral apparent density and quantitative computed tomography in the evaluation of low BMD in young women with small skeletal frames. (Endocr Pract. 2003;9:36-39)
Reconstruction of the unstable proximal interphalangeal joint: The double superficialis tenodesis

A technique is described for reconstructing the unstable proximal interphalangeal joint where there has been a break in continuity of both the volar plate and the collateral ligament. Both slips of the superficialis are used. They are divided proximally and tenodesed in appropriate positions on the proximal phalanx.
Rates of Opioid Dispensing and Overdose After Introduction of Abuse-Deterrent Extended-Release Oxycodone and Withdrawal of Propoxyphene

Importance In the second half of 2010, abuse-deterrent extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyContin; Purdue Pharma) was introduced and propoxyphene was withdrawn from the US market. The effect of these pharmaceutical market changes on opioid dispensing and overdose rates is unknown. Objective To evaluate the association between 2 temporally proximate changes in the opioid market and opioid dispensing and overdose rates. Design, Setting, and Participants Claims from a large national US health insurer were analyzed, using an interrupted time series study design. Participants included an open cohort of 31.3 million commercially insured members aged 18 to 64 years between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012, with median follow-up of 20 months (last follow-up, December 31, 2012). Exposures Introduction of abuse-deterrent OxyContin (resistant to crushing or dissolving) on August 9, 2010, and market withdrawal of propoxyphene on November 19, 2010. Main Outcomes and Measures Standardized opioid dispensing rates and prescription opioid and heroin overdose rates were the primary outcomes. We used segmented regression to analyze changes in outcomes from 30 quarters before to 8 quarters after the 2 interventions. Results Two years after the opioid market changes, total opioid dispensing decreased by 19% from the expected rate (absolute change, −32.2 mg morphine-equivalent dose per member per quarter [95% CI, −38.1 to −26.3]). By opioid subtype, the absolute change in dispensing by milligrams of morphine-equivalent dose per member per quarter at 2 years was −11.3 (95% CI, −12.4 to −10.1) for extended-release oxycodone, 3.26 (95% CI, 1.40 to 5.12) for other long-acting opioids, −8.19 (95% CI, −9.30 to −7.08) for propoxyphene, and −16.2 (95% CI, −18.8 to −13.5) for other immediate-release opioids. Two years after the market changes, the estimated overdose rate attributed to prescription opioids decreased by 20% (absolute change, −1.10 per 100 000 members per quarter [95% CI, −1.47 to −0.74]), but heroin overdose increased by 23% (absolute change, 0.26 per 100 000 members per quarter [95% CI, −0.01 to 0.53]). Conclusions and Relevance Opioid dispensing and prescription opioid overdoses decreased substantially after 2 major changes in the pharmaceutical market in late 2010. Pharmaceutical market interventions may have value in combatting the prescription opioid overdose epidemic, but heroin overdose rates continue to increase. Complementary strategies to identify and treat opioid abuse and addiction are urgently needed.
Congenital pupillary-iris-lens membrane with goniodysgenesis

Abstract Background A unilateral congenital pupil-iris-lens membrane with goniodysgenesis syndrome, not benign tunica vasculosa lentis, was first described by Cibis et al. One of three cases developed angle closure. Robb described catastrophic vision loss from angle closure in one of his seven cases. Methods We did a retrospective review of previously unreported cases of pupil-iris-lens membrane with goniodysgenesis seen in our practices. Results We report the clinical spectrum of a further nine cases, three of which needed surgery for angle closure, two of which needed surgery for clearing the visual axis. Conclusion Congenital pupil-iris-lens membrane with goniodysgenesis is a unilateral membrane clearly differentiated from benign persistent tunica vasculosa lentis tissue. The membrane represents ectopic iris on the lens with abnormal iris stroma and chamber angle from aberrant induction, migration, or regression of neural crest cells. The membrane can be progressive. Catastrophic vision loss from angle closure can occur and may be controlled with surgery. Surgery may be needed to open the visual axis even when glaucoma is not present and may prevent angle closure.
Escaping hell but not heaven

Benjamin Matheson (Int J Philos Relig 75:197–206, 2014) has recently critiqued the escapist account of hell that we have defended. In this paper we respond to Matheson. Building on some of our work in defense of escapism that Matheson does not discuss (in particular, Buckareff and Plug, The problem of hell: a philosophical anthology, Ashgate, Burlington, 2010) we show that the threat posed by Matheson’s critique is chimerical. We begin by summarizing our escapist theory of hell. Next, we summarize both Matheson’s central thesis and the main arguments offered in its defense. We then respond to those arguments.
A mixed-integer goal programming model for capital budgeting within a police department

Abstract A difficult problem for most police departments is allocating limited dollars for capital expenditures in the most efficient manner possible. Because of the varied objectives of police services as perceived by police administrators, government officials and citizens, traditional allocation criteria, such as cost-benefit analysis, are not viable. As such, this paper proposes the use of mixed-integer goal programming as a methodology for selecting police expenditure items given a limited budget and multiple, conflicting objectives. In order to demonstrate this technique, a case example involving 18 potential expenditure items for a moderately-sized police department will be employed. This example model will be solved using a predetermined priority structure, and the results interpreted. Several alternative priority structures that reflect the objectives of different interest groups will then be tested in order to demonstrate the flexibility of this approach.
Quantitative characterization of optical polishing pitch

Optical polishing pitch has properties that can be quantitatively examined. These properties may be used to check batches of pitch for consistency, or to evaluate products for differences. In this work we explore the hardness, softening point and viscosity of pitch. The testing methods involved require little preparation, have quick turnaround time, use less than 200 g of pitch, and produce statistically significant results. The tests include: Shore A Durometer hardness test, ASTM Mettler softening point method, and dynamic viscosity measurements via a novel falling needle viscometer. Results from all three tests are given as averages with standard deviations for a variety of wood-based and petroleum-based products.
Mammalian Maf1 Is a Negative Regulator of Transcription by All Three Nuclear RNA Polymerases

Most eukaryotic transcriptional regulators act in an RNA polymerase (Pol)-selective manner. Here we show that the human Maf1 protein negatively regulates transcription by all three nuclear Pols. Changes in Maf1 expression affect Pol I- and Pol III-dependent transcription in human glioblastoma lines. These effects are mediated, in part, through the ability of Maf1 to repress transcription of the TATA binding protein, TBP. Maf1 targets an Elk-1-binding site in the TBP promoter, and its occupancy of this region is reciprocal with that of Elk-1. Similarly, Maf1 occupancy of Pol III genes is inversely correlated with that of the initiation factor TFIIIB and Pol III. The phenotypic consequences of reducing Maf1 expression include changes in cell morphology and the accumulation of actin stress fibers, whereas Maf1 overexpression suppresses anchorage-independent growth. Together with the ability of Maf1 to reduce biosynthetic capacity, these findings support the idea that Maf1 regulates the transformation state of cells.
PKC-ε Is Required for Mechano-sensitive Activation of ERK1/2 in Endothelial Cells

Mechano-sensitive regulation of endothelial cells (EC) function by shear stress is critical for flow-induced vasodilation and gene expression. Previous studies by our laboratory demonstrated that shear stress activates the 44- and 42-kDa extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in EC in a time- and force-dependent manner. ERK1/2 activation was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) down-regulation with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (1 microM for 24 h) but not by calcium chelation with BAPTA-AM (acetoxymethyl ester of BAPTA) (75 microM for 30 min), suggesting that a novel PKC isoform (delta, epsilon, eta, theta) mediates shear stress-induced ERK1/2 activation. Western blotting with PKC isoform-specific antibodies demonstrated expression of PKC-alpha, -epsilon, and -zeta isoforms in EC. PKC-epsilon was specifically inhibited by transfection with antisense PKC-epsilon phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (1,000 nM for 6 h). Antisense treatment decreased PKC-epsilon protein levels by 80 +/- 13% after 72 h and completely inhibited shear stress-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. Scrambled PKC-epsilon oligonucleotides and antisense PKC-alpha and PKC-zeta oligonucleotides had no effect on ERK1/2 activity. PKC-epsilon appeared specific for mechano-sensitive ERK1/2 activation, as antisense PKC-epsilon oligonucleotides did not inhibit ERK1/2 activation by EGF or bradykinin but did inhibit ERK1/2 activation upon EC adhesion to fibronectin. These results define a pathway for shear stress-mediated ERK1/2 activation and establish a new function for PKC-epsilon as part of a mechano-sensitive signal transduction pathway in EC.
Response of maize and rice to 9-β-L(+) adenosine applied under different environmental conditions

The increase in growth, determined by dry weight gain, of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) caused by foliar applications of 9-β-L(+) adenosine, a putative second messenger elicited by triacontanol, was studied under different environmental conditions. Maize seedlings cultured in the greenhouse under approximately 100 μmol m−2s−1 of light prior to treatment with L(+) adenosine did not respond unless they received supplemental light (250–300 μmol m−2s−1) after treatment. Exposure of rice seedlings growing for 16 h at 150 μmol m−2s−1 to short periods of 450 μmol m−2s−1 (< than 20 min) had no effect on the positive response of rice to L(+) adenosine; however, exposure for 60 min or more increased the growth of rice and obviated the effect of L(+) adenosine. Rice seedlings treated with L(+) adenosine at different times during the day responded only when treated 9 to 12h after initiation of the photoperiod. Normal growing temperatures under different light intensities had little or no direct effect on the response of plants to L(+) adenosine.
Staphylococcus aureus Invasion of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of mastitis in dairy cows. However, pathogenesis of the infection has not been completely defined. We report the invasion of two strains of S. aureus into a bovine mammary epithelial cell line and a bovine mammary epithelial cell primary culture. Invasion of S. aureus into bovine mammary cells was time-dependent. Transmission electron microscopy of bovine mammary cells invaded by S. aureus showed intracellular replication of the bacterium within membrane-bound vacuoles. Invasion was reduced significantly when bovine mammary epithelial cells were treated with inhibitors of F-actin microfilament polymerization but not when these cells were treated with inhibitors of microtubule formation. Results indicated that S. aureus is capable of invading and replicating inside bovine mammary epithelial cells. Data also suggested that S. aureus invasion of bovine mammary epithelial cells requires active participation of specific components of the cytoskeleton of the epithelial cell.
Circulating interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations after burn injury in humans.

OBJECTIVES To measure plasma interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) concentrations after burn injury and to determine if these concentrations relate to clinical status. DESIGN Prospective assessment. SETTING Hospital burn unit. PATIENTS Thirty-one patients with second- or third-degree burns, covering 10% to 95% of body surface area. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Initial concentrations of IL-1 beta were increased (mean 188 +/- 31 pg/mL), and the concentrations for each patient correlated with body temperature at the time of the blood sample (rho = 0.51, p < .015) (rho is a nonparametric statistical measure; a nonparametric analysis is mandatory for data that is categorical [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, APACHE, scores] and data that are not normally distributed [IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor, TNF, data]). Mean TNF alpha concentrations were initially 264 +/- 132 pg/mL, and these concentrations were positively related to body temperature (rho = 0.41, p < .05) and inversely related to the total WBC count (rho = -0.45, p < .025). Through the course of hospitalization, plasma cytokine levels fluctuated, but transient increases (sometimes into the nanogram/mL range) did not consistently correspond to changes in clinical signs or severity of illness, as determined by APACHE II scores. The maximum plasma cytokine levels in any patient were not related to age, but maximum IL-1 beta concentrations were inversely related to burn size (rho = -0.46, p < .015). The final IL-1 beta concentrations measured in the patients who died (n = 7) were significantly less than measurements in surviving patients matched for burn size and age taken at approximately the same time after admission. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that early after burn injury there is a correspondence of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha with certain host responses, but these correlations disappear with the progression of illness. In general, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha appear to be poor indicators of prognosis during burn injury; however, the association of mortality with low circulating IL-1 beta values supports the concept of IL-1 beta as being an essential mediator of host defenses.
Renogastric Fistula Secondary to a Staghorn Calculus

Renogastric fistulas are exceedingly rare and to our knowledge they have never been reported previously secondary to a staghorn calculus. We report on a woman with a renogastric fistula who refused definitive treatment of bilateral staghorn calculi.
SBIRT Implementation: Moving Beyond the Interdisciplinary Rhetoric

New hospital accreditation measures are currently under consideration by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) that would require screening, brief intervention, ...
Assessment of pentachlorophenol exposure in humans using the clearance concept.

1 Pentachlorophenol (PeCP), a widely-used wood preservative, is a ubiquitous compound which has been found to be carcinogenic in mice. The objective of this study is to assess the average net daily...
Description of the clinical practice of advanced practice nurses in family-centered early intervention in two rural settings.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the scope of clinical practice of advanced pratice nurses who were involved in a project designed to increase access of families with at-risk and disabled young children, newborn to 3 years of age, to early intervention services in rural Washington State. The findings from this study are based on the retrospective review of records of clients seen by the advanced practice nurses. Nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions were assigned to chart recordings. The most frequently occurring nursing diagnoses assigned to parents were Altered Parenting, Altered Family Processes, Fear, Noncompliance, and Knowledge Deficit. The most frequently occurring nursing diagnoses assigned to children were Impaired Physical Mobility. Impaired Verban Communication, Altered Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements, Sensory-Perceptual Alteration, and Altered Thought Processes. Categories of nursing intervention recorded most frequently were Monitoring, Planning and Information. Discussion of findings addresses the roles and reimbursement of advanced practice nurses who provide family-centered early intervention services in rural communities.
Morbid obesity is associated with lower clinical pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To determine whether morbid obesity is associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates after IVF in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-based fertility center. Patient(s) Seventy-two women with PCOS who completed their first IVF cycle between 2001 and 2006. Intervention(s) Outcomes of IVF were compared between women with a body mass index (BMI) of 2 vs. those with a BMI of ≥40 kg/m 2 . Main Outcome Measure(s) Clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate. Result(s) Morbidly obese women with PCOS (n = 19) had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates after IVF than patients with PCOS who were not morbidly obese (n = 53) (32% vs. 72%, relative risk 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.87). Their live birth rates were lower too, although this difference was not statistically significant (32% vs. 60%, relative risk 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.26–1.05). Conclusion(s) Morbid obesity is associated with lower pregnancy rates in women with PCOS after IVF, raising the question of whether weight loss may improve IVF success rates for morbidly obese PCOS patients.
Effects of neonatal exposure to anti-nerve growth factor on the number and size distribution of trigeminal neurones projecting to the molar dental pulp in rats

Abstract The first aim of the present study was to determine whether depletion of endogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) during early postnatal development results in a long-term deficit in the number of trigeminal ganglion cells and axons projecting to the molar pulp. The second aim was to identify selectivity of the effects of NGF deprivation for any specific size group among pulp neurones. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were given subcutaneous injections of either rabbit anti-mouse-NGF serum or non-immune (control) rabbit serum for a period of 1 month. At age 4 months, Fluoro-gold (FG) was applied to the pulp chamber of the right maxillary first molar. One week later, the animals were perfusion-fixed, and the trigeminal ganglia were removed and serially sectioned with a cryostat. Labelled neurones were seen only in the trigeminal ganglia ipsilateral to the injected teeth. The area of every labelled cell profile was measured, and from these data, estimates of the true number and size distribution of FG-labelled cells were obtained by recursive translation. Ganglia of control animals had a mean of 197 labelled neurones, all in the maxillary division, and most of the somas were of medium or large diameter. NGF-deprived animals had significantly fewer (mean = 145) FG-labelled cells in the trigeminal ganglion ipsilateral to the injected tooth. Neurones with somas of less than 30 μm dia were most strikingly subnormal in anti-NGF treated animals (64% of controls). In accordance with the greater susceptibility of small neurones to anti-NGF exposure, deficits in apical nerve fibres of the mandibular first molar were greater in degree and duration for unmyelinated axons than for myelinated axons. It is concluded that NGF is an important mediator in regulation of postnatal development of the sensory innervation of the dental pulp. The results also indicate that postnatal development of at least one class of larger pulpal afferent neurones is regulated by factors other than NGF.
Advances in the management of central nervous system germ cell tumors.

Intracranial germ cell tumors represent a relatively small portion of pediatric central nervous system tumors, with a reported incidence ranging from 3.6% in North America to 15.3% in parts of Asia. They are known to arise in midline locations, most frequently the pineal gland and suprasellar regions, and affect males twice to three times more frequently than females, especially in the case of pineal-region tumors. The median age of diagnosis is 10–12 years. The treatment of intracranial germ cells tumors is complicated by their relative rarity, histologic heterogeneity, and a lack of widespread consensus on their optimal management. Despite these challenges, important progress continues to be made, with a move toward multicenter and international collaborative efforts that offer potential for clinical advancements. This review focuses on recent developments in the management of intracranial germ cell tumors, including updates in diagnosis, surveillance, biology, treatment, and outcomes.