cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanog reverses the effects of organismal aging on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation potential

Although the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is widely accepted, loss of cell function due to donor aging or culture senescence are major limiting factors hampering their clinical application. Our laboratory recently showed that MSC originating from older donors suffer from limited proliferative capacity and significantly reduced myogenic differentiation potential. This is a major concern, as the patients most likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease are elderly. Here we tested the hypothesis that a single pluripotency associated transcription factor, namely Nanog, may reverse the proliferation and differentiation potential of BM-MSC from adult donors. Microarray analysis showed that adult (a)BM-MSC expressing Nanog clustered close to Nanog-expressing neonatal cells. Nanog markedly upregulated genes involved in cell cycle, DNA replication and DNA damage repair and enhanced the proliferation rate and clonogenic capacity of aBM-MSC. Notably, Nanog reversed the myogenic differentiation potential and restored the contractile function of aBM-MSC to a similar level as that of neonatal (n)BM-MSC. The effect of Nanog on contractility was mediated – at least in part - through activation of the TGF-β pathway by diffusible factors secreted in the conditioned medium of Nanog-expressing BM-MSC. Overall, our results suggest that Nanog may be used to overcome the effects of organismal aging on aBM-MSC, thereby increasing the potential of MSC from aged donors for cellular therapy and tissue regeneration.
Symptom control in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer

Background: Although resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer has been associated with improved survival, clinical outcomes after such repeat surgery have been incompletely characterized. Methods: From 1997 to 1999, 105 consecutive patients requiring repeat surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer were identified. Patients were observed for a minimum of 2 years or until death. Results: An operation was performed with palliative intent in 23% of patients. Before repeat surgery, 79% of the palliative-intent patients had symptoms: 21% bleeding, 42% obstruction, and 21% pain. After repeat surgery with palliative intent, improvement was noted in 40% with bleeding, 70% with obstruction, and 20% with pain. Additional or recurrent symptoms were noted in 87% during follow-up. Seventy-seven percent of patients had an operation with nonpalliative intent. Before repeat surgery, 57% of nonpalliative patients had symptoms, with 32% experiencing bleeding, 11% obstruction, and 19% pain. After repeat surgery with nonpalliative intent, initial improvement was noted in 88% with bleeding, 78% with obstruction, and 40% with pain. During follow-up, symptoms arose in 37% of the initially asymptomatic patients, and additional or recurrent symptoms were seen in 63% of those previously symptomatic. Conclusions: Although symptomatic relief is associated with repeat surgery, the recurrence or development of alternate symptoms makes a completely asymptomatic clinical course uncommon.
Photoallergic contact dermatitis to musk ambrette: Clinical report of two patients with persistent light reactor patterns*

Two male patients with photoallergic contact dermatitis to musk ambrette, 2-methoxy-3,5-dinitro-4-methyl-t-butylbenzene, are reported. Musk ambrette is a synthetic fragrance material commonly used in foods and cosmetics. The clinical distribution of lesions presented by these patients strongly suggested an adverse reaction to light. Over a period of several years no etiology had been determined in these cases despite extensive testing and hospitalization. Photopatch tests to musk ambrette were positive. No other etiology for photosensitivity was found. This report emphasizes that exposure to household or cosmetic products represents a potential source of contact photosensitivity. Patients presenting with dermatoses of unknown origin confined to the light-exposed areas should have fragrances considered as possible etiologic agents.
Boulder Batholith, Montana: A Product of Two Contemporaneous but Chemically Distinct Magma Series

Rocks of the Late Cretaceous composite Boulder batholith, though successively emplaced in a relatively small segment of the Earth9s crust within a very brief time span (78 to 68 m.y.), can be grouped chemically into two magma series: (1) the main series , defined principally by plutons in the central and northern parts of the batholith; and (2) the sodic series , defined mostly by plutons in the southern part. For any given SiO 2 content, the rocks of the main series tend to be higher in K 2 O and lower in Na 2 O than rocks of the sodic series. The chemical distinction between the two series proposed is also expressed by variation patterns for U, Th, Rb, and Sr abundances, by lead isotope compositions, but not by strontium isotope compositions. The prebatholith Elkhorn Mountains Volcanics (Late Cretaceous), especially the mafic members, are chemically and isotopically similar to the rocks of the main series, confirming geologic evidence of the genetic association between them. The postbatholith Lowland Creek Volcanics (early Eocene), though chemically more closely related to the sodic series, isotopically are more akin to, but slightly more radiogenic than, the main series. Post–Lowland Creek volcanic rocks (Miocene or Pliocene) are compositionally similar to the sodic series rocks. Spatial distribution of the batholith and the volcanic rocks exhibits a very crude chemical zonation of the region: for a given silica content, relatively more potassic rocks (main series and prebatholith volcanic rocks) tend to occur mainly in the north and east, whereas relatively more sodic rocks (sodic series and postbatholith volcanic rocks) predominate in the south and west. Available field, chemical, and isotopic evidence collectively suggests that the observed compositional variations for the Boulder batholith are most reasonably interpreted in terms of a model involving two magma series derived from two or more magma sources within the lower crust or upper mantle. These source regions are interred to vary chemically and isotopically, either laterally or vertically; in view of the rather small areal extent of the Boulder batholith, however, a vertically zoned source region is more probable.
Synthesis of racemic [2′-13C]tryptophan

[2-13C] Indole was synthesized in 39% yield by a three-step procedure starting with K13CN. The labeled indole was converted to D,L[2′-13C] tryptophan in three subsequent steps and the overall yield from K13CN was 13.5%. Proton and 13C-NMR, and GC/mass spectral analyses confirmed the position and extent of 13C incorporation.
Aspects Of Sparsely Studied Gas Phase Chemistry Of Import To The Energy Technologies

There is considerable interest in the need to improve the operation of systems which can potentially serve as alternate energy sources. Entailed in this effort is the desire to understand the vapor phase chemistry and compounds which may enter as by-products of the system under consideration. These compounds may have deleterious effects on the gas phase chemistry or play an important role through high temperature gas-solid corrosion kinetics. Here we outline the nature of the problem and focus on a subset of these molecules, the metal hydroxides and the alkali oxides and sulfides. A critical analysis of the data base is presented and new experiments are outlined which encompass the investigation of thermochemistry and the evaluation of molecular parameters through the study of visible, infrared, microwave and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Recent chemiluminescent experiments which lead to the evaluation of a new stringent lower bound for the K-OH band energy are summarized. This stringent lower bound (88.2 kcal/mole) correlates within the quoted error bounds with the absolute upper bound of previous experimental determinations. Preliminary laser fluorescence studies on Na20 are reported and the possible influence of "ultrafast" energy transfer (E-E and V-E transfer among the excited states of high temperature molecules) on the behavior of energy generating systems is noted.
Separation of graft-versus-host disease from graft-versus-leukemia responses by targeting CC-chemokine receptor 7 on donor T cells

CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is expressed on the surface of naive T cells, and plays a critical role in their movement into secondary lymphoid tissue. Here, we show that murine T cells lacking CCR7 (CCR7−/−) generate attenuated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) responses compared with wild-type (WT) cells, with the difference varying inversely with the degree of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) disparity between the donor and recipient. CCR7−/− T cells exhibited an impaired ability to traffic to recipient lymph nodes, with an increased capacity to home to the spleen. CCR7−/− T cells, however, demonstrated a reduced ability to undergo in vivo expansion in the spleen due to impaired interactions with splenic antigen-presenting cells. On a cellular level, CCR7−/− T cells were functionally competent, demonstrating a normal in vitro proliferative capacity and a preserved ability to produce inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, CCR7−/− T cells were capable of generating robust graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) responses in vivo, as well as complete donor T-cell reconstitution. CCR7−/− regulatory T cells were able to protect against lethal GVHD when administered before WT conventional T cells. Our data suggest that CCR7 inhibition in the early posttransplantation period may represent a feasible new therapeutic approach for acute GVHD attenuation without compromising GVL responses.
In vitro activation of chicken leukocytes and in vivo protection against Salmonella enteritidis organ invasion and peritoneal S. enteritidis infection-induced mortality in neonatal chickens by immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotide.

Unmethylated CpG oligodinucleotides (CpG-ODN) flanked by specific bases found in bacterial DNA are known to stimulate innate immune responses. In this study, synthetic CpG-ODNs were evaluated for their in vitro stimulation of leukocyte and in vivo protection against Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in neonatal chickens. Our studies showed that CpG-ODN stimulated bactericidal activities, releasing granules (degranulation) and generating reactive oxygen species (oxidative burst), in chicken heterophils and up regulated nitric oxide production in chicken peripheral blood monocytes. When day-old chickens were given (i.p.) synthetic CpG-ODNs followed by oral challenge of SE, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of organ invasion by SE was observed in chickens pretreated with CpG-ODN containing the immunostimulatory GTCGTT motif. This CpG-OND also significantly reduced mortality of chickens with acute peritoneal infection of SE. Our study provides evidence that immunostimulatory CpG-ODN stimulated innate immune activities and enhanced the resistance to infectious pathogens in neonatal chickens.
Field versus laboratory filtration performance of a nonwoven geotextile with fly ash

Abstract Long-term filtration behavior of a nonwoven geotextile with Class-F fly ash is investigated in the laboratory and in the field. The laboratory and field tests are conducted for approximately 1000 hours. Monitored data in the laboratory included flow rates and gradient ratio (GR) with time. Monitored data in the field included flow rate with time and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) of the effluent. Laboratory results indicated that the onset of the steady state stage commenced after 300 hours of flow with a steady state k of 3.5×10-6 m/s. Piping was evident from the increase in k accompanied by a decrease in the GR value. An initial GR value of 1.75 was reduced to a steady state value of approximately 0.75 after 300 hours. Initial piping was also observed from the field data as kfield initially increased with time. The k values from the GR tests compared favorably with the k value from the field test.
Using a-priori information to improve the accuracy of indoor dynamic localization

We are considering the problem of dynamic localization of human targets in an indoor environment, such as an office building, where GPS signals are not receivable. Previous work has shown that static localization is possible through the measurement of the wireless signal strengths. Dynamic localization (tracking) can be achieved by performing periodic static localizations and filling in the gaps through an appropriate filtering technique. We are using a sampling-importance-resampling particle filter which is a probabilistic reasoning technique for this purpose.In this paper we present approaches through which information about the environment (such as the floor plan of the building) and the target (such as the physical and social limitations of the human movement) can be incorporated in the prediction and weight update components of the particle filter. The particle filter requires information to be presented as conditional probability distributions, a format which presents both representational and computational efficiency challenges. In addition, the models need to consider both the a priori information and the operational details of the particle filter. Even technically correct models can reduce the accuracy of the localization, by inadvertently reducing the effective number of particles, which, in its turn, induces resampling errors. Through a series of experiments we show that the correct usage of a priori information can significantly improve the accuracy of dynamic localization.
Social interaction and competence development: Learning the structural organization of a communicative practice

Abstract Learning to become a “speaker of culture” in a new language involves not only mastering its linguistic codes but also ways of behaving in situations involving that language. A key ability to participate in social interaction is the ability to project and co-construct the structural organization of particular communicative practices. While this knowledge has been considered to be part of speakers' competence as members of a social group, a question remains as to how this competence develops when a novice participates in a new communicative practice. This study explores this question by drawing on the notion of interactional competence and by examining longitudinal data of an ESL (English as a second language) learner's participation in the communicative practice of office hour meeting. Using conversation analysis, I show how the learner displayed her increased interactional competence as she co-constructed the structural organization of the office hour with the teacher over time.
Structural transformations in crystalline and amorphous multilayer samples during cold-rolling

Abstract Cold-rolling induced amorphization reactions in metallic multilayers are discussed in terms of the relevant process and control parameters. The parameters describe atomic-scale interfacial mixing and overall layer refinement. Cold-rolling of amorphous layers offers additional insight into driven system kinetics.
Acute isolated velopharyngeal insufficiency in children: case report and systematic review of the literature

Acute isolated velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a clinical entity mainly reported in children. We undertook a systematic review in order to better characterize its features. Following a Medline search (1960–2012), the authors reviewed and analyzed the cases of acute VPI in children; 36 cases were found. The most common presenting features were hypernasal speech (97 %), nasal reflux (73 %), and dysphagia (49 %). 73 % of the children were males and 27 % females, of 8.9 ± 2.5 years. In all the cases the VPI was unilateral. One quarter of the children had a recent episode of febrile illness and 11 % of the children had an identified infection at the time of presentation (HAV, parvovirus B19, measles, and Coxsackie virus). No associated cause was found in the other cases. All cases resolved completely (67 %) or partially (33 %) without any treatment (89 %) or with prednisolone (11 %). Acute VPI represents a separate entity within the spectrum of VPI and it is a benign self-limiting disorder. The cause remains undetermined but an infectious disorder may play a role at least in some cases. Follow-up is mandatory in order to eliminate progressive conditions such as brainstem neoplasms or inflammatory diseases.
Married professional women's career exit: integrating identity and social networks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the idea of “opting out” for married professional women by presenting a conceptual investigation into the impact that a woman's identity and social networks have in shaping her decisions surrounding career exit. A model is developed and intended to help researchers in this area move beyond existing frameworks when attempting to explain and predict women's career exit.Design/methodology/approach – Research from the identity, social networks, turnover, and careers literatures was analyzed and integrated to put forth a new theoretical lens, represented by the conceptual model developed in this paper, that helps to explain married professional women's career exit.Findings – Development of the model reveals a complex, reciprocal relationship between a woman's identity and her social network and depicts how these factors act in concert to shape women's decisions regarding career exit or “opting out.” This model also highlights the importance of structural constr...
Toxic epidermal necrolysis in a 6-week-old infant.

: Toxic epidermal necrolysis was documented in a 6-week-old infant with Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis who received many medications. We inoculated infant mice with the K. pneumoniae isolate but were unable to produce histologic changes resembling those seen in our patient. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of severe drug reactions in very young infants with clinical scalded-skin syndromes.
Making Causal Claims about Environmentally Induced Adverse Effects

ABSTRACT Causal inferences are a vital and intrinsic part of assessing the risk of adverse effects on human populations and ecological resources from biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial stressors. While it is well known that a statistical association does not necessarily imply a causal association, the central role of causal theory in health and ecological risk assessment is often overlooked. In this article, we present a succinct account of causal theory in the health sciences, emphasize the importance of differentiating between formal and informal approaches to causal inference, describe the weight-of-evidence process that is currently the predominant means of inferring causality in the context of science-based regulatory decisions, and discuss the effects of causal theory on the current and future practice of risk assessment. Our aim is to highlight the significance of decisions about causation and causal inference, and to suggest that explicit, well-considered choices will serve to streng...
An investigation of lead tetraacetate, N‐bromosuccinimide, p‐toluenesulfonyl azide, benzenediazonium fluoborate, and saccharine–dimethylaniline as chain initiators

The thermal decomposition of several common materials in equimolar mixtures of styrene and methyl methacrylate has determined the initiator efficiency of the materials and permitted classification of the mechanisms as ionic or free radical. Both lead tetraacetate and p-toluenesulfonyl azide are such weak catalysts for homolytic polymerization that careful work is required to differentiate catalyzed and blank runs. The proposed catalyst system, saccharine–dimethylaniline, is also homolytic in nature but is even less efficient (1% conversion in 1 hr. at 60°). Benzenediazonium fluoborate is a good initiator but is carbonium ion in nature. The active species is not proved but may be the phenyl carbonium ion. N-Bromosuccinimide is an inhibitor not only for the monomer mixture but also for the homopolymerization of styrene. It is a catalyst however for the homopolymerization of methyl methacrylate. Apparently styryl free radicals are efficiently scavenged by N-bromosuccinimide or its fragments to terminate the radical chain. The principal products are probably the brominated materials.
The respiratory complementarity of spider book lung and tracheal systems

Like most spiders, members of the orb-weaving family Uloboridae have a dual respiratory system. Book lungs oxygenate the hemolymph and tracheae carry oxygen directly to tissues. Most members of the family are characterized by an extensive tracheal system that extends into the prosoma, where branches enter the legs. A comparison of both absolute and size-specific indices of these two respiratory components in six uloborid species using the independent contrast method shows that their development is inversely related and indicates that these two systems are complementary. Species that more actively monitor reduced webs have tracheae with greater cross sectional areas and book lungs with smaller areas than do orb-weaving species that less aggressively manipulate their webs. Thus, the acuteness of a spider's oxygen demands appears to influence the development of its respiratory components. As the tracheae assume more responsibility for providing oxygen the book lungs become less well developed and vice versa. J. Morphol. 236:57-64, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
New algorithms for binary wavefront optimization

Binary amplitude modulation promises to allow rapid focusing through strongly scattering media with a large number of segments due to the faster update rates of digital micromirror devices (DMDs) compared to spatial light modulators (SLMs). While binary amplitude modulation has a lower theoretical enhancement than phase modulation, the faster update rate should more than compensate for the difference – a factor of π2 /2. Here we present two new algorithms, a genetic algorithm and a transmission matrix algorithm, for optimizing the focus with binary amplitude modulation that achieve enhancements close to the theoretical maximum. Genetic algorithms have been shown to work well in noisy environments and we show that the genetic algorithm performs better than a stepwise algorithm. Transmission matrix algorithms allow complete characterization and control of the medium but require phase control either at the input or output. Here we introduce a transmission matrix algorithm that works with only binary amplitude control and intensity measurements. We apply these algorithms to binary amplitude modulation using a Texas Instruments Digital Micromirror Device. Here we report an enhancement of 152 with 1536 segments (9.90%×N) using a genetic algorithm with binary amplitude modulation and an enhancement of 136 with 1536 segments (8.9%×N) using an intensity-only transmission matrix algorithm.
International Activities in Pediatric Psychology

The Editors of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (JPP) attempt to group papersto be published into themes when appropriate. At this time there was an oppor-tunity to collect papers authored by colleagues from countries outside NorthAmerica. As Editor, Annette La Greca saw this as an opportunity to addressinternational developments in pediatric psychology and invited me to introducethis special section. I am grateful for this opportunity because one of my profes-sional goals over the past 5 years or so has been to stimulate pediatric psychologyactivities outside North America. To this end, I identified international activitiesas a special theme during my term as the 1992 President of the Society ofPediatric Psychology (SPP). Subsequently I have cochaired the SPP Task Forcefor International Activities.For purposes of this discussion, the term "international activities" refers tothose outside the United States and Canada. Undoubtedly, some colleagues inCanada may object to being grouped together with the United States in this (andmany other) context(s) and not being seen as a distinct culture. Pediatric psychol-ogy as institutionalized by SPP would do well to address this constituencydirectly in some of its programs. However, Canadian colleagues in pediatricpsychology have proximity to colleagues and activities in the United States, to alarge extent, shared language, and many similarities in professional culture,unlike colleagues outside North America.
Can We Know the Status Quo

This brief essay discusses some of the conceptual difficulties and issues associated with defining and recognizing the status quo. These considerations cast doubt on using the status quo as a normative constraint in the formulation and application of policy.
Reasoning about policy noncompliance

In this paper, we introduce a tuple notation for noncompliance that represents certification problems when meeting security controls in distributed, multi-component software systems. The security controls are adopted from NIST SP800-53 and DoD 8500.2 documents. We derive tuples from component policies and interactions, along with the risks associated with violating the security controls. Tuples can be clustered from different perspectives, reasoned about to target the cause and strength of noncompliance. They can also be mapped to specific security concerns and weaknesses in the multi-component architecture.
An exploration of the narrator in Robbe‐Grillet's jealousy

This paper explores the role and problems of the narrator, particularly in the performance of the novel. The author is concerned primarily with “the eye which sees”;
Growth hormone transgenes regulate the expression of sex-specific isoforms of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase in mouse liver and gonads.

The sexually dimorphic pattern of GH secretion regulates the expression of several steroidogenic enzymes in rat liver, including a male-specific 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-->4-isomerase (3 beta HSD). Recently, we identified male-specific isoforms of immunoreactive 3 beta HSD in mouse liver [42 kilodaltons (kDa)] and gonads (47 kDa). To test whether GH can regulate the expression of these murine 3 beta HSDs, endogenous forms of 3 beta HSD were studied in transgenic mice expressing heterologous GH transgene products. Mice from five transgenic lines were used; two expressed GH transgenes encoding the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter fused to either the human (h) GH (somatogenic and lactogenic) or bovine (b) GH (somatogenic) structural genes, and three expressed GH transgenes encoding the mouse metallothionein-1 (MT1) promoter fused to the hGH, hGH variant (hGHv), or bGH structural genes. Control mice were normal nontransgenic littermates. Expression of a male-specific (42 k...
Bernstein-Bézier Harmonics and Their Application to Robot Trajectory Synthesis With Minimal Vibrational Excitation

For a given high-speed machinery, a significant source of the internally induced vibrational excitation is the presence of high frequency harmonics in the trajectories that the system is forced to follow. This paper presents a Bernstein-Bezier form of harmonic trajectory patterns for synthesizing low-harmonic trajectories. Similar to Bernstein-Bezier polynomial curves, Bernstein-Bezier harmonic trajectories can be defined either explicitly using Bernstein-Bezier basis harmonics or recursively using the harmonic deCasteljau algorithm. The second part of the paper demonstrates how a Bernstein-Bezier trajectory can be combined with the inverse dynamics ofa robot manipulator for synthesizing a joint trajectory that demands minimal dynamic response from its actuators. An example involving a planar 2R robot is also presented.
The intracellular domain of CD44 promotes the fusion of macrophages.

Macrophages seed all tissues in which they have the ability, in specific and rare instances, to fuse with themselves and to differentiate into osteoclasts in bone or into giant cells in chronic inflammatory reactions. Although these cells play a central role in osteoporosis and in foreign body rejection, respectively, the molecular mechanism used by macrophages to fuse remains poorly understood. Macrophages might also fuse with somatic and tumor cells to promote tissue repair and metastasis, respectively. We reported that CD44 expression is highly induced in macrophages at the onset of fusion in which it plays a role. We report now that the intracellular domain of CD44 (CD44ICD) is cleaved in macrophages undergoing fusion and that presenilin inhibitors prevent the release of CD44ICD and fusion. We also show that CD44ICD promotes the fusion of tissue macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages. Finally, we report that CD44ICD is localized in the nucleus of macrophages in which it promotes the activation of NF-κB. These observations open avenues to study the role of CD44ICD in blood cells and tumors. (Blood. 2006;107: 796-805)
Association between copy number variation losses and alcohol dependence across African American and European American ethnic groups.

Background Copy number variations (CNVs) are structural genetic mutations consisting of segmental gains or losses in DNA sequence. Although CNVs contribute substantially to genomic variation, few genetic and imaging studies report association of CNVs with alcohol dependence (AD). Our purpose is to find evidence of this association across ethnic populations and genders. This work is the first AD–CNV study across ethnic groups and the first to include the African American (AA) population. Methods This study considers 2 CNV data sets, one for discovery (2,345 samples) and the other for validation (239 samples), both including subjects with AD and healthy controls of European and African ancestry. Our analysis assesses the association between AD and CNV losses across ethnic groups and gender by examining the effect of overall losses across the whole genome, collective losses within individual cytogenetic bands, and specific losses in CNV regions. Results Results from the discovery data set showed an association between CNV losses within 16q12.2 and AD diagnosis (p = 4.53 × 10−3). An overlapping CNV region from the validation data set exhibited the same direction of effect with respect to AD (p = 0.051). This CNV region affects the genes CES1p1 and CES1, which are members of the carboxylesterase (CES) family. The enzyme encoded by CES1 is a major liver enzyme that typically catalyzes the decomposition of ester into alcohol and carboxylic acid and is involved in drug or xenobiotics, fatty acid, and cholesterol metabolisms. In addition, the most significantly associated CNV region was located at 9p21.2 (p = 1.9 × 10−3) in our discovery data set. Although not observed in the validation data set, probably due to small sample size, this result might hold potential connection to AD given its connection with neuronal death. In contrast, we did not find any association between AD and the overall total losses or the collective losses within individual cytogenetic bands. Conclusions Overall, our study provides evidence that the specific CNVs at 16q12.2 contribute to the development of alcoholism in AA and European American populations.
IditaRed: A tough skinned red potato for the cold soils and short growing seasons in Alaska

IditaRed is a pale yellow-fleshed, red-skinned potato variety that yields well in the cold soils and short growing seasons characteristic of southcentral Alaska. It has an exceptionally tough skin for a red potato, one that is highly resistant to feathering and slipping at harvest. It has a low set (5–6 per plant) of medium to large sized tubers. Its US #1 and total yields are comparable to those of Green Mountain, the top yielding commercial variety in this region. It consistently out yields other red-skinned varieties. IditaRed is susceptible to potato viruses X and S. It produces typical foliage and tuber symptoms when infected with bacterial ring rot disease. IditaRed has commercial potential in Alaska, and may be a useful commercial variety in other areas where growing seasons are short and cool temperatures prevail.
Estimating the 4D respiratory lung motion by spatiotemporal registration and super-resolution image reconstruction.

Purpose: One of the main challenges in lung cancer radiation therapy is how to reduce the treatment margin but accommodate the geometric uncertainty of moving tumor. 4D-CT is able to provide the full range of motion information for the lung and tumor. However, accurate estimation of lung motion with respect to the respiratory phase is difficult due to various challenges in image registration, e.g., motion artifacts and large interslice thickness in 4D-CT. Meanwhile, the temporal coherence across respiration phases is usually not guaranteed in the conventional registration methods which consider each phase image in 4D-CT independently. To address these challenges, the authors present a unified approach to estimate the respiratory lung motion with two iterative steps. Methods: First, the authors propose a novel spatiotemporal registration algorithm to align all phase images of 4D-CT (in low-resolution) to a high-resolution group-mean image in the common space. The temporal coherence of registration is maintained by a set of temporal fibers that delineate temporal correspondences across different respiratory phases. Second, a super-resolution technique is utilized to build the high-resolution group-mean image with more anatomical details than any individual phase image, thus largely alleviating the registration uncertainty especially in correspondence detection. In particular, the authors use the concept of sparse representation to keep the group-mean image as sharp as possible. Results: The performance of our 4D motion estimation method has been extensively evaluated on both the simulated datasets and real lung 4D-CT datasets. In all experiments, our method achieves more accurate and consistent results in lung motion estimation than all other state-of-the-art approaches under comparison. Conclusions: The authors have proposed a novel spatiotemporal registration method to estimate the lung motion in 4D-CT. Promising results have been obtained, which indicates the high applicability of our method in clinical lung cancer radiation therapy.
The curse of natural resources

Abstract This paper summarizes and extends previous research that has shown evidence of a “curse of natural resources” – countries with great natural resource wealth tend nevertheless to grow more slowly than resource-poor countries. This result is not easily explained by other variables, or by alternative ways to measure resource abundance. This paper shows that there is little direct evidence that omitted geographical or climate variables explain the curse, or that there is a bias resulting from some other unobserved growth deterrent. Resource-abundant countries tended to be high-price economies and, perhaps as a consequence, these countries tended to miss-out on export-led growth.
Cerebral aneurysms in childhood and adolescence

In this study, 24 aneurysms occurring in 23 patients under the age of 18 years (mean 12 years) are analyzed. The male:female ratio was 2.8:1, and the youngest patient was 3 months old. Mycotic lesions and those associated with other vascular malformations were excluded. Forty-two percent of the aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, and 54% were giant aneurysms. Presenting symptoms included subarachnoid hemorrhage in 13 and mass effect in 11. Several of these aneurysms were documented to rapidly increase in size over a 3-month to 2-year period of observation. All aneurysms were surgically treated: direct clipping was performed in 14; trapping with bypass in four; trapping alone in four; and direct excision with end-to-end anastomosis in two. The postoperative results were excellent in 21 aneurysms (87%), good in two (8%), and poor in one. The pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms is reviewed.
Chemical Compartmentation and Relationships between Calcium‐binding Protein Immunoreactivity and Layer‐specific Cortical and Caudate‐projecting Cells in the Anterior Intralaminar Nuclei of the Cat

Neurons projecting to the parietal cortex or striatum and neurons showing immunoreactivity for the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin and 28KD-calbindin were examined in the anterior intralaminar nuclei (IL) of the cat. Retrograde tracing from deep or superficial parietal cortical layers or from the caudate nucleus was coupled with immunohistochemistry to determine which of these proteins were expressed in the projection neurons. It was found that IL neurons project to deep as well as to superficial layers of the parietal cortex, that IL-cortical neurons could be differentiated into two populations according to their cortical projection pattern and their soma size, and that IL neurons projecting to the parietal cortex or to the striatum express 28KD calbindin immunoreactivity but not parvalbumin immunoreactivity. The distribution of immunoreactivity to 28KD calbindin and parvalbumin in the neuropil showed a consistent complementary distribution pattern in the IL. The compartments based on differential parvalbumin and 28KD calbindin expression may indicate the presence of functionally segregated units in IL.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPT OF OBJECT AS RELATED TO INFANT-MOTHER ATTACHMENT

Piaget (1937) suggested that the development of the object concept does not proceed at the same rate with respect to all objects. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relation between the development of person and object permanence and the attachment of an infant to his mother. 3 hypotheses were tested. (a) Babies tend to be more advanced in the concept of persons than in the concept of inanimate objects as permanent, but there are important' individual diferences. (b) Differences in the rate of development of person permanence are related to the quality of attachment behavior that a baby exhibits toward his mother. (c) Differences in the rate of development of person permanence can affect, in turn, the development of object permanence. The hypotheses were confirmed.
Impaired activity-dependent neural circuit assembly and refinement in autism spectrum disorder genetic models

Early-use activity during circuit-specific critical periods refines brain circuitry by the coupled processes of eliminating inappropriate synapses and strengthening maintained synapses. We theorize these activity-dependent (A-D) developmental processes are specifically impaired in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASD genetic models in both mouse and Drosophila have pioneered our insights into normal A-D neural circuit assembly and consolidation, and how these developmental mechanisms go awry in specific genetic conditions. The monogenic fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of heritable ASD and intellectual disability, has been particularly well linked to defects in A-D critical period processes. The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is positively activity-regulated in expression and function, in turn regulates excitability and activity in a negative feedback loop, and appears to be required for the A-D remodeling of synaptic connectivity during early-use critical periods. The Drosophila FXS model has been shown to functionally conserve the roles of human FMRP in synaptogenesis, and has been centrally important in generating our current mechanistic understanding of the FXS disease state. Recent advances in Drosophila optogenetics, transgenic calcium reporters, highly-targeted transgenic drivers for individually-identified neurons, and a vastly improved connectome of the brain are now being combined to provide unparalleled opportunities to both manipulate and monitor A-D processes during critical period brain development in defined neural circuits. The field is now poised to exploit this new Drosophila transgenic toolbox for the systematic dissection of A-D mechanisms in normal versus ASD brain development, particularly utilizing the well-established Drosophila FXS disease model.
Fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin‐like growth factors, and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB stimulate proliferation of clonally derived porcine myogenic satellite cells

Clonally derived cultures of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells were developed. The mitogenic effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II), and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF-AA and -BB) were examined. Individually, bFGF, IGFs, and PDGF-BB stimulated proliferation of porcine satellite cells grown in basal serum-free medium or Minimum Essential Medium containing 2% fetal bovine serum (MEM-2% FBS). EGF stimulated proliferation in MEM-2% FBS, but neither EGF nor PDGF-AA were mitogenic when added to serum-free medium. The interactions among bFGF, EGF, IGF-I, and PDGF-BB were examined in serum-free medium, using growth factor concentrations shown in dose-response experiments to induce maximal proliferative responses (10 ng/ml bFGF, EGF and PDGF-BB, and 50 ng/ml IGF-I). The combination of bFGF and IGF-I dramatically increased proliferation, and IGF-I also synergized with EGF to increase proliferation. EGF, IGF-I, and bFGF interacted with PDGF-BB to stimulate proliferation. With the exception of EGF and bFGF, combinations of two growth factors typically resulted in greater than additive responses. Simultaneous exposure of satellite cells to bFGF, PDGF-BB, EGF, and IGF-I produced a fivefold increase in DNA compared to cells grown in basal serum-free medium. Elimination of EGF did not reduce the mitogenic response, yet removal of IGF-I, bFGF, or PDGF-BB reduced proliferation by approximately 40, 20, and 10%, respectively. These mitogens are likely physiological regulators of porcine satellite cell activity.
Rejection of primarily vascularized heart grafts. III. Depression of the interleukin 2 mechanism early after grafting.

The immunologic status of B10.A recipients of primarily vascularized B10.BR heart grafts, which undergo temporary rejection but then generally survive long term, was investigated. Generation of cytotoxicity in mixed lymphocyte culture was moderately increased soon after grafting, as compared with naive mice, while mixed lymphocyte cultures did not reveal greater lymphocyte activation after grafting. Unexpectedly, the interleukin 2 mechanism was nonspecifically depressed 1 week after placement of the heart graft. This depressed interleukin 2 activity was restored essentially to normal in splenocytes, but it remained in effect in mesenteric lymph nodes, of long-term recipients with active heart allografts.
An invitational counseling approach to diabetes management

It is important for healthcare professionals to be nonjudgmental and provide a supportive, caring environment both personally and professionally when working with patients with diabetes. The challenge is to invite patients to be successful in managing their diabetes by building helping relationships based on the invitational counseling model. A positive, empathetic, and intentionally inviting healthcare team may be one of the keys to successful management of diabetes.
Side by Side We Battle Onward? Representing Workers in Contemporary America

As collective bargaining in the United States declines, diverse forms of worker representation are proliferating. Strategic dilemmas of representation are central to the diverse organizations and coalitions representing disparate aspects of workers' interests. Unions continue to bargain collectively, while forming alliances with other groups and providing an array of services to members. Other organizations and loose associations represent specific aspects of workers' interests and advocate on their behalf while stopping short of collective bargaining. This article compares the scope, objectives and methods of worker representation by unions and non-bargaining actors. It argues that the key dilemmas of which workers to represent, over what issues and through which organizational forms, apply both to unions and to non-bargaining actors, such as community organizations, and advocacy groups, which represent select interests of particular workers. These non-bargaining actors are key strategic allies for unions. While these organizations do not take on collective bargaining, they are sometimes better positioned to represent other key needs and interests of workers. The legal-political and mutual insurance needs of workers are sometimes well met by these emergent groups. However, these organizations do not, and cannot, provide the advantages of traditional collective bargaining.
Problem Solving Interventions: An Opportunity for Hospice Social Workers to Better Meet Caregiver Needs

Article on an opportunity for hospice social workers to better meet caregiver needs and problem solving interventions.
Pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii.

A case of pulmonary tuberculosis following successful treatment of pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium kansasii is presented. The immunizing effect of an infection with M kansasii and other nonspecific immune factors are discussed.
THE DIALECTICS OF THE WHOLE LANGUAGE VERSUS TRADITIONAL INSTRUCTION DEBATE

Abstract This paper examines the on‐going debate between traditional instruction and whole language advocates in reading from the perspective of developmental dialectics. A dialectical interpretation of this conflict views the debate as a constructive confrontation leading to qualitative advances in reading instruction. An overview of differences between the two camps is provided, followed by a brief discussion of historical conflicts in reading instruction philosophies. We next outline the reasons why whole language approaches have increasingly been incorporated into classrooms. The dialectics of the student as a literacy learner, the teacher as both an instructor and a learner, and the dialectics of instruction and research are discussed. We conclude with our speculations on how the current debate is likely to be resolved and suggest that whole language may emerge in a qualitatively different instructional form incorporating current research on strategy acquisition.
The low frequency scatter of SH waves by a rough interface in an elastic plate

Abstract The study of the reflection and transmission of low frequency SH waves incident upon a rough interface in an elastic plate is undertaken by employing a theory of acoustic wave scattering from rough surfaces originally due to Biot and subsequently generalised to the case of elastic media. In this theory the interface is replaced by a distribution of voids/asperities whose individual size is small compared to the excitation wavelength. We plot the absolute values of the reflection and transmission coefficients versus frequency when a single symmetric SH plate mode is used as the input excitation. The different types of inclusions are used to simulate the rough surface are the hollow, fluid filled and aluminum spheres. Lastly, the loss of energy due to scattering is also estimated for the different inclusion distributions considered.
PREDICTION OF FLOW REGIME TRANSITIONS IN VERTICAL UPWARD THREE PHASE GAS-LIQUID-SOLID FLOW

The effect of solids concentration on the bubble to bubble-slug, bubble-slug to slug, and slug to churn flow transitions in gas-liquid-solid vertical flow has been studied using air, water, and glass beads in a 5 cm ID plexiglass column. Several simple models to predict the transitions were developed utilizing criteria proposed for gas-liquid vertical flow. These criteria are shown to apply equally well in the absence or presence of the solid phase With solids present in the flow, the bubble to bubble-slug and bubble-slug to slug flow transitions both occurred at lower superficial gas velocities because of increased bubble coalescence. However, the slug to churn flow transition was unaffected by solids in the range of flow conditions studied.