cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Measurements from the Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer and Independent Validation with GPS

The Jason-1 Microwave Radiometer (JMR) provides measurements of the wet troposphere content to correct the altimetric range measurement for the associated path delay. Various techniques are used to monitor the JMR wet troposphere path delays, with measurements of zenith troposphere content from terrestrial GPS sites used as an independent verification technique. Results indicate that an unexpected offset of approximately +4.1 ± 1.2 mm (drier) emerged in the JMR measurements of wet path delay between cycles 28–32 of the Jason-1 mission, and that the measurements may be drifting at a rate of approximately −0.5 mm/year. These anomalies are shown to be caused by a −0.7 K offset in 23.8 GHz brightness temperatures between cycles 28–32, and a 0.16 ± 0.04 and −0.45 ± 0.08 K/year drift in the 18.7 and 34.0 GHz brightness temperatures, respectively. Intercomparison of the 3-Hz JMR brightness temperature measurements show that they have been drifting with respect to each other, and that a dependence on yaw-steering...
The determinants of organizational form changes: evidence and implications from real estate

Abstract We study changes in the real estate industry among organizational forms with varying degrees of restrictiveness and document the associated changes in profitability, free cash flow, debt, dividends, and investment policies. All troubled firms in our sample move to a more flexible organizational structure, with subsequent reductions in dividends, improvements in performance, and increases in asset sales and investments. Healthy firms that move to a tighter structure have larger free cash flows before the change; they increase dividends, reduce free cash flows and improve profitability after the change. We document evidence of tax considerations in organizational changes.
An electron microscope study of normal and degenerating centrifugal fiber terminals in the pigeon retina

The terminals of the centrifugal fibers to the pigeon retina have been identified and studied by electron microscopy. These endings are found most commonly along the outer margin of the inner plexiform layer and between the lowermost cells of the inner nuclear layer. They are characterized by a tight aggregation of synaptic vesicles within the ending, which gives the terminals an over-all dense appearance. The majority of the terminals appear to be in contact with the basal portions of amacrine cells, and at presumed points of synaptic contact both pre- and postsynaptic membranes show distinctive thickenings.
Regulation of a promoter of the fibroblast growth factor 1 gene in prostate and breast cancer cells

FGF-1 mRNA is expressed in the prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC-3 and in the breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231. Levels of FGF-1 mRNA have been shown to be up-regulated by serum, phorbol esters, and combinations of growth factors. It was shown that the major FGF-1 mRNA species expressed following serum stimulation in MDA-MB-231 cells is FGF-1.C. To better understand the potential role of FGF-1 in human prostate and breast cancer, we began an analysis of the cis- and trans-acting elements of one of its promoters required for the serum, PMA, and androgen regulation in breast and prostate cancer cell lines. We show that FGF-1.C steady-state mRNA levels are increased following serum or PMA stimulation of PC-3 cells. Further, we determine the FGF-1.C transcription start site in PC-3 cells. By sequence analysis, we show that consensus AP1, AP2, and Sp1 sites and ARE- and CRE-near consensus elements are present in the immediate 5' region of the FGF-1.C transcription start site. Gel-shift assays show that oligonucleotides containing FGF-1.C AP1, AP2, or Spl sequences form specific DNA-protein complexes with nuclear extracts from PC-3 cells. To determine if these or other cis-acting sequences are responsible for the serum, androgen, or growth factor regulation of FGF-1 expression, fragments of the FGF-1.C promoter region were cloned upstream of the luciferase reporter gene. We show that FGF-1 synergizes with androgen to enhance FGF-1.C transcription in LNCaP cells. We further show that the DNA fragment containing sequence up to 1614 nucleotides upstream of the FGF-1.C transcription start site is sufficient for stimulating promoter activity following serum treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, FGF-1.C promoter contains sequences that are important for androgen or serum stimulation in prostate and breast cancer cells.
Planning future fuelbreak strategies using mathematical modeling techniques

Major drainage basins within the Angeles National Forest in southern California USA are aggregated into zones of homogeneous wildland fire damage-potential using multivariate statistical techniques. Mathematical models are utilized to examine the policy implications of ongoing and projected fuel management strategies in different Forest zones based on simulated impacts of fuelbreak construction and maintenance upon two proxies for future damage-potential: the expected area burned and an index of relative value used by Forest planners. Alternative strategies for future fuelbreak investments are evaluated based on model outcomes.
Preference for Sons, Family Size, and Sex Ratio: An Empirical Study in Korea

This study investigates the effects of son preference on sex ratio and fertility at the family level, utilizing World Fertility Survey data for Korea, whose population is known to have a strong preference for sons and a fairly high level of contraceptive use. The sex ratio (number of males per 100 females) of siblings in small families is considerably higher than in large families. The sex ratio of last-born children in families of any size is markedly higher than that of the previous children. The sex distribution of children for a given family size, if less than five, deviates significantly from the Bernoulli sequence. The observed frequency of all-girl families is especially small in comparison with the expected value. The sex of the last child strongly influences couples’ decision making regarding additional births in all steps of family building except for bearing a second child. In increasing their families to moderate size, parents appear to take into consideration the sex distribution of all earlier births.
Sequence variant in the laminin γ1 ( LAMC1 ) gene associated with familial pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, affecting up to a third of women throughout their lifetime. Genetic factors are believed to account for about 30% of the incidence, and are the least understood component of the disorder. Familial cases, particularly those in which prolapse manifests in young women, are especially valuable in the effort to find the genes involved. We recently reported autosomal dominant transmission as the most likely mode of inheritance, based on a collection of families with high incidence of prolapse. Of greatest interest was a family in which three generations of female relatives suffered from prolapse at a very young age. A genome-wide linkage scan performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human mapping 10K array identified ten regions with a LOD score of 1.5, the maximum possible for this family. Candidate genes within those regions were analyzed for expression in vaginal tissue by RT-PCR. Of the genes confirmed to be expressed, LAMC1 was further evaluated by sequencing and select single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping for causative sequence variants in affected family members. We identified one such SNP, rs10911193. The rare T variant segregating with the condition is present at a frequency of 4.9% in the general population and 22% among probands from our cohort of families. It affects the binding site for NFIL3, a transcription factor that we verified to be co-expressed in vaginal tissue. Altogether these data suggest that a polymorphism in the promoter of LAMC1 may increase the susceptibility to early-onset pelvic organ prolapse.
The Modulating Role of Obesity and 17β-Estradiol (E2) on Bound and Unbound E2 and Adrenal Androgens in Oophorectomized Women

17 beta-Estradiol (E2) pellet replacement therapy for oophorectomized women has been shown to be safe and effective. Some investigators have advocated the addition of testosterone (T) pellets for oophorectomized women. This study was carried out to measure the level of androgens in oophorectomized women with and without E2 pellets. The possible modulating role of E2 upon adrenal androgens was investigated as well as the effects of obesity on bound and unbound serum levels of E2 and T. Seven obese patients and eight nonobese normal patients with E2 pellets were compared to nine oophorectomized age- and weight-matched control women not receiving estrogen. Obese patients had higher levels of androstenediol (Adiol) and androstenedione (A) than nonobese patients, yet compared to oophorectomized controls, nonobese patients had higher levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and Adiol. As a group, patients with E2 pellets had higher levels of DHEA-S, Adiol A, and unbound T compared to oophorectomized controls, and their Adiol and total and unbound T levels were similar to those of premenopausal females. Obese patients had lower levels of total E2, yet a higher percentage of unbound E2, resulting in unbound E2 levels which were similar to those of the nonobese women. Unbound T was higher in obese patients compared to the nonobese women and oophorectomized controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that 1) there may be a modulating role of E2 on adrenal androgens exemplified by an increased serum level of delta 5-3 beta-ol androgens in women with E2 pellets, 2) supplemental T implants for oophorectomized women may not be necessary, and 3) obese women with pellets have higher levels of Adiol, A, and unbound T then nonobese women and therefore have a higher ratio of androgen to estrogen.
Detection of VSV(MuLV) pseudotypes by an immunobiochemical technique

Abstract Vesicular stomatitis virus (murine leukemia virus) (VSV(MuLV)) pseudotypes containing a [ 3 H]uridine-labeled VSV RNA genome and MuLV envelope glycoproteins (gp70) were produced by phenotypic mixing of the two viruses. In order to better detect such pseudotypes, an immunobiochemical (IB) technique was developed. [ 3 H]Uridine-labeled virus progeny of the dual virus infection was immunoprecipitated by monospecific MuLV gp70 antibodies complexed with fixed Staphylococcus aureus . The immunoprecipitated 3 H-labeled genomic RNA was identified as that of VSV by its sedimentation coefficient, by the lack of polyadenylate, and by molecular hybridization with complementary VSV RNA. By the IB technique, approximately 11% of the progeny of the dual virus infection were found to be VSV(MuLV). By neutralization and other biological assays, however, only 0.1% of the progeny were found to be VSV(MuLV) pseudotypes. Apparently, the IB technique is capable of detecting VSV pseudotypes encapsidated with only a few molecules of MuLV gp70. The IB technique, therefore, offers a quantitative and molecular technique for the detection of VSV(MuLV) pseudotypes and can be modified to detect other viral pseudotypes when other assays are lacking. In spite of its sensitivity however, the IB technique did not detect the formation of MuLV (VSV) pseudovirions among the virus progeny of the dual virus infection. These results confirmed a similar observation made previously using immunoelectron microscopy.
Walter Reed, MD

Abstract Walter Reed, son of a Methodist minister, was born in 1851. His father sent each of his five sons to the University of Virginia, but in order to preserve family finances, Walter completed his education quickly. He remains the University of Virginia School of Medicine's youngest graduate, receiving his degree at age 18. He pursued further training in New York, but found civilian medicine disillusioning. At age 24, he passed the Army Medical Corps entrance examination and subsequently spent 14 years as an Army surgeon on the American frontier. He treated soldiers, prospectors, and Indians for little, if any, payment. Yearning to become part of the scientific revolution, Reed returned to academia, auditing pathology and bacteriology courses at Johns Hopkins University. He learned the principles of the scientific method and made important contacts during that period of training. The Surgeon General then called him to aid in the definition and resolution of the epidemics of infectious diseases affecting American troops. He presided over the investigative board that refuted the water-borne theory of typhoid fever and identified files, feces, and fomites as the source of this dreaded illness. After his success with this epidemic, he was sent to Cuba to tackle the problem of yellow fever. In approximately 6 months, he was able to disprove a bacterial cause of the illness, establish the mosquito as the likely source, and conduct a controlled trial to successfully confer illness throughthat vector. This information facilitated elimination of a horrific tropical pest. At 51, just one and a half years after his landmark work with yellow fever, he fell victim to appendicitis and died.
Electron transfer reactions at CdS semiconductor cluster interfaces. Adsorption and microenvironment effects on oxidative reactions

Abstract CdS clusters in the quantized size regime (≈ 30 A radius) have been synthesized in several media, including homogeneous organic solution, reverse micelles, and polymers (carboxymethylamylose). Particle size is controlled by the medium, but the photophysical properties of the clusters, as prepared, do not depend strongly on the medium. However, the associated photochemical reactivity can depend strongly on the reaction medium. We have used the well studied photochemical oxidative fragmentation of α,β-amino alcohols as a benchmark reaction to examine the cluster photochemical reactivity as potential excited state electron acceptors. Initially, addition of amine to irradiated cluster suspensions leads to decreased nonradiative decay and increased emission corresponding to adsorption of the amine at previous deep trap sites on the cluster surface. At this stage, no organic products are formed: the (chemically) adsorbed species are essentially inert to oxidation. As amine concentration is further increased, a rapid onset of quenching occurs with associated oxidative cleavage of the amino alcohol. This reaction corresponds to oxidation of solvated and/or physisorbed amine. Thus, in contrast to reduction processes which are favored by surface adsorption, corresponding oxidation processes can be disfavored by adsorption, if the reactive lone pair becomes involved in surface bonding. The amino alcohol concentration at which reaction occurs depends on the distribution of reagent within the (micro) environment. Finally, the organic photochemical aspects of the reaction including high quantum yields are briefly considered.
Period-amplitude analysis reveals wake-dependent changes in the electroencephalogram during sleep deprivation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Electroencephalographic slow wave activity (SWA) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep results from the synchronous oscillation of cortical neurons and is the standard measurement of sleep homeostasis. SWA is not a direct measure of sleep pressure accumulation, but rather a measure of the NREM-sleep response to accumulated sleep pressure. Currently, no practical standard for the direct measurement of sleep pressure accumulation exists. Recently, it was demonstrated that rat cortical neurons undergo oscillations during wake that are similar to the cortical oscillations responsible for SWA. Furthermore, these oscillations increase in number as time awake increases. Here we hypothesize that period-amplitude analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG), which treats the EEG as a series of discrete waves, can measure these cortical oscillations, and thus, is a measure of sleep-pressure accumulation during extended wake. DESIGN Mice were sleep deprived for 24 h by confinement to a slowly rotating wheel in order to assess wake-dependent changes in EEG wave incidence. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Continuous period-amplitude analysis of the waking EEG across 24 h of sleep deprivation revealed that the incidence of 2 to 6 Hz waves increased exponentially over the deprivation period. This increase in wave incidence appeared to occur in two phases with exponential time constants of approximately 0.12 h and 3 h. Further analysis revealed that the changes in wave incidence were significantly correlated with two established markers of sleep pressure, SWA and NREM sleep latency. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that wave incidence is an effective method of measuring sleep homeostasis in the waking EEG that provides better temporal resolution than spectral power analysis.
A domain wall model for relaxor ferroelectrics

Abstract A domain wall model is proposed for relaxor ferroelectrics typified by Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3. Under a large applied field or a large internal field, domain walls move over a long distance by overcoming localized barriers. This movement is responsible for the hysteresis loop and depolarization at temperatures below T max. The activation volumes obtained by analyzing the coercive field dependence on temperature and frequency suggest that the barriers encountered by the domain walls are of the size of 1000 unit cells, and they increase as the relaxor becomes more like a normal ferroelectric. Since polarization is usually incomplete in relaxors even under a large polarizing field, depolarization readily occurs without the need of nucleating new domains. Domain walls are also responsible for permittivity peaks at high temperature under a weak field. However, without a strong field, domain walls are partially pinned by barriers and can only oscillate within the unpolarized regions between barriers. The mobilit...
A pulsed ruby laser with individually Q-switched multiple cavities

Four individually Q -switched laser cavities have been established sharing a common ruby laser rod. Single giant pulses have been emitted with a time duration of ≈ 30 ns (half-width) and energies of 0.16 J from each cavity apertured by a 2.54-mm-diameter hole. The spacing of the pulses was continuously variable in time from 0 to 1.25 ms plus or minus a jitter time of approximately 13 ns. This multiple-cavity laser light source can be used as a stroboscopic illuminator for photographic or holographic recording of fast events.
Compliance Rates and Predictors of Cancer Screening Recommendations Among Appalachian Women

High rates of morbidity and mortality in the Appalachian region of the country warrant examination of the preventive care behavior of its residents. This study determined compliance rates for breast and cervical cancer screening recommendations for women residing in Appalachian states and identified predictors of such compliance using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (1995-97). Healthy People 2000 goals were used as benchmarks for progress. Appalachian women have made good progress toward goals pertaining to breast and cervical cancer screening. Compliance with other preventive services, having insurance coverage, residing in urban areas, better self-reported health, and higher education were independently associated with increased odds of compliance with annual-screening recommendations. Risk factors of obesity and smoking were associated with decreased odds of compliance. Findings should be useful to health care providers, policy makers, and researchers in their efforts to educate, encourage, and promote preventive care behavior among residents of Appalachia.
Parent Education Needs and Sources as Perceived by Parents

A comprehensive assessment of the needs and sources of parenting information was con ducted in a midwestern college community. Two hundred and forty-eight parents of children from birth to senior high school as well as expectant parents responded to a mailed question naire. They indicated use, usefulness, and preferences for sources of advice on parenting and need for information on parenting. The results showed low expressed need for the traditional services of the parent educator. Parents preferred to use pediatricians, teachers, counselors, and other parents as their sources of advice on parenting. While the majority of parents ex pressed a low need for information, expectant parents expressed a high need for information for age-specific items. In view of these findings, both parents and those professionals sought out by parents as information sources may be considered audiences for parent education. In addition, parent education should be directed toward groups of individuals with similar needs to maximize the relevance of the information. The authors concluded that parent educators must be responsive to community preferences for sources and needs for information on child rearing, and that there is a need for reconsideration of parent education audiences and methods.
Specific modulation of Kex2/furin family proteases by potassium.

Abstract Kex2 protease is the prototype for a family of proteases responsible for endoproteolytic cleavage at multi-basic motifs in the eukaryotic secretory pathway. Here we demonstrate that potassium ion can act as a modulator of Kex2 activity with an apparent affinity of ∼20 mm. Other monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, etc.) display similar effects, but affinities are all over 20-fold lower. Potassium ion binding stimulates turnover at physiologically relevant Lys-Arg cleavage sites but reduces turnover with at least one incorrect sequence. Furthermore, the mammalian Kex2 homolog furin displays similar effects. In contrast, the neuroendocrine homolog PC2 is inhibited by potassium ion with all substrates examined. The pre-steady-state behavior of Kex2 is also altered upon binding of potassium ion, with opposite effects on acylation and deacylation rates. These biochemical data indicate that potassium ion concentration may function as a regulator of processing protease specificity and activity in the eukaryotic secretory pathway, with such enzymes potentially encountering compartments high in potassium ion caused by the action of antiporters such as yeastNHX1 (VPS44) or the mammalianNHE7.
TU-E-303A-01: Contrasted-Enhanced Breast Tomosynthesis

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is on the verge of routine clinical use in the United States; every major mammography manufacturer has a prototype under development, numerous clinical trials are in progress and one manufacturer is selling systems in Europe. DBT has been shown to have clear value in increasing the conspicuity of lesions by removing overlaying structures present in mammograms. Regardless of the advances, DBT is currently limited to the depiction of tumor morphology. We have recently installed a Hologic Dimensions DBT prototype that has been modified to allow contrast‐enhanced (CE) imaging. Both dual‐energy and temporal CE‐DBT are under investigation. In previous work, we have shown that CE‐DBT can provide results concordant with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR in a group of 17 women with known or suspected breast cancer. Our work continues with technique optimization, reconstruction algorithm development, motion correction, and scatter and other signal dependent corrections. With appropriate corrections, CE‐DBT can accurate quantify contrast agent uptake. CE‐DBT has potential benefit in a number of roles, as illustrated by breast MR. These roles include screening high‐risk populations, staging cancer patients through identification of multifocal, multicentric and contralateral cancer, and assessment of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Research is also ongoing in the field of targeted radiographicimaging agents for breast cancer. Learning Objectives: 1. Review the state‐of‐the‐art in DBT system design 2. Describe adaptations necessary to perform quantitative CE‐DBT 3. Exemplify the clinical applications of CE‐DBT Research support for this project has been provide in part by XCounter AB, General Electric Health Care, and Hologic Corp, in addition to the Komen for the Cure Foundation, the Department of Defense and the Radiological Society of North America.
Formative Assessment: 'There Is Nothing So Practical as a Good Theory'

In K-12 education, formative assessment is a pedagogical process gathering momentum among researchers and practitioners. It has become a common theme at educational conferences, a key Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) research theme since 2002 and the subject of increasingly frequent requests for government funding in various nations around the world. A school that implements formative assessment reform is engaged in a dynamic process that links instruction and curriculum with assessment in order to support individual learning in the social setting of the classroom. Formative assessment is described, with the elements and principles that direct the assessment process delineated. The importance of high-quality interactions to formative assessment is considered, as well as an evaluation of the theories that form the basis for the formative assessment process.
Patterns of change in early neonatal nucleated erythrocyte counts in preterm deliveries.

To examine whether changes in nucleated erythrocyte (nRBC) counts in the early neonatal period can distinguish between causes of nRBC release. From a data set of 465 nonanomalous singleton live births delivered at 22–32 weeks, excluding maternal diabetes mellitus, Rh isoimmunization, and chronic hypertension, 125 cases had a complete blood count with an nRBC count within 3 hours of life and at least one other value obtained within 48 hours of the first. The change in nRBC count per deciliter was calculated (ΔnRBC) and was correlated with antenatal fetal assessment, neonatal outcome variables, and placental histopathology infwe categories: 1) histologic acute intrauterine inflammation, 2) uteroplacental vascular lesions, 3) intraplacental vaso-occlusive lesions, 4) chronic inflammation, and 5) coagulation-related lesions. There were 92 cases (74%) of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm labor/intact membranes (PTL) and 33 cases (26%) of preeclampsia. In PROM/PTL, multivariate analyses demonstrated that a higher uteroplacental vascular lesion score was related to more stable nRBC counts (P =.009), whereas a higher nonmyeloid count in the initial neonatal white blood cell count was related to a more rapid decrease in ΔnRBC (combined r = 0.54, P <.0001). No features were related to ΔnRBC in preeclampsia. In PROM/PTL, but not in preeclampsia, patterns of change in the nRBC count in the early newborn period vary with uteroplacental vascular lesions and acute inflammation. This may reflect differences in the mediators of nRBC release (erythropoietin versus cytokines) and in disease acuity, (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1997;4:178–182) Copyright © 1997 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.
A new joint model for longitudinal and survival data with a cure fraction

We develop a new joint cure rate model for longitudinal and survival data. The model allows for multiple longitudinal markers as well as a cure structure for the survival component based on the promotion time cure rate model, as described in Ibrahim et al. (Bayesian Survival Analysis, Springer, New York, 2001). Several characteristics and properties of the new model are discussed and examined. A real dataset from a melanoma clinical trial is given to demonstrate the methodology.
Road traffic safety in African countries – status, trend, contributing factors, countermeasures and challenges

Road traffic crashes and injuries constitute a major health, economic and developmental challenge for many African countries. With only 4% of the world's motor vehicles, African roads witness more than 10% of the world total collision fatalities. With further motorisation, the number of road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities are expected to grow. This study updates on the status, trends, causes, countermeasures and issues in traffic safety in African countries by reviewing studies published in the past 12 years. The study found that traffic fatalities continued its upward trend in recent years. Similar to those in motorised countries, the study identified that human behaviour and incapacitation account for more than 85% of the contributing factors reported by police in Africa. Unlike in developed countries, the victims of traffic casualties are primarily vulnerable road users. Pedestrians alone account for more than 40% of the total fatalities on African roads. Limited countermeasures were reported in the literature. The outcomes of these programmes are mixed and the research methods have inconsistent validity. Investigation in the feasibility of transferring proven programmes from motorised countries is suggested as an efficient measure for traffic safety improvement.
IBMX-elicited inhibition of water permeability in the isolated rabbit conjunctival epithelium.

Abstract Agents expected to increase intracellular cAMP levels were tested on the diffusional water permeability (Pdw) of isolated rabbit conjunctival epithelia given recent indications of the apical expression of AQP5, a water channel homologue regulated by cAMP in other cell systems. For these experiments, segments of conjunctivae were mounted between Ussing-type hemichambers under short-circuit conditions. Unidirectional water fluxes (Jdw) were measured by adding 3H2O to one hemichamber and sampling from the other, while the electrical parameters (Isc and Rt) were recorded simultaneously. Jdw were determined under control conditions and after the introduction of forskolin, dibutyryl-cAMP, rolipram and IBMX. All agents reduced Jdw, with rolipram and IBMX the most effective inhibitors (≈28% reduction), while simultaneously evoking stimulations of the Isc; suggesting that cAMP regulates ionic transport and Pdw independently. This observation was consistent with the elimination of the IBMX-elicited Isc stimulations by the PKA inhibitor, H89, and the ineffectiveness of the sulfonamide in preventing the Jdw reductions produced by the xanthine. Data from mannitol fluxes and Arrhenius plots indicated that the IBMX-elicited Pdw reduction occurred at the level of water-transporting channels, but the specific moiety was not identified. Instead it was observed that lipophiles commonly used in other systems to uncouple cellular communication precluded the effects of IBMX on Jdw, but the mechanism for these results was not directly linked to gap-junction blockade in the conjunctiva, as assessed by the transepithelial electrical parameters. Putatively, agents such as heptanol, by also fluidizing the bilayer, may have changed the conformation of a water channel in a manner preventing down-regulation by IBMX. Nevertheless, this study uncovered an apparently unique response to cAMP elevation exhibited by the conjunctiva, namely that Pdw declines via an H89-insensitive pathway under conditions whereby PKA-dependent electrolyte transport might be over stimulated due to excessive cAMP levels (e.g., PDE inhibition).
Reducing fuels in the wildland–urban interface: community perceptions of agency fuels treatments

Wildland fires and resulting effects have increased in recent years. Efforts are under way nationwide to proactively manage vegetative conditions to reduce the threat of wildland fires. Public support is critical to the successful implementation of fuels reduction programs, particularly at the wildland–urban interface. This study examines public acceptance of fuels treatments and influencing factors in five neighbourhoods in Oregon and Utah located adjacent to public lands. Support for treatment use was high across locations. Findings suggest citizen trust in agency managers to successfully implement treatment activities is particularly influential on treatment acceptance. Thus, building and maintaining trust with local citizens is an essential element in the successful implementation of fuel management programs.
SERVICE PROVIDERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT OLD AGE: COMPARISON OF THREE SERVICE NETWORKS

We report on knowledge about old age among social service providers from three service networks. Data are based on a survey of 245 respondents from Washington State's developmental disabilities, aging, and generic service networks. Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ; 1977, 1988) was used to measure the level of knowledge about old age. Key findings are as follows: (a) Overall, the respondents averaged 64% correct on the FAQ. (b) Developmental disabilities service providers scored lower than either aging service providers or generic service providers. (c) The content areas in which items were most often missed were the psychological aspects aging, the demographic trends of the aging population, and the socioeconomic status of the elderly. Implications of the results for training service providers are discussed.
Toward a Better Understanding of Organizational Efforts to Rebuild Reputation Following an Ethical Scandal

This article explores the issue of rebuilding an organization’s reputation following an ethical scandal. We divide our discussion into four parts. First, we discuss the concept of reputation. We note its relevance to today’s organizations, offer several contemporary definitions along with highlighting its benefits and downsides. In the second section, we offer the work of anthropologist, Victor Turner, on social drama along with other views on organizational efforts to rebuild their reputation to include reputation management routines. In the third section, Turner’s redressive actions are integrated with Edgar Schein’s leadership mechanisms for building or changing culture to provide further understanding of organizational efforts to rebuild reputation following ethical scandals. Finally, in the fourth section of the article, we extend the integration of the Turner and Schein work with single- and double-loop redressive actions for rebuilding reputation.
Hospital-Based Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are frequently admitted to a hospital, usually for primary conditions other than diabetes. In addition to endorsing tight glycemic control in critical care units, current standards of care recommend treatment targets similar to those of outpatients for noncritically ill patients in hospital. Given the current prevalence of diabetes (DM), how best to address hyperglycemia in the Emergency Department (ED) is an increasingly relevant issue in which the principal goals are to minimize disruption of the metabolic state and achieve a stable glycemic balance as promptly as possible. Transition of care from the ED to an inpatient service can result in gaps in comprehensive care, particularly in patients with DM who may have other serious comorbidities. In critically ill patients, insulin therapy should be initiated for treatment of persistent hyperglycemia, starting at >180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). After insulin therapy has been started, the standard of care recommends a random glucose range of 140–180 mg/dL (7.8–10 mmol/L) for the majority of hospitalized patients. The traditional model of care among hospital-based physicians has been to treat the diabetic patient with a regular insulin on a sliding scale. Current evidence suggests that while this approach is straightforward, it may not be the best for patient care. Patients who present to the ED or are hospitalized often require an insulin regimen that can change rapidly as their condition changes. A basal/bolus insulin regimen fulfills those criteria and mimics a normal insulin profile.
Gene therapy for malignant glioma using Sindbis vectors expressing a fusogenic membrane glycoprotein.

Background Malignant glioma has a dismal prognosis. It was previously shown that glioma cells are efficiently killed when they express a gene coding for a hyperfusogenic mutant of the gibbon ape leukemia virus envelope glycoprotein (GALV.fus). However, production of viral vectors expressing GALV.fus has proven problematic because the transgene is toxic to vector-producing cells of human origin. We reasoned that Sindbis-virus-based vectors might be ideal for GALV.fus gene transfer because high-titer stocks can easily be generated in hamster cells and Sindbis virus efficiently infects human tumor cells through the high-affinity 67 kDa laminin receptor. In addition, Sindbis virus nonstructural proteins are potent inducers of apoptosis, and Sindbis vector RNAs expressing fusogenic viral proteins have been shown to spread from cell-to-cell in membrane-formed infectious particles. Methods Sindbis virus replicon-containing particles were generated by co-transfecting vector and helper RNAs into baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells. Packaged beta-galactosidase and GALV.fus expressing Sindbis vectors were used to infect glioma cell lines, which were then compared for syncytial cytopathic effect, cell killing, and release of infectious virus-like particles containing the vector genome. Finally, the efficacy of GALV.fus and beta-galactosidase Sindbis vectors was compared in an orthotopic intracerebral U87 glioma xenograft model in nude mice. Results High-titer stocks (>109 infectious units (iu)/ml) of the GALV.fus and beta-galactosidase vectors were obtained. Glioma cells infected with the GALV.fus vector formed large syncytia which died rapidly by apoptosis and released infectious membrane-formed particles that could transfer vector genomes to uninfected cells. The GALV.fus vector had significantly greater antitumor therapeutic potency than the β-galactosidase vector in the U87 glioma xenograft model. Conclusions Sindbis vectors expressing GALV.fus can be packaged into infectious viral particles to high titer, they exhibit potent bystander cytopathic potential and are active against U87 glioma xenografts. Sindbis-virus-based replicons appear to be efficient vector systems for delivery and expression of fusogenic membrane glycoproteins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic “Haircut” Mitral Valve Repair: Posterior Leaflet-Plasty

Posterior leaflet prolapse has been repaired traditionally by leaflet resection with or without a sliding annuloplasty. However, substantial annular calcification, thin leaflets, or deficient P1 or P3 scallops can complicate this technique. Annular closure after large posterior leaflet resection introduces substantial radial stress even in the presence of a sliding annuloplasty. We describe a novel technique that corrects posterior leaflet prolapse, minimizes leaflet resection, and preserves posterior leaflet–annulus continuity. This reconstructive technique can be applied in traditional mitral valve repairs but is suited particularly to the robotic approach, in which enhanced visualization and dexterity make the "haircut" repair easy to perform.
The distribution of fatty acid ethyl esters among lipoproteins and albumin in human serum

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are nonoxidative products of ethanol metabolism and have been implicated as mediators of ethanol-induced organ damage. Previous studies have demonstrated that FAEEs bind to lipoproteins and albumin in human plasma after ethanol ingestion. Analysis of human serum with varying blood ethanol levels and endogenously formed FAEEs revealed a positive correlation between serum FAEE concentration and the percentage of FAEEs associated with lipoproteins, predominantly very low density and low density lipoprotein. Similar results were obtained when increasing amounts of FAEEs were added to serum with zero blood ethanol. Additional studies indicated that free fatty acids and FAEEs do not compete for binding to albumin or lipoproteins. Data support the conclusion that the distribution of FAEEs among their carriers in the serum is dependent on serum FAEE concentration.
Cardiac Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity and Contents of Subunits 1 and 4 Are Altered in Offspring by Low Prenatal Copper Intake by Rat Dams

It has been reported previously that the offspring of rat dams consuming low dietary copper (Cu) during pregnancy and lactation experience a deficiency in cardiac cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) characterized by reduced catalytic activity and mitochondrial and nuclear subunit content after postnatal d 10. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the cardiac CCO deficiency was caused directly by low postnatal Cu intake or whether it was a prenatal effect of low Cu intake by the dams that became manifest postnatally. Dams were fed either a Cu-adequate diet (6 mg Cu/kg) or Cu-deficient diet (1 mg Cu/kg) beginning 3 wk before conception and throughout gestation and lactation. One day following parturition, several litters from Cu-adequate dams were cross fostered to Cu-deficient dams and several litters from Cu-deficient dams were cross fostered to Cu-adequate dams. Litters that remained with their birth dams served as controls. CCO activity, the content of the mitochondrial-encoded CCO subunit 1 (COX1), and the content of the nuclear-encoded subunit COX4 in cardiac mitochondria were reduced in the 21-d-old offspring of Cu-deficient dams. COX1 content was normal in the 21-d-old cross-fostered offspring of Cu-deficient dams, but CCO activity and COX4 were reduced. Cross fostering the offspring of Cu-adequate dams to Cu-deficient dams did not significantly affect CCO activity, COX1 content, or COX4 content in cardiac mitochondria of 21-d-old offspring. These data indicate that low prenatal Cu intake by dams was the determinant of CCO activity in cardiac mitochondria of the 21-d-old offspring and may have led to the assembly of a less-than-fully active holoenzyme.
Measurement clustering criteria for localization of multiple transmitters

We consider the problem of localizing multiple cochannel transmitters belonging to a licensed or primary network using signal strength measurements taken by a group of unlicensed or secondary nodes. Traditional localization techniques can be applied to multiple transmitter localization, provided that: (1) the total number of cochannel transmitters in the system is known, and (2) an appropriate set of clustered measurements is available. In this paper, we present two criteria to determine the total number of cochannel transmitters in the primary system. The first criterion is called the net MMSE criterion, which uses the Cramer-Rao lower bound on localization accuracy. The second criterion is the information theoretic criterion, minimum description length. Both of these criteria lead to measurement clustering algorithms in a natural way. Although we consider only signal strength measurements, the approach can be generalized to include other types of observations (e.g., time and angle information) with independent measurements in additive noise. Our numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to measurement clustering.
Anomaly Detection in Animal-Related Failures in Overhead Distribution Systems

Occurrences of faults in overhead distribution systems are a significant factor in distribution system reliability. Analysis of animal-related failures has a practical value since animals cause large number of faults in overhead distribution systems. The artificial immune system approach for self-nonself discrimination and its application to anomaly detection problems in engineering is showing great promise. This paper presents a method to apply anomaly detection in weekly animal-related failures in overhead distribution system. Detecting anomalous behavior in power distribution systems can be of much use for maintenance-related decision-making in electrical utility companies. A seminal contribution in anomaly detection is the V-detectors algorithm that can very effectively cover the nonself region of the feature space with a set of detectors. The detector set can be used to detect anomalous inputs. In this paper, procreating approaches to create an effective set of V-detectors is considered. The first phase of the algorithm generates an initial set of V-detectors. In subsequent phase, new detectors are grown from existing ones, by means of a mechanism called procreation. Procreating detectors can more effectively fill hard-to-reach interstices in the nonself region, resulting in better coverage. Simulation results indicate that this combined method detects more anomalies and displays better performance.
On Cochlear Impedances and the Miscomputation of Power Gain

In their article, “Measurement of cochlear power gain in the sensitive gerbil ear,” Ren et al. (Nat Commun 2:216, 2011) claim to provide “the first direct experimental evidence of power amplification in the sensitive living cochlea.” While we recognize the technical challenges of the experiments and appreciate the beauty of the data, the authors’ analysis and interpretation of the measurements are invalid. We review the concept of impedance (i.e., the ratio of pressure to velocity) as it applies to cochlear mechanics and show that Ren et al. mistakenly equate the impedances near the basilar membrane and stapes with the impedance characteristic of an infinite, uniform tube of fluid. As a consequence of this error, Ren et al.’s measurements and analysis provide no evidence for power amplification in the cochlea. Compelling evidence for power amplification has, however, been previously provided by others.
Quantitative distribution and colocalization of non-muscle myosin light chain kinase isoforms and cortactin in human lung endothelium

Vascular barrier regulation is intimately linked to alterations in the distribution and configuration of the endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeleton in response to angiogenic and edemagenic agonists. Critical actin cytoskeletal rearrangement includes spatially directed increases in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, catalyzed by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent non-muscle myosin light chain kinase variants (nmMLCK1- and -2), as well as association of nmMLCK with the actin-binding protein, cortactin. As these associations have proven difficult to quantify in a spatially specific manner, we now describe the utility of intensity correlation image analysis and the intensity correlation quotient (ICQ) to quantify colocalization in fixed and live cell imaging assays in human pulmonary artery EC. From baseline ICQ values averaging 0.216 reflecting colocalization of cortactin-DsRed with EGFP-nmMLCK fusion proteins in resting EC, thrombin-induced EC contraction significantly reduced cortactin-DsRed-EGFP-nmMLCK colocalization (nmMLCK1: ICQ=0.118; nmMLCK2: ICQ=0.091) whereas the potent EC barrier-protective agonist, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), significantly increased nmMLCK-cortactin colocalization within lamellipodia (nmMLCK1: ICQ=0.275; nmMLCK2: ICQ=0.334). Over-expression of a cortactin-DsRed mutant fusion protein lacking the SH3 domain, known to be essential for cortactin-nmMLCK association, reduced baseline and S1P-mediated live cell colocalization with each nmMLCK variant (nmMLCK1: ICQ=0.160; nmMLCK2: ICQ=0.157). Similarly, expression of a truncated EGFP-nmMLCK2 mutant lacking cortactin- and actin-binding domains, markedly reduced basal localization in lamellipodia and abolished colocalization with cortactin-DsRed in lamellipodia after S1P (ICQ=-0.148). These data provide insights into the molecular basis for vascular barrier-regulatory cytoskeletal responses and support the utility of sophisticated imaging analyses and methodological assessment to quantify the critical nmMLCK and cortactin interaction during vascular barrier regulation.