cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in Teachers' Perceptions of Personal Control of Positive versus Negative Student Learning Outcomes.

Abstract Past research on teachers' causal attributions has shown there to be little relation between perceptions of responsibility for positive versus negative student learning outcomes. In this study, Weiner's model for causal attributions was employed to explore these perceived attributional differences. Data were gathered from 184 teachers from two metropolitan school districts. Statistically significant differences between attributions for positive versus negative outcomes were identified along the dimensions of both internality/externality and stability of cause. Relations to overall efficacy, teaching experience, grade level taught, and teacher gender were also explored; however, only grade level differences were found to be statistically significant.
EFFECT OF SOY-FLOUR DIET AND OTHER AGENTS ON EXCRETION OF I131 AFTER USE OF LABELED THYROXINE IN THE RAT1

The fecal and urinary excretion of radioiodine (I131) after injection of radioactive thyroxine was measured in rats fed diets of soy flour, starch-casein, standard laboratory chow and the Remington mixture. Rats fed the soy-flour, starch-casein and Remington diets excreted less I131 in the feces than did control rats. No difference was present in the biliary excretion of I131 or in the transformation of I131-thyroxine by the intestinal contents. The weight of stools of the rats consuming the test diets was one half that of the control group. The thyroidal uptake of I131 and the serum protein-bound iodine (PBI) were low in the rats fed soy-flour diets. The thyroid showed a small increase in weight, but the gland exhibited less cellular activity as compared with the. control group. It was concluded that the fecal excretion of I131 after administration of labeled thyroxine is not easily altered. An increase in the bulk of the stools or an increase in biliary excretion of I131 allows an abnormally increased l...
Self-Reported Narcissism and Perfectionism: An Ego-Psychological Perspective and the Continuum Hypothesis:

Within Rothstein's ego-psychological framework, the pursuit of perfection is central to self-esteem regulation along a narcissistic spectrum of self-functioning [1]. In a test of this perspective, ...
Measurement errors, linear calibration and inferences for means

Abstract Consider the usual one-way setting in which the objective is estimation and comparison of means but there is measurement error in the response variable. This is a common problem in many settings but especially so with data arising through analytic measuring devices (e.g., water, blood and air chemistry values). Past treatments have often assumed additive measurement errors resulting in extra variance components but still allowing for inferences on means. This assumption is often untenable and here we generalize it by assuming observed values are related to true values via simple linear regression. Multiple measuring methods (labs, batches, days, etc.) are allowed for with each method having its own regression. In order to correct for measurement error, calibration data is collected using standards which allows for estimation of the parameters in the measurement error models. Using this information estimates and approximate tests and confidence intervals for the means are developed under only moment assumptions. Specifically the techniques account for the uncertainty in estimating the measurement error parameters. The properties of analyses based on raw data or “adjusted values” are examined for the case where only a single measuring method is used. An example is given in which average pH values are examined in a water quality study.
Attenuating Photostress and Glare Disability in Pseudophakic Patients through the Addition of a Short-Wave Absorbing Filter

To evaluate the effects of filtering short wavelength light on visual performance under intense light conditions among pseudophakic patients previously implanted with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This was a patient-masked, randomized crossover study conducted at 6 clinical sites in the United States between September 2013 and January 2014. One hundred fifty-four bilaterally pseudophakic patients were recruited. Photostress recovery time and glare disability thresholds were measured with clip-on blue-light-filtering and placebo (clear; no blue-light filtration) glasses worn over patients' habitual correction. Photostress recovery time was quantified as the time necessary to regain sight of a grating target after intense light exposure. Glare disability threshold was assessed as the intensity of a white-light annulus necessary to obscure a central target. The order of filter used and test eye were randomized across patients. Photostress recovery time and glare disability thresholds were significantly improved (both P < 0.0001) when patients used blue-light-filtering glasses compared with clear, nonfiltering glasses. Compared with a nonfiltering placebo, adding a clip-on blue-absorbing filter to the glasses of pseudophakic patients implanted with clear IOLs significantly increased their ability to cope with glare and to recover normal viewing after an intensive photostress. This result implies that IOL designs with blue-light-filtering characteristics may be beneficial under intense light conditions.
FERROMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN Fe/Pt MULTILAYER FILMS

The magnetic properties of Fe/Pt multilayer films have been investigated using ferromagnetic resonance. In the perpendicular resonance spectrum, a family of modes have been observed in (tFe Fe / tPt Pt) × N multilayer films, where 5A ≤ tFe ≤ 11A, 11A ≤ tPt ≤ 15A and N = 35 and 50. These modes are identified as the normal modes due to exchange coupling between the Fe layers with the surface layers having a nearly pinned boundary condition. The internal uniaxial anisotropy field, Hu, as well as the g-value have been estimated. The linear relation between Hu and 1 / tFe suggests that a major contribution to the internal uniaxial anisotropy field is from the interface anisotropy energy, Ks between the Fe and Pt layers which is about 0.14 erg / cm2. The average spin wave dispersion constants for the composite material are found to be about 60 meVA2 for tPt = 11 ∼ 15A which is only 20% of the bulk Fe value.
Evidence for an H-2/viral protein complex on the cell surface as the basis for the H-2 restriction of cytotoxicity.

CYTOTOXIC T lymphocytes generated in mice by immunisation with syngeneic Friend virus (FV)-induced tumour cells show H–2 restriction, that is, their cytotoxicity is specific not only for FV-associated antigenic determinants expressed on the surfaces of potential target cells but also for products of genes associated with the major histocompatibility complex, H–2 (ref. 1). We report here the results of studies concerning the role of molecules governed by genes in the K and D regions of the H–2 complex in the stimulation of FV-specific immune responses. Studies in other viral systems have shown that H–2-restricted T-cell killing can be associated with either K or D region determinants, that is, cytotoxic T cells from virus-infected mice will kill virus-infected target cells which share either the K or D region with the infected strain2. Our studies, however, indicate that in the FV system there is a selective participation of H–2 determinants in virus-specific killing by cytotoxic T cells: BALB.B mice immunised with cultured, syngeneic FV-mduced tumour cells produce T cells with a cytotoxicity for other FV-induced tumour cells which depends only on identity at the H–2D (and not the H–2K) region of the H–2b haplotype. This H–2Db restriction in FV-specific cytotoxicity correlates with previous observations concerning: (1) partial co-capping of H–2Db and not H–2Kb specificities following treatment with anti-FV antiserum3; (2) selective incorporation of H–2Db and not H–2Kb specificities into mature FV particles4; and with our present observation of (3) blocking of T-cell cytotoxicity by anti-H–2Db and not anti-H–2Kb antisera. We suggest that the basis for this correlation is the formation of H–2Db/viral protein complexes on the surfaces of FV-infected cells, forming an ‘altered self’ molecule recognised by cytotoxic T cells as previously proposed for the mechanism of H–2 restriction5.
Satellite Relayed In Situ Ocean Observations

Position location and data relay from unmanned ocean data platforms have come into being in the last several years by the use of satellite data relay systems. This use has arisen from the inability of conventional shipboard oceanographic observations to sample on more than a fraction of physical time and space scales of the ocean. To date, most of the satellite relayed data have been from a few highly instrumented moored platforms such as NDBO ocean weather buoys, or position information from simple surface drifters for ocean current mapping. More sophisticated drifters are planned which will take data further down into the water column. These data will be used for ocean science, weather, commercial, and naval applications. NASA will will use them for verification and calibration of its own satellite observation systems. Technology improvements will be required in platform, sensor, data handling, and satellite design.
Insights on the plasma polarization shift: A comparison of local density approximation and optimum potential methods

Abstract The plasma polarization shift computed with a local density functional approximation of an ion-sphere model is compared with results calculated using an optimum central field effective exchange potential. Indications are that the bulk of the shift is an artifact of the approximate exchange functional describing the interaction between bound and continuum orbitals in the LDA.
Massive blood transfusion in choroid plexus tumor surgery: 10-years' experience

Abstract Study Objective To describe our 10 years of experience with childhood choroid plexus tumors (CPTs). Design Retrospective chart analysis. Setting Operating room and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a university hospital. Patients 18 infants and children undergoing CPT surgery from 1995 to 2004, 11 of whom were younger than 12 months. Measurements Perioperative hematologic and coagulation data were measured as well as estimated red cell volume variations (as a reliable index of blood loss) in the perioperative period, together with coagulation parameters. Results Greater blood loss was recorded in the infant group vs older children (percentage of estimated red cell volume loss, 1.31 ± 1.79% vs 0.20 ± 0.17% [ P P P Conclusion Younger CPT surgery patients present an increased risk versus their older counterparts of massive bleeding resulting in hemodynamic instability and coagulative impairment.
Cardiovascular Anomalies in Noonan's Syndrome

Noonan's syndrome is associated with short stature, mild mental retardation, epicanthal folds, low set ears, low posterior hairline, webbed neck, shield chest, scoliosis, pectus excavatum, cubitus valgus and a variety of anomalies of the cardiovascular system. Two patients with Noonan's syndrome, congenital heart disease and systemic venous anomalies are presented, and 204 cases of Noonan's syndrome with congenital heart disease are reviewed.
A national survey of clinicians' views of evidence-based therapies for PTSD and substance abuse

This study was a nationwide survey of 205 Veterans Affairs (VA) staff on their views of 11 psychotherapy models for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), or comorbid PTSD/SUD. For each model, staff rated four key areas: level of implementation, helpfulness overall, helpfulness for PTSD/SUD, and desire for training on it. They also provided quantitative and qualitative information on general questions related to PTSD/SUD treatment. Results indicated that most respondents were already using one or more models, and they reported significantly different ratings of the models in each of the four key areas addressed, with some models quite consistently appearing at the top or bottom of the list. Furthermore, the more the clinicians had implemented a particular model, the more helpful they found it. A factor analysis of the models indicated four factors that appeared related to their content, rather than to how much they were liked. Finally, qualitative comments emphasized a desire ...
Evidence for Galaxy Interactions/Mergers from Medium Deep Survey WFPC2 Data

We examine the morphological and statistical properties of close galaxy pairs from two sets of 28 WFPC2 fields, acquired for the Medium Deep Survey (MDS) and the Groth-Westphal Survey (GWS) in F606W (V) and F814W (I) passbands. In the GWS sample all fields have uniform 95% completeness down to I 24.3 mag, whereas in the MDS sample, fields have varying 95% completeness limits in the range I 23.6-24.8 mag. In each field ~400 galaxies per 5 square arcmin field are detected. We exploit high-resolution WFPC2 images to systematically determine morphological classifications of galaxies as disk or bulge dominated down to I ≤ 23 mag (V 24 mag) and to differentiate galaxies from stars 1 magnitude fainter. Down to I ≤ 25 mag the number of galaxy pairs with separations θ ≤ 30 is consistent with a shortward extrapolation of the angular two-point correlation function ω(θ) θ-0.8 observed from the same data; the fraction of such pairs showing morphological evidence for physical association accounts for a third of the total numbers suggested by a shortward extrapolation of ω(θ). The latter result may not be too surprising given the low surface brightness of the tidal tails resulting from galaxy interactions; i.e., much of the evidence for interactions may fall below our detection limit. Moreover, we find no trend between apparent physical association (on the basis of morphology) and (V - I) color or I-magnitude difference between pair members of the θ 30 pair sample. We use recent galaxy redshift surveys to estimate the rate of galaxy merging occurring in the MDS and GWS galaxy pair samples. From this work we find that merging has a moderate dependence on redshift: we derive an estimate for the galaxy pair fraction Pf (1 + z)m, with m = 1.2 ± 0.4 for galaxies with I ≤ 25 mag (zmed 1-2). Two scenarios are consistent both with this low value of m and for the low correlation amplitude: (a) a low-density universe with strong clustering evolution parameterized by a clustering exponent e 1.0 such that galaxy cluster-scale structures shrink relative to the proper coordinate frame; and/or (b) a weakly clustered galaxy population, the majority of which fade or dissipate below zmed 0.5 (I 20 mag), thus mimicking the apparently strong evolution in the correlation amplitude, Aω. Although not directly observed using our data, the possible flattening of the slope of ω(θ) with increasing survey depth can explain the strong decline in Aω and allow for greater pair fraction evolution limited to m ≤ 1.6.
On Islam & comparative intellectual history

Every culture has to balance innovation and conservation. Most innovations are bad because they are maladaptive, but since a few of them turn out well, absence of innovation in a culture is also maladaptive. The question is where the balance is to be struck, and in the Islamic case the answer was well toward the conservative end of the spectrum.
Fetal Anemia and Apoptosis of Red Cell Progenitors in Stat5a−/−5b−/− Mice: A Direct Role for Stat5 in Bcl-XL Induction

Abstract The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) is essential for production of red blood cells; a principal function of EpoR is to rescue committed erythroid progenitors from apoptosis. Stat5 is rapidly activated following EpoR stimulation, but its function in erythropoiesis has been unclear since adult Stat5a −/− 5b −/− mice have normal steady-state hematocrit. Here we show that Stat5 is essential for the high erythropoietic rate during fetal development. Stat5a −/− 5b −/− embryos are severely anemic; erythroid progenitors are present in low numbers, show higher levels of apoptosis, and are less responsive to Epo. These findings are explained by a crucial role for Stat5 in EpoR's antiapoptotic signaling: it mediates the immediate-early induction of Bcl-X L in erythroid cells through direct binding to the Bcl-X promoter.
Analytical representation of cross-section hydraulic properties

Abstract An alternative power function representation of hydraulic properties for one-dimensional flow routing in channels with compound cross-sections is put forward. The hydraulic properties of interest are cross-section flow area, wetted perimeter and conveyance factor. The independent variable is flow depth. The alternative power function representation is continuous with flow depth and it follows the trend of suddenly changing hydraulic property values at overbank elevation. It is applicable to a large range of complex section shapes which may include overbank channels, natural levees and minor channel irregularities such as sand bars and small terraces where traditional simple power functions have failed. The alternative power function representation is simple and highly efficient from the computational point of view. Its performance is illustrated for several actual compound cross-sections. Efficiency and extended capabilities make it an attractive procedure for one-dimensional channel flow routing in drainage networks where hydraulic properties of many cross-sections need repeated evaluation.
Effect of illness on serum growth hormone response to intravenous glucose.

Abstract Intravenous glucose was given to nine control patients, 16 ill patients without malignancy, and 20 patients with localized or metastatic malignancy to study hGH responses. All of the controls showed normal hGH suppression 1 hr after glucose. A paradoxical rise in hGH levels 1 hr after glucose was observed in the group of ill patients without tumors ( p p
The preclinical discovery of lofexidine for the treatment of opiate addiction

Introduction: Lofexidine is one therapeutic option used for treating the onslaught of sympathetic outflow that typically commences upon induction of opiate withdrawal. It was approved for opiate detoxification in the UK, most of EU, and a select few countries worldwide during the 1980s and the 90s. Within the US and Canada, however, it remains an experimental drug.Areas covered: The following article highlights lacunae in extant knowledge about the molecular pharmacology of lofexidine. Furthermore, the article provides a brief discussion on the nature and shortcomings of clinical trials for this drug that have been conducted over the past 30 years across the world. It also provides a discussion of the market factors and regulatory considerations responsible for the rather limited use of lofexidine thus far.Expert opinion: Many lessons can be learned from the 40-year-long development of lofexidine. Indeed, unless there is an urgent need to address an unmet and/or immediate health threat, preclinical develo...
Validity and reliability of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test: A review

This review uses tables to summarize empirical evidence about the validity and reliability of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). Twelve studies met standards for inclusion. MAST diagnosis agreed with diagnosis by other criteria for alcoholism in approximately three of four cases. Where inconsistency occurred, MAST tended to over-diagnose. Because reliability was lower for shorter versions, longer versions should be used where practical.
Evidence of immunological activity in heterotropic autotransplanted splenic tissue in DBA/2 mice

Abstract After total splenectomy, a portion of the spleen was autotransplanted into subcutaneous ectopic sites of DBA/2 mice. These implanted fragments regenerated into splenic tissue that are microscopically indistinguishable from the structure of the original spleen. These implants are also immunologically functional as demonstrated by their ability to produce antibodies to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and SRBC inhibition of splenic (implant) cell migration.
Interaction of a spherical high voltage probe with the space environment: electron trapping, current drain and collective process

The effects of electron trapping and plasma turbulence on the current-voltage relationship for a positively charged high-voltage spherical probe in a magnetized plasma are studied. The results of a study conducted prior to the launch of SPEAR I (Space Power Experiment Aboard Rockets) are summarized and analyzed. A primary goal of the SPEAR I experiment was to obtain quantitative measures of the effects of an ambient magnetic field on electron collection by a high-voltage spherical probe. Analysis indicates that the structure of the sheath and the I-V relation for a high-voltage probe configured as in the originally planned SPEAR I experiment (with a working plasma contactor) would be substantially influenced by the combined action of trapped electrons and wave-particle scattering processes. >
Post-operative diabetes insipidus after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

Diabetes insipidus (DI) after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) can lead to increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and increased medication requirements. Predicting which patients are at high risk for developing DI can help direct services to ensure adequate care and follow-up. The objective of this study was to review our institution’s experience with ETSS and determine which clinical/laboratory variables are associated with DI in this patient population. The authors wanted to see if there was an easily determined single value that would help predict which patients develop DI. This represents the largest North American series of this type. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who had undergone ETSS for resection of sellar and parasellar pathology between 2006 and 2011. We examined patient and tumor characteristics and their relationship to postoperative DI. Out of 172 endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries, there were 15 cases of transient DI (8.7 %) and 14 cases of permanent DI (8.1 %). Statistically significant predictors of postoperative DI (p < 0.05) included tumor volume and histopathology (Rathke’s cleft cyst and craniopharyngioma). Significant indicators of development of DI were postoperative serum sodium, preoperative to postoperative change in sodium level, and urine output prior to administration of 1-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin. An increase in serum sodium of ≥2.5 mmol/L is a positive marker of development of DI with 80 % specificity, and a postoperative serum sodium of ≥145 mmol/L is a positive indicator with 98 % specificity. Identifying perioperative risk factors and objective indicators of DI after ETSS will help physicians care for patients postoperatively. In this large series, we demonstrated that there were multiple perioperative risk factors for the development of DI. These findings, which are consistent with other reports from microscopic surgical series, will help identify patients at risk for diabetes insipidus, aid in planning treatment algorithms, and increase vigilance in high risk patients.
Characterization of Impact Damage in Woven Fiber Composites using Fiber Bragg Grating sensing and NDE

Woven fiber composites are currently being investigated due to their advantages over other materials, making them suitable for low weight, high stiffness, and high interlaminar fracture toughness applications such as missiles, body armor, satellites, and many other aerospace applications. Damage characterization of woven fabrics is a complex task due to their tendency to exhibit different failure modes based on the weave configuration, orientation, ply stacking and other variables. A multiscale model is necessary to accurately predict progressive damage. The present research is an experimental study on damage characterization of three different woven fiber laminates under low energy impact using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors and flash thermography. A correlation between the measured strain from FBG sensors and the damaged area obtained from flash thermography imaging has been developed. It was observed that the peak strain in the fabrics were strongly dependent on the weave geometry and decreased at different rates as damage area increased due to dissimilar failure modes. Experimental observations were validated with the development of a multiscale model. A FBG sensor placement model was developed which showed that FBG sensor location and orientation plays a key role in the sensing capabilities of strain on the samples.
Development of polyclonal anti-D2 dopamine receptor antibodies to fusion proteins: inhibition of D2 receptor-G protein interaction.

: Portions of the cDNA encoding the third intracellular loop (i3 loop) of the long and short isoforms of the rat D2 dopamine receptor were subcloned into the vector pNMHUBpoly and expressed in Escherichia coli as fusion proteins. The fusion proteins were gel-purified and used to immunize rabbits for the production of polyclonal anti-receptor antisera. The anti-fusion protein antisera recognized synthetic peptides corresponding to segments of the i3 loops of D2 dopamine receptors in a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Antisera were tested in an immunoprecipitation assay using the reversible D2 antagonist [125I]NCQ 298 and digitonin-solubilized extracts of canine and rat caudate. [125I]-NCQ 298 bound reversibly and with high affinity (KD= 0.14 nM) to receptors in solubilized extracts enriched by chromatography on heparin-agarose. The anti-UBI-D2i3L and anti-UBI-D2i3s antisera were able to immunoprecipitate quantitatively D2 dopamine receptors labeled with [125I]NCQ 298 from solubilized rat caudate. The antibodies were tested for their ability to affect the coupling of D2 dopamine receptors to GTP-binding proteins in digitonin-solubilized rat caudate. Both anti-UBI-D2i3L and anti-UBI-D2i3s antisera were able to inhibit the high-affinity binding of the agonist N-propylnorapomorphine to digitonin-solubilized rat caudate. These findings indicate that the i3 loop of the D2 dopamine receptor is an important determinant for coupling of the G protein.
Baseband optical down-sampling for high-performance analog links

A baseband optical down-sampling architecture is experimentally demonstrated where both inphase and quadrature channel are directly accessed using two integrated dual mode-locked lasers. A 2-dB conversion penalty is obtained for a 50 Mbaud QPSK-modulated 2.5 GHz RF signal.
Non-isothermal gas radiation in superposed vibration-rotation bands

Analytical expressions and experimental measurements are reported for the spectral radiance in the 2·7 μ region for a non-isothermal column of H2O. Incomplete overlapping of lines leading to a rapid spectral variation of the absorption coefficient is accounted for by means of the Curtis-Godson approximation, applied to each individual member of the set of superposed vibration rotation bands active in the region. In a given spectral locality of an extent of a few line spacings, the bands are taken to be randomly superposed. In addition, less detailed calculations based upon an equivalent-band concept are presented. Experimental measurements obtained with an H2O gas cell having a temperature difference of 600 K° over a length of 6 cm are compared with the calculations.
A few varietal combinations in Californian Keckiella and Penstemon (Scrophulariaceae)

Combinations are made forKeckiella antirrhinoides var.microphylla, K. rothrockii var.jacintensis, K. ternata var.septentrionalis, Penstemon fruticiformis var.amargosae, P. grinnellii var.scrophularioides, P. heterodoxus var.cephalophorus, P. heterodoxus var.shastensis, andP. newberryi var.berryi.
Activation Energy for Mullitization of α‐Alumina/Silica Microcomposite Particles

The formation of mullite in silica-coated α-alumina microcomposite powders was investigated using differential thermal analysis. An apparent activation energy of 1042 ± 32 kj/mol was determined for the mullitization reaction. This result suggests that mullite formation in microcomposite powders occurs by the same mechanism as in diphasic gels.
First Experience with Clinical-Grade [18F]FPP(RGD)2: An Automated Multi-step Radiosynthesis for Clinical PET Studies

A reliable and routine process to introduce a new 18F-labeled dimeric RGD-peptide tracer ([18F]FPP(RGD)2) for noninvasive imaging of αvβ3 expression in tumors needed to be developed so the tracer could be evaluated for the first time in man. Clinical-grade [18F]FPP(RGD)2 was screened in mouse prior to our first pilot study in human. [18F]FPP(RGD)2 was synthesized by coupling 4-nitrophenyl-2-[18F]fluoropropionate ([18F]NPE) with the dimeric RGD-peptide (PEG3-c(RGDyK)2). Imaging studies with [18F]FPP(RGD)2 in normal mice and a healthy human volunteer were carried out using small animal and clinical PET scanners, respectively. Through optimization of each radiosynthetic step, [18F]FPP(RGD)2 was obtained with RCYs of 16.9 ± 2.7% (n = 8, EOB) and specific radioactivity of 114 ± 72 GBq/μmol (3.08 ± 1.95 Ci/μmol; n = 8, EOB) after 170 min of radiosynthesis. In our mouse studies, high radioactivity uptake was only observed in the kidneys and bladder with the clinical-grade tracer. Favorable [18F]FPP(RGD)2 biodistribution in human studies, with low background signal in the head, neck, and thorax, showed the potential applications of this RGD-peptide tracer for detecting and monitoring tumor growth and metastasis. A reliable, routine, and automated radiosynthesis of clinical-grade [18F]FPP(RGD)2 was established. PET imaging in a healthy human volunteer illustrates that [18F]FPP(RGD)2 possesses desirable pharmacokinetic properties for clinical noninvasive imaging of αvβ3 expression. Further imaging studies using [18F]FPP(RGD)2 in patient volunteers are now under active investigation.
Reversibility of liver damage in rats rendered resistant to carbon tetrachloride by prior carbon tetrachloride administration: Bearing on the lipoperoxidation hypothesis

Abstract Small nonlethal doses of carbon tetrachloride promote in rats a remarkable resistance to large and ordinarily lethal doses of the same liver poison. For the first 12–18 hr after administration of a large dose of carbon tetrachloride, the resistant rats exhibit elevated serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase levels and elevated liver neutral lipid levels indistinguishable from control rats given the same large dose of the liver poison. However, in the resistant rats the observed pathological changes are completely reversible, whereas in susceptible rats the observed changes increase until death of the animal. A similar pattern of reversible and nonreversible changes emerges in otherwise untreated rats as a function of the dose of carbon tetrachloride. These studies have been correlated with new data on the persistence of carbon tetrachloride in the liver as a function of the dose. The data permit clarification of certain puzzling aspects of carbon tetrachloride toxicity.
Observations of polarized seismoacoustic T waves at and beneath the seafloor in the abyssal Pacific ocean

Combined seismic and hydrophone observations show that the traditional T wave propagates as a seismoacoustic polarized interface wave (Ti) coupled to the seafloor. Seismoacoustic Ti waves propagating at the sound speed of water are routinely observed over megameter distances at the deep (4979m) seafloor Hawaii-2 Observatory (H2O) between Hawaii and California, even though the seafloor site is within a shadow zone for acoustic wave propagation. Ti has also been observed on seismometers 225 km SSW of Oahu at the OSN1 site at the seafloor and within an ODP borehole into the basalt basement. Analyses of timing, apparent velocity, energy, and polarization of these interface waves are presented. At low frequency (<∼5Hz) Ti propagates dominantly in the sediments and is consistent with higher-mode Rayleigh waves. At higher frequencies the observed Ti waves dominantly propagate acoustically with characteristics suggesting local scattering. The observation of Ti from an earthquake in Guatemala at OSN1, whose path i...
System architecture for a magnetically guided endovascular microcatheter

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided minimally invasive interventions are an emerging technology. We developed a microcatheter that utilizes micro-electromagnets manufactured on the distal tip, in combination with the magnetic field of a MRI scanner, to perform microcatheter steering during endovascular surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate a user control system for operating, steering and monitoring this magnetically guided microcatheter. The magnetically-assisted remote control (MARC) microcatheter was magnetically steered within a phantom in the bore of a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Controls mounted in an interventional MRI suite, along with a graphical user interface at the MRI console, were developed with communication enabled via MRI compatible hardware modules. Microcatheter tip deflection measurements were performed by evaluating MRI steady-state free precession (SSFP) images and compared to models derived from magnetic moment interactions and composite beam mechanics. The magnitude and direction of microcatheter deflections were controlled with user hand, foot, and software controls. Data from two different techniques for measuring the microcatheter tip location within a 1.5 T MRI scanner showed correlation of magnetic deflections to our model (R2: 0.88) with a region of linear response (R2: 0.98). Image processing tools were successful in autolocating the in vivo microcatheter tip within MRI SSFP images. Our system showed good correlation to response curves and introduced low amounts of MRI noise artifact. The center of the artifact created by the energized microcatheter solenoid was a reliable marker for determining the degree of microcatheter deflection and auto-locating the in vivo microcatheter tip.
Light-stimulated transplasmalemma electron transport in oat mesophyll cells

Abstract Transplasmalemma redox activity has been detected at the peeled surface of oat (Avena sativa L. cv. ‘Garry’) leaf segments by measuring the reduction of the non-permeating oxidant, ferricyanide. This activity is stimulated 70–100% by white light, but light has no effect when exogenous NADH is used as an electron donor. The light stimulation of transplasmalemma ferricyanide reduction is prevented by 50 μM 3-(3,4 dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU). Blue and red light are as effective as white light in promoting redox activity, while green is one-third as active. These data suggest a role for photosynthesis. Respiratory poisons decrease redox activity in the dark, but a light-induced stimulation is still observed. The stimulated rate decays in the dark with a half-life of 3 min in the presence or absence of respiratory poisons, implicating a chemical rather than a photochemical intermediate as a limiting factor. We conclude that transmembrane electron transport can utilize products of respiration but that photosynthesis acts independently, perhaps by providing a carbon source which generates reduced substrate.
Neural space integrity of the lower cervical spine: effect of anterior lesions.

Study Design. A repeated measures study design was used to evaluate intervertebral foramen and spinal canal neural space integrity subsequent to sequential surgical anterior lesions of the lower cervical spine in a human cadaver model. Objective. To investigate the degree to which sequential ablation of anterior vertebral elements places the neural structures at risk of injury. Summary of Background Data. Classic instability management utilizing functional-structural criteria has been widely examined associating specific lesions or pathologies to a degree of mechanical instability. Unfortunately, these studies have not assessed the neuroprotective role of the vertebral column. Methods. Eight human cadaveric lower cervical spines were instrumented with transducers to measure geometrical changes in the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal. Sequential lesions were performed anteriorly on the anterior and middle column structures (C4–C5 disc and C5 vertebra), and their effects on neural space integrity and range of motion were measured under physiologic loading. Results. Range of motion significantly increased with successively more destructive lesions, whereas the spinal canal exhibited few changes. Intervertebral foramen integrity was statistically reduced for corpectomy (66% intact), hemivertebrectomy (62% intact) and full vertebrectomy (57% intact) lesions when loaded in concomitant extension and ipsilateral bending (4 Nm). Conclusions. Lesions more extensive than a surgical discectomy have significant effects on the cervical neural foramens specifically when the spine is placed in extension, ipsilateral bending, and coupled ipsilateral bending and extension. Our study establishes a quantitative relationship between the risk of neural structure compression and anterior lesions of the spinal column under physiologic loading.
Stimulation of prohormone convertase-1 mRNA expression by second messenger signaling systems.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of activation of various second messenger signaling systems on gene expression (i.e. mRNA levels) of a peptide hormone processing enzyme called prohormone convertase-1 (PC-1, also called PC-3) in a human pancreatic carcinoid cell line (BON) that expresses several endocrine peptides (chromogranin A, pancreastatin, neurotensin). Pharmacologic activation of adenylate cyclase-cAMP, protein kinase-C and Ca2+ mobilization pathways increased PC-1 mRNA levels and neurotensin secretion. Elevations in PC-1 mRNA levels were dose and time-related. Secretagogue-induced cellular depletion of neurotensin was followed by a replenishment of cellular neurotensin stores and an upregulation of PC-1 mRNA levels. Together, these data indicate that PC-1 mRNA expression is increased with peptide secretion and coordinated with maintenance of cellular stores of peptides.
Sensor-Cloud Infrastructure - Physical Sensor Management with Virtualized Sensors on Cloud Computing

Increasing numbers of physical sensors are used for various purposes. Those physical sensors are usually used by their own applications. Because each application manages both of physical sensors and their sensor data exclusively, other applications cannot use the physical sensors in the different party easily. We propose a new infrastructure called Sensor-Cloud infrastructure which can manage physical sensors on IT infrastructure. The Sensor-Cloud Infrastructure virtualizes a physical sensor as a virtual sensor on the cloud computing. Dynamic grouped virtual sensors on cloud computing can be automatic provisioned when the users need them. The approach to enable the sensor management capability on cloud computing. Since the resource and capability of physical sensor devices is limited, the cloud computing on the IT infrastructure can be behalf of the sensor management such as availability and performance of physical sensors. This paper describes the design of Sensor-Cloud Infrastructure, the system architecture and the implementation.
Macrophages in atherosclerosis: a dynamic balance

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that arises from an imbalance in lipid metabolism and a maladaptive immune response driven by the accumulation of cholesterol-laden macrophages in the artery wall. Through the analysis of the progression and regression of atherosclerosis in animal models, there is a growing understanding that the balance of macrophages in the plaque is dynamic and that both macrophage numbers and the inflammatory phenotype influence plaque fate. In this Review, we summarize recently identified pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that link lipid and inflammation biology with the retention of macrophages in plaques, as well as factors that have the potential to promote their egress from these sites.
The Role of Public Opinion on the California Governor’s Recall in 2003: Populism, Partisanship, and Direct Democracy

The article examines the role of public opinion during the California governor’s recall in 2003 compared to partisanship and ideology. In the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Statewide Surveys, most Californians reported that their state was headed in the wrong direction, whereas relatively few said that they trusted state government, and most said that they disapproved of the way the governor was handling his job. Californians reported that they liked the recall process in concept, and about one half said that they were pleased with its current use and satisfied with the replacement candidates. The author finds that public support for the recall was consistent over time and related to negative political attitudes and positive recall attitudes when controlling for other factors. The implications for the future use and success of recalls and on what political science has to say about the role of populism and partisanship in the direct democracy movement are discussed.
Encephalomyocarditis virus can bind to and transfect non-permissive cells.

Mouse embryo fibroblasts and mouse adrenal tumor cells support the replication of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus, whereas rat glial and rat hepatoma cells are non-permissive. These differences in susceptibility were not due to the lack of virus attachment to rat cells. The finding that rat cells could be transfected with RNA derived from EMC virus indicates that the block in viral replication in these cells occurs at some point between attachment and uncoating of virus, probably at the level of uncoating.
Median palatine cyst

Median palatine cysts are rare, nonodontogenic lesion of the hard palate that do not involve the palatine papilla or incisive canal and that usually present as asymptomatic, fluctuant swellings. They may involve the floor the nasal cavity but are treated by simple enucleation, without recurrence. They are composed histologically of a fibrous collagenous tissue wall, with infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells, and lined by stratified squamous and/or respiratory epithelium. They are differentiated from the nasopalatine and other anterior maxillary cysts by the following diagnostic criteria: Appears grossly to be symmetrical along the midline of the hard palate. Located posterior to palatine papilla. Radiographically ovoid or circular in appearance. Not intimately associated with a nonvital tooth or found to have any communication with the incisive canal. Shows no histologic evidence of nerve trunks, large vascular spaces, hyaline cartilage, or accessory salivary gland tissue in the cyst wall.
Flexible constrained spectral clustering

Constrained clustering has been well-studied for algorithms like K-means and hierarchical agglomerative clustering. However, how to encode constraints into spectral clustering remains a developing area. In this paper, we propose a flexible and generalized framework for constrained spectral clustering. In contrast to some previous efforts that implicitly encode Must-Link and Cannot-Link constraints by modifying the graph Laplacian or the resultant eigenspace, we present a more natural and principled formulation, which preserves the original graph Laplacian and explicitly encodes the constraints. Our method offers several practical advantages: it can encode the degree of belief (weight) in Must-Link and Cannot-Link constraints; it guarantees to lower-bound how well the given constraints are satisfied using a user-specified threshold; and it can be solved deterministically in polynomial time through generalized eigendecomposition. Furthermore, by inheriting the objective function from spectral clustering and explicitly encoding the constraints, much of the existing analysis of spectral clustering techniques is still valid. Consequently our work can be posed as a natural extension to unconstrained spectral clustering and be interpreted as finding the normalized min-cut of a labeled graph. We validate the effectiveness of our approach by empirical results on real-world data sets, with applications to constrained image segmentation and clustering benchmark data sets with both binary and degree-of-belief constraints.
ERCP in Children

Endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the gastroenterologist. Its use in children, however, is still limited and it may be underutilized. Several factors may account for this, such as the perceived rarity of biliary and pancreatic disease in children, a lack of familiarity with ERCP by pediatricians and a lack of formal ERCP training for the pediatric gastroenterologist. Such factors notwithstanding, the number of both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs performed in children has grown significantly in recent years. For example, ERCP is now being used in establishing the diagnosis of infantile cholestasis. Therapeutic ERCP, such as biliary stone removal, is the most rapidly growing area of pediatric ERCP. This article reviews the role of ERCP in pediatric patients, illustrates new developments, and emphasizes technical considerations in children.
Epidemiology of Resistant Pneumococci in Hungary

ABSTRACT Data on resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae was analyzed in cohorts of isolates from nasal carriers without respiratory tract infection, nose–throat swabs, and ear fluid specimens of ch...
ORGANIC AMENDMENTS IMPROVE SOIL CONDITIONS AND DENITRIFICATION IN A RESTORED RIPARIAN WETLAND

Low soil organic matter (SOM) levels can limit nutrient cycling and plant growth in restored wetlands. This study examined how the addition of different amounts of compost at a restoration site in Charlotte, North Carolina, affected the development of soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth and diversity. The stream and wetland restoration was completed in July 2004 and monitored for three years. Available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) increased with increasing SOM. The microbial community responded to organic matter (OM) additions with increases in both total microbial biomass and microbial activity (as measured by denitrification potential). Plant community responses were less consistent. In 2004, leaf % N significantly increased with increasing OM for two species (Pontederia cordata and Sagittaria latifolia) while two other species (Acorus calamus and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) showed no relationship; in 2005, however, there was no relationship for any of the species. We also found no relationship between total plant aboveground biomass and % SOM measured in 2006. We found negative relationships between species richness and % SOM in 2004 and 2006, but not in 2005. These results suggest that compost amendments are an effective method for improving soil properties, stimulating microbial communities, and can improve some ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, but may have limited early effects on plant communities.
Can't we all just get along? A primer on student incivility in nursing education.

Abstract Student incivility is a growing problem in the academic nursing community. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the increasing prevalence of incivility among nursing students. Various databases (Allied and Complimentary Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Ovid MEDLINE) were queried using the key words incivility, student incivility, nursing education, student-faculty relations, student aggression, and student violence. Both research- and non-research-based articles were selected for review. Also included among the references retrieved were articles pertaining to unethical conduct and disruptive behavior. Virtually all of the articles characterized incivility as the product of a symbiotic relationship between students and faculty. Fundamentally, incivility was found to be a multifaceted problem whose resolution is predicated on gaining a heightened understanding of the economic, sociological, and psychological underpinnings of disrup...