cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current status of learner support in distance education: emerging issues and directions for future research

This study examines the literature on learner support with the aim of helping institutions of higher education plan and implement support services for distance learners. The following issues emerged as areas of particular importance to future research in distance learner support: 1) the lack of research on cost-effectiveness; 2) the lack of empirical research; and 3) the need for a learner-centered approach in designing and implementing learner support. These issues are discussed in detail to enhance our understanding the role of learner support in post-secondary level distance education programs. It is further argued that future research should focus more on developing and refining methods for cost-benefit analysis of learner support, developing a general framework of the learner support model in dual-mode institutions, and developing systematic methods to identify, analyze, synthesize, and assess the needs of distance learners.
Usage patterns of a Web-based image collection

This paper presents a study of user access patterns to a large, Web-based, image collection. The images are the entire collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the largest on-line collection of high resolution art images in the world. The images are served using a tile-based solution that allows a user to zoom-in and navigate within an image. We studied five months of web log data for this collection. Our analysis revealed the following: less than 10% of all available documents on the site were accessed in the five month period and document popularity appears to follow a Zipf distribution. Also, images have interesting areas which are viewed more than others, some image resolutions are viewed far more than others, and user navigation patterns vary between resolutions and are sensitive to download time. The paper discusses these results and their implications for the design of caches and archival storage systems to support this type of workload.
Replication, tissue tropisms and transmission of yellow fever virus in Aedes albopictus

Experimental studies undertaken to ascertain the dynamics of yellow fever virus replication in an introduced strain (Houston) of the Asian mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), indicate that this species is an efficient vector of yellow fever virus. Replication of virus in Ae. albopictus could be detected 3 d after feeding on a suspension containing 7.2 log10 Vero cell plaque forming units (PFU) per ml of virus; peak titres (3.5 log10 PFU/mosquito) occurred 7 d after exposure. Viral antigen, visualized by immunofluorescence, was first detected in midgut cells 4 d after exposure and appeared in fat cells 7 d after exposure. The only other mosquito tissues revealing viral antigen were the salivary glands, brain, and occasionally cells of the suboesophageal ganglion. Viral antigen was not detected in any of the tissues of the reproductive tract, nor could viral genomic ribonucleic acid (RNA) be detected in these tissues by RNA-RNA molecular hybridization in situ. We detected no vertical transmission of yellow fever virus in 6180 F1 adult progeny produced from infected females. The extrinsic incubation period at 26.7 degrees C was 9 d. We conclude that the Houston strain of Ae. albopictus is a competent vector of yellow fever virus and can serve as bridging vector between the jungle yellow fever cycle and the urban cycle in New World ecosystems.
MDC1 regulates intra-S-phase checkpoint by targeting NBS1 to DNA double-strand breaks

The product of the Nijmegen breakage syndrome gene (NBS1) plays crucial roles in DNA damage response through its association with many proteins, including MRE11 and RAD50. However, it remains to be determined exactly how NBS1 accumulates at or near DNA double-strand breaks. Here we report that MDC1 directly binds to NBS1 and targets NBS1 to the sites of DNA damage. The MDC1–NBS1 interaction occurs through a specific region (residues 200–420) of MDC1, which contains multiple consensus casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites. In addition, this interaction requires both the forkhead-associated (FHA) and tandem BRCA1 C-terminal (BRCT) domains of NBS1. Disruption of the MDC1–NBS1 interaction results in failure of NBS1 accumulation at DNA double-strand breaks and impairment of intra-S checkpoint activation. These studies provide important mechanistic insights as to how MDC1 regulates NBS1 and the intra-S-phase checkpoint in response to DNA damage.
Integrating and employing multiple levels of zoom for activity recognition

To facilitate activity recognition, analysis of the scene at multiple levels of detail is necessary. Required prerequisites for our activity recognition are tracking objects across frames and establishing a consistent labeling of objects across cameras. This paper makes several innovative uses of the epipolar constraint in the context of activity recognition. We first demonstrate how we track heads and hands using the epipolar geometry. Next we show how the detected objects are labeled consistently across cameras and zooms by employing epipolar, spatial, trajectory, and appearance properties. Finally we show how our method, utilizing the multiple levels of detail, is able to answer activity recognition problems which are difficult to answer with a single level of detail.
Return of the secretory kidney

The evolution of the kidney has had a major role in the emigration of vertebrates from the sea onto dry land. The mammalian kidney has conserved to a remarkable extent many of the molecular and functional elements of primordial apocrine kidneys that regulate fluid balance and eliminate potentially toxic endogenous and xenobiotic molecules in the urine entirely by transepithelial secretion. However, these occult secretory processes in the proximal tubules and collecting ducts of mammalian kidneys have remained underappreciated in the last half of the twentieth century as investigators focused, to a large extent, on the mechanisms of glomerular filtration and tubule sodium chloride and fluid reabsorption. On the basis of evidence reviewed in this paper, we propose that transepithelial salt and fluid secretion mechanisms enable mammalian renal tubules to finely regulate extracellular fluid volume and composition day to day and maintain urine formation during the cessation of glomerular filtration.
Reliable and efficient communication through a controlled dynamical system

Problems of efficient communication by means of the motions of a controlled dynamical system are considered. Application settings in which such problems are of interest include quantum computing and problems of two or more robotic agents communicating with each other by means of their motions, but in the present paper, we restrict our attention to communication between two agents by means of the dynamics of a linear time-invariant control system. The paper considers dual objective control problems in which a primary objective is combined with a communication objective. Solutions of varying degrees of explicitness can be given. Connections with the emerging theory of control communication complexity are discussed.
Inhibition of cytochrome P-450 3A (CYP3A) in human intestinal and liver microsomes: comparison of Ki values and impact of CYP3A5 expression.

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinetics of intestinal and hepatic cytochrome P-450 3A (CYP3A) inhibition by using microsomal midazolam 1′-hydroxylation as a marker of enzyme activity. The effect of two antifungal agents commonly implicated in CYP3A drug-drug interactions was examined. Inhibition type and affinities were determined for human liver and intestinal microsomes screened for the presence or absence of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, as well as for cDNA-expressed CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 microsomes. Ketoconazole and fluconazole were found to be noncompetitive inhibitors of both enzymes. Ketoconazole exhibited a K i for cDNA-expressed CYP3A4 of 26.7 ± 1.71 nM, whereas the K i for cDNA expressed CYP3A5 was 109 ± 19.7 nM. Corresponding K i values for fluconazole were 9.21 ± 0.51 μM and 84.6 ± 12.9 μM. For liver and intestinal microsomes that contained only CYP3A4, the average ketoconazole K i was found to be 14.9 ± 6.7 nM and 17.0 ± 7.9 nM, respectively, whereas fluconazole yielded mean respective K i values of 10.7 ± 4.2 μM and 10.4 ± 2.9 μM. Liver and intestinal microsomes that contained an equal or greater amount of CYP3A5, in addition to CYP3A4, were less susceptible to inhibition by both ketoconazole and fluconazole. These findings suggest that there can be significant differences in the affinity of these two enzymes for inhibitors. This may further broaden interindividual variability with respect to the magnitude of in vivo drug-drug interactions. We also conclude that there is no significant difference in inhibition type and affinity of ketoconazole and fluconazole for hepatic versus intestinal CYP3A4.
Symptoms reported by patients with varying stages of glaucoma: Review of 401 cases

Abstract Objective To elucidate the symptoms that patients with glaucoma voluntarily report and to determine the correlation between the symptoms and the stage of glaucoma. Design Retrospective case series. Participants A total of 401 patients who presented to the Glaucoma Service from January 2012 through November 2013. Methods The Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Research Center retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who visited the Glaucoma Service from January 2012 through November 2013. We recorded any symptom written in the charts at the last eligible visit of each patient. The patients were classified by different stages according to the mean deviation of the Octopus visual field. Results We analyzed 401 patients, who were graded with mild (n = 170), moderate (n = 106), or severe (n = 125) visual-field loss. The majority of patients did not report any symptoms (56.0%); 24.2% reported ocular surface disease (OSD) symptoms; and 25.8% reported visual complaints. The presence of symptoms positively correlated with the severity of glaucoma (p = 0.01) and the number of surgeries (p = 0.02). Burning/smarting/stinging and blurry vision showed a positive correlation with the severity of glaucoma (p 69 years) showed a significant increase in OSD symptoms (p = 0.001). Conclusions About one-fourth of the patients with glaucoma reported visual complaints, and another fourth reported OSD symptoms, both of which correlated with glaucoma severity. The high prevalence of OSD symptoms suggests that patients should be specifically questioned about these symptoms and treated as indicated. This information is of value particularly in the new era of nonpreserved glaucoma medications.
THE REORGANIZATION OF THE NEUROHYPOPHYSEAL STALK FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE RAT

SINCE Hild and Zetler (1953a) demonstrated that the pharmacodynamic factors present in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland are intimately bound to a stainable carrier substance, the concept of neurosecretion has been broadened to include both the hormones and the neurosecretory material. More recently, Barrnett (1954) has shown that the active principle of the posterior lobe hormones contains disulfide groups which can be demonstrated histochemically. The presence of these disulfide groups correlates well with the amount of stainable neurosecretory material in the neural lobe under various experimental conditions. Thus, a reduction in hormone content of the neurohypophysis is represented by a decrease of both the microscopically visible amount of neurosecretory granules and the histochemically demonstrable disulfide groups. Various types of stimuli are capable of causing depletion of the neurosecretory substance in the neurohypophysis. For instance, the perivascular nerve endings of the tractus supr...
Effect of various additions on upper critical field and irreversibility field of in-situ MgB/sub 2/ superconducting bulk material

The effect of silicon carbide, carbon and metal-diboride (NbB/sub 2/, ZrB/sub 2/, and TiB/sub 2/) additions on the irreversibility field, H/sub irr/ and the upper critical field H/sub c2/ of bulk superconducting MgB/sub 2/ have been studied. Samples with 10 mole % of SiC and C and 7.5% of above named metal diboride additions were made separately by a powder milling and compaction technique along with the control sample. These samples were heat-treated at various schedules and H/sub c2/ and H/sub irr/ values were measured. An increase in /spl mu//sub o/H/sub c2/ from 20.5 T for pure sample to more than 33 T and enhancement of /spl mu//sub o/H/sub irr/ from 16 T to a maximum of 28 T for SiC doped sample was observed at 4.2 K. For a ZrB/sub 2/ doped sample 24 T and 28.6 T of /spl mu//sub o/H/sub irr/ and /spl mu//sub o/H/sub c2/ respectively we obtained with only 2 K drop in the T/sub c/.
Baboon-to-human liver transplantation

Our ability to control both the cellular and humoral components of xenograft rejection in laboratory experiments, together with an organ shortage that has placed limits on clinical transplantation services, prompted us to undertake a liver transplantation from a baboon to a 35-year-old man with B virus-associated chronic active hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Liver replacement was performed according to conventional surgical techniques. Immunosuppression was with the FK 506-prednisone-prostaglandin regimen used routinely for hepatic allotransplantation, to which a daily non-myelotoxic dose of cyclophosphamide was added. During 70 days of survival, there was little evidence of hepatic rejection by biochemical monitoring or histopathological examination. Products of hepatic synthesis, including clotting factors, became those of the baboon liver with no obvious adverse effects. Death followed a cerebral and subarachnoid haemorrhage that was caused by an angioinvasive aspergillus infection. However, the underlying cause of death was widespread biliary sludge that formed in the biliary tree despite a seemingly satisfactory choledochojejunostomy. During life and in necropsy samples, there was evidence of the chimerism that we believe is integral to the acceptance of both xenografts and allografts. Our experience has shown the feasibility of controlling the rejection of the baboon liver xenograft in a human recipient. The biliary stasis that was the beginning of lethal infectious complications may be correctable by modifications of surgical technique. In further trials, the error of over-immunosuppression should be avoidable.
Quantification of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Dissimilatory Sulfite Reductase Gene Expression during Electron Donor- and Electron Acceptor-Limited Growth

Previous studies have suggested that levels of transcripts for dsrA, a gene encoding a subunit of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase, are not directly related to the rates of sulfate reduction in sediments under all conditions. This phenomenon was further investigated with chemostat-grown Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Under sulfate-limiting conditions, dsrA transcript levels increased as the bulk rates of sulfate reduction in the chemostat increased, but transcript levels were similar at all sulfate reduction rates under electron donor-limiting conditions. When both electron donor- and electron acceptor-limiting conditions were considered, there was a direct correspondence between dsrA transcript levels and the rates of sulfate reduction per cell. These results suggest that dsrA transcript levels may provide important information on the metabolic state of sulfate reducers.
Play with language: overextensions as analogies *

This study experimentally investigated the hypothesis that some of young children's overextensions are analogic expressions by comparing children's labelling of objects in a naming task to their labelling of the same objects in a play situation. All of the 11 children (1; 8–2; 4) renamed substitute objects during pretend play. Criteria were established which identified 27% of children's renamings as analogic. Analysis of children's choice of substitute objects in pretend play showed that older children's (2; 2–2; 4) selections were influenced by their previous naming of the objects. In addition, both younger and older children tended to choose more functionally similar objects over more physically similar objects although ambiguous objects were renamed most often. Records collected by mothers for one week provided further evidence that children spontaneously produce analogic extensions.
Sidelobe-reduction techniques for phased arrays using digital phase shifters

Through the introduction of a new parameter the radiation pattern of a phased array using digital phase shifters for beam steering can be made periodic, and pattern considerations can be confined to a very narrow range of the scan angle. Arrays designed on the basis of a least mean-square pattern error are shown to require the smallest absolute values of a phase-index function. A systematic and easy-to-apply method is developed for reducing the peak sidelobes of nonreciprocal phased arrays by one-step phase adjustments in certain elements. The amount of possible sidelobe reduction depends on the scan angle and the size of phase-quantization steps. Typical examples for 4-bit phase shifters show that reductions in excess of 9 dB are possible for certain main-beam directions.
Phylogenetic relationships among Heliconiinae genera based on morphology (Lepidoptera : Nymphalidae)

. Phylogenetic relationships among Heliconiinae genera are proposed based on early-stage and adult morphology. Parsimony analyses of forty-nine species in twenty-nine genera indicate that Heliconiinae can be divided into four main groups: (1) Pardopsis, Acraea and Actinote; (2) Cethosia plus Neotropical genera; (3) Oriental genera and (4) fritillaries. Analyses of adult characters suggested that Oriental genera form a monophyletic group, whereas those of adult plus early-stage characters artificially split this group into three separate lineages. Our character set does not contain enough phylogenetic information to resolve relationships among fritillary genera with confidence, and further studies of this group are needed. The classification of the Heliconiinae is revised based on our results.
Diagnosing Diabetes With Glucose Criteria: Worshipping a False God

In this issue of Diabetes Care , Dr. David Sacks has nicely delineated the pros and cons of the measurements of glucose concentrations and A1C levels and the resulting effects on using each to diagnose diabetes (1). With the continued improvement in A1C assays, the balance seems to increasingly favor using A1C levels. This commentary will examine an issue that has received scant attention in the past, i.e., what is the actual evidence upon which the current glucose criteria for diagnosing diabetes mellitus is based? Glucose concentrations in almost all populations (except those with very high prevalences of diabetes, e,g., Pima Indians), are distributed unimodally with a rightward skew (2,3), making the choice of a diagnostic value for diabetes arbitrary. If glucose concentrations are log-transformed to minimize the rightward skewness, a bimodal distribution has been noted (4–8). However, cutoff values defining the two distributions have ranged from 200–307 mg/dL, mostly depending on the ages of the population surveyed (3–8). Prior to 1979, at least six different sets of criteria diagnosed diabetes (9). In 1979, the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) resolved this issue by establishing one set of criteria (10). They selected these criteria based on glucose concentrations that allegedly predicted the development of diabetic retinopathy, a specific microvascular complication of diabetes. Three prospective studies (11–13) were available to the NDDG on which to base their decision. A total of 1,213 patients were followed for 3 to 8 years after oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), 77 of whom developed retinopathy. There was no further evaluation of their glycemic status after the original OGTT, although it was very likely that the 77 people who developed retinopathy in the studies used by the NDDG to establish the diagnostic criteria had increasing glycemia in …
Hyperglycaemia and diabetes impair gap junctional communication among astrocytes

Sensory and cognitive impairments have been documented in diabetic humans and animals, but the pathophysiology of diabetes in the central nervous system is poorly understood. Because a high glucose level disrupts gap junctional communication in various cell types and astrocytes are extensively coupled by gap junctions to form large syncytia, the influence of experimental diabetes on gap junction channel-mediated dye transfer was assessed in astrocytes in tissue culture and in brain slices from diabetic rats. Astrocytes grown in 15-25 mmol/l glucose had a slow-onset, poorly reversible decrement in gap junctional communication compared with those grown in 5.5 mmol/l glucose. Astrocytes in brain slices from adult STZ (streptozotocin)-treated rats at 20-24 weeks after the onset of diabetes also exhibited reduced dye transfer. In cultured astrocytes grown in high glucose, increased oxidative stress preceded the decrement in dye transfer by several days, and gap junctional impairment was prevented, but not rescued, after its manifestation by compounds that can block or reduce oxidative stress. In sharp contrast with these findings, chaperone molecules known to facilitate protein folding could prevent and rescue gap junctional impairment, even in the presence of elevated glucose level and oxidative stress. Immunostaining of Cx (connexin) 43 and 30, but not Cx26, was altered by growth in high glucose. Disruption of astrocytic trafficking of metabolites and signalling molecules may alter interactions among astrocytes, neurons and endothelial cells and contribute to changes in brain function in diabetes. Involvement of the microvasculature may contribute to diabetic complications in the brain, the cardiovascular system and other organs.
Reactive hydrocarbon flux footprints during canopy senescence

Abstract A coupled Lagrangian random walk and atmospheric turbulence model was employed to investigate the magnitude of isoprene source distribution within a mixed deciduous forest canopy undergoing defoliation. Modeled source distributions were studied to understand how the flux footprint evolved as the total amount and vertical distribution of foliage changed during the leaf senescing and abscission period. The modeled ensemble air parcel residence times inside the forest canopy were also studied to quantify the fraction of isoprene destroyed inside forest canopies due to rapid chemical reactions. Defoliation in the canopy affected the footprint by vertically redistributing the flux sources, and by reducing the leaf drag area encountered by flows within the canopy. For air parcel releases in the upper canopy, the increased in-canopy turbulence associated with defoliation shifted the footprint peak probability closer to the measurement point. However, when integrated through the depth of the canopy, the net effect of defoliation was to increase the upwind source areas farther from the flux measurement point. Defoliation also impacted air parcel residence times within the canopy. Under fully foliated conditions, air parcels remained within the canopy for periods ranging from 2 to 50 min, depending on levels of atmospheric turbulence and air parcel release height. Under 25–75% defoliated conditions, air parcels remained in the forest canopy for periods lasting less than 10 min. The estimated air parcel residence times inside the fully leafed canopy resulted in significant isoprene chemical processing. Based on Lagrangian footprint simulations with active chemistry, the integrated rates of isoprene destruction from reactions with ozone, hydroxyl, and nitrate radicals ranged from 12% for air parcels released in the upper canopy to 40% for air parcels released from the lower canopy. We conclude that active scalar flux estimates, often based only on the footprint transfer function and source strength distribution, can be substantially improved by incorporating an active chemistry term.
A Feedback Model for Automated Real Estate Assessment

Pressing changes are needed in the administration of real estate taxation that will not only ensure that all properties be assessed accurately and equitably, but will enable taxpayers to perceive that they are being treated fairly. In this paper, we examine what properties an automated mass appraisal system should exhibit so as to meet efficacy, equity and public acceptability criteria. A new automated system designed on the basis of these properties which utilizes feedback control and pattern recognition concepts is presented. Results of an empirical study using Pittsburgh data supports the feasibility of the proposed system.
Balkan Corruption Perception: Impediments To Competitive Activity In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, FYROM, Serbia/Montenegro, And Slovenia

Corruption exists around the world in various forms. This paper examines the extent of political corruption in the countries that were formerly known as Yugoslavia. Data from the World Bank Institute and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Business Environment and Economic Performance Study (BEEPS) was used to examine the extent of corruption in these five regions from 2002 to 2005. Results show less corruption in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia than in FYROM ( former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ), Serbia, and Montenegro. Overall all countries appear to have less corruption in 2005 than in 2002.
The Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Pyrogenic Toxin Family

The term “pyrogenic toxins” describes a group of protein exotoxins (Table 1) produced by organisms in two genera of bacteria, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Each pyrogenic toxin (PT) has unique biological activities, however, they often are grouped collectively into a single toxin family based on an ability that they share to induce multiple systemic effects (Bohach, et al., 1990). These shared activities result from the action of the toxins on the immune, cardiovascular, and other organ systems.
Low Energy Implantation of Nitrogen and Ammonia into Silicon

Thin dielectrics have recently attracted increasing attention. New methods to form thin silicon nitride films have been studied [1,2]. This paper reports on silicon nitride formation by low energy implantation of nitrogen or ammonia into silicon. Extensive material investigation on nitrogen implanted films using various analytical methods, including ellipsometry, chemical etching, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), infrared transmission spectroscopy (IR), and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) is discussed. An improved local oxidation scheme using the implanted layer as part of the oxidation mask is reviewed [3]. The film’s electrical properties are also reported [4]. The potential of low energy implantation to form thin gate dielectrics is examined.
Analysis Of Poverty Level Among Gari Marketers In Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study examined the poverty level of gari marketers in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method was employed to select ninety (90) respondents. Primary data were collected through a well-structured schedule and the data collected were subject to descriptive, poverty, budgetary and ordinary least squares regression analyses. Findings revealed that the mean age of respondents was 44years while 23.3% had no access at all to formal education. Majority (76.7%) of the marketers were married with a mean household size of 8 members. Averagely, per capita expenditure per month was N4,037.54 for respondents. The moderate poverty line for marketers was N 2,691.70 while the core poverty line wasN 897.23 per month. The poverty headcount, poverty gap index and severity index of the respondents were 30%, 11.6% and 6.0% respectively. Based on the result of the data analysis,30% of the marketers were categorized as poor while 70% were categorized as non-poor. Marital status, household size, household access to water had significant effect on poverty level of respondents. The BCR of 1.12 revealed that gari marketing is a profitable enterprise in the study area. It is recommended that stakeholders should provide public cars and buses as a means of transportation. This would reduce the high cost of transportation and thereby increase their income and reduce their poverty level. Keywords: poverty; gari- marketing; FGT.
Documenting an unknown funerary complex at Cyrene: ‘The Garden Tomb’. Architectural evolution and epigraphic issues – CORRIGENDUM

The Garden Tomb is a remarkable funerary complex in the Southern Necropolis of Cyrene, consisting of two burial chambers set within a courtyard with a monumental Doric facade. The architectural arrangement of the main tomb, most likely dating back to the fourth century BC, shows at least three phases of re-use and alterations of the original interior, in use until the Late Imperial period. Three sculptures belonging to the tomb and the decorative features of the exterior (entrance door kymation) and interior (red, blue and ochre wall paint in the main burial) of the monument are noteworthy. The epigraphic apparatus, drawn in charcoal on the walls of the main burial, is significant both in terms of the form of the letters and its content: one of the two inscriptions appears to give the price of loculi for sale.
Abstract 3445: The role of p38/MAPK14 in cerebellar granule neuron precursor proliferation and medulloblastoma

Development of the cerbellum occurs primarily postnatally and is marked by a rapid proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs). This proliferation requires the activity of the mitogen Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). CGNPs are proposed to be the cells of origin for some classes of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common solid pediatric tumor, making their proliferation an attractive target for cancer therapy. Since MAP kinases play important roles in many aspects of development, proliferation, and cancer, we investigated if any of the three major classes of MAP kinases were involved in Shh-driven CGNP proliferation. We have previously shown that p42/p44 ERK MAP kinases are not involved in Shh signaling in CGNP proliferation. We have also shown that JNK/SAP kinases are not involved in Shh-driven proliferation. However, p38/MAPK14 is induced and activated in proliferating CGNPs compared to CGNPs that exit the cell cycle and differentiate in the absence of Shh. Other known pathway components upstream and downstream of MAPK14, such as ASK1, MKK3 and ATF-2, are also activated in the presence of Shh. Antioxidants such as lipoic acid and n-acetyl-cysteine that relieve oxidative stress reduced Shh-induced activation of MAPK14 and caused a marked decrease in CGNP proliferation measured by Ki67 and BrdU staining. Knocking down p38 in CGNPs also causes a marked decrease in Shh-dependent proliferation and an increase in apoptosis, which indicates a role for MAPK14 in CGNP survival. We are currently investigating the mechanism of Shh regulation of p38 MAPK pathway, which will lead to a better understanding of CGNP proliferation, cerebellar development, and MB progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3445
Status Quo of Vitamin Industry and Suggestions for Its Development(I)

Continual expansion of vitamin's application field was pushing the market increasing,but the transnational Roche and DSM companies were regrouped owing to the fierce competition.Lots of new production technologies to enhance the competitive power of products have worked out in China's companies such as technologies for producing vitamin C manufactured via two-step zymosis;synthesizing chemically vitamin E with the domestically produced key intermediates linalool,isophytol and trimethylphenol;preparing vitamin B2 gained by genetically engineered bacterium fermentation,and commercialized production of vitamin H,etc.The development of new products such as β-carotene,lycopene,tocotrienols and coenzyme Q10 should be enhanced so as to ensure sustainable development of China's vitamin industry.
A Study of Ecological Product Contingent Valuation Method

Contingent valuation method is a basic method for accounting the ecological product value,but in practice there exist some mistaken ideas about it. Based on the research methods in welfare economics,this paper teases out the practical problems encountered in evaluating the social value of ecological products and concludes that the economic benefits of ecological products contain economic efficiency,so the evaluation of ecological product items is essentially an assessment of their social net benefits; that the evaluation of ecological product items should be aimed at both beneficiary's pay willingness index and loser's repayment willingness index with the weight of these two indicators equal and balanced; and that the pay willingness curve is equivalent to the market demand curve in micro- economics but different from the market demand curve in econometrics.
Initial Experience With the Pediatric Impella Device: A Feasibility Study in a Porcine Model.

Objective This study's objective was to evaluate insertion techniques and device fit of the pediatric version of the Impella ventricular assist device in swine which had similar sized carotids and left ventricles (LVs) as children weighing 10–20 kg. Background Options for minimally invasive circulatory support in children are limited. A modified device based on the current Impella 2.5 platform was created in an effort to provide minimally invasive circulatory support for children. Methods Animal studies (n = 10) were performed to determine technical feasibility of device implant via the right common carotid artery (RCCA) in swine with a carotid and LV size similar to children with a BSA < 1 m2 and weight 10-20 kg. The RCCA diameter was measured on pre-implant ultrasound and the LV length was measured at necropsy. The animals were supported for 4 hr and the device explanted. Blood samples and post-explant necropsy was performed to evaluate for device related complications. Results All animals underwent successful device insertion. Mean carotid artery diameter by ultrasound was 3.5 ± 0.3 mm. There was no LV or aortic/mitral valve damage with a minimum LV length of 5.4 cm. Conclusions Minimally invasive circulatory support is needed in small children. Limitations are primarily related to vessel and chamber size. The Impella Pediatric catheter was safely and successfully implanted in carotid arteries similar in size to children weighing 10–20 kg with minimal complications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double Zeta Basis Sets in Carbon Cluster Calculations

Two double zeta plus polarization basis sets are commonly used in ab initio calculations on carbon clusters. The first, Hariharan and Pople’s 6-31G* basis set [1], gives a single zeta description of the core electrons and a double zeta description of the valence electrons. The second, the Huzinaga/Dunning DZP basis set [2], gives a double zeta description of core and valence electrons. The 6-31G* basis set has become popular because it is smaller in size, and hence cheaper to use, than DZP, and because of its efficient implementation within the widely used GAUSSIAN system of computer programs.
Experimental hydralazine disease and its similarity to disseminated lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Hydralazine hydrochloride (Apresoline), a vasodilator drug used in treatment of arterial hypertension, was orally administered to eight apparently healthy normotensive dogs in an attempt to reproduce the collagen-like syndrome found in man as a delayed toxic reaction to this drug. Doses approximated the maximum used in treatment of human arterial hypertension. The animals developed a syndrome manifested by weakness, weight loss, anemia, and altered electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins; leukopenia, hyperglobulinemia, and hypocholesterolemia occurred in one or more. The L-E cell was demonstrated in the peripheral blood by special techniques in seven animals and hematoxylin bodies in the other. Pathologic specimens of the kidneys revealed changes consistent with those found in disseminated lupus erythematosus.
Biological vs. Psychological Treatments of Anxiety Disorders

In my other chapter in this book (Biological vs. Psychological Perspectives on Anxiety Disorder) I presented a Table 1 listing some proposed etiologies of anxiety disorders and corresponding treatments. It would be wrong to infer from this table that the postulated causes were discovered first and the treatments followed as logical deductions. In many cases, a cause was inferred from the presumed mechanism of action of some treatment believed to be effective against anxiety. Treatments of mental disorders have always seemed more rooted in reality than theories of mental disorders. It is instructive, therefore, to examine outcome studies of purportedly successful biological and psychological treatments of anxiety disorders in order to determine how solid the factual bases of those inferences really are.
Nanoscale interfaces in hybrid materials for exciton fission and fusion(Conference Presentation)

The ability to downconvert (1 photon to 2 photons) and upconvert (2 photons to 1 photon) energy can have applications in many fields, including solar energy. Singlet fission provides a way to convert one photon into a pair of triplet excitons. It occurs efficiently in organic semiconductors, but the question remains how to extract the triplet excitons in a useful form. In this talk, we will describe efforts to transform triplet excitons into other forms through energy transfer into inorganic semiconductors like silicon. Heterogeneous solid-liquid approaches to use spin-orbit coupling to enhance the triplet excitons’ oscillator strength so they can emit photons will also be described. The solid-solid and solid-liquid interface appears to be critical for these schemes to succeed. Upconversion occurs via the reverse process, where a pair of triplet excitons fuse into a high-energy singlet state. A new approach to triplet state sensitization involves absorption of low energy photons by the semiconductor nanocrystals followed by energy transfer to the molecular triplet states. These states can then undergo triplet-triplet annihilation to create high energy singlet states that emit upconverted light in the visible and ultraviolet regions. By using conjugated organic ligands to form an energy cascade, the upconversion can be enhanced by up to three orders of magnitude. The mechanism of the nanocrystal-to-triplet energy transfer is investigated using time-resolved spectroscopy. Again, the role of organic ligand-inorganic surface interactions is important for determining the ultimate efficiency.
A Closer Look at the Personality Characteristics of Outplaced Executives

The present study examines more closely the findings and recommendations presented recently by Austin and Murray (1993) regarding the personality characteristics of outplaced executives. The analysis of a much larger national sample that does not exclude females shows that the previously reported findings may not be representative of the population of outplaced executives and that important gender differences also are present. Finally, the suggestion that counselors should help individuals change their negative predispositions is questioned. It is recommended here that personality differences between employed and outplaced executives may have more important implications for organizational practices and counseling pertaining to person-job fit
Novel fabrication method and structure of single crystal thin film In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As Schottky diodes for potential IR applications

Due to their favorable properties, extensive efforts have been done to extend the applications of Schottky diodes into infrared (IR) nonlinear applications. Primarily, efforts have been concentrated in reducing their series resistances and their capacitances in order to increase their cutoff frequencies [1]. Here, we introduce novel single crystal thin film Au-In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As Schottky diodes, in which the thickness of the semiconductor is less than the depletion width in the diodes. This leads to a significantly reduced series resistance, which leads to a cutoff frequency of 25 THz. This value is among the highest values reported for Schottky diodes [2]. The diode structure is achieved using a novel film transfer method introduced by our group.
Shared Decision-Making as the Future of Emergency Cardiology

Shared decision-making is playing an increasingly large role in emergency cardiovascular care. Although there are many challenges to successfully performing shared decision-making in the emergency department, there are numerous clinical scenarios in which it should be used. In this article, we explore new research and emerging decision aids in the following emergency care scenarios: (1) low-risk chest pain; (2) new-onset atrial fibrillation; and (3) moderate-risk syncope. These decision aids are designed to engage patients and facilitate shared decision-making for specific treatment and disposition (admit vs discharge) decisions. We then offer a 3-step, practical approach to performing shared decision-making in the acute care setting, on the basis of broad stakeholder input and previous conceptual work. Step 1 involves simply acknowledging that a clinical decision needs to be made. Step 2 involves a shared discussion about the working diagnosis and the options for care in the context of the patient's values, preferences, and circumstances. The third and final step requires the patient and provider to agree on a plan of action regarding further medical care. The implementation of shared decision-making in emergency cardiology has the potential to shift the paradigm of clinical practice from paternalism toward mutualism and improve the quality and experience of care for our patients.
Geochemical and multi-isotopic (87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 238U/235U) perspectives of sediment sources, depositional conditions, and diagenesis of the Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin, USA

Abstract We investigate sediment sources, depositional conditions and diagenetic processes affecting the Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian Basin, eastern USA, a major target of natural gas exploration. Multiple proxies, including trace metal contents, rare earth elements (REE), the Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotope systems, and U isotopes were applied to whole rock digestions and sequentially extracted fractions of the Marcellus shale and adjacent units from two locations in the Appalachian Basin. The narrow range of eNd values (from −7.8 to −6.4 at 390 Ma) is consistent with derivation of the clastic sedimentary component of the Marcellus Shale from a well-mixed source of fluvial and eolian material of the Grenville orogenic belt, and indicate minimal post-depositional alteration of the Sm-Nd system. While silicate minerals host >80% of the REE in the shale, data from sequentially extracted fractions reflect post-depositional modifications at the mineralogical scale, which is not observed in whole rock REE patterns. Limestone units thought to have formed under open ocean (oxic) conditions have δ238U values and REE patterns consistent with modern seawater. The δ238U values in whole rock shale and authigenic phases are greater than those of modern seawater and the upper crust. The δ238U values of reduced phases (the oxidizable fraction consisting of organics and sulfide minerals) are ∼0.6‰ greater than that of modern seawater. Bulk shale and carbonate cement extracted from the shale have similar δ238U values, and are greater than δ238U values of adjacent limestone units. We suggest these trends are due to the accumulation of chemically and, more likely, biologically reduced U from anoxic to euxinic bottom water as well as the influence of diagenetic reactions between pore fluids and surrounding sediment and organic matter during diagenesis and catagenesis.
What Is Case-Based Reasoning?

This chapter describes case-based reasoning. Case-based reasoning can mean adapting old solutions to meet new demands, using old cases to explain new situations, using old cases to critique new solutions, or reasoning from precedents to interpret a new situation or create an equitable solution to a new problem. Case-based reasoning is also used extensively in day-to-day commonsense reasoning. When one orders a meal in a restaurant, one often bases decisions about what might be good in other experiences in that restaurant and those like it. As one plans his or her household activities, he or she remembers what worked and did not work previously and use that to create new plans. A child care provider mediating an argument between two children remembers what worked and did not work previously in such situations and bases his or her suggestion on that. In general, the second time one solves some problem or does some task is easier than the first because he or she remembers and repeats the previous solution.
Improving MISR AOD Retrievals With Low-Light-Level Corrections for Veiling Light

Operational retrievals of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) data have been shown to have a high bias in pristine oceanic areas. One line of evidence involves comparison with Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) observations, including the areas of low aerosol loading close to Antarctica. In this paper, a principal reason for the AOD overestimation is identified, which is stray light measured by the MISR cameras in dark regions of high-contrast scenes. A small fraction of the light from surrounding bright areas, such as clouds or sea ice, is redistributed to dark areas, artificially increasing their brightness. Internal reflections and light scattering from optical elements in MISR’s pushbroom cameras contribute to this veiling light effect. A simple correction model is developed that relies on the average scene brightness and an empirically determined set of veiling light coefficients for each MISR camera and wavelength. Several independent methods are employed to determine these coefficients. Three sets of coefficients are further implemented and tested in prototype MISR 4.4-km AOD retrievals. The results show dramatic improvements in retrieved AODs compared against MAN observations and the currently operational V22 MISR retrievals. For the best performing set of coefficients, the bias is reduced by 51%, from 0.039 to 0.019, the RMSE is lowered by 19%, from 0.062 to 0.050, and 84% of retrievals fall within the uncertainty envelope compared with 66% of retrievals in V22. The best performing set will be implemented operationally in the next V23 MISR AOD product release.
Radiohalogenation of Antibodies: Chemical Aspects

Proteins have been labeled with halogen isotopes for many years. These tracers have been exploited as probes of protein metabolism and pharmacokinetics in vivo and have provided invaluable tools for use in radioimmunoassay. Because of this extensive experience with radioiodinated proteins and the direct applicability of in vitro data obtained with I-125, labeling with halogen isotopes has been an attractive approach to the development of monoclonal antibodies as agents for radioimmunodiagnostic and therapeutic applications.