cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpretability and generalizability of a one-dimensional convolutional neural network method for hepatic steatosis characterization

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the population globally. We developed a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-D CNN) method for the ultrasound tissue characterization using radio-frequency (RF) data and demonstrated its potential for the liver fat classification and quantification. We investigate herein the interpretability and generalizability of the method to understand why it works, and whether the performance is affected by settings, transducers, and platforms. We studied under various conditions the performances of 1-D CNN for predicting steatosis using magnetic resonance imaging-estimated proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as reference (steatosis: PDFF > 5%). Three datasets were used, each containing ultrasound RF data acquired from adults and same-day MRI-PDFF estimates: (1) 200 normal and NAFLD participants scanned using the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system with the 4C1 transducer (1–4 MHz); (2) 87 participants with known/suspected NAFLD scanned using Siemens S3000 with the 4C1 and/or 6C1HD transducers (1.5–6 MHz); and (3) 46 participants with known/suspected NAFLD scanned using GE Logiq e9 with the C1-6 transducer (1–6 MHz). The 1-D CNN method is generalizable among various instrumentation settings (e.g., focal depth, time gain compensation), betweentransducers of similar frequencies, between platforms, but not between the fundamental and tissue harmonic image modes. [Work supported by R01DK106419.] Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the population globally. We developed a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-D CNN) method for the ultrasound tissue characterization using radio-frequency (RF) data and demonstrated its potential for the liver fat classification and quantification. We investigate herein the interpretability and generalizability of the method to understand why it works, and whether the performance is affected by settings, transducers, and platforms. We studied under various conditions the performances of 1-D CNN for predicting steatosis using magnetic resonance imaging-estimated proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as reference (steatosis: PDFF > 5%). Three datasets were used, each containing ultrasound RF data acquired from adults and same-day MRI-PDFF estimates: (1) 200 normal and NAFLD participants scanned using the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system with the 4C1 transducer (1–4 MHz); (2) 87 participants with known/suspected NAFLD scanned using Siemens ...
Treatment of Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease

Anxiety disorders are commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and contribute to diminished health-related quality of life, increased dependency on caregivers, higher caregiver burden, and an increase in subjective motor symptoms. Unfortunately, anxiety in PD is undertreated due to limited identification. One reason for this under-recognition is due to a lack of valid screening instruments and the fact that clinically significant anxiety symptoms in PD often do not meet full Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. Additionally, anxiety symptoms in PD generally are episodic, which makes the diagnosis more challenging. There is a scarcity of randomized clinical trials for the treatment of anxiety in PD. This chapter will describe the different anxiety disorders typically present in patients with PD, followed by a discussion on various therapeutic strategies.
The Regent University Law Library: The First Thirty Years

In anticipation of the 30th anniversary of the Regent University Law Library (the "Law Library") in 2009, numerous festivities and commemoratives are planned. It seems fitting that a historical account of its beginnings and continuum should be part of the celebration. The Law Library's development can be traced through three distinct periods that closely parallel those of the School of Law. The beginning years-from 1979 through 1985-can be characterized as a time of struggle, like the pangs of a prolonged birth. Although it began with adequate facilities and an admirable collection for a new school, the Law Library suffered through fluctuating finances and inadequate staffing. The period from 1986 through 1997 was a time of transition. The most recent period of 1998 through the present can be identified with maturation and stability. The Law Library has evolved through several name changes. It began as the O.W. Coburn Law Library of the O.W. Coburn School of Law located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1986, after the Oral Roberts University ("ORU") gifted the library to CBN University, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, it became the CBN University Law Library. It received its current name, the Regent University Law Library, when the university changed its name in 1990. The library began operations when the ORU Law School opened for classes in fall 1979. The two institutions involved have some things in common; both are faith-based with charismatic leaders, and each fought to achieve accreditation from the American Bar Association ("ABA"). During the last thirty years, the American legal system has grown exponentially and the ability to harness new technologies has exploded, which has significantly affected the demands placed upon law libraries, librarians, and legal resources. This brief period has witnessed the transition from books, microforms," and card catalogs to a variety of digital formats and online catalogs that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Books, however, are still a large and important part of every academic law library collection. This history is about books, buildings, databases, and a move halfway across the country. But more importantly, it is about the people who bring to life these inanimate objects. It is about the administrators, librarians, paraprofessionals, and student assistants who enable access to a world of legal information.(Citations Omitted)
Processes Preventing the Development of a Significant Tornado in a Colorado Supercell on 26 May 2010

AbstractA supercell produced a nearly tornadic vortex during an intercept by the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment on 26 May 2010. Using observations from two m...
Sniffing out the aroma(tase) of drug-induced thrombocytopenia.

In this issue of Blood, Tochigi et al made it their mission to understand the molecular mechanisms by which immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) induce thrombocytopenia. The authors use a combination of in vitro and ex vivo methods to show that treatment regimens, including IMiDs in multiple myeloma (MM), lead to aromatase degradation in human megakaryocytes. This has an impact on the estradiol signaling required for proplatelet formation, thus resulting in thrombocytopenia (see figure).
Deriving representative reservoir operation rules using a hidden Markov-decision tree model

Abstract Reservoirs have been widely used to regulate streamflow to meet both human and natural water requirements. This study applies a hidden Markov-decision tree (HM-DT) model to derive representative reservoir operation modules under various operation conditions (i.e., inflow, storage, as well as unknown factors) and their transitions (the dynamic change of operation rules) that reflect the impacts of seasonality, long-term non-stationarity, and extreme events on reservoir operation. The representative operation modules can be applied to reservoirs in the same region that are not observed; the capability for simulating dynamic operation behaviors improves the predictive accuracy as compared to regular decision trees. Using a number of reservoirs located in the same region for training, the HM-DT model can derive a limited number of representative operation modules in the form of decision trees (DT), and the transitions between different operation schemes in response to changing operation conditions. The application of the HM-DT model is demonstrated through a case study of the Upper Colorado River basin, where eight representative operation modules are determined for 50 reservoirs located in the region, and the modules are validated with 11 reservoirs in the same region. The eight operation modules are classified into three types (i.e. nearly constant release, release as a piece-wise function of inflow, and release almost identical to inflow). The identified operation modules and the transition patterns between operation modules can be used to better understand real-world operation behaviors, improve future operations, and build realistic reservoir operation components in basin-scale hydrological models.
Mindset correlates with health-related quality of life assessment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Mindset theory describes two different belief systems regarding ability: “fixed”, in which a particular personal characteristic is seen as unchangeable, and “growth”, in which the characteristic is viewed as malleable and subject to improvement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how that mindset toward one’s health correlates with health-related quality of life assessments (HRQoL) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Patients undergoing brace treatment for AIS were prospectively recruited for this study and completed both an SRS-30 and Health Mindset Scale questionnaire. Inclusion criteria for patients are based on Scoliosis Research Society standardized criteria for bracing studies: diagnosis of AIS, a prescribed TLSO brace for full-time wear, skeletal immaturity at brace initiation (Risser 0–2), Cobb angles 25–50 degrees, no prior treatment, and, if female, no more than 1 year post-menarchal at the time of brace initiation. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Mann–Whitney U tests for skewed data and two-sample t tests for normally distributed data. Multivariable models were also used to evaluate the relationships of SRS-30 subscores with health mindset, adjusting for age, gender, and pre-treatment curve magnitudes. Among the 110 enrolled patients, a stronger growth mindset was associated with significantly higher SRS-30 scores overall (p = 0.001), as well as in the appearance (p = 0.003), and mental (p = 0.001) subscores. We demonstrate that health mindset affects an AIS patients’ HRQoL. Prior studies have demonstrated that mindset is malleable and can be altered. Further studies are required to determine whether changing health mindset from a fixed to a growth mindset can also improve HRQoL in patients with scoliosis.
Great expectations: minor differences in initial instructions have a major impact on visual search in the absence of feedback

Professions such as radiology and aviation security screening that rely on visual search—the act of looking for targets among distractors—often cannot provide operators immediate feedback, which can create situations where performance may be largely driven by the searchers’ own expectations. For example, if searchers do not expect relatively hard-to-spot targets to be present in a given search, they may find easy-to-spot targets but systematically quit searching before finding more difficult ones. Without feedback, searchers can create self-fulfilling prophecies where they incorrectly reinforce initial biases (e.g., first assuming and then, perhaps wrongly, concluding hard-to-spot targets are rare). In the current study, two groups of searchers completed an identical visual search task but with just a single difference in their initial task instructions before the experiment started; those in the “high-expectation” condition were told that each trial could have one or two targets present (i.e., correctly implying no target-absent trials) and those in the “low-expectation” condition were told that each trial would have up to two targets (i.e., incorrectly implying there could be target-absent trials). Compared to the high-expectation group, the low-expectation group had a lower hit rate, lower false alarm rate and quit trials more quickly, consistent with a lower quitting threshold (i.e., performing less exhaustive searches) and a potentially higher target-present decision criterion. The expectation effect was present from the start and remained across the experiment—despite exposure to the same true distribution of targets, the groups’ performances remained divergent, primarily driven by the different subjective experiences caused by each groups’ self-fulfilling prophecies. The effects were limited to the single-targets trials, which provides insights into the mechanisms affected by the initial expectations set by the instructions. In sum, initial expectations can have dramatic influences—searchers who do not expect to find a target, are less likely to find a target as they are more likely to quit searching earlier.
Material jet printing of transparent ceramic Yb:YAG planar waveguides

A new, to the best of our knowledge, 3D additive manufacturing technique utilizing particle-loaded ink jet printing to fabricate transparent ceramic Yb:YAG planar waveguides for laser gain media was demonstrated. Rheological optimization of YAG particle-loaded inks resulted in successful droplet formation and printing resolution. Planar waveguides composed of a Yb:YAG guide encased in undoped YAG cladding were printed with guide thicknesses ranging between 25 and 350 µm and consolidated to high optical quality via solid-state sintering. Sufficiently low optical (1–3%/cm) and intermodal scatter allowed single-mode propagation with a core/clad index difference of $\Delta {n}\sim{5.0} \times {{10}^{- 4}}$ (corresponding to 3 at.% Yb). The waveguides were cladding-pumped longitudinally with a 940 nm diode array resulting in 23.6% slope efficiency in 2 ms pulsed operation.
Changing lives, dynamic plans: Prospective assessment of 12-month changes in pregnancy timing intentions and personal circumstances using data from HER Salt Lake

Objectives To explore the association between changes in personal circumstances and shifts in pregnancy intentions. Study design New start contraceptive clients, who desired to prevent pregnancy for at least one year enrolled in the survey arm of the HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative (September 2015 -March 2017) and responded to the question "What are your future pregnancy plans?" at enrollment and 12-month follow-up. We estimated multivariable binary logistic fixed-effects regressions to examine the association between changes in personal circumstances and a change from never desiring a pregnancy at enrollment to considering one in the future at 12-month follow-up. Results The majority of the 2825 participants (2246, 79%) maintained their pregnancy timing intention over the 12-month study period. Multivariable analyses of the 208 participants who changed from never desiring a pregnancy to considering pregnancy in the future at 12-month follow-up indicated that entering cohabitation (aOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.30-7.58), increased household income (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.13), and changes from unemployment to full-time employment (aOR 5.94, 95% CI 1.29-27.36) are associated with increased the odds of desiring a future pregnancy after never wanting one a year prior. Conclusions Pregnancy intentions are dynamic over twelve months and covary with partner status, household income, and employment status. Pregnancy intentions are linked to changes in life circumstances. Health care providers need to frequently assess pregnancy intentions and resulting contraceptive or preconception needs.
EBV Lymphoproliferative Disease After Transplantation

Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a serious, life-threatening complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Major risk factors include the use of unrelated or human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched related donors, T-cell depletion of the graft, the use of T-cell antibodies for the prophylaxis and therapy of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), and an underlying diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency (1–4). Over the last decade, effective immunotherapies have been developed either reconstituting EBV-specific T-cell responses (5,6) or targeting PTLD with anti-B-cell monoclonal antibodies like rituximab (7,8). In addition to careful clinical monitoring of high-risk patients, serial measurement of EBV—DNA load in peripheral blood samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods has proven to assist in the identification of high-risk patients (9,10). However, the indication for pre-emptive therapy remains a major challenge because not all HSCT recipients with elevated EBV—DNA develop PTLD.
The influence of personal response systems on students' perceived learning outcomes and course satisfaction

The impact of technology is evident in our daily life and instructors are also using technology to enhance classroom learning. Personal response systems are used in various institutions to address the challenge of engaging students and assess their learning in real time. This research is related to a survey seeking students' opinions regarding their clicker use. The results found that using a clicker helped students achieve a higher level of learning and course satisfaction. The results are particularly helpful to faculty and administrators by providing them evidence of active learning via clickers.
Qualitative patterns of protein synthesis in the preimplantation mouse embryo. II. During release from facultative delayed implantation.

Qualitative patterns of newly synthesized protein were examined in mouse embryos released from facultative delayed implantation either by removal from the uterus with subsequent culture in vitro, or by the administration of progesterone and estradiol 17β (in vivo) to the ovariectomized mother. It was found that the qualitative pattern of protein synthesis during the first 25 hr following release from delay is the same as the pattern obtained from normal blastocysts immediately prior to implantation. These results are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of activation of delayed blastocysts.
The Behavior of Transferrin Iron in the Rat

The behavior of rat transferrin has been investigated employing acrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. In vitro trace labeling with iron chelates at 30 min was 93%-98% effective, whereas binding by simple ferric salts was reduced to 71%-76%. Complete and specific binding of 59FeSO4 by the iron binding sites of transferrin was demonstrated after in vitro or in vivo addition of ferrous ammonium sulfate in pH 2 saline up to the point of iron saturation. In vitro the radioriron transferrin complex in plasma was stable and its iron had a negligible exchange with other transferrin binding sites over several hours. The distribution of radioiron added in vitro or through absorption was shown to be random between the binding sites of slow and fast transferrin molecule. Iron distribution among body tissues was similar for mono- and diferric transferrin iron and was not affected by the site distribution of iron on the transferrin molecule. The only important aspect of transferrin iron binding was the more rapid tissue uptake of iron in the diferric form was compared to monoferric transferrin. Additional in vivo effects on internal iron exchange were produced by changes in the iron balance of the animal. In the iron loaded animal, monoferric transferrin injected into the plasma was rapidly loaded by iron from tissue and thereby converted to diferric transferrin. Injection of diferric transferrin in the iron deficient animal was associated with a rapid disappearance from circulation of the original complex and a subsequent appearance of monoferric transferrin as a result of iron returning from tissues. These observations support the concept that plasma iron behaves as a single pool except that diferric iron exchange occurs at a more rapid rate than dose monoferric iron exchange.
Credit and Credibility: Homeownership and Identity Management in the Midst of the Foreclosure Crisis

This article explores how homeowners threatened with foreclosure attribute responsibility for their troubles and manage the stigma of mortgage default. In light of widespread home loss, at-risk owners develop an understanding of the crisis as a collective experience and yet still experience stigma and employ identity management techniques to construct themselves as responsible homeowners. Based on interviews and fieldwork, this article explores the tension between collective and individual responsibility and the implications of this attribution for identity.
An Exploratory Investigation of Reward and Corrective Responses to Salesperson Performance: An Attributional Approach

The importance of salesperson evaluation in the sales organization is widely recognized. Unfortunately, little research has investigated the perceptual process of sales managers in their evaluation...
Passage to a Ringed World: The Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan

The Cassini-Huygens international mission and the Cassini spacecraft are described. Saturn, Titan, the rings and the various other parts of the Saturn system are discussed. A look at what is involved in sending a large spacecraft to the outer solar system is given.
Only Self-Generated Actions Create Sensori-Motor Systems in the Developing Brain.

Previous research shows that sensory and motor systems interact during perception, but how these connections among systems are created during development is unknown. The current work exposes young children to novel ‘verbs’ and objects through either (a) actively exploring the objects or (b) by seeing an experimenter interact with the objects. Results demonstrate that the motor system is recruited during auditory perception only after learning involved self-generated interactions with objects. Action observation itself led to above-baseline activation in one motor region during visual perception, but was still significantly less active than after self-generated action. Therefore, in the developing brain, associations are built upon real-world interactions of body and environment, leading to sensori-motor representations of both objects and words.
Constructive contact: Design of a successful introductory interprofessional education experience

Abstract Background Interprofessional education (IPE) programs have been endorsed for health professions students to improve team function in health care delivery and optimize patient outcomes. Educators have had mixed success with IPE for entry-level health professions students, with some observing exacerbated interprofessional tension. This report describes an IPE mini-course for medical, nursing, and pharmacy students structured to meet the criteria of Allport’s Contact Hypothesis. Methods Interprofessional education planners designed and implemented a constructivist exercise for medical, nursing, and pharmacy students examining scope of practice and team behavior. Assigned readings connected improved role knowledge and team behavior with the ultimate goal of enhanced patient safety. Role knowledge prior to the event was measured with a pre-test. Knowledge and attitudes were measured with a post-event survey. Results Prior knowledge was the highest for the physician role and the lowest for the pharmacist role. Following the mini-course, knowledge of professional roles and behaviors increased. Student groups expressed strong appreciation for IPE, with pharmacy students responding most positively. Conclusions Students emerge strongly affirming the importance of IPE in achieving quality care and patient safety. Positive outcomes are discussed in relation to predictions of the Contact Hypothesis and Social Identity Theory.
The formation of composite hypotheses in diagnostic problem solving: an exercise in synthetic reasoning

The INTERNIST system, which is a computer-based diagnostic problem solver having Internal Medicine as i ts domain of discourse, employs a novel attention focusing heuristic in order to deal sequentially with the component parts of a complex clinical problem. The strategy of sequential problem formation and solution has proved to be effective in sorting out the complexities and rendering a correct diagnosis in the great majority of clinical cases tested. Experience with the system suggests, however, that many aspects of the search process could be significantly enhanced if it were possible to attend to the various component problems and their interrelationships simultaneously. Recent work on a successor system has been directed towards the development of strategies for the synthesis and analysis of composite hypotheses, which may be expected to yield more rapid convergence to the correct conclusion in many cases, and in at least some cases to prevent missed diagnoses.
Mechanisms whereby insulin increases diacylglycerol in BC3H-1 myocytes

We previously suggested that insulin increases diacylglycerol (DAG) in BC3H-1 myocytes, both by increases in synthesis de novo of phosphatidic acid (PA) and by hydrolysis of non-inositol-containing phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). We have now evaluated these insulin effects more thoroughly, and several potential mechanisms for their induction. In studies of the effect on PA synthesis de novo, insulin stimulated [2-3H]glycerol incorporation into PA, DAG, PC/PE and total glycerolipids of BC3H-1 myocytes, regardless of whether insulin was added simultaneously with, or after 2 h or 3 or 10 days of prelabelling with, [2-3H]glycerol. In prelabelled cells, time-related changes in [2-3H]glycerol labelling of DAG correlated well with increases in DAG content: both were maximal in 30-60 s and persisted for 20-30 min. [2-3H]Glycerol labelling of glycerol 3-phosphate, on the other hand, was decreased by insulin, presumably reflecting increased utilization for PA synthesis. Glycerol 3-phosphate concentrations were 0.36 and 0.38 mM before and 1 min after insulin treatment, and insulin effects could not be explained by increases in glycerol 3-phosphate specific radioactivity. In addition to that of [2-3H]glycerol, insulin increased [U-14C]glucose and [1,2,3-3H]glycerol incorporation into DAG and other glycerolipids. Effects of insulin on [2-3H]glycerol incorporation into DAG and other glycerolipids were half-maximal and maximal at 2 nM- and 20 nM-insulin respectively, and were not dependent on glucose concentration in the medium, extracellular Ca2+ or protein synthesis. Despite good correlation between [3H]DAG and DAG content, calculated increases in DAG content from glycerol 3-phosphate specific radioactivity (i.e. via the pathway of PA synthesis de novo) could account for only 15-30% of the observed increases in DAG content. In addition to increases in [3H]glycerol labelling of PC/PE, insulin rapidly (within 30 s) increased PC/PE labelling by [3H]arachidonic acid, [3H]myristic acid, and [14C]choline. Phenylephrine, ionophore A23187 and phorbol esters did not increase [2-3H]glycerol incorporation into DAG or other glycerolipids in 2-h-prelabelling experiments; thus activation of the phospholipase C which hydrolyses phosphatidylinositol, its mono- and bis-phosphate, Ca2+ mobilization, and protein kinase C activation, appear to be ruled out as mechanisms to explain the insulin effect on synthesis de novo of PA, DAG and PC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Positive global leadership

Abstract In the wake of increasing globalization, today's organizational leaders are faced with unprecedented complexity. To help meeting the challenge, this article proposes a new positive approach to global leadership. After first providing the background on positivity, positive global leadership is carefully defined and its similarities and differences with both the established and contemporary leadership theories are noted. The discussion then turns to how positive global leadership addresses three major challenges in the global context of distance, cultural differences and cross-cultural barriers. The article concludes that this new positive approach can help global leaders to leverage diverse strengths in themselves and their environment to more effectively meet the escalating challenges they face now and in the future.
Cardiovascular responses to bacterial endotoxin in anesthetized and nonanesthetized animals.

Abstract Measurement in rabbits made acutely (under anesthesia), or after chronic implantation of probes without anesthesia, included cardiac output (CO), superior mesenteric artery flow (SMAQ), and arterial blood pressure (BP). Cardiovascular response to endotoxin under anesthesia was uniform and was characterized by a decrease in CO and BP. SMAQ decreased proportionately to the increase in total peripheral resistance (TPR) and mesenteric regional resistance (MRR). In nonanesthetized rabbits, three types of response were seen. (1) In animals which died within 3.5 hr after iv endotoxin, the onset of circulatory failure was not accompanied by as great an increase in vascular mesenteric resistances as under anesthesia. (2) A second group which died within 5–6 hr after iv endotoxin appeared initially to compensate. BP fell initially but was returned to normal by a steady increase in TPR and MRR. Terminal circulatory failure was abrupt. (3) A third group survived at least 8 hr or were sacrificed. Although these animals showed a modest decrease in CO and BP, there was no comparable compensatory increase in TPR. There was found a relationship between the survival time and the sensitivity of baroreceptors. The second group with medium survival times and “normal” blood pressure showed “normal” baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, while the group with the longest postendotoxin survival time and diminished BP showed suppressed sensitivity of baroreceptor to reflex.
MicroRNA-21 targets tumor suppressor genes in invasion and metastasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of naturally occurring small non-coding RNAs that target protein-coding mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level. Our previous studies suggest that mir-21 functions as an oncogene and has a role in tumorigenesis, in part through regulation of the tumor suppressor gene tropomyosin 1 (TPM1). Given that TPM1 has been implicated in cell migration, in this study we further investigated the role of mir-21 in cell invasion and tumor metastasis. We found that suppression of mir-21 in metastatic breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells significantly reduced invasion and lung metastasis. Consistent with this, ectopic expression of TPM1 remarkably reduced cell invasion. Furthermore, we identified two additional direct mir-21 targets, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) and maspin, both of which have been implicated in invasion and metastasis. Like TPM1, PDCD4 and maspin also reduced invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, the expression of PDCD4 and maspin inversely correlated with mir-21 expression in human breast tumor specimens, indicating the potential regulation of PDCD4 and maspin by mir-21 in these tumors. Taken together, the results suggest that, as an oncogenic miRNA, mir-21 has a role not only in tumor growth but also in invasion and tumor metastasis by targeting multiple tumor/metastasis suppressor genes. Therefore, suppression of mir-21 may provide a novel approach for the treatment of advanced cancers.
Study of the drying behavior of model latex blends during film formation: influence of carboxyl groups

Latex blending is a strategy used to eliminate volatile organic compounds from latex coatings formulations. This paper focuses on the study of the drying kinetics of model hard/soft latex blends and the influence of the presence of carboxyl groups on these particles as well as the extent of neutralization of the carboxyl groups with different bases. The model latex blend was comprised of clean, well-defined polystyrene hard and poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-n-butyl acrylate) soft latex particles with monodisperse particle sizes, homogeneous copolymer composition, and independent control of particle size and carboxyl group content. Drying models are discussed. It was found that the presence of carboxyl groups in the latex particles retarded the drying rate of the model latex blends. When the carboxyl groups present in the latex blends with low carboxyl group coverage on polystyrene particles were neutralized by using ammonium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, the drying rate increased. When the carboxyl groups present in the latex blends with a high carboxyl group coverage on polystyrene particles were neutralized by sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or cesium hydroxide, the drying rate first decreased and then increased as the extent of the neutralization increased. However, the neutralization of these carboxyl groups with ammonium hydroxide increased the drying rate of the latex blends within a broad range of neutralization conditions (from 0 to 100%). A cluster model was proposed to explain these phenomena.
Dual-supply inventory problem with capacity limits on order sizes and unrestricted ordering costs

This paper considers a single-product dual-supply problem under a periodically reviewed, finite planning horizon. The downstream party, the manufacturer, is supplied by two upstream parties, local and global suppliers, with consecutive leadtimes. Both suppliers place per period minimum and maximum capacity limits on the manufacturer's orders. It is shown that a two-level modified base stock policy is optimal without any restrictions on the ordering costs. Using various analytical results, it is illustrated how the optimal policy parameters change as a function of the problem parameters. To prove the analytical results, a new functional property—bounded increasing [decreasing] differences—which is a subset of the increasing [decreasing] differences property commonly used in the literature is introduced. Numerical analyses are used to explain the trade-offs between complementary services in terms of prices, leadtimes and order capacity limits. For example, it is shown that the manufacturer follows different...
Epidemiology of polyclonal gram-negative bacteremia

Polyclonal bacteremic episodes are caused by more than one genotype of the same species. We conducted a study to estimate the frequency and to describe the epidemiology of polyclonal Gram-negative bacteremia in our patient population. We reviewed the patients' medical records. We also did pulsed field gel electrophoresis on 66 Gram-negative isolates obtained from the 28 patients (29 episodes) who had more than one morphologically different isolate of the same Gram-negative species in a blood culture obtained between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 1993. Nine of 29 (31%) bacteremic episodes evaluated were polyclonal. The source of bacteremia was not significantly different among patients with polyclonal and monoclonal bacteremic episodes. Patients with polyclonal bacteremic episodes were younger and were more likely to have rapidly fatal diseases than were those with monoclonal bacteremic episodes; however, neither of these differences reached statistical significance. Patients with polyclonal bacteremic episodes were significantly more likely to have leukemia than were those with monoclonal bacteremic episodes (odds ratio = 18.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.92 to 255.80). Three of nine patients who had polyclonal bacteremia died compared with 2 of 19 patients who had monoclonal bacteremia (odds ratio = 4.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.41 to 50.80). Polyclonal Gram-negative bacteremia is more common than previously thought. Despite their younger age, patients with polyclonal bacteremic episodes were more likely to die than those with monoclonal bacteremic episodes. Thus, polyclonal bacteremia may be either an indicator or a risk factor for poor prognosis.
Leupeptin inhibits the C3/5 convertase CVFBb of the complement system.

Abstract Using a new fluorescent assay of C3/5 convertase activity, the protease inhibitor leupeptin was shown to inhibit CVFBb with a K i of 40 μM.
Fungal CO2 Sensing: A Breath of Fresh Air

Carbon dioxide levels are used by two fungal pathogens as a key signal to choose between the expression of environmental or virulence traits. Studies now reveal that the atypical fungal adenylyl cyclases are implicated in this decision.
Differential patterns of atherosclerotic disease in patients with unilateral hemiparesis resulting from poliomyelitis: case reports demonstrating the possible effect of hemodynamics

The relative importance of hereditary and mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of aneurysms remains as controversial today as it was two decades ago. The cases of two patients with unilateral paresis resulting from poliomyelitis who presented with abdominal aortic aneurysms are reported. In addition, each patient had iliofemoral aneurysms contralateral to, and iliofemoral occlusive disease ipsilateral to, their affected extremity. The two cases detailed within this report suggest that hemodynamic forces may alter the pattern of disease in arteries affected by arteriosclerosis.
Large displacement FEM modelling of the cone penetration test (CPT) in normally consolidated sand

SUMMARY A new finite element model based on a large strain formulation has been developed to study cone penetration in normally consolidated sand. An auto-adaptive remeshing technique was utilized for handling the very large distortion of sand surrounding the cone tip. A frictional contact interface utilizing Mohr–Coulomb’s theory was chosen to represent interactions between the surface of the cone and sand. To model the sand behaviour, the non-associated Drucker–Prager constitutive model was selected. ABAQUS, a commercial finite element software package, was used to implement the model. The explicit solution algorithm was chosen due to its effectiveness for complicated contact problems. Analysis results proved that the model successfully captured the cone penetration behavior in sand. In addition, a chart to predict internal friction angles based on cone tip resistance for different vertical effective stresses was provided. This paper also shows a typical distribution of sleeve resistance, tip resistance}penetration relationship, and typical contours of vertical, horizontal, and shear stresses in normally consolidated sand. Finally, a non-uniform resistance was found along the length of the friction sleeve. Copyright # 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy shifts and broadening of atomic electron levels near impurity-covered metal surfaces.

The energy shifts and broadening of atomic levels near chemisorbed impurities on a metal surface are calculated using the complex scaling technique. It is shown that the presence of impurities on metal surfaces can both shift the positions and change the widths of electronic levels in hydrogen atoms near the impurity. Results are presented for K, S and Cl impurities
Breaking the Binary: Providing Effective Counseling to Transgender Students in College and University Settings

This article addresses the delivery of counseling services to transgender clients in a college or university counseling setting, including discussion of specific interventions from a developmental perspective. The article begins with a brief discussion of transgender identity, including the importance of understanding and addressing a transgender client's intersection of identities. Following this discussion is an outline of counseling from a transgender-positive framework with specific examples of interventions appropriate at each stage of identity development. Next is an examination of systemic issues related to college and university counseling, including the challenges and opportunities present in these settings. Specific references to the recently developed Competencies for Counseling with Transgender Clients are made throughout the article to specifically highlight how counselors may use these competencies in working with transgender clients in college and university settings.
Interferometer observations of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto at wavelengths of 11.1 and 3.7 centimeters.

Visibility observations of Uranus at 8.085 GHz fit a uniform circular disk with a diameter of 3.8 (plus or minus 0.2) sec. The disk temperature of Uranus and Neptune are, respectively 189 (plus or minus 7) K and 190 (plus or minus 20) K at 8.085 GHz, and 195 (plus or minus 30) K and 201 (plus or minus 40) K at 2.695 GHz, in agreement with previous results that the microwave temperatures are higher than those expected for blackbodies in equilibrium with solar radiation. The 8.085-GHz observations yield an upper limit of 162 K for the disk temperature of Pluto.
An electron microscopic study of ciliogenesis in developing epidermis and trachea in the embryo of Xenopus laevis

This paper describes the ultrastructural phenomena occurring during the differentiation of cilia in the epidermis and trachea of Xenopus laevis. The sequence of developmental events seems to begin with the de novo formation of clusters of small, dense “procentriole precursor bodies” which are apparently transformed into procentrioles under the influence of dense amorphous masses here termed “procentriole organizers.” The procentriole so formed is a cylinder 150 mm in diameter with nine single microtubules in its wall which probably give rise to the nine “triplet” microtubles in the wall of the definite centrioles (200 mm in diameter). The appearance of multiple centrioles in the apical cytoplasm is correlated with disappearance of procentriole precursor bodies and procentrioles. Smooth-surfaced vesicles seemingly produced in the well developed Golgi zones may contribute to the development of the ciliary membrane. Following their formation in the supranuclear cytoplasm, the centrioles or presumptive basal bodies align with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the apical plasmalemma. A ciliary shaft then appears distal to each basal body and simultaneously small, dense bodies like those termed “procentriole precursor bodies” reappear. At this time we call the dense bodies, “axonemal precursor bodies,” because they probably provide material for the synthesis of new axial microtubules at the tip end of the growing cilium. Centriolar rootlets develop during centriolar alignment and ciliary shaft formation from a distinct, low electron-opaque, precursor substance.
Response of toad brain respiratory chain enzymes to ouabain, elevated potassium, and electrical stimulus.

Abstract Spectrophotometric and fluorometric techniques were used to monitor the proportion or reduced to oxidized cytochrome (cyt) and levels of reduced pyridine nucleotide in preparations of whole toad brain in vitro. In resting, well-oxygenated brain, levels of reduction for cyt a 3 ranged between 5% and 23%; for cyt a, 17–23%; for cyt c, 18–32%, and for cyt b, 25–42%. These levels of reduction cannot be due to functional hypoxia since hemoglobin in resting brains is 100% oxygenated. In brains treated with 10 −4 M ouabain, a stimulant of brain respiration, the cytochromes first become more oxidized, then more reduced; ultimately thereis a tendency to return to the initial levels of reduction. In brains bathed with solutions containing 30 mM potassium, also a stimulant of brain respiration, the response is an immediate pulse of reduction in all cytochromes, followed by a tendency to return to the initial levels. Short trains of pulses of electrical field stimulation result in a biphasic change in the level of reduction of cyt a 3 , an initial slight reduction being followed by a transient of increased oxidation. This response can be abolished by low-sodium bathing solution but not by ouabain. Cytochromes a, b and c show a simple oxidative response to electrical stimulation; the kinetics of this oxidative response are similar to those of the oxidative transient of the cyt a 3 response. Pyridine nucleotides, as measured by their fluorescence, respond to electrical stimulation with a transient oxidation which exhibits slower kinetics than the response of the cytochromes. The high resting levels of reduction of cyt a and cyt a 3 , the reductiveresponse to ouabain and potassium, and the oxidative response of all cytochromes to electrical stimulation suggest a tighter coupling between oxygen utilization and neuronal function than would be expected if mitochondrial redox states simply reflected changes in phosphate acceptor potential resulting from activity of Na + -K + ATPase.
Terrorism and the mass media: A systemic analysis of a symbiotic process

Abstract The public role of the mass media in most Western industrialized societies is (in addition to making a profit) to inform and educate citizens in the ways of democracy. By contrast, the goal of organized terrorists groups is to upset these orderly processes and to achieve private, usually unpopular, political and informational goals. Along the way, these violent groups use and abuse the media and the state. They, in turn, are reciprocally used and abused in the process. Both terrorism's and media's roles, techniques, and expectations are explained and the media‐terrorist interactive system described. A case study of the Italian Red Brigades’ (Brigate Rosse or BR) 1978 kidnapping and murder of Aldo Mow is presented for illustrative purposes. Some conclusions and suggestions for changing the cycle‐of‐violence system through media, governmental, diplomatic, and rhetorical reforms are also offered for consideration in the context of future public/media policymaking and publicizing terrorism for inform...
A learning algorithm for applying synthesized stable dynamics to system identification

In this paper the models discussed by Cohen are extended by introducing an input term. This allows the resulting models to be utilized for system identification tasks. This approach gives a direct way to encode qualitative information such as attractor dimension into the model. We prove that this model is stable in the sense that a bounded input leads to a bounded state when a minor restriction is imposed on the Lyapunov function. By employing this stability result, we are able to find a learning algorithm which guarantees convergence to a set of parameters for which the error between the model trajectories and the desired trajectories vanishes.
Alleviation of performance deficits of depression through thermal biofeedback training

Explored thermal biofeedback as a method of reducing performance deficits associated with depression. A depressed and nondepressed control group and a depressed group given pretreatment with biofeedback were (N = 30) compared on their performance on an escape/avoidance task. As predicted by the learned helplessness model of depression, depressed controls showed significantly poorer performance than both other groups. The depressed biofeedback and nondepressed control groups did not differ from one another. Implications for alleviation of depression are discussed.
Brain region and dose effects of an olanzapine/fluoxetine combination on extracellular monoamine concentrations in the rat.

Abstract Clinical studies of patients with treatment-resistant depression have shown that combined treatment with fluoxetine and olanzapine rapidly and significantly improved depressive symptoms. The present study used in vivo microdialysis to investigate the brain regional and dose effects of these drugs on extracellular monoamine concentrations in the rat prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and striatum. In the prefrontal cortex, the olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (3/10 mg/kg, respectively) increased catecholamine concentrations to a significantly greater extent than either drug alone (dopamine mean±S.E.M. percent of baseline: olanzapine (120 ± 12.4), fluoxetine (123 ± 6.2), combination (185 ± 8.8); norepinephrine: olanzapine (124 ± 7.2), fluoxetine (126 ± 5.0), combination (215 ± 15.8)). The combination also increased serotonin concentrations to 156 ± 11.0% of baseline, but to a lesser extent than fluoxetine alone (210 ± 14.5%). Similar synergistic effects of the combination were observed in the hypothalamus, but not in the other regions studied. The dose response effects of the drugs alone and in combination were complex, but larger doses of the combinations produced greater monoamine concentration increases than smaller dose combinations. The effects of the olanzapine/fluoxetine combination are meaningful in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus due to their hypothesized role in the etiology and pharmacotherapy of depression. The wide-ranging neurochemical effects of this drug combination may make it particularly useful as a treatment for complex, resistant depressions.