cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of intestinal neoplasia with adenomatous polyposis coli gene replacement and COX-2 inhibition is additive

Mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are implicated early in colorectal tumorigenesis. Restoration of normal APC expression through gene therapy may prevent or reduce intestinal neoplasia. Furthermore, the relationship between colorectal tumors and increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity provides a rationale for the use of selective COX-2 inhibitors such as rofecoxib (Vioxx) to prevent the formation of polyps. This study was performed to determine the effects of liposome-mediated APC gene therapy and a selective COX-2 inhibitor on intestinal neoplasia in vivo. Five-week-old Min mice weaned on a 30% high-fat diet were randomized to receive no treatment (control), APC only, Vioxx only, and APC/Vioxx. APC-treated mice received a plasmid containing the human APC cDNA (pCMV-APC) mixed with a liposome preparation that was administered biweekly. Vioxx was administered at 200 ppm in the high-fat rodent chow. The control mice were treated similarly with a plasmid construct lacking the APC gene. Confirmation of exogenous APC gene expression was determined by Western blot analysis. After 2 months, there was a 54% and 70% reduction in the total number of intestinal polyps after APC and Vioxx treatment, respectively. Combined APC/Vioxx therapy reduced polyp formation by 87%. The reduction of intestinal neoplasia by APC gene replacement and COX-2 inhibition suggests their separate roles in intestinal tumorigenesis. Each modality, both individually and together, may prove therapeutic and therefore contribute to new strategies in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Cyclic AMP control of hierarchical growth pattern of hyphae inNeurospora crassa

Abstract Wild-typeNeurospora crassa shows a clear hyphal dominance growth pattern with a hierarchy of hyphal diameters containing wide main hyphae, narrow primary branch hyphae, and still narrower secondary branches. Mutants (cr-1), lacking cyclic AMP, lack this size hierarchy when grown in medium without cyclic AMP. When grown in media containing sufficient cyclic AMP or 8-bromocyclic AMP to correct other morphological aberrations, these mutants still lack hierarchical growth. When grown in the presence of very high levels (3 mM) of 8-bromocyclic AMP, there is a long delayed formation of hyphae of different diameters. It is suggested that differences in cyclic AMP concentrations among the hyphae of wild type may be central to the production of the hierarchical growth pattern.
Protection of pine seed orchards in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Protection of cone and seed crops in southern pine seed orchards is an extremely important factor in achieving high yields of genetically improved seed. Once the flower crop has been initiated, the biological potential for the orchard is established. The success of the crop then depends upon the level of protection. Using an inventory-monitoring system, the biological potential of the orchard is estimated from total flower counts of selected sample trees. Life tables of cone survival and a cone analysis are used to monitor the efficiency of production. Separate efficiency values for cone survival, filled seed yields per cone, extraction of seeds, and seed germination provide the major components of seed orchard monitoring. The product of these four separate efficiency values gives a seed orchard-to-nursery efficiency value that is used to quantify the level of orchard protection. Tables are presented to illustrate the expected seed yields, dollar value and acres planted with improved seedlings for varying seed orchard protection levels. At present, insect pests in southern pine seed orchards are controlled through periodic applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.
Detection of a novel arginine vasopressin defect by dideoxy fingerprinting

Autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus is a familial form of diabetes insipidus. This disorder is associated with variable levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and diabetes insipidus of varying severity, which responds to exogenous AVP. To determine the molecular basis of autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus, the AVP genes of members of a large kindred were analyzed. A new method, called dideoxy fingerprinting, was used to detect an AVP mutation that was characterized by DNA sequencing. The novel defect found changes the last codon of the AVP signal peptide from alanine to threonine, which should perturb cleavage of mature AVP from its precursor protein and inhibit its secretion or action.
Examining the Influence of Beta Blockers and ACE Inhibitors on the Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence: Results from the LACE Cohort

There is increasing interest in the relationship between host lifestyle factors and the outcomes of cancer treatment. Behavioral factors, comorbid conditions, and non-cancer-related pharmaceutical exposures may affect breast cancer (BC) outcomes. We used observational data from the LACE Study cohort (women with early stage BC from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Cancer Registry) to examine the association between beta blockers (BBs) and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and BC recurrence, BC-specific mortality, and overall mortality. Among 1,779 women, there were 292 BC recurrences, 174 BC deaths, and 323 total deaths. 23% were exposed to either a BB and/or an ACEi. These drugs were associated with older age, postmenopausal status, tamoxifen therapy, greater pre-diagnosis BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. In Cox proportional hazards models, ACEi exposure was associated with BC recurrence (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02, 2.39, P = 0.04), but not cause-specific or overall mortality. Combined ACEi and BB were associated with overall mortality (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.22, 3.10, P = 0.01). BB exposure was associated with lower hazard of recurrence and cause-specific mortality. However, there was no evidence of a dose response with either medication. For recurrence and cause-specific mortality, BB combined with ACEi was associated with a lower HR for the outcome than when ACEi alone was used. These hypothesis generating findings suggest that BC recurrence and survival were associated with exposure to two commonly used classes of anti-hypertensive medications. These observations need to be confirmed and suggest that greater attention should focus on the potential role of these commonly used medications in BC outcomes.
A simple model of cortical culture growth: burst property dependence on network composition and activity

This paper describes large-scale simulations of growth, network formation, and behavior in cultures of dissociated cortical cells. A neuron model that incorporates synaptic facilitation/depression and neurite outgrowth/retraction was used to construct virtual cultures of 10,000 cells whose spiking behavior and evolution were investigated in closed-loop simulations. This approach allows us to perform detailed analysis of the effects of model parameters on burst shape and timing, their changes, and the interrelationship among these behaviors, gross network structure, and model parameters. We examined the effects of two parameters--network composition (fraction of excitatory cells) and neuron excitability (activity level corresponding to neurite outgrowth equilibrium)--on network structure and behavior. Our results suggest that much of the burst shape and timing observed in vitro can be explained by a model that includes only closed-loop neurite outgrowth and dynamic synapses; features such as LTP/LTD, random connectivity, long-distance connections, and detailed neurite topology are not necessary.
Metamorphosis in river ecology: from reaches to macrosystems

Summary A metamorphic shift in the focus of aquatic ecological research is needed to (i) better understand the functioning of river ecosystems at large spatiotemporal scales; (ii) respond to threats from climate change, species invasions and increased pressure for more river dams and interbasin water transfer; and (iii) meet critical needs for catchment-level management. Implementing changes in research and management necessitate new spatiotemporal and research domains and a partial shift from reach-level studies to macrosystem ecology. Macroecology, as defined here, and associated processes usually cannot be understood simply by scaling up information from smaller extent and finer grain samples because of problems of connectivity and spatial heterogeneity of crucial system components and entanglements from cross-scale interactions producing threshold responses and other nonlinear dynamics. An important driver of macrosystem research in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is the immediate and long-term danger from global climate change, which will alter flow regimes, water temperatures and dissolved oxygen in riverine landscapes. An initial step in implementing metamorphic change in river science is to integrate the newest macroecological perspectives with current large-scale riverine concepts, especially ones emphasising the importance of tributary patterns and junctions (Network Dynamics Hypothesis) or the hydrogeomorphic patch nature of rivers at multiple scales (Riverine Ecosystem synthesis). The hierarchical nature, system boundaries and research domains of riverine macrosystem ecology are examined, and twelve sample research questions are provided to help direct future research. Current research impediments to riverine macroecology are discussed, and a partial solution based on the need for Long-Term Ecological Research-like sites (each with a central organisational hub and a diffuse, multi-institutional network of data collection stations at strategic catchment points) is proposed.
Petroleum Exploration and Production in Europe in 1968

In 1968 oil production in western Europe declined slightly to 381,880 b/d but natural gas production increased 42% to more than 4 Bcf/d, the greatest increase being from the Groningen field of The Netherlands. The Leman Bank gas field of the United Kingdom North Sea area and the Meillon field of southern France went on production. The major exploration results of the year were in the North Sea. A possible major gas-condensate discovery, Cod, was made in Norwegian waters near the median line of the sea. Another oil discovery, of questionable commercial importance, was made in the Danish sector. The Netherlands government granted prospecting licenses in the Dutch North Sea area. Drilling began soon after, and resulted in 2 gas discoveries before the end of 1968. A possibly ignificant gas discovery was made in the United Kingdom area about 18 mi off the Yorkshire coast. Activity in the German area remained suspended. In Austria there were 3 oil and 3 gas discoveries, including a gas reservoir in the Triassic below 15,861 ft in the Vienna basin. In France exploration was focused on the Aquitaine basin. A new-field gas discovery was made, and a new depth record for Europe, 21,812 ft, was attainted by a well in the Pyrenees border zone. Offshore drilling in the Bay of Biscay was suspended, but the first well in the Mediterranean Sea was spudded. In Germany there was an oil discovery in the midst of the old Hannover producing area, and 3 Upper Permian and 1 Upper Carboniferous new-gas fields were found in the northwest German basin. In Italy, offshore explorati n permits were granted in the mid-Adriatic zone, and 3 important gas discoveries were made in the northern Adriatic and 1 in the mid-Adriatic. In The Netherlands, onshore exploration increased as a result of issuance of drilling permits in late 1967 and in 1968, and several gas discoveries were made in the eastern and northeastern part of the country. In Spain the first offshore wells were drilled, 1 off the east cost and 2 in the Gulf of Cadiz; all were unsuccessful. In the Soviet Union production of oil rose to 5,920,000 b/d and of gas to 16,500 Bcf/d. Proved gas reserves were estimated at 333 Tcf, with 54.6% in the West Siberian basin. Delineation by extension wells increased reserves of the largest oil field of the West Siberian basin, Samot-Lor, to 2.9 billion bbl. Reserves of a new gas field in the southern Ural-Volga basin, Krasnyy Kholm, were increased to 23 Tcf. Important gas discoveries were made in Central Asia and in the Arctic part of the West Siberian basin, and oil discoveries were made on the east side of the Caspian Sea and on the Baltic coast. A new drilling depth record of 21,980 ft was made in westernmost Asiatic Russia. In southeastern Hungary there was a new oil discovery in the Szeged area, and in Czechoslovakia an oil find was made in the northern Vienna basin.
Note on the effect of shadowing on the backscattering of waves from a random rough surface

A one-dimensional random rough surface is modeled as a Gaussian noise signal. The effect of shadowing in the case of backscattering of waves from such a surface is studied in the geometric optic limit by analyzing the Gaussian noise signal in a digital computer. It is found that presently accepted theories for the shadowing effect are of doubtful validity.
Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve: The Experience of Burnout Among Child Welfare Workers Who are Cognitive Versus Emotional Personality Types

This study explores if child welfare workers who are predominantly cognitive in their personality type, rather than emotionally predominant, experience less burnout in their work. The thinking versus feeling and sensing versus intuition poles of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator were used to determine predominance in cognitive or emotional personality type and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout. There was no statistical difference found on burnout scores based on personality type. These results have implications for child welfare organizations and on the recruitment and retention of a qualified work force. Selective recruitment based on personality type may not contribute to better retention of workers.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Their Relationship to Adult Stress Among Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Men who were sexually abused during childhood represent a highly stigmatized, marginalized, and under-researched population at risk for a variety of problems across the lifespan. The purpose of the current study was to (a) describe characteristics of child sexual abuse (CSA) and adverse child experiences (ACE), and (b) examine the relationships among CSA characteristics, ACE, and stressors in adulthood. Using a cross-sectional design, the researcher collected data on 487 adult men through an anonymous, online survey. Bivariate analyses revealed that five CSA characteristics—age at first abuse (r = −.164), number of abusers (r = .231), use of physical force, penetration, and physical injury—were related to the number of ACE. Three CSA characteristics (use of physical force, penetration, and physical injury) and the number of ACE (r = .162) were positively related to the number of stressors in adulthood. Preliminary recommendations for prevention, intervention, and future research are provided.
The Algebra of Inflation Accounting

This paper develops algebraic representations of the various possible distortions that inflation can introduce in financial statements, and of the associated corrections that have been developed by accountants. Adjustments to balance sheets and income statements are presented for two basic cases: general inflation, and inflation cum changing relative prices. Empirical evidence concerning the impact of these adjustments is reviewed, and it is noted that when inflation rates are substantial, the change in accounting figures can be quite dramatic. [134]
Fabrication of photonic crystals using chemical lithography

In the past two decades, photonic crystals (PhCs) have received rapidly increasing attentions for their unique properties of confining, directing and manipulating the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Since the lattice constant is usually comparable to the operating wavelength, advanced lithography techniques are borrowed from integrated circuits (ICs) fabrication to pattern PhCs. For many applications working in visible or near infrared light, however, fabrication of PhCs is difficult unless E-beam system or high-end stepper is employed. In this paper, we present a new lithography method, Chemical Lithography (ChemLith), for the fabrication of planar PhCs. The concept is based on the fact that most of the commonly used photoresists change their solubility upon an acid-catalyzed chemical reaction. In photolithography, photo acid generator (PAG) is mixed in the resist formula, and the acid is generated by photon-initiated reactions. Using photons sets the fundamental limit on the feature size for photolithography. To overcome this limit, we propose to physically introduce the catalyzing acid (proton source) to the desired position on the resist surface. Using a prefabricated template, we have implemented this concept for patterning of planar PhCs. In this work, we have tested different acids as well as commercially available resist systems. We will show some of the experiment results, and discuss potential issues of the proposed method for further development.
The war of ideas on the Internet: An asymmetric conflict in which the strong become weak

Advertising and public relations – the war of ideas – is increasingly being conducted on the Internet, rather than in “old media” of print, radio, and television. An important aspect of the war of ideas is the battle to control the perceptions of others' attitudes and opinions. These perceptions are important because opinions about opinions (meta-opinions) act as social norms: they encourage the expression of positions seen as popular and discourage the expression of positions seen as unpopular. Using this interpretation, this article describes recent examples of opinion management to illustrate how the Internet differs from older media both quantitatively (acceleration of dissemination) and qualitatively (lack of centralized editorial authority). As a result of these differences, smaller and less-centralized groups often have the advantage over states and corporations on the Internet. Thus, in the war of ideas between the US and jihadist groups such as ISIS, the conflict is indeed asymmetric but the US i...
Nonlinear dielectric response to a point-donor impurity of an electron-gas-model semiconductor that includes the effect of the Dirac-Slater exchange correlation.

The Thomas-Fermi statistical theory, including the Dirac-Slater local-density treatment of exchange correlation, has been applied to the problem of nonlinear screening of a donor point charge embedded in an electron-gas-model semiconductor. The nonlinear screening equation is solved numerically, giving spatial dielectric functions and screening radii with exchange-correlation strength and ion-charge state as parameters. Illustrations and tabulations of these results are given for five semiconductors, four ion charges, and two nonzero values of the exchange-correlation strength corresponding to the Kohn-Sham and Slater exchange potentials. A variational principle equivalent of the nonlinear equation leads to approximate analytical expressions for the spatial dielectric functions which are in close agreement with the exact results. Variational parameters are given for a subset of the semiconductors and charge states. Dielectric functions of silicon are used to illustrate typical comparisons between the two methods of solution.
Sedimentary provinces of the Saronic Gulf system

A PRELIMINARY survey of present-day sediment distribution within the Saronic Gulf system, off the coast of Greece, has been made in support of an ongoing study being conducted by the Institute of Oceanographic and Fishing Research (IOKAE). Here we present the first sedimentary province map of the gulf system, which expands current knowledge of the region and serves as a basis for further studies.
Mycotic aneurysms in pregnancy.

The presentation, management, and outcome of three cases of femoral artery mycotic aneurysm in pregnancy are described. All resulted from illicit intravenous drug use. While the literature dealing with drug abuse in pregnancy is large, this specific problem has received little attention. Comparison of these cases to a large reported series of nonpregnant patients with mycotic aneurysms from our institution demonstrates that pregnancy does not alter the natural course of this condition. The presence of a mycotic aneurysm in pregnancy does, however, appear to lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Guidelines for diagnosis and management are discussed.
Studies in Man on Gonadotropin-Responsive Feminizing Adrenal Cortical Neoplasia

Investigations concerning hormonal responsiveness and steroid hormone biosynthesis are reported in a patient with a feminizing adrenal cortical tumor. Chromatographic separation and quantitation of individual urinary C18, C19 and C21 steroids, and serial measurements of urinary total 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OH) and estrogens were performed before and after the infusion of corticotropin (ACTH), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), containing primarily luteinizing hormonelike activity, and pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS), containing primarily follicle-stimulating hormonelike activity, before and after removal of the tumor. Elevated control levels of urinary total estrogen (predominantly estriol) and 17-KS (predominantly dehydroepiandrosterone) were observed. Total estrogens doubled following HCG, and increased 5-fold after PMS administration; both changes were due to an increase in the estrone fraction. Total 17-KS appeared to increase after PMS, and were unchanged fol...
Infrasound from earthquakes

[1] Infrasonic signals have been observed from 31 earthquakes by arrays of microphones operated by the Los Alamos National Laboratory between 1983 and 2003. The properties of the signals are presented. Signal amplitudes corrected for propagation and distance show a relation with seismic magnitude. The variance in the relation is understood primarily in terms of the uncertainties or errors in the ground motion, deduced from an independent data set, and the stratospheric winds, which strongly influence signal propagation. Signal durations can extend over many minutes. A relation is found between signal duration and magnitude. To understand this, we propose a model in which regions distant from the epicenter are excited by seismic surface waves. The surface motion of these regions, in turn, produces signals which precede or follow the signals from the epicenter. Analysis failed to detect signals from 56 earthquakes during the observation period. Predicted signal-to-noise ratios for these earthquakes indicated that the signals would have been too weak for detection.
Cerebral cortex glycosaminoglycans as a function of age in Fischer-344 and King (Sprague-Dawley) cesarean-derived, barrier-raised rats.

The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentrations in cerebral cortices of two strains of cesarean-derived, barrier-raised rats were compared as functions of growth and senescence.
Density-based Kernel Scale estimation for Kernel clustering

Kernel clustering methods have been used successfully to cluster non linearly separable data. In this paper, we propose a modification of the Kernel K-means, called the Multi-Scale Kernel K-means, that addresses one important challenge, which is the automated estimation of the kernel scale parameters for data containing clusters with different scale values. We propose a novel method that estimates the local kernel scales using the local data density in the original space to learn an adaptive and localized kernel function. Our experimental results with the Multi-Scale Kernel K-means show significant enhancements over the standard Kernel K-means for data sets containing clusters with varying scales and densities.
Analysis of γδ+ T cells in peripheral blood of children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

The present study examined CD8 antigen expression and variable (V) gene segment usage by T cell receptor (TCR)-γδ+ lymphocytes in peripheral blood of symptomatic children with perinatal HIV infection. The relative number of γδ+, CD8+ T cells in most of the infected children was higher than that in uninfected children from HIV+ or HIV− mothers and correlated with the immunodeficiency status of the patients. Infected infants and children over 1 year old also showed an increased proportion of Vδ1-Jδ1+ T lymphocytes. CD8 expression on those cells was higher in infected than in uninfected infants and children. Sequence analysis of the δ gene rearrangement of the predominant Vδ1 family in peripheral blood of three HIV+ donors revealed extensive junctional diversity. These results suggest that the Vδ skewing in the majority of HIV+ children reflects peripheral expansion of Vδ1-Jδ1+ T lymphocytes early in life, which might be involved in the mechanisms of HIV-induced immunodeficiency.
Evaluation of a Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring for Small Intestinal Anastomosis in Ponies

Six ponies divided into two groups of three were used in a double crossover study design. Group 1 ponies had a small intestinal resection and anastomosis performed using a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR); group 2 ponies had a hand-sewn small intestinal resection and anastomosis using a Gambee suture pattern. Approximately 30 days later, all ponies had a second celiotomy and anastomosed segments were removed. Group 1 ponies had a hand-sewn anastomosis performed and group 2 had a BAR. The anastomotic sites were collected at necropsy approximately 30 days later. Anastomosed intestinal segments were evaluated with ultrasound to determine lumen diameter, area, circumference, and wall thickness. Gross descriptions of adhesions were recorded and sections of the anastomotic site were taken for histological evaluation. Time to perform the BAR anastomosis was significantly less (P = .0004) than for the hand-sewn Gambee anastomosis. Ponies with handsewn anastomoses had no signs of colic, whereas five of six ponies with BAR anastomoses had several episodes of abdominal discomfort, between day 16 to 18, corresponding to the time of BAR disintegration as determined by abdominal radiographs. Hand-sewn anastomoses had a tendency to have more adhesion formation than BAR anastomoses, but all anastomoses, except one BAR anastomosis, were graded as having a low obstructive potential. BAR anastomoses had a significantly larger mean index of stenosis for intraluminal diameter (76% +/- 13.6), area (93.7% +/- 6.01) and circumference (75.8% +/- 14.0) than the hand-sewn anastomoses (26.6% +/- 11.9; 44.6% +/- 19.5; 26.8% +/- 12.7). The BAR anastomoses also had a significantly smaller mean intraluminal diameter (0.96 cm +/- 0.49), area (0.838 cm2 +/- 0.65) and circumference (3.28 cm +/- 1.63) than the hand sewn anastomoses (3.11 cm +/- 0.73; 7.99 cm2 +/- 3.9; 10.3 cm +/- 2.47). In addition, the BAR anastomoses had a significantly larger (P = .0069) bowel wall thickness at the anastomoses and a significantly larger (P = .047) wall thickness proximal to the anastomosis than the hand-sewn anastomoses, indicating some degree of hypertrophy because of chronic obstruction. No significant difference was found in the diameter, area, or circumference between bowel proximal and distal to the anastomosis for either the BAR or Gambee techniques, or between the BAR and Gambee anastomosis as a measure of chronic obstruction. There was a significantly higher (P = .0043) histological score (worse healing) for mucosal healing and continuity for the BAR, as well as a tendency to score higher for inflammation, anastomotic alignment, and anastomotic fibrosis. The BAR technique had a significantly higher (P = .0043) total histological score than the Gambee technique. Although the BAR was advantageous in many respects, results of this study suggest that it should not be used for equine small intestinal anastomosis because of the potential for stricture formation.
Family survival in an urbanizing world.

Among the urban poor in the Global South, an increasingly large percentage of women are household heads because weakened kin structures have allowed men to cease supporting their families. Women produce income at home in order to combine work and childcare despite government regulations and community planners that discourage such use. Changes in policies regarding tenancy rights for women, housing design, and home production would recognize a woman's dual use of her home. New organizations for home-based workers offer some measure of protection. Solutions to family survival require a research focus on survival issues relating to men as well as to women.
NHLBI workshop: respiratory medicine-related research training for adult and pediatric fellows.

The pulmonary physician-scientist has a special niche to generate basic research findings and apply them to a clinical disease and perhaps impact its medical care. The availability of new high throughput-based scientific technologies in the “omics era” has made this an opportune time for physician scientists to prepare and embark on an academic career in respiratory disease research. However, maintaining an adequate flow through the research pipeline of physician-scientist investigators studying respiratory system diseases is currently a challenge. There may not be a sufficient workforce emerging to capitalize on current research opportunities. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) organized a workshop to assess ways to attract and properly train advanced fellows to pursue research careers in adult and pediatric lung diseases. Participants included representatives from the various pulmonary training programs, respiratory-related professional societies, and NHLBI staff. Deliberation centered on present barriers that might affect interest in pursuing research training, devising better incentives to attract more trainees, and how current research support offered by the NHLBI and the Professional Societies (in partnership with Industry and Patient Support groups) might be better coordinated and optimized to ensure a continued pipeline of pulmonary investigators. Major recommendations offered are: (1) Attract trainees to pulmonary/critical care medicine-based research careers by increasing research exposure and opportunities for high school, college, and medical students. (2) Increase awareness of the outstanding physician-scientist role models in the lung community for trainees. (3) Facilitate mechanisms by which the lung community (NHLBI, professional societies, and partners) can better support and bridge senior fellows as they transition from Institutional Training Grants (T32) to Career Series (K) awards in their early faculty career development.
Oil and Politics in the Gulf: Rulers and Merchants in Kuwait and Qatar

Preface Kuwait family tree Qatar family tree 1. State formation and oil 2. History's legacy: Kuwait and Qatar before oil 3. Kuwait on the eve of oil 4. Kuwait after oil 5. Qatar 6. The Gulf War and its aftermath 7. Conclusion.
The curious case of Colleen LaRose: Social margins, new media, and online radicalization:

This article examines the case of the American terrorist Colleen LaRose, known as ‘JihadJane’. By employing social theories and psychological approaches to terrorism, the authors argue that the online radicalization of marginalized individuals like LaRose must be understood through personal histories and existing social and cultural tensions, rather than the seductive power of extremist ideologies. Therefore, in the age of new media, countering the emergence of such individuals requires societies to face challenges akin to preventing other forms of domestic extremist violence, such as school shootings.
Modelica Buildings Library

This article describes the Buildings library, a free open-source library that is implemented in Modelica, an equation-based object-oriented modelling language. The library supports rapid prototyping, as well as design and operation of building energy and control systems. First, we describe the scope of the library, which covers heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, multi-zone heat transfer and multi-zone airflow and contaminant transport. Next, we describe differentiability requirements and address how we implemented them. We describe the class hierarchy that allows implementing component models by extending partial implementations of base models of heat and mass exchangers, and by instantiating basic models for conservation equations and flow resistances. We also describe associated tools for pre- and post-processing, regression tests, co-simulation and real-time data exchange with building automation systems. The article closes with an example of a chilled water plant, with and without wate...
Do clerkship experiences affect medical students' attitudes toward chronically ill patients?

Purpose. To measure changes in medical students’ attitudes toward chronically ill patients, and to identify experiences, specifically during clerkships, that contributed to students’ attitudes. Method. A cohort of students from five U.S. medical schools voluntarily participated in three surveys longitudinally administered before and after required clinical rotations. The first two questionnaires were identical and asked for demographic information and pre-matriculation experiences with chronically ill patients. The third was modified to include questions about clinical experiences with chronically ill patients. Responses from the first and third questionnaires were linked for analysis. Results. A total of 502 of 695 students (69%) completed both the first and the third questionnaires. Many students (36%) had had pre-matriculation experiences with chronic illness. After clinical training, 25% of the respondents stated that they would seek another career specialty if the incidence of chronically ill patients increased in their chosen field, compared with the 9% who responded so before clinical training (p < .001). While 73% of the students had favorable perceptions toward chronically ill patients, and 91% felt involved in care, significantly fewer students (p < .01) had had positive patient care experiences when working with residents (57%) and attendings (59%). Gender, age, prior experiences, and school site were not associated with attitudinal changes. Conclusion. Students begin medical school with positive attitudes toward caring for chronically ill patients, but this perception depreciates with clinical experience, which may affect specialty decisions. Contributing factors may include adequate role modeling by residents and attendings and a perceived discrepancy in the quality of care patients receive. Acad. Med. 2001;76:815‐820.
Prognostic factors associated with disease progression and overall survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes treated with decitabine.

Abstract Background Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in approximately 30% of patients. Identification of risk factors for progression to AML and overall survival (OS) would help guide treatment decisions. Patients and Methods We investigated prognostic factors for progression to AML and survival in 163 patients with MDS treated with decitabine 15 mg/m 2 over 3 hours every 8 hours for 3 days every 6 weeks (n = 74) or 20 mg/m 2 over 1 hour daily for 5 days every 4 weeks (n = 89). Results Multivariate analysis of pooled baseline data revealed that only study effect was associated with progression to AML. A hemoglobin value at least 10 g/dL, platelet count at least 50 × 10 3 /μL, and lack of chromosome 5 or 7 abnormalities were associated with longer OS. Conclusions Patients with certain prognostic factors should be considered for other interventions in addition to decitabine treatment.
Behaviour of the suspected lizard competitors Anolis sagrei and Anolis carolinensis: an experimental test for behavioural interference

Intra- and interspecific encounters were staged in the laboratory using adult brown anoles Anolis sagrei, and green anoles Anolis carolinensis, two species believed to be in competition in southern Florida. Agonistic behaviour of resident males toward heterospecifics was much less intense than that of resident males toward conspecifics. This suggests that behavioural interference between males is unlikely to be an important component of competition between these species. In staged encounters between males and females, courtship behaviour was usually observed only in conspecific encounters, and copulation was observed exclusively in conspecific encounters. This suggests that copulation between these species is uncommon under natural conditions.
When the shoe doesn’t fit: female consumers’ negative emotions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and map out consumer emotions and their triggers and coping strategies practiced when the consumer has a dissatisfactory footwear product experience. Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis approach was employed to determine various types of consumer emotions and coping strategies and organize them into content categories in a systematic fashion. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 female consumers. Findings – The researchers propose a typology of emotional triggers in the pre- and post-purchase stages which describe consumers’ dissatisfactory purchase experiences with footwear products. Three negative emotional triggers in the pre-purchase stage were identified, including the act of shoe shopping itself, poor availability of products, and unfair return on investment. Negative emotional triggers that caused consumers’ stresses in the post-purchase stage included uncertainty in outcome and unmet expectation. Problem- and emotion-focussed co...
Crystal structure of an anti-Lewis a Fab determined by molecular replacement methods

The anti-Lewis a mouse immunoglobulin CF4C4 (IgGl, κ) Fab has been crystallized from 58% saturated ammonium sulfate in space group P1; unit cell dimensions a = 43.4 A b = 41.7 A, c = 62.0 A, α = 72.7 °, β = 96.6 °, γ = 100.1 °. X-ray diffraction data have been measured beyond 3.0 A Bragg spacing. The crystal structure has been determined by molecular replacement methods, using as search models the constant and variable domains of the mouse immunoglobulin McPC603 (IgA, κ) Fab. The crystallographic residual for the data 5.0 to 4.0 A, is 0.47. The approximate 2-fold axis relating the VL and the VH domains forms an angle of 164 ° with the 2-fold axis relating the constant domains. The crystal packing is reasonable.
Performance analysis for CEM and OSP

We investigate two well-known techniques Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM) and Orthogonal Subspace Projection (OSP) and find out that they can be theoretically treated as equivalent methods when the noise is independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) And its variance is small enough compared to signals, i.e., SNR is large enough. In order to make the condition true, two approaches are applied to modify the OSP technique. One is to estimate the noise covariance matrix and whiten the noise to be i.i.d. and unit variance. The other is to estimate sufficient undesired signatures such that the noise approaches i.i.d. when the data is projected onto the orthogonal subspace of undesired signatures. The results using simulated and real data demonstrate that our conclusion on the relationship between the OSP and the CEM is correct. It will be instructive to algorithm selection in practical application.
Application of a spruce-fir forest canopy gap model

Abstract A gap model was developed from the FORET model of Shugart and West (1977) to simulate stand dynamics of an old-growth spruce-fir forest in the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee. As in FORET, the recruitment, growth and mortality of individual trees on a gapsize tract are calculated and tabulated annually. Regeneration algorithms were developed to simulate gap- phase recruitment of subsaplings. The model was designed for studies of long-term forest dynamics with and without exogenous disturbances. The spruce-fir model was validated by comparing simulated and actual forest responses to disturbances involving canopy tree mortality. Simulated density and basal area values were compared to those of actual stands. Absolute and relative basal area responses were found to be reliable. The model was applied to predict future forest stand composition, structure and dynamics under a variety of potential disturbance regimes including air pollution stress and aphid-induced fir mortality. In the absence of exogenous disturbance the model predicted long-term coexistence of spruce and fir. Simulated balsam woolly aphid infestation of fir resulted in a spruce-dominated forest with low total stand density. A moderately severe spruce growth decline in the presence of an undistrubed fir population resulted in a fir-birch forest. In association with a fir population decline the effects of spruce growth stress were diminished. The contemporaneous decline of spruce and fir populations resulted in a hardwood-dominated forest with low stand biomass.
Shunt active filter based on three-level inverter for three-phase four-wire systems

The three-phase four-wire active power filter (APF) based on a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter is presented. The proposed APF and controller eliminate harmonics in all three phases as well as the neutral current. The existing NPC inverter for a three-phase three-wire system is used for the three-phase four-wire system since the split DC capacitors provide a neutral connection. To regulate and balance the split DC-capacitor voltages, the new control using the sign cubical hysteresis controller is proposed. The control method discerns the harmonic currents by fast Fourier transform choosing switching states from a switching table based on the hysteresis control. The simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of the three-phase four-wire APF.
Notch signaling in osteocytes differentially regulates cancellous and cortical bone remodeling

Notch receptors play a role in skeletal development and homeostasis, and Notch activation in undifferentiated and mature osteoblasts causes osteopenia. In contrast, Notch activation in osteocytes increases bone mass, but the mechanisms involved and exact functions of Notch are not known. In this study, Notch1 and -2 were inactivated preferentially in osteocytes by mating Notch1/2 conditional mice, where Notch alleles are flanked by loxP sequences, with transgenics expressing Cre directed by the Dmp1 (dentin matrix protein 1) promoter. Notch1/2 conditional null male and female mice exhibited an increase in trabecular bone volume due to an increase in osteoblasts and decrease in osteoclasts. In male null mice, this was followed by an increase in osteoclast number and normalization of bone volume. To activate Notch preferentially in osteocytes, Dmp1-Cre transgenics were crossed with Rosa(Notch) mice, where a loxP-flanked STOP cassette is placed between the Rosa26 promoter and Notch1 intracellular domain sequences. Dmp1-Cre(+/-);Rosa(Notch) mice exhibited an increase in trabecular bone volume due to decreased bone resorption and an increase in cortical bone due to increased bone formation. Biomechanical and chemical properties were not affected. Osteoprotegerin mRNA was increased, sclerostin and dickkopf1 mRNA were decreased, and Wnt signaling was enhanced in Dmp1-Cre(+/-);Rosa(Notch) femurs. Botulinum toxin A-induced muscle paralysis caused pronounced osteopenia in control mice, but bone mass was preserved in mice harboring the Notch activation in osteocytes. In conclusion, Notch plays a unique role in osteocytes, up-regulates osteoprotegerin and Wnt signaling, and differentially regulates trabecular and cortical bone homeostasis.
Advanced Multilayer Optical Data Storage: origins and future prospect

Fifty years have elapsed since the first concepts in volumetric memories have been put forward. Nowadays, the perceived need for low cost removable TB/disk storage systems is one more time fueling the development of 3D media, recording and readout systems. This paper, by reviewing some of the key historic moments and accomplishments in the development of volumetric recording systems attempts to shine light on possible future developments and directions while paying a tribute to many of the researchers that have contributed to the development of this field: in particular to Dr. Hans J. Coufal who for many years has provided vision, guidance, and leadership by leading recent INSIC Technology Roadmap efforts and organizing this conference. He is and will be greatly missed at a time when our common dreams may become a commercial reality.
Physostigmine and resistance to extinction

In order to study the relationship between pharmacologically induced hippocampal theta rhythm and resistance to extinction of instrumental responding, three groups of rats were trained on a discrete-trial FR 10 schedule of reinforcement, one group receiving injections of physostigmine (producing hippocampal theta rhythm) and the other two groups saline injections. This was followed by a noinjection phase for all three groups during which the schedule of reinforcement remained unchanged. In the extinction phase the drug-acquisition group and one of the saline acquisition groups received saline injections, while the remaining group received drug injections. Following extinction allSs went through reacquisition and a second extinction without any injections. The findings were that if physostigmine was administered during acquisition resistance to subsequent extinction was enhanced, but if it was administered during the extinction phase extinction was accelerated. The second acquisition and extinction did not yield any significant drug effects.
Study of intact and modified erythrocyte membranes with laser Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra of erythrocyte membranes which were intact and erythrocyte membranes which were modified by extrinsic protein extraction procedures were examined. In all cases, there was no apparent correlation between protein extraction and membrane lipid fluidity. The extraction of the band 6 protein by 0.15 M NaCl but not 0.001 M NaDH raised the erythrocyte membrane α-helical content while the extraction of all extrinsic proteins by 0.1 M NaOH resulted in a decrease in protein α-helical content. The study shows that either peripheral protein extraction and/or salt solutions can modify the secondary structures of the remaining intrinsic membrane proteins.
Which Bets Paid Off? Early Findings on the Impact of Private Management and K‐8 Conversion Reforms on the Achievement of Philadelphia Students

This article reports initial findings from a study of middle grades educational reforms in Philadelphia. We use multilevel change models to analyze the impact on student mathematics achievement of privatization through the use of educational management organizations (EMOs), taking account of the structural reforms (creation of new K-8 schools to replace selected middle schools) occurring simultaneously within the district. Overall, the longitudinal mathematics achievement gains for students in EMO-managed schools were not larger than those for students in schools managed by the district. Non-Edison EMO schools actually performed worse than district-managed schools. With the exception of one older K-8 school in one cohort, Edison schools did not significantly outperform district-managed counterparts. Students in long-established K-8 schools generally outgained students in middle schools, but gains were not as large in newly-established K-8 schools. Across all types of schools, the second cohort of students obtained greater gains than did the first.