cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudometastases secondary to film static artifact

Low density areas in the liver on computed tomography (CT) may be produced by cysts, abscesses, or tumors. A case is reported in which film static resulted in multiple focal low density areas in the liver in a patient with lymphoma. This potential pitfall in CT interpretation can be avoided by taking proper measures to avoid film artifacts and by reviewing all cases on the cathode ray tube (CRT) display as well as the hard copy film.
Conditional and Unconditional Conservatism:Concepts and Modeling

We develop a model that captures the distinct natures of and interactions between conditional and unconditional conservatism. Under unconditional conservatism, the book value of net assets is understated due to predetermined aspects of the accounting process. Under conditional conservatism, book value is written down under sufficiently adverse circumstances, but not up under favorable circumstances. The specification of earnings provided by the model yields hypotheses about how unconditional conservatism and other factors preempt conditional conservatism and so affect the asymmetric response of earnings to positive and negative share returns, both current and lagged, documented by Basu (1995, “Conservatism and the Asymmetric Timeliness of Earnings.” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Rochester’ 1997, “The Conservatism Principle and the Asymmetric Timeliness of Earnings.” Journal of Accounting and Economics 24, 3–37).
Noncommutative Jordan Algebras with Commutators Satisfying an Alternativity Condition

Abstract The theorems of this paper show that the main results in the structure and representation theory of Jordan algebras and of alternative algebras are valid for a larger class of algebras defined by simple identities which obviously hold in the Jordan and alternative cass. A new unification of the Jordan and associative theories is also achieved.
Charge distribution in neutron-induced fission of thorium

Abstract Independent-fission yields of 117In, 130I, 132I, 133I and 134I in 14·8 MeV neutron-induced fission of 232Th were determined to be (1·6 ± 0·4) × 10−2, (2·2 ± 0·5) × 10−2, (1·1 ± 0·2) × 10−1, (4·4 ± 1·0) × 10−1 and (6·4 ± 1·5) × 10−1 per cent, respectively. The experimental results were analyzed by applying various charge postulates. The charge distribution, which is different for asymmetric and symmetric regions of the mass-yield curve, were interpreted previously in terms of two separate modes of fission. The results of this investigation and the previous measurements of the independent yields both in asymmetric and symmetric regions of the mass-yield curve showed strongly in favor of the Two-Mode-Fission-Hypothesis.
The Job Market for Teachers.

Allan C. Ornstein Loyola University of Chicago Approximately 2.2 million people were employed as public school teachers K-12 in 1979-80. About 1.2 million were teaching in elementary schools, and the remaining 1.0 million were employed at the secondary level. (Middle-grade teachers are included with elementary teachers, and junior-high teachers are included with secondary teachers.) Another 200,000 were teaching in non-public schools, the great majority in Catholic schools, bringing the total number of classroom teachers K-12 to 2.4 million.1
A tyramine-gated chloride channel coordinates distinct motor programs of a Caenorhabditis elegans escape response.

Summary A key feature of escape responses is the fast translation of sensory information into a coordinated motor output. In C. elegans , anterior touch initiates a backward escape response in which lateral head movements are suppressed. Here, we show that tyramine inhibits head movements and forward locomotion through the activation of a tyramine-gated chloride channel, LGC-55. lgc-55 mutant animals have defects in reversal behavior and fail to suppress head oscillations in response to anterior touch. lgc-55 is expressed in neurons and muscle cells that receive direct synaptic inputs from tyraminergic motor neurons. Therefore, tyramine can act as a classical inhibitory neurotransmitter. Activation of LGC-55 by tyramine coordinates the output of two distinct motor programs, locomotion and head movements that are critical for a C. elegans escape response.
Pilot study of the relationship between drug misuse and violence among drug addicts in Greater Accra, Ghana: the south of Saharan Africa case.

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between drug use/misuse and the prevalence of violence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was undertaken as a pilot study to provide directi...
Complexity analysis of riverflow time series

I have used the Lempel–Ziv measure to assess the complexity in riverflow activity over England and Wales for the period 1867–2002. In particular, I have examined the reconstructed monthly riverflow time series from fifteen representative catchments in these regions and calculated the Lempel–Ziv Complexity (LZC) value for each time series. The results indicate that the LZC values in some catchments are close to each other while in others they differ significantly. In addition, I have divided the period 1867–2002 into four equal subintervals: (a) 1867–1900, (b) 1901–1934, (c) 1935–1968, (d) 1969–2002, and calculated the LZC values for the various time series in these subintervals. It is found that during the period 1969–2002, there is a decrease in complexity in most of the catchments in comparison to the subinterval 1935–1968. This complexity loss may be attributed to increased human intervention involving land and crop use, urbanization, commercial navigation and climatic changes due to human activity. Determining the complexity in the riverflow time series is important because an understanding of the extent of complexity may be useful in developing appropriate models of riverflow activity. The extent of complexity may also influence the predictability of the variability in riverflow dynamics.
Management of the Flail Elbow

Flail elbow is a relatively uncommon cause of elbow dysfunction. It is defined as the inability to position the arm in space for useful elbow function because of structural or neurologic inadequacies. Patient function is often severely compromised and treatment options are limited with moderate levels of success depending on etiology. This article reviews the various etiologies of dysfunctional elbow instability, their treatment options, and their expected outcomes.
An investigation of the hydrophilic/oleophilic nature of various coals

Abstract An investigation of the relative wettability of various coals in contact with water and oil was undertaken to improve the understanding of the effect of additives on the sedimentation and the rheological properties of coal—oil mixtures (COM). Coals were classified as hydrophilic or oleophilic in an oil/water system by investigating their fate in a mixture of equal volumes of kerosene and water. Subsequently, Differences in the relative hydrophilic/oteophilic nature of the various coals were quantified by a test based on the spherical agglomeration process.
Cortical and thalamic connections of the parietal ventral somatosensory area in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus)

Microelectrode mapping methods were used to define the parietal ventral somatosensory area (PV) on the upper bank of the lateral sulcus in five marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). In the same animals, neuroanatomical tracers were placed into electrophysiologically identified sites in PV and/or the second somatosensory area (S2). Foci of anterograde and retrograde label were related to electrophysiological maps of cortical areas and cortical and thalamic architecture. The results lead to the following conclusions: (1) Multiunit recordings from cortex on the upper bank of the lateral sulcus demonstrate that PV is somatotopically organized, with the face representation adjoining area 3b and the hindlimb and tail representations away from this border in cortex deep on the upper bank of the lateral sulcus. The forelimb representation is caudal in PV adjacent to the S2 forelimb representation. The body surface representation in PV approximates a mirror image of that in S2; (2) Areas PV and S2 are less myelinated and have less cytochrome oxidase enzyme activity than area 3b; (3) The ventroposterior inferior nucleus (VPI) of the thalamus provides the major somatosensory projections to PV. PV is reciprocally connected with VPI and anterior pulvinar; (4) PV has ipsilateral cortical connections with areas 3a, 3b, 1, and M1 and higher order somatosensory fields, and at least most of these connections are somatotopically matched; and (5) Callosal connections of PV are with S2 and PV of the other cerebral hemisphere. These results further establish PV as one of at least four somatosensory areas of the lateral sulcus of primates.
Concordance of Complete or Right-Censored Rankings Based on Spearman's Footrule

A right-censored ranking is what results when a judge ranks only the “top K” of M objects. Complete uncensored rankings constitute a special case. We present two measures of concordance among the rankings of N ≥ 2 such judges, both based on Spearman's footrule. One measure is unweighted, while the other gives greatest weight to the first rank, less to the second, and so on. We consider methods for calculating or estimating the P-values of the corresponding tests of the hypothesis of random ranking.
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY: CASE STUDY: EUROPEAN MONETARY SYSTEM

We examine the stability of exchange rates among the members of the European Monetary System (EMS), using the Johansen‐Juselius multivariate cointegration (systems) analysis. The direct implication from cointegration theory is that exchange rate stability vis a vis EMS member countries has been achieved. This allows us to study the speed of convergence of different currencies towards the equilibrium path.
A Hybrid Finite Element – Boundary Element Method for Modeling Light Propagation in Tissue in 3D

A novel hybrid method combining 3-D FE and BE techniques has been implemented for modeling light diffusion combining homogeneous and heterogeneous regions. Results show less than 1% difference in boundary data between the different models.
Morphology and Histology of the Neuroendocrine System of Bombus fervidus Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The following organs were investigated histologically for evidence of neurosecretion during the adult life of Bombus fervidus queens: supra- and sub-oesophageal ganglia, frontal ganglion, ventral nerve cord, corpora cardiaca, and corpora allata. The anatomy and histology of these organs are described, along with the secretory products found in the median neurosccrerory cells. A type of neurosecretion that seems unique to Hymenoptera and that appears later in the life of the queen is discussed.
Probing Coupled Electronic and Nuclear Dynamics Using Coherent Electrons and X-Rays

I will present three studies in which the coupled electronic and nuclear dynamics in molecules are probed using high harmonic generation (HHG), HHG-based ultrashort X-ray laser and strong field ionization.
Penicillin-Intermediate Pneumococci in a Children's Hospital

During the three-year period from 1981 to 1984, all clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae were screened for resistance to penicillin in the clinical bacteriology laboratory at The Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham. Twenty-eight of 828 isolates were presumed resistant by disk diffusion testing with 1-microgram oxacillin disks (zone diameter, less than 20 mm). Seventeen of the 28 (61%) were found to be intermediately sensitive to penicillin by a conventional agar dilution method. Penicillin-intermediate strains had a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.125 to 0.5 mg/L; no penicillin-resistant (minimal inhibitory concentration, greater than 1 mg/L) strains were encountered. The prevalence of penicillin-intermediate strains was thus 17 of 828 isolates, or 2.1%. These strains were also examined for susceptibility to ampicillin, vancomycin, cefotaxime, and chloramphenicol. We present the clinical features of 17 patients with disease due to penicillin-intermediate pneumococci.
Forward scattered waves in random media—The probability distribution of intensity

An acoustic wave propagating in a medium with an index of refraction that is random in space and time acquires intensity modulations that can be modeled in terms of a space–time autocorrelation function, a scattering strength parameter γ, and a scaled range X. Over a wide range of γ, X, and medium autocorrelation functions, the probability distributions of intensity vary from lognormal at small X to exponential at large X. The generalized gamma distribution [E. W. Stacy, Ann. Math. Stat. 33, 1187–1192 (1962)] is characterized by three parameters, and reduces to many well‐known distributions. It varies smoothly from lognormal to exponential as the parameters change. It is proposed that this distribution is a general analytic form that represents the probability distribution of intensity as a function of range, depth, and time in forward scattering. This proposition is tested with the measured temporal intensity fluctuations from the Mid‐Ocean Acoustic Transmission Experiment, MATE. It is also tested wtih d...
Dynamic properties of photonic crystals and their effective refractive index

The reflection and refraction properties of light at an interface between two media are usually classified as kinematic and dynamic. Both are determined by the refractive indices of the media. The kinematic properties refer to the direction of light propagation, whereas the dynamic properties refer to the polarization, magnitude, and phase changes of the reflected and refracted waves. Metamaterials and photonic crystals are often assigned an effective refractive index defined by their dispersion curves. This work shows for the first time, to our knowledge, that although the kinematic properties are consistent with this index definition, in some cases the dynamic properties are not. This observation has important implications for photonic crystal understanding and design because it shows that their rich physical phenomena cannot always be simplified to a description in terms of an effective refractive index.
Use of invariants for recognition of three-dimensional color textures

We introduce an image model for color texture based on spatial correlation functions defined both within and between color bands. We show that three-dimensional geometric transformations of a surface in the scene produce corresponding transformations in these correlation functions. From this analysis we derive invariants of color correlation functions that can be computed efficiently and that can be used for geometry-invariant recognition. We show experimentally that these invariants are effective for recognition in situations in which neither color distributions nor gray-scale texture is sufficient. After recognition the estimated color correlation functions can be used to recover the three-dimensional location and orientation of surfaces. The color-texture invariants can be used in the recognition of three-dimensional objects, the segmentation of images of three-dimensional scenes, and the searching of image data bases.
Frozen section diagnosis in pediatric surgical pathology: a decade's experience in a children's hospital.

Abstract Context.—Intraoperative consultations, including frozen sections (FSs), are essential for patient care and are a key quality component in anatomic pathology. Little data exists about the use, frequency, and type of discrepancies and deferral rates of FS diagnoses in pediatric and adolescent surgical pathology. Objective.—The purpose of this study was to analyze indications, discrepancies, and deferrals for all FSs performed at a children's hospital during a 10-year period. Design.—All FSs for 1995–2004 were reviewed for indications, discrepancies, deferred diagnoses, and turnaround time. Discrepancies were categorized into major and minor subtypes according to potential impact on patient care. Results.—A total of 35 611 surgical pathology cases were accessioned, with 2839 intraoperative consultations, which included 2783 FSs and 56 nonmicroscopic consultations. Most frequent indications included questions related to neoplasms (tumor detection, specimen adequacy, triage, classification, and margin...
Pressure-sensitive field-effect transistor sensor array fabricated from a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride film

A tactile sensor was fabricated from piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films coupled to a silicon wafer substrate containing an array of MOSFETs. The integrated circuit incorporated 25 sensor elements arranged in a 5*5 grid. Sensor configurations using varying thickness of PVDF film were fabricated, and the individual elements of each configuration were evaluated. The sensor based on the 25- mu m-thick PVDF film was judged to be the optimal sensor configuration because of its bias response time and its linear operation over the load range tested. No significant coupling between nearest-neighbor sensor elements was observed. >
Feasibility of administering oblimersen (G3139; Genasense) with imatinib mesylate in patients with imatinib resistant chronic myeloid leukemia – Cancer and leukemia group B study 10107

The CALGB studied the feasibility and effectiveness of adding oblimersen (G3139; Genasense) to imatinib mesylate (IM) in imatinib-resistant chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. We hypothesised that IM resistant CML cells are no longer being driven to proliferate by Bcr/Abl activity alone. Instead, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 would regulate one of the pathways controlling growth and/or viability. Thus, blocking both Bcr/Abl and Bcl-2 simultaneously would result in hematologic and cytogenetic improvement. Oblimersen was administered via continuous intravenous infusion over 10 days every 21 days, along with daily IM. Doses of both drugs were escalated in 3 cohorts; the initial dose of IM was 600 mg/day. Response was defined as a decrease by >30% in the percentage of t(9;22) metaphase cells. Twelve patients had primary and nine had secondary imatinib resistance. Ten patients received 4 mg/kg/day oblimersen/600 mg IM, six patients received 7 mg/kg/day oblimersen/600 mg IM and five patien...
George W. Bush's First Three Inaugural Addresses: Testing the Utility of the Inaugural Genre

During his first bid for president in 2000, George W. Bush gave three key speeches: his nomination acceptance, his victory speech, and his inaugural address. This essay examines these speeches through the lens of the inaugural genre and finds that each of the three contains the goals, themes, and style expected of an inaugural address. This finding demonstrates the potential utility of expanding the informative value of this de facto genre beyond its ontological boundaries, encourages an alternate view of nomination acceptance addresses, and invites an expansion of the boundaries of the rhetorical presidency. It also provides support for heterodox applications of genres in an effort to better understand changes in political rhetoric.
Chapman Function for an Atmosphere with a Constant Temperature Gradient

Summary Chapman's function is derived for an atmosphere with linear temperature decrease or increase (inversion) for larger zenith distances of the rays, as well as for grazing incidence. For the temperature gradient approaching to zero the proper limits are derived and the results brought to the form of the original Chapman function, derived for an isothermal atmosphere.
Vascular malformations and intractable epilepsy: outcome after surgical treatment.

Objective To review our recent experience with surgical treatment of patients with vascular malformations and intractable partial epilepsy. Design We retrospectively studied 20 consecutive Mayo patients who had undergone surgical treatment of medically refractory partial epilepsy and had cerebral vascular malformations. Material and Methods Seizures were the initial symptom in all 13 female and 7 male patients, none of whom had a history of a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or pathologic examination, or both, indicated the presence of remote hemorrhage associated with the vascular lesion in 18 patients. MRI disclosed 36 vascular malformations (32 cavernous and 4 arteriovenous malformations) in the 20 patients. MRI was more sensitive and specific than computed tomography for their detection and characterization. The operative strategy in all patients included complete resection of the vascular malformation. A modified Engel classification (based on four classes) was used to determine the outcome of seizures. Results Postoperatively, 15 patients were free of seizures, and 3 patients had at least a 90% decrease in number of seizures. Only two patients had an unfavorable outcome. Neither the age at onset of seizures nor the duration of seizures seemed to affect the outcome. The site of the vascular malformation was less important than precise correlation between the site of onset of seizure activity and the corresponding vascular malformation. The presence of coexistent ipsilateral atrophy of the hippocampal formation should be sought, and the operative strategy should be appropriately modified. Conclusion In the absence of dual pathologic conditions, lesionectomy can yield a seizure-free outcome in patients with intractable partial epilepsy and cerebral vascular malformations.
Field seismic testing in geotechnical earthquake engineering

Field seismic testing is an active and growing area in geotechnical earthquake engineering. The primary purpose of the field tests is to develop compression-wave velocity (Vp) and shear-wave velocity (Vs) profiles. These profiles are used to represent the stiffnesses of the geologic materials in the small-strain range. Many seismic methods are available for shallow investigations as discussed in the paper. Shallow investigations are defined as profiling to depths less than 75 m. Developments are occurring in profiling to intermediate (75 to 225 m) and deep (greater than 225 m) depths. The seismic methods used for deeper profiling are the downhole, suspension logging, and surface-wave methods. Examples of deeper profiling are presented. In addition, field seismic methods are being developed to perform parametric studies in situ. Examples are presented that show in-situ measurements of the effects of: (1) stress state on Vs and Vp, (2) nonlinear straining on shear modulus, and (3) cyclic loading leading to liquefaction.
Transit time distributions and oxygen utilization rates from chlorofluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride in the Southeast Pacific Ocean

Chlorofluorocarbons-11 (CFC-11), CFC-12, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were measured during the December 2007 to February 2008 CLIVAR/Repeat Hydrography (RH) P18 section along ∼103°W in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Transit-time distributions (TTDs) of 1-D transport that matched all three tracers were consistent with high Peclet number flow ventilating the subtropical mode water and the main subtropical thermocline (30°S–42°S, 200–800 m). In the subtropics, TTDs with predominantly advective transport predicted decadal increases in CFC-12 and CFC-11 consistent with those observed comparing 1994 WOCE with 2007/2008 CLIVAR/RH data, indicating steady ventilation in this region, and consistent with the near-zero changes observed in dissolved oxygen. The mean transport timescales from the tracer-tuned TTDs were used to estimate apparent oxygen utilization rates (OURs) on the order of 8–20 μmol kg−1 yr−1 at ∼200 m depth, attenuating to ∼2 μmol kg−1 yr−1 typically by 500 m depth in this region. Depth-integrated over the thermocline, these OURs implied carbon export rates from the overlying sea surface on the order of ∼1.8 moles C m−2 yr−1 from 30°S to 45°S, 2–2.5 moles C m−2 yr−1 from 45°S to 52°S, and 2.5–3.5 moles C m−2 yr−1 from 52°S to 60°S.
On the Relic, Cosmic Abundance of Stable Weakly Interacting Massive Particles

In the context of the expanding Universe, we solve the Boltzmann equation to obtain the relic abundance of a stable, weakly interacting massive particle species with arbitrary mass and interaction strength. We provide approximate analytic formulas for the evolution of the abundance and the final abundance. Our formulas are typically accurate to better than 5%.
Blind source separation-based velocity estimation (BSSVE): simulation and clinical results

We present a novel, two-dimensional tissue motion estimation method using blind source separation (BSS), which accurately measures both axial and lateral blood velocity components in the common carotid artery. Ensembles (packet length=20) of raw RF data were decomposed via BSS into orthogonal basis functions generally spanning vessel wall, blood, and noise signal subspaces separately. The depth and time projections corresponding to each basis function were computed. Employing knowledge of the imaging system's axial and lateral spatial frequencies, two-dimensional blood velocity is calculated from the basis function time projections. The BSS technique is verified using field II pulsatile flow simulations at 45/spl deg/, 60/spl deg/, 70/spl deg/, 80/spl deg/, and 90/spl deg/ flow angles. The method, blind source separation-based velocity estimation (BSSVE), is demonstrated for clinical application and compared to speckle tracking methods using raw RF data collected from the carotid artery of a volunteer. BSSVE velocity and angle measurements in the simulated data are consistently below 10% error. The BSSVE clinical velocity and angle measurements are within 10% of the values computed with speckle tracking. Simulation results indicate that the method successfully measures axial and lateral flow components. Clinical results affirm the efficacy of BSS for two-dimensional in vivo tissue velocity estimation.
Gender Differences in Positive and Negative Feelings Between Adolescents and Their Fathers and Mothers

Given the connections between feelings and well-being within the family, we addressed gender differences and similarities of feelings within the family. We explored adolescents’, mothers’, and fathers’ positive and negative affect within a community sample of 224 families from the southeast of the United States. Adolescents ranged in age from 12 to 19 years. Findings suggest more gender differences in positive and negative affect for parental gender (i.e., mothers versus fathers) than for adolescent gender (i.e., boys versus girls). There were more consistent associations within the family for positive affect as opposed to negative affect. We discussed the results in the context of gender differences within the family within the family systems theoretical perspective.
IMPACT OF CHANGING TRAFFIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS

Although the trend for the next generation of pavement design methods is shifting to mechanistic design, the use of design methods based on the AASHO road test results is still the current design practice in Texas and some other states. Critical to these design methods are the AASHTO load equivalency factors (LEFs), which are used to convert the mixed traffic axle loads into standard 18-kip (80.1-kN) equivalent single-axle loads. Several studies have been conducted on the subject of load equivalency for pavement design and analysis. However, there remain uncertainties related to various issues of load equivalency. Over the years, the composition and characteristics of traffic using Texas highways have been changing. The North American Free Trade Agreement has accelerated such changes in that more trucks, primarily moving among mid-western states, Texas, and Mexico, are traveling on Texas highways. In addition, the original AASHO road test was conducted at a site with environmental conditions significantly...
Defining the co-operative difference

The paper argues that co-operative firms play a set of roles in market economies, based on the co-operative values and principles that are rarely noted in economic literature. Among other, those roles are to internalize market externalities, to serve as laboratories for social innovation, to espouse social entrepreneurship, to promote ethical business practices, and to aid in development. While economic literature has been focused primarily on the ownership and control structure as a source of the difference, we argue that this focus paints an incomplete picture. The principles of co-operation may supply additional insights in addressing questions why co-operatives may thrive in areas of low labour mobility, prevalent market failures, oligopoly markets, and labour intensive industries. They may also offer insights into strategies and survival in global markets of successful co-operative firms.
Highly Successful Schools: What Do They Do Differently and at What Cost?

Abstract An underlying premise of many resource adequacy studies is that reaching a specified set of educational outcomes is directly dependent on the level of resources. This article analyzes resource allocation practices among successful schools, low-performing schools, and average public schools in California. We find that differences in traditional resource measures are not able to explain the sharp differences in student achievement among these schools. While unmeasured differences in student characteristics in these schools may explain part of the difference in achievement, the schools also differ dramatically in their effectiveness even though they have very similar expenditure levels. The conclusion is not that resources do not matter. They do, but only when used wisely. This article also delves into what successful schools are doing that might explain their success.
Follicular expression of a human beta-cell leukaemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) transgene does not decrease atresia or increase ovulation rate in swine.

Transgenic (TG) gilts carrying a human Bcl-2 cDNA transgene driven by mouse inhibin-α subunit promoter were produced and evaluated to determine if ectopic expression of Bcl-2 in the ovaries would decrease the frequency of atresia in antral follicles and increase ovulation rate. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the Bcl-2 transgene protein was expressed in granulosa and theca cells, in 86% of healthy and 54% of atretic follicles analysed in TG prepubertal and Day 50 pregnant gilts combined (n = 24). In contrast, Bcl-2 transgene protein was expressed in only 1.4% of healthy and 0% of atretic follicles in non-TG littermates (n = 13). Real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that human Bcl-2 was expressed in follicles of TG gilts. The atresia rate for the TG and non-TG groups did not differ (P > 0.05) for prepubertal (45 v. 59%) and Day 50 pregnant gilts (53 v. 52%) respectively. The mean ± s.e.m. ovulation rate did not differ (P > 0.5) between TG (15.9 ± 0.8, n = 12) and non-TG (16.4 ± 0.6, n = 7) Day 50 pregnant gilts. The molecular basis of the failure of ectopic Bcl-2 expression to increase the ratio of healthy to atretic follicles is unknown, but it is possible that the activity of the mitochondrial-dependent cell death pathway was not neutralized by ectopic expression of human Bcl-2 or that other cell death pathways compensated for the decreased mitochondrial-dependent cell death.
Impact of Insulin-Sensitizing Agents on Risk for Liver Cancer and Liver-Related Death in Diabetic Patients with Compensated Hepatitis C Cirrhosis

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection remains a leading global public health burden, affecting an estimated 180 million persons worldwide (1). The natural history of CHC infection is characterized by progressive liver fibrosis, which may lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), decompensated liver disease, and liverrelated death. Substantial epidemiological data suggest that due to an aging cohort of prevalent CHC infection in the United States, the burden of CHC-related complications such as HCC, liver decompensation, and liver-related mortality has doubled over the past decade and will continue to rise over the next two decades (2, 3). Concurrent with this epidemiological trend is a continuing rise in the incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolicsyndrome,andnonalcoholicfattyliverdisease,allof whicharehighlyprevalentinpatientswithCHCinfection. Insulin resistance (IR) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these conditions via its relationship with CHC infection. IR in patients with CHC may be multifactorial in origin, stemming from both coexisting metabolic syndrome and mechanisms related to viral infection. The latter include increased hepatic free fatty acid accumulation, directviraleffectsoninsulinsignalingthroughinteraction with the signaling molecules insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 (4), and chronic inflammatory processes in hepatic and adipose tissue that contribute to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF- and IL-6 and decreased levels of adiponectin (5). IR has a documented impact on clinical outcomes in CHC infection. IR accelerates liver fibrosis progression through the activation of stellate cells and increased levels of connective tissue growth factor and is associated with the development of portal hypertension, liver decompensation, and liver-related mortality. It appears to represent a negative predictor for antiviral response to pegylated interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin, as manifested by lower sustained virological response rates. Obesity additionally contributes to lower sustained virological response throughahigherriskforIRbutmayindependentlyimpair
Dynamics of the Changing Near-Inertial Internal Wave Field in the Arctic Ocean

ABSTRACTThe dynamics of the wind-generated near-inertial internal wave field in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean are investigated using the drifting Ice-Tethered Profiler dataset for the years 2005 to 2014, during a decade when sea ice extent and thickness decreased dramatically. This time series, with nearly 10 years of measurements and broad spatial coverage, is used to quantify a seasonal cycle and interannual trend for internal waves in the Arctic, using estimates of the amplitude of near-inertial waves derived from isopycnal displacements. The internal wave field is found to be most energetic in summer when sea ice is at a minimum, with a second maximum in early winter during the period of maximum wind speed. Amplitude distributions for the near-inertial waves are quantifiably different during summer and winter, due primarily to seasonal changes in sea ice properties that affect how the ice responds to the wind, which can be expressed through the “wind factor”—the ratio of sea ice drift speed to ...
Pain and Discomfort Avoidance

Hedonism, the doctrine that human action can be attributed primarily to the desire to gain pleasure and avoid pain and discomfort, dates back to ancient times. The writings of Socrates’s pupil Aristippos (ca. 400 b.c.) were among the earliest to refer to this theory (Boring, 1950, p. 704). More recently, in both Darwin’s and Freud’s theories, hedonism was one of the basic postulates. Such a view was prevalent in many twentieth-century behavioristic theories of acquired drives, especially in animal models (Hilgard, 1987).
In living organisms: Plants

Abstract Professor Harold S. Burr of Yale University has shown that the electrical field in various living systems was related to their biological activity and state of health and was a fundamental property of biological and botanical systems. In order to study the problem of whether the geophysical environment might be influencing living systems, a statistical study was performed to see if there was a relationship between solar activity and lunar position with the electrical potential in a tree relative to ground. Data gathered continuously for 20 years by Burr was available for this study. In his initial work Burr was unable to relate any of the common meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure, rainfall and illumination) with tree potentials although diurnal, seasonal and possible monthly cycles were seen. He reported the possibility of a correlation between tree potentials and the 11‐yr solar cycle as well as the moon's synodic period. Atmospheric electrical potential gradient...
Effects of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device on embryo survival, uterine spermicidal activity, and endometrial vascular porosity in the ewe.

Pregnancy was maintained in 5 of 29 ewes into which a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) was inserted at 3, 7, or 22 days after mating. The results indicated that an embryo could survive in utero with its membranes in direct contact with copper. The presence of an IUD markedly increased spermicidal action in the uterine lumen, but a copper IUD did not stimulate spermicidal activity to a greater degree than did a stainless steel or plastic IUD. A plastic or stainless steel IUD intensified endometrial vascular porosity, but only in tissue in contact with the IUD. A copper IUD increased vascular porosity locally to a greater degree than did the others, and increased vascular porosity in the non-IUD uterine horn as well.
Design and characterization of a powered elbow prosthesis

This paper describes the design of a powered elbow prosthesis, which incorporates a belt and cable drive transmission with a brushless DC motor to achieve an output torque of approximately 18.4 Nm, a backdrive torque of 1.5 Nm, and a speed of up to 360 deg/s while remaining within the anthropomorphic envelope with regard to mass and size. The measured torque and speed of the prosthesis is commensurate with nominal capability of the natural limb (for purposes of performing activities of daily living).
Early intervention: New directions for occupational therapists

This paper provides an overview of the critical nced for early intervention services, the specific role of occupational therapists in early intervention settings, and the training implications for the preparation of occupational Therapists with expanded roles, responsibilities and skills. An intervention approach that is multidisciplinary, culturally relevant, and family centered in nature is proposed as one way of redefining the occupational therapist's contribution and strategy in early intervention settings. Recommendations are presented regarding the education and preparation of occupational thera ists for their new directions in early intervention and the potenliarincrease in demands for their services.
Temperature and pressure dependence of methane correlations and osmotic second virial coefficients in water

We report methane’s osmotic virial coefficient over the temperatures 275 to 370 K and pressures from 1 bar up to 5000 bar evaluated using molecular simulations of a united-atom description of methane in TIP4P/2005 water. In the first half of this work, we describe an approach for calculating the water-mediated contribution to the methane–methane potential-of-mean force over all separations down to complete overlap. The enthalpic, entropic, heat capacity, volumetric, compressibility, and thermal expansivity contributions to the water-mediated interaction free energy are subsequently extracted from these simulations by fitting to a thermodynamic expansion over all the simulated state points. In the second half of this work, methane’s correlation functions are used to evaluate its osmotic second virial coefficient in the temperature–pressure plane. The virial coefficients evaluated from the McMillan–Mayer correlation function integral are shown to be in excellent agreement with those determined from the conc...
Expulsion of Ions from Hydrophobic Hydration Shells

Raman spectroscopy is combined with multivariate curve resolution to quantify interactions between ions and molecular hydrophobic groups in water. The molecular solutes in this study all have similar structures, with a trimethyl hydrophobic domain and a polar or charged headgroup. Our results imply that aqueous sodium and fluoride ions are strongly expelled from the first hydration shells of the hydrophobic (methyl) groups, while iodide ions are found to enter the hydrophobic hydration shell, to an extent that depends on the methyl group partial charge. However, our quantitative estimates of the corresponding ion binding equilibrium constants indicate that the iodide concentration in the first hydrophobic hydration shell is generally lower than that in the surrounding bulk water, and so an iodide ion cannot be viewed as having a true affinity for the molecular hydrophobic interface, but rather is less strongly expelled from such an interface than fluoride.
Characterization of the Cadherin–Catenin Complex of the Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis and Implications for the Evolution of Metazoan Cell–Cell Adhesion

The cadherin-catenin complex (CCC) mediates cell-cell adhesion in bilaterian animals by linking extracellular cadherin-based adhesions to the actin cytoskeleton. However, it is unknown whether the basic organization of the complex is conserved across all metazoans. We tested whether protein interactions and actin-binding properties of the CCC are conserved in a nonbilaterian animal, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis We demonstrated that N. vectensis has a complete repertoire of cadherin-catenin proteins, including two classical cadherins, one α-catenin, and one β-catenin. Using size-exclusion chromatography and multi-angle light scattering, we showed that α-catenin and β-catenin formed a heterodimer that bound N. vectensis Cadherin-1 and -2. Nematostella vectensis α-catenin bound F-actin with equivalent affinity as either a monomer or an α/β-catenin heterodimer, and its affinity for F-actin was, in part, regulated by a novel insert between the N- and C-terminal domains. Nematostella vectensis α-catenin inhibited Arp2/3 complex-mediated nucleation of actin filaments, a regulatory property previously thought to be unique to mammalian αE-catenin. Thus, despite significant differences in sequence, the key interactions of the CCC are conserved between bilaterians and cnidarians, indicating that the core function of the CCC as a link between cell adhesions and the actin cytoskeleton is ancestral in the eumetazoans.
Task-Based Language Learning – Insights from and for L2 Writing

Heidi Byrnes, & Rosa M. Manchon (eds.) (2014) Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing. Pp. 299.
Intrathoracic lipomas. Report of three cases and review of the literature with emphasis on endobronchial lipoma.

Intrathoracic lipomas are rare, benign neoplasms of unknown origin, with symptoms depending primarily on their location and size. They frequently represent an incidental roentgenographic finding and are clinically significant in that they may simulate malignant tumors and, when located endobronchially, may cause irreparable lung damage. Three cases of intrathoracic neoplasms are reported herein, and the English literature on the subject reviewed. In some cases, bronchoscopic examination may yield the diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma but, in general, thoracotomy is required for diagnosis. A more complete classification is suggested and the preferred mode of treatment is discussed.
Dynamics of evolutionary trends

Paleontology is not simply about documenting patterns and trends in the fossil record. Paleontologists seek to go beyond the surface patterns in order to draw conclusions about the underlying evolutionary processes. If the patterns told us nothing about the underlying processes, then it would be impossible to sustain the claim that studying the fossil record can teach us anything about how evolution works. In this chapter I will continue to use Cope's rule of size increase as a case study. I will try to highlight some of paleontology's recent successes in teasing out the causes of evolutionary size increase, while at the same time raising some skeptical doubts and concerns. While it is sometimes possible to draw interesting conclusions about the causes, or underlying dynamics, of evolutionary trends, epistemological modesty is called for. There is only so much that the fossils can reveal. Varieties of evolutionary trends The first step is to draw some distinctions among different kinds of historical trends. Paleontologists usually distinguish within-lineage trends from amonglineage trends (McShea 1998; Alroy 2000). A within-lineage trend is one that results primarily from evolutionary forces – especially natural selection – that do their work within evolving populations. An among-lineage trend is one that results primarily from species sorting, or the differential extinction and speciation of lineages. Here it's important to recall that species sorting does not imply species selection.
Use of the Potato Starch-Other Starch Mixture to Food

馬鈴薯澱粉とコーンスターチとの混合澱粉系て, ゲルの強度上昇効果がみとめられたのて, 水産練製品などの食品への利用性を検討したところ, つぎのことがわかった.1) 馬鈴薯澱粉とコーンスターチとの混合比が85:15 (w/w) のところで, 蒲鉾のゲル強度は最高になり, 澱粉ゲルの場合と同じようにゲル上昇効果がみとめられた.2) 蒲鉾の低温保存によるゲル強度変化を調べたところ, 混合澱粉添加蒲鉾はいずれの加熱処理区とも馬鈴薯澱粉単独添加蒲鉾と類似し, 保存によりゲル強度が若干上昇した.コムギ澱粉と馬鈴薯澱粉との混合系について, そのゲル特性を調べたところ, つぎのことがわかった.1) コムギ澱粉のゲル強度は, 馬鈴薯澱粉の混合により若干増加した.2) 長期保存性の指標となる澱粉ゲルの離水率は, 馬鈴薯澱粉の混合により, 70-80℃の加熱処理てはS字型に, また, 90℃加熱てはほぼ比例して増加した.3) コムギ澱粉と馬鈴薯澱粉混合系の食品への利用として畜肉ハムヘ添加し, その影響を調べた結果, コムギ澱粉中に馬鈴薯澱粉が20%混合されても, コムギ澱粉の保水機能や物性を十分に維持できた.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Blockley Strain CRJJGF_00147 (Phylum Gammaproteobacteria)

Here, we report a 4.72-Mbp draft genome sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Blockley strain CRJJGF_00147, isolated from chicken rinse in 2009.
Translational Correlation: Disorders of the Basal Ganglia

The term “movement disorders” refers to syndromes characterized by impairment of initiation or execution of movements. Movement disorders, which belong to the most common diseases in neurology, are caused by dysfunction of the basal ganglia. They can be divided into hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders. Parkinsonian syndromes, characterized by paucity and slowness of voluntary movements, represent hypokinetic movement disorders, whereas the hyperkinetic movement disorders, characterized by excessive involuntary movements, include chorea, dystonia, myoclonus, and tics.
Operating Parameters in the Column Flotation of Alabama Oil Shale

A factionally designed experiment performed in a one meter column flotation cell identified the important factors affecting the flotation of eastern oil shales. These initial tests were performed in a batch mode, and as a result, the effect of certain operating variables was observed.
A comparative study of 129I content in environmental standard materials IAEA-375, NIST SRM 4354 and NIST SRM 4357 by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

Iodine environmental measurements have consistently been validated in the literature using the standard material IAEA-375, soil collected approximately 160 miles northeast of Chernobyl, which is currently the only soil/sediment material with a certified 129I activity. IAEA-375 has not been available for purchase since approximately 2010. Two other standard materials that are available (NIST SRM 4354, freshwater lake sediment and NIST SRM 4357, ocean sediment) have certified activities for a variety of radionuclides but not for 129I. This paper reports a comparison of TIMS and AMS data for all three standards.