cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

In cardiovascular and interventional radiology (CVIR), a combination of needles, wires, catheters, balloons, and stents are used to accomplish many things through small access points in the skin.
Neonatal staff and advanced practice nurses' perceptions of bereavement/end-of-life care of families of critically ill and/or dying infants.

• BACKGROUND Parents need compassionate care when an infant dies. Nurses can provide such care and possibly facilitate grieving, yet often have inadequate preparation in bereavement/end-of-life care. • OBJECTIVE To describe neonatal nurses’ perceptions of bereavement/end-of-life care of families of critically ill and/or dying infants. • METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational mailed survey design was used. The 55-item Bereavement End-of-Life Attitudes About Care: Neonatal Nurses Scale containing 4 sections (comfort, roles, involvement, and demographics) was mailed to 240 hospitals in the United States. • RESULTS The final response rate was 52% (190 completed data sets from 125 hospitals). Respondents were comfortable with many aspects of bereavement/end-of-life care. Comfort and roles scores correlated significantly with number of years as a neonatal intensive care nurse. Respondents agreed about many important aspects of their roles with patients’ families, especially the importance of providing daily support to the families. Most respondents identified caring for a dying infant, the actual death of an infant, and language or cultural differences as influential factors in the level of their involvement with families. • CONCLUSIONS Education on bereavement/end-of-life care could affect nurses’ comfort with caring for families of critically ill and/or dying infants. Additional education on cultural competence would be helpful. Educators must promote the inclusion of content on bereavement/end-of-life care in nursing curricula. Finally, researchers must focus more attention on factors that promote and inhibit bereavement/end-oflife care of families of critically ill and/or dying infants. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2004; 13:489-498)
Neuroimaging of executive function in survivors of pediatric brain tumors and healthy controls.

Objective: Research on the long-term sequelae of treatment for pediatric brain tumors has identified significant neurocognitive deficits experienced by many survivors. Despite indications of deficits based on cognitive assessment, the identification of specific neurobiological mechanisms of these deficits using neuroimaging techniques has yet to be considered. Method: This study used norm-referenced standardized assessment and functional MRI (fMRI) to examine attention and executive functioning deficits of survivors of pediatric brain tumors, as compared with healthy children. Results: Survivors of pediatric brain tumors performed more poorly than healthy children on measures of overall cognitive ability, attention, and executive function during testing, as well as on a working memory task during fMRI. Survivors showed lower blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in bilateral frontal regions associated with sustained attention (BA6/8) and greater BOLD signal in left cingulate regions associated with complex problem-solving and performance monitoring (BA32) during working memory task completion. Both group and brain activation accounted for significant variance in neurocognitive functioning. Conclusions: Survivors of pediatric brain tumor and healthy children differed in brain activation during completion of a working memory task, and brain activation was associated with deficits noted in testing. These findings may improve understanding of mechanisms of cognitive deficits and avenues for intervention for children with brain tumors.
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is associated with natural menopause in a population-based sample: The CARDIA Women's Study

Objective AMH is associated with menopausal timing in several studies. In contrast to prior studies that were restricted to women with regular cycles, our objective was to examine this association in women with either regular or irregular menstrual cycles.
Template Topology and Transcription: Chromatin Templates Relaxed by Localized Linearization Are Transcriptionally Active in Yeast

To address the role of transient torsional stress in transcription, we have utilized the regulated expression of HO endonuclease in yeast to create double-strand breaks in DNA templates in vivo at preselected sites. Linearization of circular minichromosomes, either 2 kb upstream or immediately downstream of a lacZ reporter gene controlled by the yeast metallothionein gene (CUP1) promoter, did not alter the copper induction profile of lacZ RNA transcripts compared to that of nonlinearized controls. Constructs site-specifically integrated into yeast chromosome II gave similar results. In vivo cross-linking with psoralen as a probe for negative DNA supercoiling demonstrated that template linearization efficiently dissipated DNA supercoiling induced by transcription. Therefore, the efficient transcription of linearized, relaxed templates found here demonstrates that transient torsional tension is not required for transcription of chromatin templates in yeast.
Patient education on cigarette smoking: the dentist’s role

The dentist’s role as a health educator for his patients who smoke cigarettes is discussed. A major cause of illness and premature death in our society is cigarette smoking. Because cigarette smoke is an irritant, even the nonsmoker is affected by the habits of the smokers. The dentist is one health professional who has a good opportunity to reach patients who smoke cigarettes. He can attempt to modify this behavior in four ways discussed in this article.
Modeling and Control of AFM-based Nano-manipulation Systems

This paper develops a model and control scheme for nano-manipulation systems based on atomic force microscopes (AFM). The model includes the micro-cantilever's and piezotube actuator's coupled dynamics. An identification-based controller is proposed for piezotube scanner positioning accounting for the piezotube's nonlinear sensitivity and axes coupling. A novel robust adaptive controller is developed to compensate for large parametric uncertainties including time varying and switching parameters due to probe-surface contacts as well as time varying and impulsive forces due to contact and impact. Discussions and simulations are presented for typical nano-manipulation tasks.
Action of fibroblast growth factor-2 on the intervertebral disc.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a growth factor that is immediately released after cartilage injury and plays a pivotal role in cartilage homeostasis. In human adult articular cartilage, FGF2 mediates anti-anabolic and potentially catabolic effects via the suppression of proteoglycan (PG) production along with the upregulation of matrix-degrading enzyme activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the biological effects of FGF2 in spine disc cells and to elucidate the complex biochemical pathways utilized by FGF2 in bovine intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in an attempt to further understand the pathophysiologic processes involved in disc degeneration. We studied the effect of FGF2 on IVD tissue homeostasis by assessing MMP-13 expression (potent matrix-degrading enzyme), PG accumulation, and PG synthesis in the bovine spine IVD, as well as evaluating whether FGF2 counteracts known anabolic factors such as BMP7. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which FGF2 antagonizes BMP7 activity, we also investigated the signaling pathways utilized by FGF2 in bovine disc tissue. The primary receptor expressed in bovine nucleus pulposus cartilage is FGFR1, and this receptor is upregulated in degenerative human IVD tissue compared with normal IVD tissue. Stimulation of bovine nucleus pulposus cells cultured in monolayer with FGF2 augmented the production of MMP-13 at the transcriptional and translational level in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of bovine nucleus pulposus cells cultured in alginate beads for 21 days with FGF2 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in PG accumulation, due at least in part to the inhibition of PG synthesis. Further studies demonstrate that FGF2 (10 ng/ml) antagonizes BMP7-mediated acceleration of PG production in bovine nucleus pulposus cells via the upregulation of noggin, an inhibitor of the transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway. Chemical inhibitor studies showed that FGF2 utilizes the mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB pathways to upregulate noggin, serving as one potential mechanism for its anti-anabolic effects. FGF2 is anti-anabolic in bovine spine disc cells, revealing the potential of FGF2 antagonists as unique biologic treatments for both prevention and reversal of IVD degeneration.
Interaction mechanisms between polyamines and IRK1 inward rectifier K+ channels.

Rectification of macroscopic current through inward-rectifier K+ (Kir) channels reflects strong voltage dependence of channel block by intracellular cations such as polyamines. The voltage dependence results primarily from the movement of K+ ions across the transmembrane electric field, which accompanies the binding–unbinding of a blocker. Residues D172, E224, and E299 in IRK1 are critical for high-affinity binding of blockers. D172 appears to be located somewhat internal to the narrow K+ selectivity filter, whereas E224 and E299 form a ring at a more intracellular site. Using a series of alkyl-bis-amines of varying length as calibration, we investigated how the acidic residues in IRK1 interact with amine groups in the natural polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) that cause rectification in cells. To block the pore, the leading amine of bis-amines of increasing length penetrates ever deeper into the pore toward D172, while the trailing amine in every bis-amine binds near a more intracellular site and interacts with E224 and E299. The leading amine in nonamethylene-bis-amine (bis-C9) makes the closest approach to D172, displacing the maximal number of K+ ions and exhibiting the strongest voltage dependence. Cells do not synthesize bis-amines longer than putrescine (bis-C4) but generate the polyamines spermidine and spermine by attaching an amino-propyl group to one or both ends of putrescine. Voltage dependence of channel block by the tetra-amine spermine is comparable to that of block by the bis-amines bis-C9 (shorter) or bis-C12 (equally long), but spermine binds to IRK1 with much higher affinity than either bis-amine does. Thus, counterintuitively, the multiple amines in spermine primarily confer the high affinity but not the strong voltage dependence of channel block. Tetravalent spermine achieves a stronger interaction with the pore by effectively behaving like a pair of tethered divalent cations, two amine groups in its leading half interacting primarily with D172, whereas the other two in the trailing half interact primarily with E224 and E299. Thus, nature has optimized not only the blocker but also, in a complementary manner, the channel for producing rapid, high-affinity, and strongly voltage-dependent channel block, giving rise to exceedingly sharp rectification.
When will tumor gene expression profiling be incorporated into clinical breast cancer decision making

DNA microarray based gene expression analysis of primary breast cancers is not in general clinical use in spite of the widespread enthusiasm for the approach. However, several studies have identified gene expression patterns, or "signatures" that are predictive of disease outcome and assays based on these findings have become commercially available. Additional studies are required to further define gene signatures that can be used to help tailor the therapy best suited to for an individual patient. Recent gene expression profiling studies using cell line models to identify downstream transcriptional targets of oncogenic signaling pathways may help achieve this goal.
Barriers to Physical Activity: A Study of Self-Revelation in an Online Community

The importance of regular physical activity to overall health has been well established, yet adults in the United States are leading increasingly sedentary lives. Research suggests that lowering perceived barriers to exercise is an effective strategy for encouraging physical activity. This article describes the top barriers that emerged from a qualitative analysis of message board traffic from a three-month healthy lifestyle intervention that promoted physical activity and healthy eating. The findings further elaborate known barriers to physical activity--two of which are not reported as key barriers in prior research--and illustrate the value of a grounded approach to studying health and fitness behaviors. Based on our analysis, we identify design considerations for technologies that encourage and support physical activity. Understanding the needs of a population is a critical step in the design process, and this paper offers unique insights for those working in this growing domain.
Housing Demand and Property Tax Incidence in a Life-Cycle Framework:

Studies of tax incidence usually present estimates based on annual data and then simply note that estimates based on lifetime information would be preferable but are precluded by data limitations. This article presents estimates of property tax incidence in both an annual and a life-cycle framework. Under various shifting assumptions, the property tax appears less regressive in a lifetime sense than an annual one. It also appears that transitory influences on measured income may be more important than life-cycle issues in causing annual and lifetime tax incidence profiles to differ .
Experimental Study on Wastewater Treatment Containing Copper with Electrodeposition Method

In order to achieve the goal of purifing the waste water and recycling of copper, use the electrodeposition to treat the copper-containing wastewater. The experiment studies the effects of electrode materials, cell voltage, plate distance, pH and other experimental conditions in the process of deposition and the effect of blowing nitrogen in the process of deposition. The results show that the best condition is using graphite-aluminum electrode, cell voltage is 7V, plate distance is 10mm and pH is 3 under the condition of blowing nitrogen. From which the removal rate of copper can reach more than 93%. Nitrogen can effectively reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water, reduce the degree of corrosion of the metal and eliminate the concentration polarization and electrochemical polarization in the deposition process to obtain a higher electrodeposition efficiency and current efficiency.
The Chicago School that never was

A central problem in the development of political science has long been how to emulate the objectivity and rigor of natural science while simultaneously retaining relevance for conducting public affairs. For some observers, however, the very notion of a natural-scientific orien tation to the study of politics is antitheti cal to its relevance to practical politics. Woodrow Wilson (1911, 10) struck at the heart of the matter when he proclaimed that "I do not like the term political sci ence" in his 1910 APSA Presidential Ad dress. "Human relationships ... are not in any proper sense the subject matter of science. They are the stuff of insight and sympathy and spiritual comprehension" (10-1; see also Ubertaccio and Cook 2006). In contrast to Wilson's perspective, the members of the Chicago School of Political Science-which arose at the University of Chicago in the 1920s and 1930s-envisioned the model of natural science as integral to a political science for practical use (Almond 2004; Heaney and Hansen 2006; Karl 1974; Monroe 2004; Neblo 2004; Ross 1991; Simon 1985; Somit and Tanenhaus 1967; Tsou 1951; White 1942). The faculty of the Chicago School-most notably Charles E. Merriam, Leonard D. White, Harold F. Gosnell, and Harold D. Lasswell-were among the first political scientists to con duct randomized field experiments, to employ advanced statistical techniques such as multivariate regression and factor analysis, and to combine qualitative methods (like ethnography and content analysis) with statistical methods (e.g., Gosnell 1927; Lasswell 1927; White 1929). They relied on these advances to make seminal contributions to the study of elections, public opinion, propaganda, political psychology, political parties, urban politics, African-American politics, public administration, comparative poli tics, and the causes of war. An un resolved question for the Chicago School, however, was how political sci ence as a discipline could regularly translate these scientific results into a
Nanofiber diameter‐dependent MAPK activity in osteoblasts

The major challenge for bone tissue engineering lies in the fabrication of scaffolds that can mimic the extracellular matrix and promote osteogenesis. Electrospun fibers are being widely researched for this application due to high porosity, interconnectivity, and mechanical strength of the fibrous scaffolds. Electrospun poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA, 2.416 ± 0.100 μm) fibers were fabricated and etched using a 60% propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA)/limonene (vol/vol) solution to obtain fiber diameters ranging from 2.5 to 0.5 μm in a time-dependent manner. The morphology of the fibrous scaffolds was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and cellular compatibility with etchant-treated scaffold was assessed using immunoflurescence. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activation in response to different fiber diameter was evaluated with western blot as well as quantitative in-cell western. We report that electrospun micro-fibers can be etched to 0.552 ± 0.047 μm diameter without producing beads. Osteoblasts adhered to the fibers and a change in fiber diameter played a major role in modulating the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinases with 0.882 ± 0.091 μm diameter fibers producing an inverse effect on ERK and p38 phosphorylation. These results indicate that nanofibers produced by wet etching can be effectively utilized to produce diameters that can differentially modulate MAPK activation patterns.
Laboratory evidence for particle mobilization as a mechanism for permeability enhancement via dynamic stressing

Article history: It is well-established that seismic waves can increase the permeability in natural systems, yet the mechanism remains poorly understood. We investigate the underlying mechanics by generating well- controlled, repeatable permeability enhancement in laboratory experiments. Pore pressure oscillations, simulating dynamic stresses, were applied to intact and fractured Berea sandstone samples under confining stresses of tens of MPa. Dynamic stressing produces an immediate permeability enhancement ranging from 1 to 60%, which scales with the amplitude of the dynamic strain (7 × 10 − 7 to 7 × 10 − 6 ) followed by a gradual permeability recovery. We investigated the mechanism by: (1) recording deformation of samples both before and after fracturing during the experiment, (2) varying the chemistry of the water and therefore particle mobility, (3) evaluating the dependence of permeability enhancement and recovery on dynamic stress amplitude, and (4) examining micro-scale pore textures of the rock samples before and after experiments. We find that dynamic stressing does not produce permanent deformation in our samples. Water chemistry has a pronounced effect on the sensitivity to dynamic stressing, with the magnitude of permeability enhancement and the rate of permeability recovery varying with ionic strength of the pore fluid. Permeability recovery rates generally correlate with the permeability enhancement sensitivity. Microstructural observations of our samples show clearing of clay particulates from fracture surfaces during the experiment. From these four lines of evidence, we conclude that a flow-dependent mechanism associated with mobilization of fines controls both the magnitude of the permeability enhancement and the recovery rate in our experiments. We also find that permeability sensitivity to dynamic stressing increases after fracturing, which is a process that generates abundant particulate matter in situ. Our results suggest that fluid permeability in many areas of the Earth's crust, particularly where pore fluids favor particle mobilization, should be sensitive to dynamic stressing.
Afferent fibers in the substantia gelatinosa of the adult monkey (Macaca mulatta): A Golgi Study

In horizontally and sagittally sectioned Golgi preparations of the adult monkey spinal cord the afferent fibers in the substantia gelatinosa(laminae II and III of Rexed, '52) were studied with the hope of finding clues that would make it possible to correlate them with the afferent fibers that Ramon y Cajal ('09) traced from the white matter into the substantia gelatinosa in Golgi preparations of the newborn cat. Throughout the substantia gelatinosa there are fibers with fine terminal branches, bearing small “bouton en passant” endings. These fine terminal branches and the collaterals of the axons of the neurons in the substantia gelatinosa are similar; hence, the fine terminal branches are interpreted as the terminals of the proprius bundles generated by the axons of the neurons in the substantia gelatinosa. Also, there are fibers in lamina II that can be followed for relatively long distances(900 microns) before they are cut off in section. They have collaterals bearing large irregular endings, which usually consist of several or more elongated swellings connected by constricted regions. Some of these endings have holes within them and their surfaces have prominent indentations. The fibers with fine terminal branches and the fibers with large irregular endings are interpreted here as the two varieties of fine or superficial collaterals of the substance of Rolando described by Ramon y Cajal('09). The most elaborate afferent formations in the present material are found in horizontal sections. They are designated “confined ansiform axonal complexes” and are confined to elongated, oblong blocks of substantia gelatinosa that approximate each other in length, width and depth. Their branches, running rostrally and caudally, loop back and forth, interweave in an intricate pattern and bear large synaptic endings. because these formations are elaborate and because their parent fibers and initial branches are thicker in lamina III than they are in lamina II, these complexes are interpreted here as the large or deep collaterals of the substance of Rolando described by Ramon y Cajal('09). Considering their shapes, sizes and surface contours, it is probable that the large endings on the ansiform axonal complexes and the large irregular endings on the long fibers in lamina II are the central terminals in the glomeruli of the substantia gelatinosa that have been revealed by electron microscopy. Finally, there are fine collaterals from fibers in Lissauer's fasciculus which distribute exclusively to the marginal zone (lamina I) of the dorsal horn. Their endings are ovoid or bulbous and are almost uniformly approximately 2 microns in diameter. Undoubtedly, these collaterals are the marginal collaterals Ramon y Cajal ('09) demonstrated in Ehrlich's methylene blue preparations of the 8-day old cat.
Low Triglyceride Levels Affect Calculation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Values

The Friedewald formula for the calculation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values is fairly accurate provided the triglyceride value is less than 400 mg/dL. It is not clear whether the estimation is also valid in the presence of low triglyceride and high cholesterol levels. We describe herein a patient with a low triglyceride value of approximately 50 mg/dL, a high cholesterol level, and a discrepant LDL-C level. The LDL-C level using the Friedewald calculation turned out to be much higher than the LDL-C level using direct measurement. We, therefore, suggest that in the presence of low triglyceride and high cholesterol levels, the LDL-C level should be measured directly instead of using the Friedewald calculation.
Calvin and Covenant Theology

Within the last twenty years the New England theology of the seventeenth century has been examined far more closely than it had ever been before, and the findings have been that this theology is very different from the simple “Calvinism” which earlier students of the period had labelled it. Professor Perry Miller, the principal worker in the field, concluded that the New England theology was really “Covenant Theology” and has declared that this is a very different thing from “Calvinism.” Others have readily accepted his findings.
Fault-Tolerant Clock Synchronization Validation Methodology

A validation method for the synchronization subsystem of a fault-tolerant computer system is presented. The high reliability requirement of flight-crucial systems precludes the use of most traditional validation methods. The method presented utilizes formal design proof to uncover design and coding errors and experimentation to validate the assumptions of the design proof. The experimental method is described and illustrated by validating the clock synchronization system of the Software Implemented Fault Tolerance computer. The design proof of the algorithm includes a theorem that defines the maximum skew between any two nonfaulty clocks in the system in terms of specific system parameters. Most of these parameters are deterministic. One crucial parameter is the upper bound on the clock read error, which is stochastic. The probability that this upper bound is exceeded is calculated from data obtained by the measurement of system parameters. This probability is then included in a detailed reliability analysis of the system.
Elementary Aspects of Multivariate Analysis

In elementary mathematical statistics, one studies in some detail various characteristics of the distribution of a scalar random variable. Thus its density and various parameters are considered and statements are made regarding this variable. For example, given the information above, we can compute the probability that the variable will exceed some value, say α, or that it will assume a value in the interval (α, (β) and so on.
A Noetic Theory of Understanding and Intuition as Sense-Maker

AbstractThe notion of a non-sensory mental state or event that plays a prominent role in coming to understand, an epistemic achievement distinct from mere knowledge, featured prominently in historical writings on philosophy, and philosophical methodology. It is, however, completely absent from contemporary discussions of the subject. This paper argues that intuition plays an epistemic role in understanding, including philosophical understanding, and offers an explanation of how intuition manages to play this role, if and when it does. It is argued, subsequently, that this role is autonomous, in the sense that a source of understanding cannot be reduced to a source of justification, evidence, or reason. Finally, it is noted that such autonomy implies that popular forms of skepticism about intuition do not impugn intuition’s epistemic significance with respect to its status as a source of understanding.
Role of HLA-B27 in spondyloarthropathies.

HLA-B27 associated spondyloarthropathies are a group of inflammatory diseases primarily affecting the spine and peripheral joints. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a prototypic disorder of spondyloarthropathies. Approximately 0.1 % of the Caucasian population suffers from AS in North America. Some 90% of patients with this disorder carry the HLA-B27 gene, which is present in 8% of the Caucasian population (Gran and Husby 1994). There are nine subtypes of HLA-B27 (B*2701 to B*2709), differing from each other by a few amino acid residues (Khan 1994). Sequence analysis of α1, α2 and α3 domains of HLA-B27 from a patient and a normal individual did not show any differences (Coppin and Mcdevitt 1986). This suggests that other genetic and/or environmental factors besides HLA-B27 are required for disease susceptibility/pathogenesis. Enterobacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolita and Chlamydia trachomatis have been isolated from patients with spondyloarthropathies and are potential triggers because of the temporal relationship between infection and disease onset or reactivation. Some bacterial proteins (from Klebsiella, Yersinia, etc.) have amino acid sequences that mimic HLA-B27, which may initiate breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens or allow autoimmune responses to develop in these patients. In order to understand the mechanism(s) involved in pathogenesis and the role of HLA-B27 in this disease, several laboratories generated HLA-B27 transgenic mice and rats. HLA-B27 transgenic mice were either asymptomatic or developed mild disease (IVANYI ET AL. 1991). Our studies showed increased pathogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica 0:8\NA in HLA- B27 transgenic mice (NICKERSON et al. 1990a). HAMMER et al. (1990), using HLA-B27 transgenic rats, observed spontaneous inflammatory disease. Recent studies have given us new insights into the structure and function of HLA-B27 molecule and its subtypes. These observations should set the stage for understanding the role of this gene and that of bacteria in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Abstract 083: Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects of BBS1 Ablation From the POMC-containing Neurons

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic autosomal recessive disorder associated with several features including obesity and hypertension. Deletion of Bbs genes globally, in the nervous system or in the leptin receptor-expressing cells recapitulated many of the BBS phenotypes including obesity and hypertension. Here, we assessed the effect of ablating the Bbs1 gene from the neurons expressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Breeding Bbs1flox mice with POMCCre mice created mice deficient in Bbs1 gene only in the POMC-positive neurons (visualized by tdTomato expression). Importantly, POMCCre/Bbs1fl/fl mice display an obesity phenotype as indicated by the increased (P<0.05) body weight (48.6±1.7 vs 34.9±0.8 g in controls) and fat pads (3.3±0.3 vs. 0.7±1.1 g for inguinal fat, 2.1±0.2 vs. 0.4±0.05 g for perirenal fat, 3.3±0.3 vs. 0.8±0.3 g for reproduction fat and 0.4±0.02 vs. 0.2±0.02 g for brow fat) associated with increased (P<0.05) food intake (3.79.±0.14 vs. 2.97±0.15 g in controls) in 25 weeks old mice. POMCCre/Bbs1fl/fl mice displayed decreased (P<0.05) O2consumption (2.6±0.03 vs. 3±0.04 mL O2/100g/min in controls) and heat production (8.0±0.09 vs. 9.2±0.13 kcal/kg/hr in controls). These results indicate that hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure contribute to the development of obesity in POMCCre/Bbs1fl/fl mice. Next, we assessed the consequence on arterial pressure (AP) and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) of ablating the Bbs1 gene from POMC neurons. Interestingly, deletion of the Bbs1 gene in POMC neurons did not recapitulate the hypertension phenotype of BBS as indicated by the slight, but not significant increase in mean AP (116±4.7 vs 109±6.1 mmHg in controls). However, conscious renal SNA was significantly higher in POMCCre/Bbs1fl/fl mice relative to controls (132.4±11 vs 74.3±4.2 spikes/sec, P<0.05). Finally, the depressor effect of ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium) was exaggerated in POMCCre/Bbs1fl/fl mice (-68.6±4.4 vs -45.2±9.4 mmHg in control, P=0.017). These findings demonstrate that Bbs1 gene in the POMC neurons is critical for energy homeostasis, but not for arterial pressure regulation.
Reserve growth in chalk fields of the North Sea

Reserve growth is the net increase in estimated recoverable resources of an oil or gas field or group of fields through time. This phenomenon is important in North Sea oil fields and is observed in all classes of reservoirs and in all country sectors. Oil fields with chalk reservoirs have exhibited particularly large increases in estimated recoverable reserves. Whereas chalk reservoirs contain only about 16% of recoverable North Sea oil, almost one third of the growth of reserves in existing fields has been in fields with chalk reservoirs. More than 60% of the currently reported recoverable oil (cumulative production plus remaining reserves) in chalk fields is attributed to reserve growth since 1985. In contrast, only about 34% of recoverable oil in all North Sea fields (chalk and clastic reservoirs) is from reserve growth. The large increase in estimated recoverable resources in the chalk reservoir fields of the North Sea results from both increases in estimated original oil in place and from improvements in recovery efficiency. Although the largest fields generally display the greatest volumetric additions to reserves, on a percentage basis reserves in small fields increase as much as reserves in larger fields. So far, growth of reserves in the chalk fields has been directly proportional to development effort, as indicated by numbers of wells drilled for delineation, development and improved recovery (including injector and observation wells). In spite of great improvements in understanding chalk reservoirs, estimates of original oil in place are still uncertain and overall recovery factors remain relatively low. Therefore, opportunity remains for further large additions to reserves in chalk reservoir fields. The experience of operators of the North Sea chalk fields indicates that large, complex accumulations with difficult reservoir engineering problems may present possibilities for additional oil recovery in such fields elsewhere.
Coalitionally stable pricing schemes for inter-domain forwarding

In this work, we model and analyze the problem of stable and efficient pricing for inter-domain traffic routing in the future Internet. We consider a general network topology with multiple sources and sinks of traffic, organized into separate domains managed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) solely interested in maximizing their own profit. In this framework, we prove that there exists a pricing scheme that attains network-wide efficiency and is yet coalitionally stable, where the coalitions correspond to the ISPs that are acting in self-interest. This implies that this pricing scheme not only maximizes the overall utility of the resulting traffic flows, but is also such that ISPs cannot expect to improve their profit through deviation from it, even if multiple ISPs deviate at the same time. Through simulations on scale-free preferential attachment network topology models as well as actual inter-domain topologies obtained from the CAIDA database, we evaluate the convergence of best-response based simple price updates, and show that they quickly attain near-optimal network utility in these network topologies.
A research frontier in landscape architecture: landscape performance and assessment of social benefits

AbstractThis paper introduces a research frontier in landscape architecture—landscape performance benefits assessment. In an initiative proposed by the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), leading landscape architecture firms and academic institutions have been collaborating on studies that quantitatively assess environmental, economic and social benefits of high-profile landscape design projects. This study describes the components and processes of LAF landscape performance research and specifically evaluates the status of social benefits assessment, a critical though under-investigated aspect of landscape design sustainability. Using 58 published LAF case studies, the study examines to what extent social benefits are quantified compared with stated design goals, the benefits across the LAF case portfolio (e.g. per benefit category and project type), and methods and data options available to perform the analyses. Finally, the study provides suggestions on improving landscape performance research, par...
The place of entrepreneurship in “The Economics that Might Have Been”

It is a familiar observation that entrepreneurship is not easily accommodated within the framework of neoclassical economic theory. Drawing inspiration from an ancient critique of neoclassicism by Veblen (Q J Econ 12(4):373–397, 1898), this paper attributes the difficulty to the tension between normative accounts of decision making (as in mainstream theory) and ideas of causation that are standard in the sciences. Normative theories naturally privilege the conjectured future over the experienced past in the quest for explanatory factors. Evolutionary theories elucidate instead the mechanisms of “cumulative causation” (Veblen) that perpetually produce the present from the past. Entrepreneurship of the innovative (Schumpeterian) kind seizes opportunities that emerge in complex, evolving contexts of technological and institutional change. A theory that gives due weight to cumulative causation sheds greater light on these processes than prevailing mainstream theory can, and that is a key advantage of an evolutionary theory.
An Elementary Proof of the Lebesgue Decomposition Theorem

(1971). An Elementary Proof of the Lebesgue Decomposition Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 7, pp. 783-783.
Teaching Stress Transformation Through Laboratory Experiments

This paper describes a hands-on laboratory solid mechanics project which was supervised as an independent study. The experimental study and analysis were focused on strain and stress transformation on cantilever beam subjected to bending within elastic range. A combination of five different metals and two types strain rosette arrangements were used in the experimentation. The project involves the design and construction of test facility and experimental analysis of tested piece. The samples of measured data and analysis are reported in this paper. The strains in rectangular and principal coordinates which were computed from measured strains enabled the stress in both coordinates to be determined. This analysis enables the students to determine experimentally, that the sum of normal strain and stresses are invariant. The teaching strategy employed to integrate fundamental theories with hands-on experiences is described. The effectiveness of the laboratory project in enhancing student learning of stress-strain transformation and project management skill was demonstrated by monitoring student performance improvements over the duration of the project. The success of this project leads to an experiment for teaching students stress-strain transformation in mechanics of materials laboratory.© 2013 ASME
Preovulatory and postovulatory progestins in monkey ovary and ovarian vein blood.

Summary1) Progesterone, 17 α-hydroxy-progesterone and 20 α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one were measurable in ovarian plasma or ovarian tissue following gonadotropic stimulation in 2 members of the Genus Lyssodes, M. mulatta and M. irus. 2) The presence of these progestins was not dependent upon the occurrence of ruptured follicles or recently formed corpora lutea. 3) Shortly after intravenous administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, the synthesis and release of these steroids were measurably increased.
Larger Than Life

Images in this section provide a sample of the rich dynamics and complex selforganization exhibited by Larger than Life (LtL), a four-parameter family of twodimensional cellular automata that generalizes John Horton Conway’s celebrated Game of Life (Life) to large neighborhoods and general birth and survival thresholds. LtL was proposed by David Griffeath in the early 1990s to explore whether Life might be a clue to a critical phase point in the threshold-range scaling limit [80].
How do research participants perceive “uncertainty” in genome sequencing?

The scope of uncertainty in genome sequence information has no rival in health-care delivery. We present data from adults participating in a National Institutes of Health study using this technology, in which perceptions of uncertainty are hypothesized to be key in predicting decisions to learn and act on genome health information. We conducted six professionally moderated focus groups with 39 randomly selected ClinSeq participants varying on whether they had coronary heart disease and had received prior sequence results. We elicited perceptions of the uncertainties associated with genome sequencing using written prompts. Participants perceived uncertainty as a quality of genome information. The majority of participants characterized uncertainty of sequencing information as “changing, fluid, developing, or ground breaking.” These responses led to anticipation of more optimistic future outcomes. Fewer participants described uncertainty as “questionable, less accurate, limited, or poorly understood.” These perceptions seemed to undermine participants’ faith in genome information, leading to feelings of disillusionment. Our findings suggest that perceptions of uncertainty are related to epistemological beliefs that inform expectations for the information. Interventions that promote realistic expectations of genome sequencing may mitigate negative responses to uncertainty. Genet Med 16 12, 977–980.
Using Rubidium-Treated Artificial Nectar to Label Adults and Eggs of Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Adults of Heliothis virescens (F.) were provided untreated (0 ppm) or rubidium-treated artificial nectar (2,000 ppm rubidium chloride in 10% honey-water) for a 24-h period upon eclosion or 48 h after eclosion. All rubidium-treated females and >90% of the eggs from both rubidium treatment conditions contained reliably detectable levels of the maternal label. Significant differences were found in element content of eggs produced over the 10-d period, and some significant differences were found in the element content of eggs produced by different females within treatment groups per oviposition day. However, detectability of rubidium was not negatively affected.
Toward an Ethics of Algorithms: Convening, Observation, Probability, and Timeliness

Part of understanding the meaning and power of algorithms means asking what new demands they might make of ethical frameworks, and how they might be held accountable to ethical standards. I develop...
Benign tremulous Parkinsonism: a unique entity or another facet of Parkinson’s disease?

Benign tremulous parkinsonism (BTP) is characterized by a prominent tremor that occurs both at rest and with action in conjunction with other mild features of parkinsonism. The progression of symptoms is typically slow and there is often a positive family history. Although BTP is included within the phenotypic spectrum of Parkinsonism its exact relationship with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease remains unclear. Treatment of BTP is challenging especially considering the poor response to levodopa, therefore surgical therapies such as deep brain stimulation surgery are sought for treatment of these tremors. In this review, we will summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, neuropathology and treatment for BTP.
Celecoxib and Radiation Therapy in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently present in lung cancer and may play a significant role in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. It has been associated with shortened survival in patients with resected early-stage adenocarcinoma of the lung. COX-2 inhibition decreases tumor cell proliferation in vivo and has been shown to enhance tumor radiosensitivity. Additionally, COX-2 inhibition may protect normal pulmonary tissue from radiation fibrosis. Clinical studies are under way to assess the potential benefits and risks of COX-2 inhibition in the treatment of lung cancer. The rationale for COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of lung cancer will be reviewed. The results of a phase II study assessing the acute toxicity of concurrent celecoxib (Celebrex) and thoracic irradiation in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are reported, and an ongoing Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study using celecoxib and concurrent radiation therapy for NSCLC in patients with intermediate prognostic factors is reviewed.
Williams, Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom

As a nascent and still relatively business-focused discipline, media studies is often concerned with production cultures only as they contribute to mass-circulated entertainment products; however, ...
Ligand Interaction with Hemoprotein P-450: III. The Use of n-Octylamine and Ethyl Isocyanide Difference Spectroscopy in the Quantitative Determination of High- and Low-Spin P-450

A simple method for the determination, by ligand binding to octylamine, of the absolute amounts of high- and low-spin forms of hemoprotein P-450 of rabbit liver microsomes is described. A correlation between octylamine binding to the two forms of oxidized P-450 and the binding of ethyl isocyanide to reduced P-450 has been observed, and advantages of the amine-binding method over the use of ethyl isocyanide are pointed out. In particular, octylamine binds to each species of P-450 to produce a distinct difference spectral minimum. We have derived a relationship for the calculation of the proportion of each form of P-450. When the amine-binding method was used to determine the amounts of high- and low-spin forms of P-450, interesting quantitative changes were observed. Variations in the contents of the two forms in rabbit liver microsomes were noted following maintenance of rabbits on different control diets; dietary oxytetracycline, commonly used in commercial feeds, further increased the proportion of the low-spin form. Microsomal P-450 of bovine adrenal cortex is almost entirely in the low-spin form, while adrenal mitochondria contain both forms in nearly equal proportions. Application of both the octylamine and ethyl isocyanide methods provides complementary data about P-450 in either oxidations state. A distinction between the two forms of oxidized P-450 in liver microsomes is maintained quantitatively during conversion to the reduced state.
Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion by cardiac MRI has poor correlation with RVEF in pediatric patients

Background Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) assessment of ventricular function in patients with RV pathology requires contouring the right ventricle, which can be time-consuming due to its abnormal shape and extensive trabeculations. A semi-quantitative method to assess RV function in this patient population would be beneficial and would allow for rapid reporting of results. A recent study demonstrated a high correlation of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion as measured by CMR (MR-TAPSE) with RVEF in adult patients. In this study, we evaluated whether MR-TAPSE is a feasible alternative to assess RV function in children and young adults with a broad range of body surface areas (BSA).
High-Resolution Mapping of RNA Polymerases Identifies Mechanisms of Sensitivity and Resistance to BET Inhibitors in t(8;21) AML

Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family inhibitors offer an approach to treating hematological malignancies. We used precision nuclear run-on transcription sequencing (PRO-seq) to create high-resolution maps of active RNA polymerases across the genome in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as these polymerases are exceptionally sensitive to BET inhibitors. PRO-seq identified over 1,400 genes showing impaired release of promoter-proximal paused RNA polymerases, including the stem cell factor receptor tyrosine kinase KIT that is mutated in t(8;21) AML. PRO-seq also identified an enhancer 3' to KIT. Chromosome conformation capture confirmed contacts between this enhancer and the KIT promoter, while CRISPRi-mediated repression of this enhancer impaired cell growth. PRO-seq also identified microRNAs, including MIR29C and MIR29B2, that target the anti-apoptotic factor MCL1 and were repressed by BET inhibitors. MCL1 protein was upregulated, and inhibition of BET proteins sensitized t(8:21)-containing cells to MCL1 inhibition, suggesting a potential mechanism of resistance to BET-inhibitor-induced cell death.