cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Novel Role of the Third Complement Component (C3) in Megakaryopoiesis: Implications for Pathogenesis of Reactive Thrombocytosis.

Abstract An elevated platelet count is frequently observed in several clinical conditions (e.g., chronic inflammation, acute hemorrhage) that may lead to reactive thrombocytosis (RT). Recently we found that i) complement is activated/cleaved in the bone marrow with release of C3a and des-Arg C3a fragments that sensitize responses of hematopoietic cells to SDF-1 (Blood 2003; 101:3784), an alpha-chemokine that plays an important role in Meg maturation/proplatelet formation, and ii) C3 deficient mice display delayed recovery of platelet counts after sublethal irradiation (Leukemia 2004, in press). Thus, since levels of C3 cleavage products (C3a and des-Arg C3a) and SDF-1 are elevated in bone marrow during inflammation and acute hemorrhage, we hypothesized that they may play a role in the pathogenesis of RT by enhancing Meg maturation/platelet production. In support of this notion we found that i) the receptor for C3a (C3aR) is highly expressed and functional on CFU-Meg progenitors and maturating Megs, ii) C3a induces a calcium flux and actin polymerization in Megs and enhances chemotactic response of human CFU-Meg and maturing Megs to an SDF-1 gradient, and iii) in the presence of C3a + SDF-1, Megs secrete more VEGF and MMP-9, which play a role in proplatelet formation. These effects were not inhibited by the small molecular antagonist of C3aR, SB290157, suggesting the involvement of the C3a derivative, des-Arg-C3a, that binds another C3a receptor called C5L2. At the molecular level we observed that C3a and des-ArgC3 promote the incorporation of CXCR4 into membrane lipid rafts in hematopoietic cells, allowing for its better interaction with small GTP-ases (Rac/Rho). We conclude that C3a and des-Arg C3a modulate the responsiveness of Megs to SDF-1 and postulate that the novel crosstalk between C3aR, C5L2 and CXCR4-G-protein coupled receptors we identified here plays an important and previously unrecognized role in the final maturation of Megs and pro-platelet formation during stress. Thus our results shed more light on the pathogenesis of RT and suggest that inhibitors of both CXCR4 and C3 could find a potential novel clinical application as drugs controlling elevated platelet counts.
“The Importance of Having a Plan B”: Academic Personnel Who Work with Student-Athletes

This chapter talks with ten academic personnel who work exclusively with student-athletes. These are advisors and learning specialists who work with the university, but not a specific academic department, helping student-athletes graduate. Like coaches, these academic personnel offer their views on challenges student-athletes face, and offer insight into how to help student-athletes succeed in the classroom. The advisors interviewed in this chapter were former student-athletes themselves, which helps them understand the pressures student-athletes face. Chapter Six highlights the role of advisors as liaisons between a student-athlete, their coach, and their professors.
The Effect of Hemodialysis and C5adesarg on Neutrophil Subpopulations

Abstract Alterations in neutrophil subpopulations during human hemodialysis or following injection of C5ades arg into rabbits were studied. Whereas baseline peripheral blood neutrophils contained approximately 80% of cells that formed rosettes with IgG-sensitized erythrocytes, neutrophils harvested at the granulocyte nadir (20 min after initiating hemodialysis or the injection of C5ades arg) were markedly depleted of this population. This was seen in a change in ratio of rosette-forming neutrophils (RFN) to non-rosette-forming neutrophils (non-RFN) from 4:1 at 0 time to 1:2 at 20 min. Since non-RFN are less active in assays of adherence and chemotaxis, these alterations in circulating neutrophil populations were reflected in abnormal functional capacity of neutrophils harvested at 20 min. To study the mechanism of RFN depletion, we investigated the ability of C5ades arg to aggregate various human neutrophil suspensions. Unfractionated neutrophils and RFN demonstrated prompt in vitro aggregation in response to C5ades arg whereas this activated complement fragment induced little aggregation in a population enriched for non-RFN. These results may explain the alterations in neutrophil adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity, which have been reported to accompany clinical disorders characterized by in vivo complement activation (i.e., hemodialysis or gram-negative sepsis).
Towards Recovery: Scientists With Better Ratings of Their Institution’s COVID-19 Response Have More Optimistic Forecasts

Using a survey with randomized elements and truth-telling incentives, we document scientists’ beliefs about current and future disruptions to their research and how these beliefs depend on the eventual length of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, scientists with more favorable ratings of their institution’s response to the pandemic have more optimistic forecasts, even when controlling for their current level of disruptions. This relationship holds even amongst groups with the most pessimistic forecasts, who should be prioritized as science policy responses continue to develop.
Maximum Power Transfer

This chapter will discuss power and how to find the maximum power transfer from the source to the load. The maximum power transfer is achieved if the load resistance is the same as the resistance in the Thevenin or Norton equivalent circuit for the source.
Audit Leadership Diversity and Audit Quality

We examine whether a culture emphasizing diversity in accounting firms, as embodied by the diversity of local offices’ audit leaders, influences audit quality. An organizational culture that emphasizes diverse perspectives and experiences can have a permeating influence on the execution of all local audits. We develop a composite measure of audit partner diversity within offices by capturing and combining variations among the following characteristics: gender, age, religiosity, ethnicity, nationality, and education. Our results indicate that greater diversity among office audit partners is associated with higher audit quality among office clientele, incremental to characteristics of the client, the geographic area, the audit office, and the engagement partner. These findings underscore the importance of an audit office culture that values diversity and provide important practical implications.
Hardware Development for the Controlled Fault Injection into a Turbofan Engine Air-Bleed Valve

Gas path fault diagnostics assists operators in determining, and managing the health of gas turbine engines. Engine data depicting fault progression under realistic operating conditions is useful for the maturation of these diagnostic methods. In this paper, we present hardware created to inject a progressive fault in an air bleed valve of a high bypass turbofan engine during on-wing engine testing. The developed hardware interrupts and overrides the engine control computer’s command of the valve and allows for the nondestructive, progressive off-schedule operation of the air bleed valve. Numeri- cal simulation results based on NASA’s Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation 40k are presented to illustrate representative changes in measured engine parameters that can be expected during such an experiment.
Mitral Annular Disjunction Associated With Fatal Ventricular Arrhythmia in an Adolescent With Marfan Syndrome

Abstract We discuss an adolescent with Marfan syndrome and a previous aortic valve-sparing root replacement who was found to have mitral annular disjunction on surveillance cardiac imaging in the s...
Cytomegalovirus infections in pregnant women as a risk of congenital deafness in a child.

Introduction One per cent of live births are affected by cytomegalovirus infection, but 90% of neonates with perinatal infection do not show symptoms of disease. Symptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) is present in 5-10% of children. Typical clinical signs of congenital cytomegalovirus infection are microcephalia, mental retardation, progressive major amblyacousia, and neuromuscular infection. Hypoacusis is present in 30-60% of children with congenital symptomatic CMV - in most cases it is bilateral and applies to high-frequency hearing loss. Material and methods A group of 70 children had serological and genetic screening of viral DNA using the polymerase chain reaction method in urine and blood. In this group, 52 children were diagnosed with congenital CMV, and 10 children were diagnosed with acquired CMV. Audiological examinations including pure-tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response, transiently evoked otoacoustic emission, and immittance audiometry were performed. Results Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was in 9 children associated with mental and physical retardation, brain malformation, and microcephalia. Unilateral hearing loss was observed in 3 children. In 40 cases, we did not observe hearing loss, although the level of bilirubin was high, as well as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and facial nerve paralysis. Conclusions Congenital cytomegalovirus infection often caused hearing loss. Children with congenital and acquired CMV should be under the permanent care of an audiologist. The growing problem of CMV infections and their late diagnosis suggests the need to prepare screening tests and increase the education of gynaecologists, neonatologists, paediatricians, and general practice doctors about CMV problems.
A new approach to processing and imaging multibeam water column echosounder data: application to a complex methane seep on the southern Cascadia margin

Acoustic echosounding systems are increasingly used to image water-column backscatter in addition to mapping the seafloor. We have imaged an acoustic flare generated by methane bubbles emanating fr...
Impact of conservation tillage on grain legume crops and their associated pests

Conservation tillage systems offer many benefits including the conservation of water, soil and energy. Less obvious benefits have included favourable effects on the growth of legume crops and, when managed in suitable rotations, a concurrent reduction in weed and disease infestations. Research has shown that many legumes can be grown successfully in no-tillage systems. The surface residues of cereals may be managed to reduce populations of annual weeds, and might also reduce disease and insect infestations. The challenge to managers of reduced tillage systems is to exploit the benefits and minimise the detrimental influences of allelochemicals.
Factors Regulating GnRH Neurons

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are regulated by numerous neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and by steroid hormone feedback. While this apparent multiplicity of inputs may seem redundant, in fact it is crucial for the organism to be able to integrate information about the internal homeostatic milieu, as well as external stimuli, in order to ensure that reproduction and behavior are coordinated. Moreover, while inputs to GnRH neurons may overlap in their stimulatory or inhibitory actions, the GnRH neurons themselves have a unique role in reproductive physiblogy. In the absence of these cells, reproduction cannot occur. The natural mutation of Kallmann’s syndrome in humans, and the hypogonadal mouse, in which GnRH neurons do not develop properly, are the most compelli g examples of the primacy of GnRH neurons, as individuals with these mutations never attain reproductive competence unless GnRH (or its downstream targets) is replaced.
Service Facilities: Extending Abstract Factories to Decouple Advanced Dependencies

It is widely agreed that component interactions should be based on the import and export of interface information only, not on knowledge of implementation-specific details. This can be achieved in many cases either by explicit parameterization using templates (in languages that have them) or by using some variant of the abstract factory pattern. We introduce an alternative: the use of service facilities. This technique is similar both to the use of templates and to the use of factories, but it is preferable to both in several important ways. Service facilities can be used to decouple design-time concrete-to-concrete component dependencies in any reasonable programming language and with any component infrastructure that is based on design-by-contract principles.
The Role of Data in Research and Policy

Data are essential for scientific research and policy planning. However, there needs to be attention to data quality and to the estimates and models based on those data. In addition, data need to be freely available for researchers to test new ideas and validate the work of others through replication, while respondents who provide data need to be protected. Three issues concerning data are addressed: (i) availability and accuracy of data for new research and reanalysis while protecting human subjects, (ii) problems with the estimation of indicators based on flawed or nongeneralizable data, and (iii) the use of data to develop models for projecting the future, the assumptions on which those models are based, and the assessment of the accuracy of past projections. In each of these areas, increased attention is necessary on how data are used, interpreted, and made available to the scholarly and policy community. Keywords: data sources; data quality; models; estimation methods; data access
Value Maps: Finding Value in Markets that are Expensive

Publisher Summary Based on traditional measures of value such as price-earnings ratio (PE) many stocks are at present either overvalued or are faring very poorly. The rapid expansion of Internet and technology companies has made surfing stock markets much more hazardous. The main idea of this chapter is to demonstrate how maps can be designed for finding value in stock markets. “Value maps” present self-organization maps with vast amounts of data on companies and stock performances, most of which is derived from traditional measures for assessing growth and value of companies. The maps in this chapter provide guidance not only to American companies but also world class companies whose stock can easily be bought and sold on every continent without brokerage accounts. The value maps in this chapter are models for how company and market information could be treated and represented in the future.
Parallel S n Sweeps on Unstructured Grids: Algorithms for Prioritization, Grid Partitioning, and Cycle Detection

The method of discrete ordinates is commonly used to solve the Boltzmann transport equation. The solution in each ordinate direction is most efficiently computed by sweeping the radiation flux across the computational grid. For unstructured grids this poses many challenges, particularly when implemented on distributed-memory parallel machines where the grid geometry is spread across processors. We present several algorithms relevant to this approach: (a) an asynchronous message-passing algorithm that performs sweeps simultaneously in multiple ordinate directions, (b) a simple geometric heuristic to prioritize the computational tasks that a processor works on, (c) a partitioning algorithm that creates columnar-style decompositions for unstructured grids, and (d) an algorithm for detecting and eliminating cycles that sometimes exist in unstructured grids and can prevent sweeps from successfully completing. Algorithms (a) and (d) are fully parallel; algorithms (b) and (c) can be used in conjunction with (a) to achieve higher parallel efficiencies. We describe our message-passing implementations of these algorithms within a radiation transport package. Performance and scalability results are given for unstructured grids with up to 3 million elements (500 million unknowns) running on thousands of processors of Sandia National Laboratories' Intel Tflops machine and DEC-Alpha CPlant cluster.
Hong Kong: The Anthropology of a Chinese Metropolis

Hong Kong: The Anthropology of. Chinese Metropolis. Grant Evans and Maria Tarn Siu-Mi. eds. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1997.336 pp.
Effect of lower rib cage expansion and diaphragm shortening on the zone of apposition

The relationship among diaphragm length (LD), the width of the zone of apposition (WZapp), and transverse chest diameter (Drc) was developed from model equations and statistical analysis. We present a theoretical model of diaphragm motion that predicts that the decrease in WZapp during inspiration is the result not only of shortening of the diaphragm muscle but also of expansion of the lower rib cage. To test our model, static lengths of costal LD, WZapp, and Drc were measured in 15 normal volunteers using posteroanterior chest X-ray films taken at four or five lung volumes spanning the vital capacity. We found a strong correlation between WZapp and LD: WZapp = 0.95 LD - 15.2 (R2 = 0.81). Expressing WZapp as a combined function of LD and Drc significantly reduced the unexplained variance in WZapp: WZapp = 0.96 LD - 0.47 Drc - 2.18 (R2 = 0.95). The coefficients for LD and Drc derived statistically are close to those predicted from our theoretical model. Repeating the analysis with LD as the dependent variable, we obtained similar results: LD = 0.85 WZapp + 17.1 (R2 = 0.81) and LD = 0.98 WZapp + 0.46 Drc + 3.48 (R2 = 0.94). We conclude that shortening of WZapp is dependent on both diaphragm shortening and rib cage expansion and that roentgenographic measurements of Drc and WZapp can be used to predict diaphragm length and length change.
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive fall risk program.

Purpose. The purpose was to develop and implement I'M SAFE, a comprehensive patient fall-risk assessment tool linked to a tiered-intervention falls prevention program. Design and Method. A fall-risk evaluation tool was incorporated into electronic nurse documentation along with risk-specific nursing interventions. Results. Intrinsic fall rates declined significantly (preimplementation: .67 falls/1,000 patient days; postimplementation: .51 falls/1,000 patient days, p= .015) and has been sustained 2 years following implementation. Practice Implications. The I'M SAFE tool identifies patients at increased risk for falls. When linked to a multidisciplinary fall prevention program, the incidence of preventable falls can be reduced. The program's impact has persisted across two facilities. Language: en
Incidence and Predictors of Upgrading and Up Staging among 10,000 Contemporary Patients with Low Risk Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: We determined the incidence of pathological upgrading and up staging for contemporary, clinically low risk patients, and identified predictors of having occult, advanced disease to inform the selection of patients for active surveillance.Materials and Methods: We studied 10,273 patients in the SEER database diagnosed with clinically low risk disease (cT1c/T2a, prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml, Gleason 3+3=6) in 2010 to 2011 and treated with prostatectomy. The primary outcome was the incidence of upgrading to pathological Gleason score 7-10 or up staging to pathological T3-T4/N1 disease. Multivariable logistic regression of cases with complete biopsy data (5,581) identified significant predictors of upgrading or up staging, which were then used to create a risk stratification table.Results: At prostatectomy 44% of cases were upgraded and 9.7% were up staged. Multivariable analysis of 5,581 patients showed age, prostate specific antigen and percent positive cores (all p <0.001) but not ...
The Problem of “Underdevelopment” in the English Classical School

I. Introduction, 235. — II. The problem: capital accumulation and population growth, 236; population: the shift in the classical school, 236; capital: its source or supply, 238; capital: the demand side — the effective desire of accumulation, 243; the directions for investment: priorities, 246; the rate of development: the substitution of factors, 250.
Analyses of HF/NH4F buffer-treated Si(111) surfaces using XPS, REM and SIMS

The effect of different cleaning procedures on Si(111) wafers has been studied. A three-step cleaning process was used. The first two steps (thermal oxidation followed by RCA cleaning) were common to all samples. The final step involved rinsing in one of a set of HF/NH4F buffer solutions with a wide range ofpH values. Three different surface techniques were used for characterizing the chemical condition and morphology of the treated surfaces: XPS (X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy), REM (Reflection Electron Microscopy) and SIMS (Secondary-Ion Mass Spectroscopy). It has been found that thepH value of an HF solution does significantly affect the etching rate and morphology of the Si(111) surface: For the same type of solution, the smaller thepH value, the higher the etching rate. Basic solutions withpH values larger than eight have a much weaker etching effect on the surface, which is contradictory to some previous reports. The most effective solutions for the etching of the Si(111) surface are the solutions of HF buffered by NH4F, with thepH in the range of 2–6. REM images indicate that the surface morphology after etching in the HF solution is strongly affected by the length of the etching time: Overetching will roughen the surface. The SIMS data show that water rinsing in air during the cleaning process does speed up oxidation, but it is necessary to use water to clean off the residuals from the HF solutions.
Correlation cloud and nonlinear response in a plasma

Abstract There are two conceptually different pictures for describing the plasma density around a test particle: one is based on the equilibrium pair correlation function, the other on response theory. The two pictures can be reconciled only through the proper recognition of the role of the nonlinear response.
Maternal control of pattern formation in Xenopus laevis.

We review the essential role of maternal factors in pattern formation for Xenopus laevis, focusing on VegT, Vg1, and Wnt11. Results from loss of function experiments demonstrate a clear requirement for these genes in germ layer specification, dorsal–ventral axis formation, and convergence extension. We also discuss these genes in the broader context of metazoan development, exploring whether and how their functions in the X. laevis model organism may or may not be conserved in other species. Wnt11 signaling in particular provides a classic example where understanding context in development is crucial to understanding function. Genomic sequencing, gene expression, and functional screening data that are becoming available in more species are providing invaluable aid to decoding and modeling signaling pathways. More work is needed to develop a comprehensive catalog of the Wnt signaling, T-box, and TGF-β genes in metazoans both near and far in evolutionary distance. We finally discuss some specific experimental and modeling efforts that will be needed to understand the behavior of these signaling networks in vivo so that we can interpret these critical pathways in an evolutionary framework. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:73–84, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insulin-like growth factor I levels decrease in the development of diabetes in Macaca nigra

Members of the monkey speciesMacaca nigra spontaneously develop impairments in insulin secretion and glucose clearance, and eventually become overtly diabetic. Changes in certain metabolic signals such as clearance of glucose and insulin increment secreted in an intravenous glucose tolerance test have allowed the identification of four stages in the progression from non-diabetes to diabetes in monkeys — non-diabetic, hormonally impaired, borderline diabetic, and diabetic. Recently, another metabolic stage, hyperinsulinemic, was also identified in these animals. In recent years, other factors besides those listed above have been implicated to be correlated with the metabolic progression from a nondiabetic to a diabetic state. One of these factors, is insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I). In diabetic humans who are in poor metabolic control, and in rats with streptozotocin induced ketotic diabetes, serum levels of IGF-I are lowered by as much as 40–50% of control non-diabetics. If indeed decreased IGF-I levels are correlated with the onset of diabetes then changes in IGF-I concentrations prior to the clinically diagnosed disease state would be expected. Using serum samples collected from different animals in a colony ofMacaca nigra in a variety of metabolic states, we have found that IGF-I and insulin levels decrease in each defined metabolic state as the animals progress from nondiabetic to diabetic. Since IGF-I and insulin levels decrease in a similar fashion in the progression of this disease then this maybe indicative of the coordinate expression of these two factors.
Testing for incremental information content in the presence of collinearity

Abstract A number of recent research papers use two-stage procedures in lieu of a single multiple regression, in some cases purportedly as a solution to colinearity among independent variables. We demonstrate that, since collinearity is inherently a data problem rather than a statistical problem, no partitions of dependent or independent variables, orthogonal or otherwise, can provide insights into the relative influence of collinear variables. For the class of linear unbiased estimators this follows directly from the Gauss-Markov Theorem, but we demonstrate some of the results in detail as an aid to interpreting particular papers.
The Exuberant Planet: A Global Look at the Role of Utilities in Protecting Biodiversity

/ Biodiversity is a critical environmental issue. Biodiverse species as a source of unique genetic information, for example, continues to provide society with lifesaving drugs and important industrial chemicals. Since US utilities are substantial landholders and virtually every aspect of utility operations are in some way tied to environmental/biodiversity issues, it is important and essential that the utility industry step forward as a leader. This paper details the past, present, and future role that utilities have played and need to play in the very important arena of biodiversity.KEY WORDS: Biodiversity; Utilities; Policy; Scientist; Regulators
A Selective Experimental Review of the Standard Model

Before disussing experimental comparisons with the Standard Model, (S-M) it is probably wise to define more completely what is commonly meant by this popular term. This model is a gauge theory of SU(3)/sub f/ x SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) with 18 parameters. The parameters are ..cap alpha../sub s/, ..cap alpha../sub qed/, theta/sub W/, M/sub W/ (M/sub Z/ = M/sub W//cos theta/sub W/, and thus is not an independent parameter), M/sub Higgs/; the lepton masses, M/sub e/, M..mu.., M/sub r/; the quark masses, M/sub d/, M/sub s/, M/sub b/, and M/sub u/, M/sub c/, M/sub t/; and finally, the quark mixing angles, theta/sub 1/, theta/sub 2/, theta/sub 3/, and the CP violating phase delta. The latter four parameters appear in the quark mixing matrix for the Kobayashi-Maskawa and Maiani forms. Clearly, the present S-M covers an enormous range of physics topics, and the author can only lightly cover a few such topics in this report. The measurement of R/sub hadron/ is fundamental as a test of the running coupling constant ..cap alpha../sub s/ in QCD. The author will discuss a selection of recent precision measurements of R/sub hadron/, as well as some other techniques for measuring ..cap alpha../sub s/. QCD alsomore » requires the self interaction of gluons. The search for the three gluon vertex may be practically realized in the clear identification of gluonic mesons. The author will present a limited review of recent progress in the attempt to untangle such mesons from the plethora q anti q states of the same quantum numbers which exist in the same mass range. The electroweak interactions provide some of the strongest evidence supporting the S-M that exists. Given the recent progress in this subfield, and particularly with the discovery of the W and Z bosons at CERN, many recent reviews obviate the need for further discussion in this report. In attempting to validate a theory, one frequently searches for new phenomena which would clearly invalidate it. 49 references, 28 figures.« less
Isolation of a novel cDNA encoding a putative membrane receptor with high homology to the cloned μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors

Abstract A rat brain cDNA library was screened for clones homologous to the recently cloned mouse δ-opioid receptor (DOR-1). Among the clones isolated was Hyp 8-1, a clone with a unique nucleotide sequence capable of encoding a putative protein which is 57–58% identical to the amino acid sequences of the cloned δ, μ and κ opioid receptors, indicating a close relationship of Hyp 8-1 with the opioid receptor family. Several cDNAs representing possible splice variants of Hyp 8-1 were also isolated. Binding studies of COS-7 cells transfected with clone Hyp 8-1 failed to demonstrate specific binding with several 3H-opioid ligands. In situ hybridization studies indicate that the mRNA for Hyp 8-1 is distributed discretely throughout the rat brain, in an overall pattern which is different from that of several other G-protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptors. Thus, it is likely that the Hyp 8-1 cDNA encodes a novel peptide receptor.
Stage-specific gene expression during hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat

The alteration of genetic expression ubiquitously seen in both preneoplastic and neoplastic tissues has been investigated for many years in the hope that the critical molecular changes resulting in cancer can be elucidated. The alteration of the expression of specific genes has already been employed in diagnostic and even screening procedures for this disease. In the past many observations of such alterations have led to a variety of theories but not definitive generalizations. Studies of the alteration of genetic expression may now be viewed in the light of our understanding of the multistage nature of neoplastic development. This brief review describes a number of genes the expressions of which are altered during the stages of initiation and promotion, in contrast to the alteration of expression of genes during the stage of progression. The promotion stage is concerned primarily with the chronic interaction of promoting agents in the environment with the genetic apparatus of the cell, played out on the altered genetic background resulting from the stage of initiation. In contrast, the progression stage is characterized primarily by an evolving karyotypic instability resulting in continual genetic changes during this stage. On the basis of these distinctions it is possible to identify genes the altered expression of which is unique to the stage of progression. The identification of these genes and an understanding of mechanisms resulting in their altered expression will allow not only a better molecular characterization of the progression stage but also the quantitative analysis of neoplastic development in several model animal systems as well as eventually in the human.
Ionospheric control of the magnetospheric configuration: Thermospheric neutral winds

[1] In this study we present the first results from the University of Michigan's coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere general circulation model. This code is a combination of the Michigan MHD model with the NCAR thermosphere-ionosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model (TIEGCM). The MHD code provides specification of the high-latitude ionospheric electric potential and the particle precipitation pattern, while the TIEGCM provides the divergence of the height-integrated neutral wind multiplied by the conductance. This can be easily incorporated into the electric potential solver in the MHD code. We show in this study that the neutral winds cause an approximately 6% increase in the cross polar cap potential when the IMF is strongly southward. This causes the magnetospheric field aligned currents to decrease by a small amount. In the magnetosphere, the flow speeds are increased by only a small amount while the IMF is strongly southward, but when it turns northward the differences become 10–20%. When the IMF is northward, the pressure on the dayside magnetosphere is reduced while the pressure on the nightside is increased by ∼10% of the total pressure.
Building an On-ramp for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is in its infancy, similar to the state of the Internet before the World Wide Web made it an indispensable tool for communication, business and entertainment. A similar revolution is needed for the IoT to become really useful. This paper identifies some important problems with today's IoT involving discovery and control, and proposes some solutions based on a concept we call the Physical Web, an integration of the IoT with Web technologies.
Fast neutron generation with a type CN Van de Graaff accelerator

Abstract We have used the University of Lowell accelerator to generate fast neutrons by irradiating a thick metallic lithium target with protons. The neutron radiation field resembles that of a point source. A computer code has been written to obtain neutron energy spectra and fluences as functions of position. At the highest fluence point 10 14 neutrons/cm 2 is obtained in 90 min with a 4-MeV, 20-μA proton beam. This is not a large fluence rate when compared to that of a research reactor but our gamma intensity is much lower and slow neutrons are virtually absent so that irradiated materials show little induced radioactivity. The design of our station will be described and its use for the irradiation of electronic devices and other objects will be reviewed.
Heart Surgery in End-Stage Renal Disease: Is Outcome Worse for African American Patients?

General results of open heart surgery in end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD) have been well-documented. However, it is unknown if the African American subgroup with known decreased access to advanced healthcare services and a higher prevalence rate of ESRD have a worse long-term survival after heart surgery. Thirty of 150 African American patients who underwent open heart surgery by a single surgeon at an urban community hospital between 1996 and 2010 were identified to have ESRD and were on chronic maintenance hemodialysis prior to surgery. Clinical and outcome data from both groups were retrospectively analyzed. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic characteristics of the patients, but the ESRD cohort showed a significantly higher prevalence of peripheral vascular and cardiovascular diseases [P < 0.001]. Compared to the non-ESRD subjects, the predicted logistic EuroSCORE was 16.4% vs. 9.4%, [P < 0.001], while the observed 30 days operative mortality was 16.6% vs. 4.2% [P < 0.02], respectively. In isolated coronary artery bypass graft cases, operative mortality was 20.8% and 3.0%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year post-surgery survival was 40% and 25% vs. 72% and 57% [P < 0.01], respectively, in the ESRD and non-ESRD groups. Operative mortality and survival was worse in ESRD patients compared to non-ESRD patients based on their preoperative risk scores. Although the operative mortality of our ESRD patients was high, long-term survival was comparable to reports from both the United States Renal Data System and a Japanese ESRD cohort.
Production of a superhydrophilic surface by aluminum-induced crystallization of amorphous silicon.

The wettability of glass substrates textured via aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) of amorphous silicon (a-Si) was studied. It was found that a stable superhydrophilic surface could be produced by AIC of a-Si. This research suggests that densely distributed micron-sized silicon islands with nanoscale silicon spikes produced by the technique of AIC of a-Si are responsible for the stable superhydrophilicity. The study also shows that these superhydrophilic surfaces can be easily converted to superhydrophobic ones by means of coating with C4F8.
SU-E-T-492: Implementing a Method for Brain Irradiation in Rats Utilizing a Commercially Available Radiosurgery Irradiator

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to implement a method for accurate rat brain irradiation using the Gamma Knife Perfexion unit. The system needed to be repeatable, efficient, and dosimetrically and spatially accurate. Methods: A platform (“rat holder”) was made such that it is attachable to the Leskell Gamma Knife G Frame. The rat holder utilizes two ear bars contacting bony anatomy and a front tooth bar to secure the rat. The rat holder fits inside of the Leskell localizer box, which utilizes fiducial markers to register with the GammaPlan planning system. This method allows for accurate, repeatable setup.A cylindrical phantom was made so that film can be placed axially in the phantom. We then acquired CT image sets of the rat holder and localizer box with both a rat and the phantom. Three treatment plans were created: a plan on the rat CT dataset, a phantom plan with the same prescription dose as the rat plan, and a phantom plan with the same delivery time as the rat plan. Results: Film analysis from the phantom showed that our setup is spatially accurate and repeatable. It is also dosimetrically accurate, with an difference between predicted and measured dose ofmore » 2.9%. Film analysis with prescription dose equal between rat and phantom plans showed a difference of 3.8%, showing that our phantom is a good representation of the rat for dosimetry purposes, allowing for +/- 3mm diameter variation. Film analysis with treatment time equal showed an error of 2.6%, which means we can deliver a prescription dose within 3% accuracy. Conclusion: Our method for irradiation of rat brain has been shown to be repeatable, efficient, and accurate, both dosimetrically and spatially. We can treat a large number of rats efficiently while delivering prescription doses within 3% at millimeter level accuracy.« less
Early predictors of adverse outcome in term infants with post-asphyxial hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy.

Toh VC. Early predictors of adverse outcome in term infants with post-asphyxial hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Acta Paediatr 2000; 89: 343-7. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5253 Severe metabolic acidosis of base deficit ≥25 mEq/L was associated with a high risk of dying: PPV 77.8% and specificity 88.9%. A retrospective study of 35 term infants with post-asphyxial hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) was conducted to identify early clinical predictors of either death or major motor disability at 18 mo of age. Twenty-three had severe adverse outcome: 13 died and 10 had major neurological sequelae. The significant risk factors were a low 5 min Apgar score, use of adrenaline, low first arterial pH and high base deficit. A base deficit ≥20 mEq/L is a useful predictor of death or disability with a high positive predictive value (PPV) of 93.8%, followed by 93.3% and 84.2% for pH < 7.1 and 5 min Apgar score <4, respectively. The PPV of death or disability is enhanced in the model combining base deficit of ≥20 mEq/L and 5 min Apgar score of <4. This model has a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 100%.
The CDK-activating kinase (CAK) Csk1 is required for normal levels of homologous recombination and resistance to DNA damage in fission yeast.

Background Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) perform essential roles in cell division and gene expression in all eukaryotes. The requirement for an upstream CDK-activating kinase (CAK) is also universally conserved, but the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe appears to be unique in having two CAKs with both overlapping and specialized functions that can be dissected genetically. The Mcs6 complex—orthologous to metazoan Cdk7/cyclin H/Mat1—activates the cell-cycle CDK, Cdk1, but its non-redundant essential function appears to be in regulation of gene expression, as part of transcription factor TFIIH. The other CAK is Csk1, an ortholog of budding yeast Cak1, which activates all three essential CDKs in S. pombe—Cdk1, Mcs6 and Cdk9, the catalytic subunit of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb)—but is not itself essential. Methodology/Principal Findings Cells lacking csk1+ are viable but hypersensitive to agents that damage DNA or block replication. Csk1 is required for normal levels of homologous recombination (HR), and interacts genetically with components of the HR pathway. Tests of damage sensitivity in csk1, mcs6 and cdk9 mutants indicate that Csk1 acts pleiotropically, through Cdk9 and at least one other target (but not through Mcs6) to preserve genomic integrity. Conclusions/Significance The two CAKs in fission yeast, which differ with respect to their substrate range and preferences for monomeric CDKs versus CDK/cyclin complexes as substrates, also support different functions of the CDK network in vivo. Csk1 plays a non-redundant role in safeguarding genomic integrity. We propose that specialized activation pathways dependent on different CAKs might insulate CDK functions important in DNA damage responses from those capable of triggering mitosis.
B incorporation and hole transport in fully strained heteroepitaxial Si1 − xGex grown on Si(0 0 1) by gas-source MBE from Si2H6, Ge2H6, and B2H6

Abstract B-doped Si 0.95 Ge 0.05 (0 0 1) films were grown on Si(0 0 1) by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy in the surface-reaction-limited regime using Si 2 H 6 , Ge 2 H 6 , and B 2 H 6 . Incorporated B concentrations C B (5 × 10 16 − 3 × 10 19 cm −3 ) were found to increase linearly with increasing B 2 H 6 flux J B 2 H 6 (6 × 10 12 −2 × 10 15 cm −2 s −1 ) at constant film growth temperature T s , and to decrease exponentially with 1/ T s at constant J B 2 H 6 . The B 2 H 6 reactive sticking probability ranged from ⋍ 3.3 × 10 −4 at T s = 600°C to 8.2 × 10 −4 at 700°C and film growth rates were independent of J B 2 H 6 . Structural analysis by in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction combined with post-deposition high-resolution plan-view and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and reciprocal lattice mapping showed that all films were fully strained, with measured relaxations less than the detection limit, ⋍ 3 × 10 −5 , and exhibited no evidence of dislocations or other extended defects. Room-temperature Si 0.95 Ge 0.05 : B conductivity mobilities were equal to theoretical values and a factor of ⋍ 2 higher than corresponding results for bulk Si. μ c varied from 410 cm 2 V −1 s −1 with C B = 5 × 10 16 cm −3 to 60 cm 2 V −1 s −1 with C B = 3 × 10 19 cm −3 .
CARBON ISOTOPES IN BIOLOGICAL CARBONATES : RESPIRATION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Respired carbon dioxide is an important constituent in the carbonates of most air breathing animals but is much less important in the carbonates of most aquatic animals. This difference is illustrated using carbon isotope data from freshwater and terrestrial snails, ahermatypic corals, and chemoautotrophic and methanotrophic pelecypods. Literature data from fish otoliths and bird and mammal shell and bone carbonates are also considered. Environmental CO2/O2 ratios appear to be the major controlling variable. Atmospheric CO2/O2 ratios are about thirty times lower than in most natural waters, hence air breathing animals absorb less environmental CO2 in the course of obtaining 02. Tissue CO2 therefore, does not isotopically equilibrate with environmental CO2 as thoroughly in air breathers as in aquatic animals, and this is reflected in skeletal carbonates. Animals having efficient oxygen transport systems, such as vertebrates, also accumulate more respired CO2 in their tissues. Photosynthetic corals calcify mainly during the daytime when photosynthetic CO2 uptake is several times faster than respiratory CO2 release. Photosynthesis, therefore, affects skeletal δ13C more strongly than does respiration. Corals also illustrate how “metabolic” effects on skeletal isotopic composition can be estimated, despite the presence of much larger “kinetic” isotope effects.
Achievement or Ascription Ideology? An Analysis of Attitudes about Future Success for Residents in Poor Urban Neighborhoods

Abstract Literature on the urban experience suggests that, in response to poverty and other structural constraints, residents in poor urban neighborhoods often develop oppositional cultures and exhibit attitudes and behavior that differ drastically from those found in the larger society. This project examines the attitudes of a sample of poor and near-poor urbanites regarding what is needed to get ahead in life. If their attitudes reflect an oppositional culture, respondents would be expected to associate success with ascription variables such as race/ethnicity, sex, and family economics rather than achievement variables such as hard work and education. Bivariate and multivariate results indicate that regardless of race/ethnicity, sex, household economics, or neighborhood poverty, respondents embrace an achievement ideology that acknowledges the importance of education and hard work. These findings help dispel oppositional culture theories as exemplars of the attitudes of residents in poor urban neighborh...
Tissue transglutaminase promotes drug resistance and invasion by inducing mesenchymal transition in mammary epithelial cells.

Recent observations that aberrant expression of tissue transglutaminase (TG2) promotes growth, survival, and metastasis of multiple tumor types is of great significance and could yield novel therapeutic targets for improved patient outcomes. To accomplish this, a clear understanding of how TG2 contributes to these phenotypes is essential. Using mammary epithelial cell lines (MCF10A, MCF12A, MCF7 and MCF7/RT) as a model system, we determined the impact of TG2 expression on cell growth, cell survival, invasion, and differentiation. Our results show that TG2 expression promotes drug resistance and invasive functions by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Thus, TG2 expression supported anchorage-independent growth of mammary epithelial cells in soft-agar, disrupted the apical-basal polarity, and resulted in disorganized acini structures when grown in 3D-culture. At molecular level, TG2 expression resulted in loss of E-cadherin and increased the expression of various transcriptional repressors (Snail1, Zeb1, Zeb2 and Twist1). Tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-β) failed to induce EMT in cells lacking TG2 expression, suggesting that TG2 is a downstream effector of TGF-β-induced EMT. Moreover, TG2 expression induced stem cell-like phenotype in mammary epithelial cells as revealed by enrichment of CD44+/CD24-/low cell populations. Overall, our studies show that aberrant expression of TG2 is sufficient for inducing EMT in epithelial cells and establish a strong link between TG2 expression and progression of metastatic breast disease.
Similarity and difference between degenerate parametric oscillators and two-photon correlated-spontaneous-emission lasers

The degenerate parametric oscillator (DPO) is analyzed with the nonlinear material treated quantum mechanically. The source of squeezing in the DPO is the same as in the two-photon correlated-spontaneous-emission laser (CEL)--the level coherence. In this sense, they are similar. The amount of squeezing in DPO is the same as in the two-photon CEL at two-photon resonance, but the gain in DPO is usually much smaller than that in the two-photon CEL at two-photon resonance.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Update On Minimally Invasive Management of Ureteral Strictures

Purpose: To review the role of minimally invasive management in ureteral stricture disease. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed on the MEDLINE database through 2002 concerning endoscopic treatment of patients with ureteral strictures. Results: Many endourologic methods are available for ureteral strictures. Ureteral dilation may be accomplished in most cases, with various rates of success depending on stricture etiology, location, and length. Endoureterotomy also leads to long-term patency in properly selected cases and appears to be superior to dilation alone. Conclusions: Significant advances in technique and technology have improved our ability to treat ureteral strictures without the need for open surgery in most patients.