cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some aspects of spermiogenesis in a lizard.

Spermatids of the American chameleon Anolis carolinensis, have been examined with the electron microscope during the period from the first appearance of caudal sheath microtubules to the stage of differentiation just before the caudal sheath disappears. The caudal sheath microtubles are arranged initially in the form of a helix with a very low pitch. As the condensation of the chromatin and the elongation of the nucleus proceed, the caudal sheath helix unwinds. Shortly before the caudal sheath disappears, the sheath microtubles are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nucleus and the sheath resembles those found in other vertebrate spermatids. Assuming that the caudal sheath is functionally related in some way to the changes that occur in the nucleus, it is proposed that the unusual arrangement of the caudal sheath in A. carolinensis spermatids is a device to avoid a large excess of microtubules clustered around the nucleus at the end of nuclear elongation.
Forgoing Debriefing in Deceptive Research: Is It Ever Ethical?

The use of deception in research is generally permitted so long as participants are debriefed at the conclusion of their participation. Several authoritative research ethics guidelines allow investigators to omit debriefing under certain circumstances, however. Here we examine various justifications for forgoing debriefing in deceptive research, including concerns about subject pool contamination, the risk that revealing the deception will be harmful or distressing to participants, and issues of practicability. We conclude that, contrary to current practice, omitting debriefing is ethically acceptable only when debriefing is impracticable, the deception is innocuous, and no reasonable person would object to involvement in the research.
Generation and maintenance of immunological memory

The key feature of the adaptive immune response is its specificity and the ability to generate and maintain memory. Preexisting antibodies in the circulation and at the mucosa provide the first line of defense against re-infection by extracellular as well as intracellular pathogens. Memory T cells are an important second line of defense against intracellular pathogens, and in particular against microbes that can cause chronic or latent infection. In this article we will review our current understanding of the generation and maintenance of B cell and T cell memory.
Modeling of ion implantation in single-crystal silicon

Abstract In this paper are described ion implant models that have been developed at the University of Texas at Austin. In this activity the strategy consists of the development of computationally-efficient semi-empirical models and physically-based, more computationally intensive Monte Carlo models. The Dual-Pearson approach has been highly successful in the semi-empirical model development, because of its ability to account so well for the dependence of both the randomly scattered and the channeled parts of the implanted profile on all of the key implant parameters. The physically-based Monte Carlo models provide the theoretical foundation required for technology development and process control, and they serve as the basis for much of the computationally-efficient semi-empirical models. Depth profile models for B, BF 2 , and As implants into single-crystal silicon, and a depth profile model for B implants through oxide layers into single-crystal Si have been developed. An accurate Monte Carlo simulator for boron implants into single-crystal Si or through oxide layers into single-crystal Si has also been developed. This simulator includes dependences on implant beam divergence, wafer temperature, and it has a new local-electron electronic stopping power model with explicit dependence on the local electron density in the Si lattice. In addition, we have developed a cumulative damage model for predicting the dose dependence and the resulting interstitial and vacancy distributions. We have also developed Monte Carlo simulators for BF 2 and As implants into single-crystal Si. The semi-empirical and physically-based models have been applied to develop a 2-dimensional model for boron implants through oxide layers into single-crystal Si. This computationally-efficient model has explicit dependence on energy, oxide thickness, dose, tilt angle, rotation angle, mask thickness, and mask edge orientation.
Maternal care received by rat pups treated with 6-hydroxydopamine.

Abstract Selective depletion on CNS dopamine in neonatal rats, by intracisternal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine on the fifth day of life, is associated with hyperactivity, learning disturbances, and growth retardation. To assess the degree to which pup behavioral deficits result from, or influence, alterations in maternal care, mother-pup interaction was investigated during the first 13 days of pup life in 3 groups of litters: 6-OHDA-treated, sham treated, and normal control. Measures of maternal behaviors included nursing, nest-building, retrieval, and locomotor activity; biological measures of pup maturation included weight, length, and righting time. These indices of mother-pup interaction revealed 4 stable dimensions and significant developmental patterns. 6-OHDA-treated pups were significantly lighter and shorter, and somewhat retarded in righting time. Although pup 6-OHDA treatment did not disrupt the organization or sequence of mothering, treated pups were increasingly distinguished from controls by the promptness with which they were retrieved. The profound and enduring behavioral deficits of dopamine depletion in the newborn period appear to occur in the presence of adequate, and perhaps enhanced, maternal care.
A Facile, One-Pot Synthesis of Lacidipine Using in Situ Generation of Wittig Intermediates†

An improved, one-pot process for the preparation of lacidipine (1) via an efficient in situ generation of Wittig intermediates is reported. Generation of ylide (4) by dehydrobromination of phosphonium salt (3) followed by in situ condensation of 4 with o-phthalaldehyde (5) to yield corresponding olefin (6) and its subsequent reaction with crotonate derivative (7) in the same pot furnished the drug substance 1 with an overall yield of about 51% over the reported yield of about 24% starting from the corresponding ylide. The present work overcomes the challenges associated with prior art processes such as chromatographic purifications, handling of unstable intermediates, and formation of byproducts as potential impurities. The interesting insights on the safety aspects of the process, drawn through calorimetric studies, rendered the successful implementation of the process at manufacturing facility.
MicroRNAs: key players in the immune system, differentiation, tumorigenesis and cell death

Micro (mi)RNAs are small, highly conserved noncoding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally either via the degradation of target mRNAs or the inhibition of protein translation. Each miRNA is believed to regulate the expression of multiple mRNA targets, and many miRNAs have been linked to the initiation and progression of human cancer. miRNAs control various activities of the immune system and different stages of hematopoietic development, and their misexpression is the cause of various blood malignancies. Certain miRNAs have oncogenic activities, whereas others have the potential to act as tumor suppressors. Because they control fundamental processes such as differentiation, cell growth and cell death, the study of the role of miRNAs in human neoplasms holds great promise for novel forms of therapy. Here, we summarize the role of miRNAs and their targets in contributing to human cancers and their function as regulators of apoptotic pathways and the immune system.
Two-dimensional simulations of the ion/ion acoustic instability and electrostatic shocks

A newly developed 2D electrostatic code with particle ions and Boltzmann electrons is used to investigate the details of the ion/ion acoustic instability and the structure of electrostatic shocks. The simulation results show that, for the parameters relevant to the plasma sheet boundary layer, the saturation mechanism of the ion/ion acoustic instability is ion trapping. It is also shown that the 2D structure of electrostatic shocks is considerably different from that suggested by previous 1D simulations. The main reason for this difference is the presence of shock reflected ions, which through the ion/ion acoustic instability lead to the generation of large amplitude waves in the upstream region propagating obliquely to the shock normal. These waves play an important role in the shock dissipation process.
GLUCOSAMINE INHIBITION OF (I-14C)GLUCOSE OXIDATION AS MEASURED BY RAT ADIPOSE TISSUE IN VITRO.

1. 1. Glucosamine in the presence of insulin produced a significant inhibition of [1-14C]gluxose oxidation when incubated with segments of rats epididymal fat pad. N-Acetylglucosamine was ineffective in this respect. 2. 2. [1-14C]Glucosamine did not contribute significantly to the production of 14CO2 as compared to [1-14C]glucose in the presence of insulin. 3. 3. Preincubation of rat epididymal fat pad segments in glucosamien produced inhibition of [1-14C]glucose oxidation. This inhibition was not further increased by the addition of glucosamine 4. 4. The mechanism of inhibition of glucose oxidation byu glucosamine appears to be the accumulation of a non-metabolizable product of products of glucosamine, as well as the competition for the hexokinase (ATP: D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, E.C. 2.7.1.1) involved.
Lung and gut injury induced by tumour necrosis factor.

Piguet, P.F., Grau, G.E. & Vassalli, P. (1990). Subcutaneous perfusion of tumor necrosis factor induces local proliferation of fibroblasts, capillaries, and epidermal cells, or massive tissue necrosis. Am. J. fathot., 136, 103-I 10. Piguet, P.F., Grau, G.E., Allet, B. & Vassalli, P. (1987), Tumor necrosis factor is an effector of skin and gut lesions of the acute phase of graft-versus-host disease. J. Exp. Med., 166, 1280-1289. Rothstein, J.L. & Schreiber, H. (1988), Synergy between tumor necrosis factor and bacterial products causes hemorrhagic necrosis and lethal shock in normal mice. Proc. nut. Acad. Sci. (Wash.), 85, 607-611. Rubin, B.Y. (1992), TNF and viruses: multiple interrelationships, in “Tumor necrosis factor, structure, function and mechanism of action” (Aggarwal, B.B. & Vilcek, J.) (pp. 331-340). Marcel Dekker, New York. Spriggs, D.R., Imamura, K., Rodriguez, C., Sariban, E. & Kufe, D.W. (1988), Tumor necrosis factor expression in human epithelial tumor cell lines. .I. C/in. Invesl., 8 I, 455-460. Streilein. J.W. Rr Bergstresser, P.R. (1988), Genetic basis of ultraviolet-B effects on contact hypersensitivity. Itnmunogenetics. 27, 252-258. Trefzer, U., Brockhaus, M., Loetscher. H., Parlow, F., Kapp, A., Schopf, E. 8~ Krutmann, J. (1991), 55kd tumor necrosis factor receptor is expressed by human keratinocytes and plays a pivotal role in regulation of human keratinocyte ICAM-I expression. J. Invest. Dermatol., 97, 91 l-916. Vassalli, P., Grau, G.E. & Piguet, P.F. (1992), TNF in autoimmune diseases, Graft versus host reactions and pulmonary fibrosis, in “Tumor necrosis factor: structure, function and mechanism of action” (Vilcek, J., Aggarwal, B.B.) (pp. 409-430). Marcel Dekker, New York. Yoshikawa, T. & Streilein, J.W. (1990), Tumor necrosis alpha and ultraviolet B light have similar effects on contact sensitivity in mice. Reg. Itnmmol., 3, 139-144.
Low and moderate irradiances of UVB and UVC irradiation are equally erythemogenic in human skin.

—The effect of irradiance on ultraviolet-induced delayed erythema was studied in normal human skin. With both UVB and UVC radiation, the minimal erythema dose was the same whether exposure lasted several seconds or 5 h. A reciprocal relationship between exposure duration and irradiance has previously been shown to exist for exposures ranging from nanoseconds to minutes. The present study shows that even if exposures last over 4 h the minimal erythema dose is a function of exposure dose and not of irradiance or exposure duration.
Interlocal Emergency Management Collaboration: Vertical and Horizontal Roadblocks

This study, based on a statewide survey of local officials in Florida, examines the degree to which vertical and horizontal roadblocks to interlocal cooperation persist well after the 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina mega-disasters. Respondents evaluate the degree to which vertical constraints (state and federal mandates) and horizontal constraints (political tensions and competition for funding; incompatible communication equipment and inconsistent information-sharing; and local cost-sharing complexities and training and personnel qualification differences) still deter collaboration. Incompatible communication equipment is the most cited barrier, followed by the rules and legal complexities inherent in state and federal mandates and interlocal cost-sharing agreements. Today, local EM officials judge horizontally generated deterrents to collaboration to be nearly equal to vertically imposed roadblocks. Perceptions differ significantly by jurisdiction, population size, MSA location, and position.
Effects of cigarette smoking and solvent exposure on sister chromatid exchange frequency in painters.

A cross-sectional study of sister chromatid exchange frequency (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 117 members of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Tradesman was conducted in union locals in two major US cities. Chronic solvent exposure intensity and duration were estimated from interviewer-administered-questionnaire data. SCE for all of the workers in the study were scored by one reader. A second reader determined the SCE frequency from a random sample of 30 workers. Age, coffee and alcohol intake and chronic solvent exposure (both intensity and duration, estimated over the working lifetime and over the year prior to study for each worker) did not significantly elevate SCE. The effect of smoking on SCE frequency, assessed by analysis of variance controlling for other possible confounding factors, showed that smoking increased SCE frequency. The SCE frequency in the smoking, solvent-exposed (estimated as lifetime exposure) painters were 6.75 SCE/cell; in the non-smoking, solvent-exposed workers the SCE frequency was 5.73 SCE/cell. These observations are consistent with other work suggesting that chronic solvent exposure in the paint trade is not associated with an elevation in SCE in peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, further work is necessary to address adequately the question of the genotoxicity of acutemore » solvent exposure in these workers.« less
An Assessment of Labour Availability in Major Coconut Growing Areas in

Scarcity of labour, increased labour charges and shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour have become a major issue for coconut growers. This study aimed to assess the current labour availability in coconut cultivation sector. A field survey was conducted from October to December 2005, focusing four major coconut growing areas in the coconut triangle namely Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya, Marawila and Gampaha. The findings show that an acute laboure shortage is experienced by 23% and 21% of the respondents in Kuliyapitiya and Gampaha regions respectively. Generally, 65% shortage in Gampaha, 60% in Kuliyapitiya, 50% in Kurunegala and 27% shortage in Marawila were reported. An acute shortage for skilled labour necessary for harvesting was reported in Gampaha and Marawila whereas in other two areas it was for unskilled labour. Irrespective of the region, young generation’s participation to the labour force was very poor. Generally, smallholders pay higher wage rates compared to estate sector. Skilled labour is 3 to 4 times highly paid compared to the unskilled labour in each region. In terms of wage rates a statistically significant gender disparity exists in each region favouring male labour. The findings suggest the need of inventing innovative mechanization technology in order to reduce the dependence on manual labour. The cost effectiveness of the mechanization technologies is also highlighted. A deep attitudinal change is a requisite to attract the young generation to cultivation sector and there is a possibility of reintroducing harvesting as a recognized commercial service by a company. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cocos.v19i1.4747
Design, modeling, and testing of a piezoelectric impact compressive kinetic (PICK) tool for crack-stop hole treatment

This paper outlines the design, modeling and testing of a new class of tool intended for the treatment of crack-arrest holes to improve fatigue life. By integrating a stack of high-power piezoelectric elements in a compression caliper, this Piezoelectric Impact Compressive Kinetic (PICK) tool can be used to clamp very tightly on either side of an aluminum plug, which is inserted in a crack-arrest hole. Ultrasonic vibrations at high compression loads applied by the piezoelectric stack dynamically cold work both the aluminum plug and the inside of the crack-arrest hole. This paper describes the overall design of the tool, the configuration of the aluminum plug, and the effect of dynamic vibrations on the plug and on the surface of the crack-arrest hole. The system was driven at various resonance modes during the coldworking process. Several 3.2-mm (1/8-in.) thick steel specimens with 3.2-mm (1/8-in.) diameter crack-arrest holes were treated ultrasonically with the PICK tool. Dynamic fatigue tests showed that fatigue lives of the specimens was increased substantially as a result of the ultrasonic treatment. Microhardness and neutron diffraction testing confirmed that the tool induced high levels of cold working at the edge of the hole and increased the grain density, with a regular decay as a function of distance from the edge of the hole.
What we wear

![Figure][1] Image courtesy of © 2011 Thinkstock > Yours is long, white, made of good cotton, > > Embroidered, with sturdy pockets. > > Yours emboldens you, elevates you, > > Marks you as a healer within these walls, > > Earns you respect outside of them. > Mine is short, made of
CD27/CD70 Interaction Contributes to the Activation and the Function of Human Autoreactive CD27+Regulatory T Cells☆☆☆★

CD27, a tumor necrosis factor receptor family member, is a constimulatory molecule for T and B cell activation. We demonstrate here that CD27 signaling is critical for T cell activation in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (aMLR) and for aMLR-induced generation of regulatory T cells that suppress pokeweed mitogen-driven immunoglobulin G synthesis by B cells. Moreover, CD27, expressed on CD45RA+ CD4+ T cells, is directly involved in the suppressor function of aMLR-activated CD4+ T cells, probably by interfering with the interaction between CD70, the CD27 ligand, expressed on CD45RO+ CD4+ helper T cells, and CD27, expressed on B cells. CD8+ T cells, which are required in this system to obtain suppression, on the other hand, do not need CD27 engagement to exert their suppressor function.
Prostaglandin E2 synthesis elicited by adrenergic stimuli in guinea pig trachea is mediated primarily via activation of β2 adrenergic receptors

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis elicited by adrenergic agonists in the guinea pig trachea has been shown to be mediated via activation of beta-adrenergic receptors. The purpose of this study was to examine arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and to characterize the subtype of beta receptor involved in PG synthesis. [14C]AA was incubated with guinea pig tracheal rings, and the radiolabelled products were extracted from the medium. Thin layer chromatographic analysis and radioimmunoassay of the extract showed that [14C]AA was incorporated into guinea pig tracheal rings and metabolized mainly into radiolabeled and immunoreactive PGE2 (iPGE2) and smaller amounts into PGF2 alpha. Trace amounts of PGD2, TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha but not LTB4 or LTC4 were detected by enzyme immunoassay. Incubation of guinea pig tracheal rings for 10 min with isoproterenol or salbutamol resulted in a significant increase in PGE2 synthesis (optimum concentration 0.1 microM for both compounds). In contrast, dobutamine, BRL 37344, BRL 28410, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and xylazine (up to 1 microM) did not significantly increase PGE2 production. Isoproterenol-induced iPGE2 production was inhibited by the selective beta 2 receptor antagonist butoxamine (0.1-1.0 microM) and somewhat reduced by the beta 1 receptor antagonist practolol (1 microM). The increase in PGE2 synthesis was diminished with increasing concentrations of isoproterenol (0.5-5.0 microM) or salbutamol (0.5-1.0 microM); but it was reversed by pretreatment of tracheal rings with the protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide (0.9 microM) and actinomycin D (2 microM) but not by phenylisopropyl adenosine (0.1-1.0 microM), an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase. These data suggest that isoproterenol-induced iPGE2 synthesis is primarily via activation of a beta 2 adrenergic receptor. Failure to enhance iPGE2 synthesis by a high concentration of isoproterenol is likely to be due to an induction of new inhibitory protein synthesis.
The relationship of asthma-specific quality of life during pregnancy to subsequent asthma and perinatal morbidity

Objective. To determine whether asthma-specific quality of life during pregnancy is related to asthma exacerbations and to perinatal outcomes. Methods. This was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of inhaled beclomethasone versus theophylline in the treatment of moderate asthma during pregnancy. The Juniper Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was administered to patients at enrollment. Exacerbations were defined as asthma symptoms requiring a hospitalization, unscheduled medical visit, or oral corticosteroid course. Results. Quality of life assessments were provided by 310 of the 385 participants who completed the study. There was more than a 25% decrease in the odds of a subsequent asthma exacerbation for every 1-point increase in AQLQ score for the overall score (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.96), emotion domain (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88), and symptoms domain (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57–0.94). These relationships were not significantly influence...
Conservation of gene expression during embryonic lens formation and cornea-lens transdifferentiation in Xenopus laevis.

Few molecular comparisons have been made between the processes of embryogenesis and regeneration or transdifferentiation that lead to the formation of the same structures. In the amphibian, Xenopus laevis, the cornea can undergo transdifferentiation to form a lens when the original lens is removed during tadpole larval stages. Unlike the process of embryonic lens induction, cornea-lens transdifferentiation is elicited via a single inductive interaction involving factors produced by the neural retina. In this study, we compared the expression of a number of genes known to be activated during various phases of embryonic lens formation, during the process of cornea-lens transdifferentiation. mRNA expression was monitored via in situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes of pax-6, Xotx2, xSOX3, XProx1, and γ6-cry. We found that all of the genes studied are expressed during both embryogenesis and cornea-lens transdifferentiation, though in some cases their relative temporal sequences are not maintained. The reiterated expression of these genes suggests that a large suite of genes activated during embryonic lens formation are also involved in cornea-lens transdifferentiation. Ultimately functional tests will be required to determine whether they actually play similar roles in these processes. It is significant that the single inductive event responsible for initiating cornea-lens transdifferentiation triggers the expression of genes activated during both the early and late phases of embryonic lens induction. These findings have significant implications in terms of our current understanding of the “multistep” process of lens induction. Dev Dyn 1999;215:308–318. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reproducibility of electron microscope magnifications with digital display of individual lens currents

SUMMARY Quantitative measurements on electron micrographs with less than 10% error require precise calibration of all lenses contributing to the final image magnification. Calibration of the magnification to approximately 1.5% is easily attained by using simple statistical methods and a digital display milliampere meter capable of measuring the objective, intermediate and projector lens currents independently. The method detailed, readily adaptable to other electron microscopes, requires the projector lens current be held constant, with the magnification determined by varying the intermediate lens current and corrections made on the basis of calibrated objective lens current effect. The errors of magnification, approximately 1.5%, are the same range as the test grid variation which appears to be the limiting factor. Even with this limitation, magnifications have been determined reproducible to within less than 0.2% in daily use over a 6 month period.
A kinetic and morphological study of the seeded growth of calcium sulfate dihydrate in the presence of additives

Abstract The effects of potential scale inhibitors such as N,N,N′,N′ -ethylenediaminetetra (methylenephosphonic acid) (ENTMP), and N,N,N′,N′ -triethylenediaminetetra (methylene phosphonic acid) (TENTMP) on the seeded crystal growth of calcium sulfate dihydrate from stable supersaturated solution have been studied at temperatures ranging from 25–55°C. Complete inhibition of growth for certain specific periods is found in supersaturated solution containing trace amounts of these additives. However, after rather well-defined induction periods the seed crystals again begin to grow and the crystallization rate follows an equation second-order in supersaturation. The duration of induction periods is greatly influenced by changing the concentration of impurities, the temperature, and the amount of seed crystals added. Complementary microscopic studies have been made of the morphology of the seed crystals during the growth process.
Intralesional steroid injection for proliferative parotid hemangiomas.

Summary Objective To evaluate the efficacy of proliferative phase intralesional steroid injections in the treatment of parotid hemangiomas. Design Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with parotid hemangiomas treated with intralesional steroid injections during the proliferative phase. Setting Vascular Anomalies Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Patients Twenty-one pediatric patients, ages 4–39 months. Methods Between 2001 and 2006, 21 patients received steroid injections for 23 parotid hemangiomas (bilateral in 2 patients). A total of 1–3 injections over the first year of life were given at 6–25 week intervals. Results Main outcome measures included softening, decreased growth rate, and/or decrease in size. After injection, achievement of outcome measures occurred with all lesions. No incidence of tissue atrophy or facial nerve injury was seen. Four of 21 (19%) patients developed failure to thrive (FTT). Conclusion Parotid hemangiomas can be effectively controlled with proliferative phase intralesional steroid injections. Injections may limit the need for future extensive surgery. Further prospective randomized trials are needed to support these claims. Failure to thrive may be a potential complication of intralesional steroid injection. Endocrine/growth monitoring should be considered when treating with intralesional steroids.
TEMPORAL TRENDS IN QUALITY OF CARE AMONG ICD RECIPIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE NCDR ICD REGISTRY

The ICD Registry was established in 2006 to measure quality of care in patients undergoing ICD implantation. However, whether quality has improved since initiation of the Registry is unknown. We analyzed changes over time (Cochrane-Armitage trend test) in three quality metrics – procedural
Therapeutic MicroRNA Strategies in Human Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide long, noncoding, endogenous RNA molecules which exert their functions by base pairing with messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thereby regulate protein-coding gene expression. In eukaryotic cells, miRNAs play important roles in regulating biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal. The human genome may contain as many as 1,000 miRNAs, and more than 700 of them have been identified. miRNAs are predicted to target up to one third of mRNAs. Each miRNA can target hundreds of transcripts directly or indirectly, while more than one miRNA can converge on a single transcript target. Therefore, the potential regulatory circuitry afforded by miRNA is enormous. Recently, mounting evidence implicates miRNAs as a new class of modulator for human tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, it has been proposed that manipulating miRNA activity and miRNA biogenesis may be a novel avenue for developing efficient therapies against cancer.
Communication, Procedural Justice, and Employee Attitudes: Relationships Under Conditions of Divestiture

This study examines the relationships among managerial communication, perceptions of the procedural justice of layoffs, and employee attitudes within the context of divestiture. As we expected, employee perceptions of procedural justice regarding the divestiture predicted, at one point in time, trust in new ownership and, two months later, post-divestiture commitment to the organization. Also as hypothesized, perceptions of the justice of the divestiture explained variance in trust and commitment above and beyond that explained by the perceived justice of the layoffs. Finally, as predicted, managerial communications that helped employees understand the events surrounding the divestiture increased perceptions of the procedural justice of the divestiture and layoffs, and had both indirect and direct effects on future commitment.
Patient sociodemographic characteristics as predictors of satisfaction with medical care : a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was performed to examine the relation of patients' sociodemographic characteristics to their satisfaction with medical care. The sociodemographic characteristics were age, ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status (three indices), marital status, and family size. Greater satisfaction was significantly associated with greater age and less education, and marginally significantly associated with being married and having higher social status (scored as a composite variable emphasizing occupational status). The average magnitudes of relations were very small, with age being the strongest correlate of satisfaction (mean r = 0.13). No overall relationship was found for ethnicity, sex, income, or family size. For all sociodemographic variables, the distribution of correlations was significantly heterogeneous, and statistical contrasts revealed the operation of several moderating variables. The meaning of the overall results and their relation to earlier reviews is discussed.
The Use of Advanced Technologies in Special Education Prospects from Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Simulation

Application d'une strategie hybride (reunissant les types «technology-push» et «demand-pull») a trois technologies (robotique, intelligence artificielle et simulation par ordinateur) lorsqu'elles sont utilisees dans le domaine de l'education specialisee
CT findings after embolization for blunt splenic trauma

PURPOSE To determine complications after transcatheter embolization for blunt splenic injury as recognized with computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS From March 1997 to January 2000, 80 patients underwent transcatheter embolization after blunt splenic injury, of whom 53 underwent abdominal CT examination before and after embolization. Preembolization CT scans were reviewed to determine grade of injury, and postembolization CT scans were reviewed to identify complications secondary to embolization. Arteriography results were reviewed to determine findings and method and location of embolization. RESULTS Splenic infarcts occurred in 63% of patients after proximal embolization and in 100% of patients after distal embolization. Infarcts after distal embolization tend to be larger and occur just distal to the embolization material, whereas infarcts after proximal embolization tend to be smaller, multiple, and located in the periphery. Most infarcts resolved without sequelae. Seven patients developed gas within an infarct or subcapsular fluid collection. Two collections were drained and found to be sterile and one patient had a splenic abscess at laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS Infarcts are common after splenic embolization. Gas may be present within an infarct after embolization with Gelfoam; however, the presence of air/fluid level is a better predictor of abscess.
Gigatron, A New Technology For Microwave Power Devices

The gigatron is a new design concept for microwave power devices. A gated field-emitter array is employed to produce microwave-modulated electron beam directly from the cathode. A ribbon beam configuration is used to mitigate space-change effects and provide efficient output coupling. A traveling wave output coupler is used to obtain optimum coupling to a wide beam. RF conversion efficiency is estimated at ~75%. Gigatron-family devices have been designed for applications from 3 GHz to 60 GHz frequency, from 30 W microtubes for phased-array antenna drivers to 500 MW drivers for linac colliders.
Estrogen replacement regimen and brain infusion of lipopolysaccharide differentially alter steroid receptor expression in the uterus and hypothalamus

The regimen of estrogen replacement can alter the consequences of estrogen therapy and stressors. To determine the long-term effects and interaction of these systems on the brain and periphery, adult female rats were infused with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the fourth ventricle of the brain for 4 weeks, and ovariectomized rats were administered either constant or pulsed regimens of estrogen replacement (17b-estradiol) until sacrifice at 8 weeks. Constant, but not pulsed, estrogen replacement reduced ERa and increased HSP90, HSP70, and PRB uterine protein levels. Both estrogen regimens increased ERb, HSP27, and PRA uterine proteins. Both regimens reduced hypothalamic levels of ERa, but not ERb, HSP, or PR. No changes were observed in the hippocampus. Long- term brain infusion of LPS activated microglia and reduced body weight, but did not alter corticosterone or nitrotyro- sine levels. LPS infusion into intact rats suppressed uterine weight, increased ERa and decreased HSP90 in the uterus. LPS did not alter uterine weight in ovariectomized rats treated with constant or pulsed estrogen. Together, these data suggest the timing of estrogen replacement and neuroinflammatory stressors can profoundly affect uterine and hypothalamic steroid receptor expression and may be important parameters to consider in the post-menopausal intervention with estrogen.
Long-term memory, forgetting, and deferred imitation in 12-month-old infants.

Long-term recall memory, as indexed by deferred imitation, was assessed in 12-month-old infants. Independent groups of infants were tested after retention intervals of 3 min, 1 week and 4 weeks. Deferred imitation was assessed using the ‘observation-only’ procedure in which infants were not allowed motor practice on the tasks before the delay was imposed. Thus, the memory could not have been based on re-accessing a motor habit, because none was formed in the first place. After the delay, memory was assessed either in the same or a different environmental context from the one in which the adult had originally demonstrated the acts. In Experiments 1 and 3, infants observed the target acts while in an unusual environment (an orange and white polka-dot tent), and recall memory was tested in an ordinary room. In Experiment 2, infants observed the target acts in their homes and were tested for memory in a university room. The results showed recall memory after all retention intervals, including the 4 week delay, with no effect of context change. Interestingly, the forgetting function showed that the bulk of the forgetting occurred during the first week. The findings of recall memory without motor practice support the view that infants as young as 12 months old use a declarative (nonprocedural) memory system to span delay intervals as long as 4 weeks.
A sparse representation approach for perceptual quality improvement of separated speech

Speech separation based on time-frequency masking has been shown to improve intelligibility of speech signals corrupted by noise. A perceived weakness of binary masking is the quality of separated speech. In this paper, an approach for improving the perceptual quality of separated speech from binary masking is proposed. Our approach consists of two stages, where a binary mask is generated in the first stage that effectively performs speech separation. In the second stage, a sparse-representation approach is used to represent the separated signal by a linear combination of Short-time Fourier Transform (STFT) magnitudes that are generated from a clean speech dictionary. Overlap-and-add synthesis is then used to generate an estimate of the speech signal. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated with the Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ), which is a standard objective speech quality measure. The proposed algorithm offers considerable improvements in speech quality over binary-masked noisy speech and other reconstruction approaches.
MILLIMETER OBSERVATIONS OF CS, HCO+, AND CO TOWARD FIVE PLANETARY NEBULAE: FOLLOWING MOLECULAR ABUNDANCES WITH NEBULAR AGE

Millimeter and sub-millimeter observations of CO, CS, and HCO{sup +} have been conducted toward five planetary nebulae (PNe: K4-47, NGC 6537 (Red Spider), M2-48, NGC 6720 (Ring), and NGC 6853 (Dumbbell)), spanning an age range of 900-10,000 yr, using the Sub-Millimeter Telescope and the 12 m antenna of the Arizona Radio Observatory. The J = 5 → 4, J = 3 → 2, and J = 2 → 1 transitions of CS at 245, 147, and 98 GHz, as well as the J = 3 → 2 and J = 1 → 0 lines of HCO{sup +} at 268 and 89 GHz, were detected toward each source. At least three rotational transitions of CO have also been observed, including the J = 6 → 5 and J = 4 → 3 lines at 691 and 461 GHz. CS had not been definitively identified previously in PNe, and new detections of HCO{sup +} were made in four of the five nebulae. From a radiative transfer analysis of the CO and CS data, kinetic temperatures of T {sub K} ∼ 10-80 K and gas densities of n(H{sub 2}) ∼ 0.1-1 × 10{sup 6} cm{sup –3} were determined for the molecular material inmore » these sources. Column densities for CO, CS, and HCO{sup +} were N {sub tot} ∼ 0.2-5 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup –2}, N {sub tot} ∼ 0.4-9 × 10{sup 12} cm{sup –2}, and N {sub tot} ∼ 0.3-5 × 10{sup 12} cm{sup –2}, respectively, with fractional abundances, relative to H{sub 2}, of f ∼ 0.4-2 × 10{sup –4}, f ∼ 1-4 × 10{sup –8}, and f ∼ 1 × 10{sup –8}, with the exception of M2-48, which had f(HCO{sup +}) ∼ 10{sup –7}. Overall, the molecular abundances do not significantly vary over a duration of 10,000 yr, in contrast to predictions of chemical models. The abundances reflect the remnant asymptotic giant branch shell material, coupled with photochemistry in the early PN phase. These observations also suggest that PNe eject substantial amounts of molecular material into the diffuse interstellar medium.« less
Self-reported quality of life after electrical and thermal injury

Electrical injury patients (EI) often require more procedures and longer hospital stays than their thermal injury counterparts. We hypothesized that postinjury quality of life might be better in thermal injury patients (TIs) than in EI. Each EI recorded in our institution's TRACS trade mark /ABA registry between 1995 and 2000 was matched with a TI for age and TBSA involvement. We compared SF-36 scores of EI and TIs to evaluate quality of life. Age and TBSA injury were similar between groups. SF-36 results demonstrated no significant differences in self-reported quality of life indices. Return to full-time employment did not differ significantly between groups. EI and TIs do not differ significantly in quality of life after their burn injuries. Self-evaluated function for EI and TIs is comparable. Quality of life in both EI and TIs are above population means on many dimensions. Language: en
Perceptual pre-processing filter for user-adaptive coding and delivery of visual information

We describe design of an adaptive video delivery system employing a perceptual preprocessing filter. Such filter receives parameters of the reproduction setup, such as viewing distance, pixel density, ambient illuminance, etc. It subsequently applies a contrast sensitivity model of human vision to remove spatial oscillations that are invisible under such conditions. By removing such oscillations the filter simplifies the video content, therefore leading to more efficient encoding without causing any visible alterations of the content. Through experiments, we demonstrate that the use of our filter can yield significant bit rate savings compared to conventional encoding methods that are not tailored to specific viewing conditions.
Comments on the “ordinary–extraordinary phase transition” of poly(lysine)

The “ordinary–extraordinary phase transition” of poly(lysine), first reported by Lin et al. [(1978) Biopolymers17, 1041–1064], has been reexamined as a function of the data collection interval (Δt) and scattering angle (θ). These data suggest that the relaxation domains “split” as the ionic strength is lowered through the transition region. In contrast, fluorescence photobleaching recovery data of Ware and coworkers (personal communication) indicate the tracer diffusion coefficient is not sensitive to the “ordinary–extraordinary phase transition.” The apparent discrepancy between these two techniques is here proposed to be due to small ion effects on both the dynamics and the scattering power of the polyelectrolytes.
Constructionist learning in digital archives education: student perceptions of effectiveness

This paper explores if a constructionist learning approach to digital archives education can positively influence student perceptions of their learning. Constructionism is a learning theory that places students in the role of designers and emphasizes creating physical artifacts in a social environment (Papert, 1980, 1991; Kafai, 2006). This theory is used in the instructional design of the Digital Archives Creation Project (DACP), which is a major component of a new digital archives course offered to a class of students enrolled in a MSLIS program. Results indicate that students perceived strong increases in their learning because of their engagement in the DACP, particularly in terms of their skills, confidence, understanding of topics covered in other courses, and overall understanding. Factors that influenced these increases include the collaborative teamwork, the role of the facilitator or instructor, and individual effort. Results indicate that a constructionist pedagogical approach holds great promise for LIS education, yet further research is required.
The Effect of Regional Climate Model Domain Choice on the Simulation of Tropical Cyclone-Like Vortices in the Southwestern Indian Ocean

A regional climate model is tested for several domain configurations over the southwestern Indian Ocean to examine the ability of the model to reproduce observed cyclones and their landfalling tracks. The interaction between large-scale and local terrain forcing of tropical storms approaching and transiting the island landmass of Madagascar makes the southwestern Indian Ocean a unique and interesting study area. In addition, tropical cyclones across the southern Indian Ocean are likely to be significantly affected by the large-scale zonal flow. Therefore, the effects of model domain size and the positioning of its lateral boundaries on the simulation of tropical cyclone–like vortices and their tracks on a seasonal time scale are investigated. Four tropical cyclones, which occurred over the southwestern Indian Ocean in January of the years 1995–97, are studied, and four domains are tested. The regional climate model is driven by atmospheric lateral boundary conditions that are derived from large-scale meteorological analyses. The use of analyzed boundary forcing enables comparison with observed cyclones in these tests. Simulations are performed using a 60-km horizontal resolution and for an extended time integration of about 6 weeks. Results show that the positioning of the eastern boundary of the regional model domain is of major importance in the life cycle of simulated tropical cyclone–like vortices: a vortex entering through the eastern boundary of the regional model is generally well simulated. The size of the domain also has a bearing on the ability of the regional model to simulate vortices in the Mozambique Channel, and the island landmass of Madagascar additionally influences storm tracks. These results show that the regional model can produce cyclonelike vortices and their tracks (with some deficiencies) given analyzed lateral boundary forcing. Statistical analyses of GCM-driven nested model ensemble integrations are now required to further address predictive skill of cyclones in the southwestern Indian Ocean and to test if the model can realistically simulate tropical storm genesis as opposed to advecting existing tropical disturbances entering through the model boundaries.
As the world turns

The following experience may be familiar to many of us at some time in our professional careers: upon trying to enter an interdisciplinary area, one is immediately confronted with a terminology barrier. Some of these barriers are just facts of life, whereas others can be traced back to confusions caused simply by loose usage of terminology by our colleagues. Unfortunately, a confusion of the latter kind is developing in one area that is a basis for many geophysical disciplines: the rotation of the earth.
Incompatibility of metam sodium with halogenated fumigants

Metam sodium (metam) is a widely used soil fumigant. Combined application of metam and other available fumigants is intended to produce synergic pesticidal effects for a broad spectrum of pest control in soil fumigation. This study aimed to test the compatibility of metam with the halogenated fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), chloropicrin, methyl bromide, methyl iodide and propargyl bromide. Halogenated fumigants and metam were spiked simultaneously into organic solvents, water and moist soils, and metam-induced degradation of these halogenated chemicals was evaluated. In all three media, the halogenated fumigants were incompatible with metam and degraded via rapid chemical reactions. The degradation rate varied with halogenated fumigant species and increased as the amount of metam present was increased. In moist soil, 15-95% of the halogenated fumigants were decomposed within 72h by metam at a 1:1 molar ratio. Combined application of Telone C-35 (62.5% 1,3-D + 35% chloropicrin) at 265mgkg −1 and Vapam (42% metam) at 567mgkg −1 in soil resulted in complete disappearance of the applied chloropicrin and 20-38% of the 1,3-D within 8h. The results suggest that simultaneous application of halogenated fumigants and metam at the same soil depth will not maximize pest control. In practice, sequential treatment of soil or application at different soil depths is recommended when these two types of fumigants are used in combination.  2004 Society of Chemical Industry