cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex chromosome composition of complete hydatidiform moles: Relationship to metastasis

OBJECTIVE: Complete hydatidiform moles have a substantial risk for subsequent development of persistent or metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor. We evaluated the hypothesis that presence of a Y chromosome in a complete hydatidiform mole confers an increased risk for developing metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor. STUDY DESIGN: The polymerase chain reaction was applied to archival paraffin-embedded molar tissue to identify Y chromosome—positive dispermic moles in patients who did or did not develop metastatic disease. To reduce the chances of analytic error, consensus polymerase chain reaction primers directed at homologous but different genes present on both X and Y chromosomes were used. RESULTS: Y-chromosome sequences were identified in 7.7% (1/13) of the metastatic group and 9.1% (2/22) of the nonmetastatic group, a statistically insignificant difference. CONCLUSION: We are unable to confirm any increased risk for metastasis in Y chromosome—positive compared with Y chromosome—negative complete hydatidiform mole.
A Rural Hydrogen Transportation Test Bed

Abstract The Missouri University Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), through a hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle evaluation participation agreement with the Ford Motor Company, is in the process of establishing a commuter bus service and hydrogen refueling at a station in rural Missouri near Ft. Leonard Wood (FLW). Initiated by a request from the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center at FLW, Missouri S&T is leading the effort to launch the commuter service between FLW and the neighboring towns of Rolla and Lebanon, Missouri each of which are located approximately 40 km from the military base on Interstate-44 highway. The broad research, training, and education agenda for the rural hydrogen transportation test bed is to develop, demonstrate, evaluate, and promote safe hydrogen-based technologies in a real-world environment. With funds provided by the Defense Logistics Agency through the Air Force Research Laboratory, this hydrogen initiative will build and operate a hydrogen fueling facility that includes on-site generation of hydrogen by means of steam–methane reformation.
Functional limitations in older adults who have cognitive impairment without dementia

Objective: To characterize the prevalence of functional limitations among older adults with cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND). Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed using the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study data set. A total of 856 individuals aged ≥ 71 years were assigned to 3 diagnostic cognitive categories. A questionnaire was completed by a proxy informant regarding functional limitations for 744 of the 856 respondents. Results: Of the 744 patients, 263 (13.9%) had dementia, 201 (21.3%) had CIND, and 280 (64.8%) had normal cognition. Informants reported ≥1 instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) limitation in 45% of the patients with CIND compared to 13% of the patients with normal cognition and 85% of the patients with dementia (P Language: en
The Acceleration of Fast Deflagration Waves

In an earlier paper Stewart and Ludford gave a theory of steady deflagration waves based on an ignition-temperature model obtained from Arrhenius kinetics. They were able to describe analytically the structure of deflagration waves for the entire range of wave speeds between zero and the maximum (Chapman-Jouget) value. In this paper we construct a quasisteady theory of flame acceleration based on that work, which can predict the acceleration response of a preexisting flame to quite arbitrary hydrodynamic disturbances in the limit of small heat release during the combustion. Explicit formulas and criteria are developed. In particular, we find that an unsteady deflagration wave can travel at speeds in excess of the Chapman-Jouget value, and even at arbitrarily large supersonic values. In einer fruheren Arbeit entwickelten Stewart und Ludford eine Theorie stationarer Verpuffungswellen, die sich auf ein aus dem kinematischen Aufsatz von Arrhenius hergeleitetes Entzundungstemperaturmodell grundet. Sie konnten die Struktur der Verpuffungswellen fur den gesamten Bereich der Fortpflanzungsgeschwindigkeit zwischen Null und dem Maximal (Champman-Jouget) Wert analytisch beschreiben. In der vorliegenden Arbeit bauen wir eine quasistationare Theorie der Flammenbeschleunigung auf, die sich auf diese Arbeit grundet. Sie kann die Beschleunigung einer schon existierenden Flamme durch beliebige hydrodynamische Storungen fur den Fall sehr geringer Warmeabgabe wahren der Verbrennung voraussagen. Explizite Formeln und Kriterien werden entwickelt. Speziell finden wir, das sich eine instationare Verpuffungswelle mit einer Geschwindigkeit fortpflanzt, welche den Chapman-Jouget-Wert ubersteigt sogar bis zu beliebig grosen Uberschallwerten.
The Resistance to Marek’s Disease of Chicks from Immunized Breeders

Abstract PARENTAL antibodies from dams immunized to the visceral lymphomatosis virus (V.L.V.) have been shown to give protection to chicks challenged with V.L.V. (Burmester, 1955). It is common practice today to vaccinate breeding stock for avian encephalomyelitis. This results in an immunity in the breeder and a strong parental immunity transmitted to the progeny (Schaaf and Lamoreux, 1955; Calnek et al., 1961). The identification of the Marek’s virus as a separate entity from the V.L.V. virus (Churchill and Biggs, 1967) and the development of techniques for demonstrating antibodies to Marek’s disease (Chubb and Churchill, 1968) has spurred attempts to produce a vaccine for use in young These same developments also suggest breeder stock might be immunized to Marek’s disease with a resulting parental immunity conveyed to the chick via the yolk material (Arbor Acres Review, 1968). The purpose of this study was to determine: 1. if breeders could be sufficiently immunized…
Parallel structure: a source of facilitation in sentence comprehension.

Reading time for the second clause of a conjoined sentence was found to be faster when the clause was structurally similar to the first clause than when the clausal structures differed. This “parallel structure” effect was found for each of several types of structures, including active versus passive constructions, direct object versus sentential complement (minimal vs. nonminimal attachment), nonshifted versus shifted heavy noun phrase, agent versus theme, and animate versus inanimate noun phrase. The pervasiveness of the effect ruled out some hypotheses about its basis, including the hypothesis that it would occur only when a subject’s just having processed a structure would affect how temporary ambiguities are resolved. Detailed analysis of the data suggested the existence of several distinct sources of the effect and provided indirect evidence that people typically compute both a surface structure and an S-structure representation of a sentence.
Contrapower sexual harassment: The effects of student sex and type of behavior on faculty perceptions

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of sex of offender and type of behavior on faculty perceptions of contrapower sexual harassment. Probability samples of predominately white male and female faculty at two universities in the Midwest were asked to read and make judgments about an incident that might constitute sexual harassment of a faculty member by an opposite-sex student. The effects of offender/student sex, type of harassing behavior, and subject sex were assessed. Some of the results included, as hypothesized, that when the student offender was male, subjects were more likely to: (1) view the incident as harassment, (2) believe the faculty member would be upset, and (3) see the student as responsible, compared to when the student offender was female. Overall, obscene phone calls and explicit verbal-physical harassment were viewed more negatively than written sexual comments and implicit verbal-physical harassment. Female faculty subjects also viewed the incidents as more negative or problematic on several measures than did male faculty.
Reduction in tuberculin skin-test conversions among medical house staff associated with improved tuberculosis infection control practices

Objective: To assess the efficacy of an infection control program as measured by tuberculin skin-test (TST) conversion rates in medical house staff. Design: Observational study. Setting: University-based hospital in New York City serving a large indigent population. Participants: Medical house staff. Interventions: TST conversions were measured every 6 months in medical house staff from June 1992 to June 1994. Compliance with the isolation policy was measured by identifying room locations 24 hours after admission of patients who had Mycobacterium tuberculosis recovered from respiratory specimens. Results: The TST conversion rate decreased from 5.8 to 0, 2.3, and 0 per 100 person years of exposure in successive 6-month periods. The estimated annual TST conversion rate among interns fell from 7 per 100 person years in June 1992 to 0 per 100 person years in June 1993 and 0 per 100 person years in June 1994 ( P =.029). The proportion of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who were isolated in negative-pressure rooms increased from 38% to 75% over the study period ( P =.01). Conclusion: Development of a multifaceted infection control program can decrease the risk of nosocomial tuberculosis infection in medical house staff.
Improvements to elementary children's epistemic understanding from sustained argumentation

The aim of this study was to assess whether and how a sustained instructional focus on argumentation might improve children's understanding and application of key epistemic criteria for scientific arguments. These criteria include the articulation of clear, coherent causal claims, and the explicit justification of such claims with appropriate evidence. We show a mixed-age class of 8–10-year-old children improved in their ability to both construct and evaluate arguments, especially in the ways they met evidentiary criteria. We locate these improvements in their classroom's development of a number of norms for “good arguments'' that focused on evidentiary standards. We summarize how students' appropriation of specific norms around showing evidence and justifying evidentiary relations produced these outcomes. We frame these findings in terms of their implications for promoting argumentation in classrooms, children's capacities for engaging in such argumentation, and in relation to the development of informed views about the nature of professional science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:488–526, 2012
Are We Implementing Community Health Promotion in Nursing

Promoting the health of communities has been the rallying cry (now renewed) from the nation's top public health officials. Public health nurses have always stressed community health promotion, not only in their work but also in the educating of future public health nurses. Facilitating the shift from focusing primarily upon secondary and tertiary prevention, individual, and disease-oriented processes is a constant challenge, given the current health care and reimbursement systems. The objectives of this paper are: to give a brief historical review of the nation's health objectives, other recent pertinent documents, and early public health nursing's emphases regarding community health promotion; to give a selected overview of recent community health promotion programs implemented by community and public health nurses in nursing education and practice; and to focus on present challenges to nursing in implementing community health promotion.
NASA Telerobot Testbed Development And Core Technology Demonstration

In 1985, NASA initiated a major program of technology development and demonstration for robotics applications to space servicing, assembly, repair, and remote exploration. A ground-based telerobot testbed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been the focal point within this program. Designed to prove technology concepts for supervised automation of increasingly unstructured and complex tasks, the testbed has reached an initial stage of integration. Several significant testbed experiments have been performed, including visual tracking and grapple of a satellite, dual-arm spatial coordination and manipulator control, force-reflecting teleoperations, and simulated task planning for a satellite servicing scenario. The current NASA plans for continuing testbed development and demonstration are also described.
The 1918-19 influenza pandemic affected tuberculosis in the United States: reconsidering Bradshaw, Smith, and Blanchard.

Bradshaw, Smith, and Blanchard discuss a number of facets of the decline of tuberculosis and influenza, fascinating and important diseases. Bradshaw, Smith, and Blanchard (2008; hereinafter BSB) make a number of points opposing my 2000 Population and Development Review article with Michel Garenne. I will confine the present discussion to these points. It will be useful to begin with a summary of the relevant points of Noymer and Garenne (2000).
Conceptual development of the DESDynI mission

The high value of Radar and Lidar data for understanding climate change and earth dynamics led to the prioritization of the Deformation, Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics of Ice (DESDynI) mission as Tier One in the last National Academy of Sciences' Earth Science Decadal Survey. A mission concept that matched those desired objectives underwent pre-Project development and passed several layers of review in late 2010 and early 2011 with the target of a 2017 launch. However, cuts in the proposed FY2012 budget forced a reset of the Radar mission and eliminated the Lidar sciencecraft. The proposed DESDynI-Radar mission may now fulfill a more limited set of objectives with a more modest budget on a longer development timescale. A multitude of options have been studied with varying levels of cost, risk and science value. Flight and Ground system implementations have a direct bearing on many of these factors and will also be addressed. The methodology and status of evaluating these options will be discussed. A key distinguishing characteristic of the projected DESDynI-Radar measurement would be large scale coverage and frequent revisit at fine resolution. This would be enabled via a new Radar technique called SweepSAR. Efforts to develop and field test SweepSAR will also be discussed, as well as other technology developments underway that are associated with this mission.
Interleukin-10 (cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor) acts in the central nervous system of rats to reduce sleep

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), originally designated a cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor, inhibits the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor by stimulated human and mouse monocytes/macrophages; these cytokines are involved in the regulation of sleep. To determine if IL-10 reduces spontaneous sleep, we injected murine recombinant IL-10 intracerebroventricularly into rats prior to light onset. Non-rapid eye movements sleep was reduced. The behavioral responses to IL-10 were abolished by heat-inactivation of this cytokine. We believe these to be the first observations of central nervous system actions for this cytokine. These results further support the hypothesis that cytokines are involved in the regulation of sleep, and suggest an additional mechanism whereby sleep may be altered in response to an activated immune system.
Pedestrian and bicycle plans and the incidence of crash-related injuries.

This study examined the association between the presence of pedestrian and bicycle plans to pedestrian and bicyclist nonfatal and fatal injuries from 1997 to 2009 among 553 North Carolina (NC) municipalities. We considered all municipal plans (n=92; 49 pedestrian; 34 bicycle; and 9 combined plans featuring pedestrian and bicyclist components) published through 2009. Counts of pedestrian and bicyclist nonfatal and fatal injuries came from the NC Department of Transportation crash database, and the estimated number of pedestrian and bicycle trips per municipality in one year were used to calculate pedestrian and bicyclist nonfatal and fatal injury rates. In the 13-year study period, pedestrian/combined municipality plans and bicycle/combined municipality plans were present for 189 (2.6%) and 238 (3.3%) municipality-years, respectively. There were 11,795 nonfatal injuries, 9237 possible nonfatal injuries, and 1075 fatal injuries sustained by pedestrians in pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes. There were 4842 nonfatal injuries, 3666 possible nonfatal injuries, and 134 fatal injuries sustained by bicyclists in bicyclist-motor vehicle crashes. Although not statistically significant, unadjusted nonfatal and fatal injury rates among pedestrians and bicyclists were lower in those municipality-years in which plans had been published that year or in a year prior, compared to municipality-years lacking a plan. Adjusted rate ratios (RR) indicated that pedestrian nonfatal and fatal injury rates decreased in municipality-years with publication of pedestrian/combined plans (nonfatal injury RR: 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68, 0.82; fatal injury RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.85). However, bicyclist nonfatal and fatal injury rates did not significantly change with publication of bicyclist/combined plans. Our research suggests that plan publication is associated with lower rates of nonfatal and fatal injury in pedestrians; this association was not observed for bicyclists. Further work must determine how the extent of implementation and quality of safety-related content within these plans affects changes in nonfatal and fatal injury rates. Language: en
Arginine vasopressin enhances cell survival via a G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2/β-arrestin1/extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent pathway in H9c2 cells.

Circulating levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP) are elevated during hypovolemia and during cardiac stress. AVP activates arginine vasopressin type 1A (V1A)/Gαq–coupled receptors in the heart and vasculature and V2/Gαs–coupled receptors in the kidney. However, little is known regarding the signaling pathways that influence the effects of V1A receptor (V1AR) activation during cellular injury. Using hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) as a cell injury model, we evaluated cell survival and caspase 3/7 activity in H9c2 myoblasts after treatment with AVP. Pretreatment of H9c2 cells with AVP significantly reduced H/R-induced cell death and caspase 3/7 activity, effects that were blocked via both selective V1AR inhibition and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK1/2) inhibition. AVP increased extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner that was sensitive to MEK1/2 inhibition and V1AR inhibition, but not V1BR or V2R inhibition. Discrete elements of the V1A/Gαq-protein kinase C (PKC) and V1A/G protein–coupled receptor kinase (GRK)/β-arrestin signaling cascades were inhibited to dissect the pathways responsible for the protective effects of V1AR signaling: Gαq (overexpression of Gq-I-ires-green fluorescent protein), PKC (administration of Ro 31-82425; 2-[8-(aminomethyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]indol-3-yl]-3-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)maleimide, HCl, bisindolylmaleimide X, HCl), GRK2 [C-terminal GRK2 peptide overexpression and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown], GRK5 (siRNA knockdown), and β-arrestin1 (siRNA knockdown). These studies demonstrated that both Gαq/PKC- and GRK2/β-arrestin1–dependent V1AR signaling were capable of inducing ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to AVP stimulation. However, AVP-mediated protection against H/R was elicited only via GRK2- and β-arrestin1–dependent signaling. These results suggest that activation of the V1AR in H9c2 cells mediates protective signaling via a GRK2/β−arrestin1/ERK1/2–dependent mechanism that leads to decreased caspase 3/7 activity and enhanced survival under conditions of ischemic stress.
Fulvestrant 500 mg Versus Anastrozole 1 mg for the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer: Overall Survival Analysis From the Phase II FIRST Study

Purpose To compare overall survival (OS) for fulvestrant 500 mg versus anastrozole as first-line endocrine therapy for advanced breast cancer. Patients and Methods The Fulvestrant First-Line Study Comparing Endocrine Treatments (FIRST) was a phase II, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial. Postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive, locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer who had no previous therapy for advanced disease received either fulvestrant 500 mg (days 0, 14, 28, and every 28 days thereafter) or anastrozole 1 mg (daily). The primary end point (clinical benefit rate [72.5% and 67.0%]) and a follow-up analysis (median time to progression [23.4 months and 13.1 months]) have been reported previously for fulvestrant 500 mg and anastrozole, respectively. Subsequently, the protocol was amended to assess OS by unadjusted log-rank test after approximately 65% of patients had died. Treatment effect on OS across several subgroups was examined. Tolerability was evaluated by adverse event monit...
Teachers' Use of Scaffolding Strategies During Read Alouds in the Preschool Classroom

Relatively little is known regarding preschool teachers’ use of specific scaffolds, including those high support scaffolds (e.g., co-participating, eliciting, reducing choices) that may be important for children who are struggling to acquire language and literacy concepts. The goal of this study was to characterize preschool teachers’ use of six types of scaffolds (generalizing, reasoning, predicting, co-participating, reducing choices, eliciting; see O’Connor et al. in Ladders to literacy, Paul H. Brookes Publishing, Baltimore, MD, 2005) within the whole group read aloud session. Two specific questions were addressed: (1) To what extent do preschool teachers use high and low support scaffolds during whole group read aloud sessions? and (2) To what extent does preschool teachers’ perceived frequency of use of specific scaffolds correspond to their actual use of scaffolds? Videotaped classroom observations were carried out for five preschool teachers conducting whole group read alouds in their classrooms; frequency of use for six types of scaffolds was coded using systematic observation procedures. Results indicated that teachers showed a preference for three types of scaffolds, all of which were low support, and that the three types of high support scaffolds occurred at very low rates. Additionally, results showed a substantial discrepancy between teachers’ perceived frequency of use of specific types of scaffolds relative to their actual use. Together, findings suggest that preschool teachers may benefit from professional development focused on using a range of scaffolds, to include high support scaffolds beneficial to children who may need high levels of support to participate in read alouds.
Phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes for high-efficacy long-lifetime solid-state lighting

We report data for a pair of singlestack all-phosphorescent 15 × 15 cm 2 organic light emitting-diode (OLED) light panels with high efficacy, long lifetime, and very low operating temperature: Panel 1 has 62 lm∕W efficacy, CRI ¼ 81 and lifetime to LT70 ¼ 18;000 h at 1000 cd∕m 2 , while Panel 2 has 58 lm∕W efficacy, CRI ¼ 82 and lifetime to LT70 ¼ 30;000 h at 1000 cd∕m 2 . Operating at a higher luminance of 3000 cd∕m 2 , Panel 2 has 49 lm∕W efficacy with lifetime to LT70 ¼ 4000 h. Excellent panel lifetime is enabled by a stable light blue phosphorescent materials system. Panel temperatures are within 10°C of ambient temperature at 3000 cd∕m 2 . Panel 2 was further used as a building block to demonstrate an all-phosphorescent OLED luminaire for under-cabinet lighting applications. Operating at approximately 3000 cd∕m 2 , theluminairedelivers570lmwith52 lm∕Wtotalsystemefficacy,CRI ¼ 86andCCT ¼ 2940 K.© 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). (DOI: 10.1117/1.JPE.2.021205)
Functional Group and Species Responses to Precipitation in Three Semi-Arid Rangeland Ecosystems

The objective of this study was to compare forage production and foliar and basal cover responses of plant communities, plant functional groups, and individual species between years with below average (2004) and well above-average (2005) spring precipitation in three semi-arid rangeland ecosystems (shortgrass steppe, northern mixed-grass prairie, and sagebrush grassland). Foliar and basal cover at the time of a peak standing crop were visually estimated using modified Daubenmire cover categories, and forage production by species was harvested from areas that had been excluded from large herbivores. Responses of forage production to precipitation, but not foliar and basal cover, were similar for the three semi-arid ecosystems. Total forage production was more responsive (75–159%) than basal (8–35%) or foliar (2–29%) cover to increasing precipitation. Absolute (1016 kg·ha−1) and relative (159%) increases in total forage production from 2004 to 2005 were greatest for the shortgrass steppe. Forage production ...
Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity

The neurodiversity movement challenges the medical model's interest in causation and cure, celebrating autism as an inseparable aspect of identity. Using an online survey, we examined the perceived opposition between the medical model and the neurodiversity movement by assessing conceptions of autism and neurodiversity among people with different relations to autism. Participants (N = 657) included autistic people, relatives and friends of autistic people, and people with no specified relation to autism. Self-identification as autistic and neurodiversity awareness were associated with viewing autism as a positive identity that needs no cure, suggesting core differences between the medical model and the neurodiversity movement. Nevertheless, results suggested substantial overlap between these approaches to autism. Recognition of the negative aspects of autism and endorsement of parenting practices that celebrate and ameliorate but do not eliminate autism did not differ based on relation to autism or awareness of neurodiversity. These findings suggest a deficit-as-difference conception of autism wherein neurological conditions may represent equally valid pathways within human diversity. Potential areas of common ground in research and practice regarding autism are discussed.
Analysis and design of distributed ESD protection circuits for high-speed mixed-signal and RF ICs

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices can have an adverse effect on the performance of high-speed mixed-signal and RF circuits. This paper presents quantitative methodologies to analyze the performance degradation of these circuits due to ESD protection. A detailed S-parameter-based analysis of these high-frequency systems illustrates the utility of the distributed ESD protection scheme and the impact of the parasitics associated with the protection devices. It is shown that a four-stage distributed ESD protection can be beneficial for frequencies up to 10 GHz. In addition, two generalized design optimization methodologies incorporating coplanar waveguides are developed for the distributed structure to achieve a better impedance match over a broad frequency range (0-10 GHz). By using this optimized design, an ESD device with a parasitic capacitance of 200 fF attenuates the RF signal power by only 0.27 dB at 10 GHz. Furthermore, termination schemes are proposed to allow this analysis to be applicable to high-speed digital and mixed-signal systems.
The BAC resource: tools for array CGH and FISH.

Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) vector clones carrying human DNA were chosen as the intermediate templates for the sequencing of the human genome due to their inherent stability and fidelity to the genome sequence from which they were derived. In this unit, we describe a set of protocols for BAC-based array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) that comprise the generation of targets for printing solutions onto glass slides, the subsequent hybridization steps, and CGH analysis of a test sample compared to a reference normal sample. The BAC clones through their sequence allow the extent and gene content of numerical aberrations to be delineated by aCGH, and also provide cytogeneticists with tools for subsequent validation or fine mapping studies. Keywords: Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH); Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH); Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BAC); microarrays; Copy Number Aberrations (CNA); Genomics; RPCI-11
Analyses of a multi-parent population derived from two diverse alfalfa germplasms: testcross evaluations and phenotype–DNA associations

In a previous study, we showed that the genetic variation present in the Medicago sativa subsp. sativa Peruvian and M. sativa subsp. falcata WISFAL germplasms could be used to improve forage yields when favorable alleles were recombined and used in hybrid combination with cultivated alfalfa. In this paper, we present testcross forage yield and fall growth data for two seasons of a C0 population generated after intermating the Peruvian × WISFAL population for several generations. In addition, we conducted marker-trait association analysis as an attempt to identify Peruvian and WISFAL genomics regions affecting the targeted traits. Five and seven genomic regions were found significantly associated with forage yield and fall growth, respectively. In the case of fall growth, alleles from both accessions were positively associated with plant height. However, more alleles from WISFAL were positively associated with forage yield than from Peruvian. WISFAL is known for its winter hardiness and genomic regions with large effects on winter survival may have masked the effect of forage yield from Peruvian. The fact that most of the genomic regions discovered in this study have been previously associated with traits involved in winter hardiness validates our findings and suggests that associations between DNA fragments and agronomic traits can be detected without the necessity of developing bi-parental mapping populations.
Hybrid control system design based on natural invariants

The hybrid control systems considered here consist of a continuous plant under the control of a discrete event system. Communication between the plant and controller is provided by an interface that can convert signal from the continuous domain to the symbolic domain, and vise-versa. Hybrid control system design generally involves designing a controller, possibly designing some or all of the interface, and in some cases, designing a continuous controller that will become part of the continuous-time plant. This paper examines the case where the interface is partially given, along with the plant and a set of control goals. A method is presented which designs the symbol generating portion of the interface and also yields a controller for the system. The method is based on the natural invariants of the plant. This technique is illustrated by an example in which the design process is simulated via a computer program for an unmanned underwater vehicle.
Techniques to enhance compliance with disulfiram.

Pharmacodynamic benefits of disulfiram in the treatment of alcoholism have yet to be clearly demonstrated. Nevertheless, research does suggest that disulfiram may well have positive effects on drinking if medicational compliance procedures are employed. This paper reviews research on four strategies for enhancing disulfiram compliance: implants, incentives, contracts, end patient information. Generalizations about the strategies are drawn and needs for future research are briefly addressed.
New Host-Vector System for Thermus spp. Based on the Malate Dehydrogenase Gene

A Thermus thermophilus HB27 strain was constructed in which the malate dehydrogenase (mdh) gene was deleted. The Δmdh colonies are recognized by a small-colony phenotype. Wild-type phenotype is restored by transformation with Thermus plasmids or integration vector containing an intact mdh gene. The wild-type phenotype provides a positive selection tool for the introduction of plasmid DNA into Thermus spp., and because mdh levels can be readily quantified, this host-vector system is a convenient tool for monitoring gene expression.
Reasons for HIV Disclosure and Non-Disclosure: An Exploratory Study of Rural African American Men

Disclosure of one's HIV status to others is an important decision. There are benefits and risks to be considered. Also decisions must be made about the recipients of the disclosure. This study explored reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure among rural African American men in the south. Audiotaped interviews were conducted with 40 men. The most common reasons for disclosure were to relieve stress, satisfy the need to tell, help others, and to receive support. The most common reasons for non-disclosure were the fear of negative reaction or stigma, the fear of the disclosure recipient telling others, a belief that there was no need to tell, not being ready to tell, and not wanting to burden others with the disclosure.
Computational Design of Stephenson II Six-Bar Function Generators for 11 Accuracy Points

Author(s): Plecnik, MM; McCarthy, JM | Abstract: This paper presents a design methodology for Stephenson II six-bar function generators that coordinate 11 input and output angles. A complex number formulation of the loop equations yields 70 quadratic equations in 70 unknowns, which is reduced to a system of ten eighth degree polynomial equations of total degree 810 = 1:07 × 109. These equations have a monomial structure which yields a multihomogeneous degree of 264,241,152. A sequence of polynomial homotopies was used to solve these equations and obtain 1,521,037 nonsingular solutions. Contained in these solutions are linkage design candidates which are evaluated to identify cognates, and then analyzed to determine their input-output angles in each assembly. The result is a set of feasible linkage designs that reach the required accuracy points in a single assembly. As an example, three Stephenson II function generators are designed, which provide the input-output functions for the hip, knee, and ankle of a humanoid walking gait.
Epidermal growth factor receptor activation differentially regulates claudin expression and enhances transepithelial resistance in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

Tight junctions (TJs) are the most apical cell-cell junctions, and claudins, the recently identified TJ proteins, are critical for maintaining cell-cell adhesion in epithelial cell sheets. Based on their in vivo distribution and the results of overexpression studies, certain claudins, including claudin-1 and -4, are postulated to increase, whereas other claudins, especially claudin-2, are postulated to decrease the overall transcellular resistance. The overall ratio among claudins expressed in a cell/tissue has been hypothesized to define the complexity of TJs. Disruption of the TJs contributes to various human diseases, and a correlation between reduction of TJ function and tumor dedifferentiation has been postulated. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a wide spectrum of epithelial cancers, and its expression correlates with a more metastatic cancer phenotype. However, normal functioning of EGFR is essential for normal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. The role of EGFR-dependent signaling in the development and maintenance of epithelial TJ integrity has not been studied in detail. This study demonstrates that, in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells, EGF-induced EGFR activation significantly inhibited claudin-2 expression while simultaneously inducing cellular redistribution and increased expression of claudin-1, -3, and -4. Accompanying these EGF-induced changes in claudin expression was a 3-fold increase in transepithelial resistance, a functional measure of TJs. In contrast, there were no alterations in protein expression and/or intracellular localization of other TJ-related proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) or adherens junction-associated proteins (E-cadherin and β-catenin), suggesting that EGF regulates TJ function through selective and differential regulation of claudins.
Shallow fluid pressure transients caused by seismogenic normal faults

Clastic dikes, induced by paleo-seismic slip along the Jonesboro Fault, can be used to estimate the magnitude of shallow fluid pressure transients. Fractures show evidence of two phases of seismically induced dilation by escaping fluids. Initial dilation and propagation through brittle rocks was caused by expulsion of trapped reducing fluids from beneath a clay cap. Second phase fluids were thixotropic clays which flowed vertically from clay beds upwards into the main fracture. Using the differential dilation and fracture trace lengths, the fluid pressure pulse is estimated to have ranged from 0.312 – 0.49 MPa, which is approximately equal to the vertical load during deformation. Field observations in adjacent rocks record evidence of large-magnitude seismic events, which are consistent with the large nature of the fluid pressure fluctuation.
Thinking About Thinking About Leadership: Metacognitive Ability and Leader Developmental Readiness

This chapter describes the role of metacognitive ability in leadership development while providing practical ideas and tools for the development of metacognitive abilities for current and future leaders.
Development of a Polarized Helium-3 Source for RHIC and eRHIC

The addition of a polarized 3He ion source for use at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory would enable a host of new measurements, particularly in the context of a planned eRHIC. We are developing such a source using metastability exchange optical pumping to polarize helium-3, which will be then transferred into RHIC’s Electron Beam Ion Source for ionization. We aim to deliver nuclear polarization of near 70%, and roughly 1011 doubly-ionized 3He++ ions will be created in each 20 μsec pulse. We discuss the design of the source, and the status of its development.
Prolonged complete heart-block, without lesion of the bundle of His and with frequent changes in the idio-ventricular electrical complexes

Electrocardiograms were obtained at intervals from an old hemiplegic patient who was known to have complete heart-block from February 26, 1912, up to the day of his death, December 31 of the same year. During many months of this period he had pronounced Cheyne-Stokes respiration. The interest in this case lies in the fact that there were frequent changes in the electrical complexes of the ventricular beat and correlated with this the fact that histological examination revealed no organic lesion to account for the block, in the auriculo-nodal junction, the node of Tawara, or the main stem and its branches. The nodal artery was sclerotic.The variations in the ventricular complexes were seen not only from one examination to the next, but often from beat to beat.The waves Q, R, S and T all showed variations; for example with leads I and II the wave R was sometimes upright, sometimes inverted. With lead III the wave R was always inverted.The auricular rate was strikingly reduced during the dyspneic period (44....
Phase-Shifted Delay Line Filter for Moving Scatterer Sensitive Spectral Domain Optical Doppler Tomography

A phase-shifted delay line filter is implemented in a spectral domain optical Doppler tomography system to suppress the influence of stationary scatterers on blood flow rate estimation.
Present Status and Prospect of Super-rice Research and Utilization in Anhui Province

The paper gave a brief review of achievement in super rice breeding,cultivation and utilization in Anhui Province since 1996 when China initiated super-rice research program.The breeding of super rice varieties or combinations(III you 98,Xinliangyou 6,Fengliangyou 4,Fengliangyou 1,Xieyou 9019,Kyou 52,Shuangyou 4183 and 70you 9) were introduced.The problems of lagging of theory and technique of super rice,little action of potential yield and disjunction of production and marketing of super rice were pointed.The problems of super rice development were also raised and discussed,and suggestions for super rice breeding and extension in the future were offered.
Abstract B32: A novel preclinical model and targeted therapy to reduce pediatric leukemia health disparities

Data presented here identify a targeted therapy and a novel preclinical model for evaluating therapeutic efficacy to reduce pediatric cancer health disparities. Hispanic children are 1.24 times more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than non-Hispanic whites and that number rises to 2.09 by adolescence and early adulthood. A major contributor to this health disparity is a subtype of high-risk B cell precursor ALL called CRLF2 B-ALL. CRLF2 B-ALL occurs 5 times more often in Hispanic and Native American children than others and is also prevalent in adolescents and young adults. CRLF2 B-ALL is caused by genetic alterations leading to over expression of the cytokine receptor, CRLF2. CRLF2 activation stimulates proliferation of B cell precursors. Approximately 80% of CRLF2 B-ALL cases also have inactivating deletions or mutations in one allele of the (Ikaros) IKZF1 tumor suppressor gene. Ikaros normally represses genes responsible for cellular proliferation and Ikaros mutations are highly associated with relapse. Thus, our strategy is to identify therapies that target both the Ikaros and CRLF2 genetic alterations that are responsible for high-risk CRLF2 B-ALL and the health disparities caused by this disease. Our previous work has shown that Ikaros proteins can be inactivated Casein Kinase II (CK2) and that CK2 inhibitors can be used to restore normal levels of Ikaros activity from the remaining normal Ikaros allele in B-ALL. Patient-derived xenografts produced by transplanting leukemia cells from patients into immune deficient mice provide an in vivo model of disease that includes contributions of the background genetic landscape to health disparities diseases. Here we evaluated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the CK2-specific inhibitor, CX-4945, using patient-derived xenografts (PDX) produced by transplanting immune deficient mice with B-ALL cells from 2 different Hispanic pediatric patients with high-risk CRLF2 B-ALL. Survival was significantly prolonged (p Citation Format: Kimberly J. Payne, Sinisa Dovat. A novel preclinical model and targeted therapy to reduce pediatric leukemia health disparities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B32.
Mitochondrial Profiles and the Anticonvulsant Effect of the Ketogenic Diet

A study of the anticonvulsant effect of the ketogenic diet (KD) in adolescent rats, at Emory University and other centers, found that the hippocampus responds by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing metabolic gene expression, and increasing energy reserves.
Heart disease in pregnancy.

Discussion of the major cardiovascular changes accompanying pregnancy, labor, and delivery serves as a background for understanding the pathophysiologic changes presented by specific cardiac lesions endangering women during pregnancy.
Using the Department of Labor's "My Next Move" to Improve Career Preparedness.

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network can help students prepare for their careers because it contains information on over 900 occupations. Occupational Information Network incl...
Trapped Electrons in Crystals

This chapter has a very specific topic — the trapping of electrons in single crystals. To be even more specific, consideration is limited to electrons trapped in single crystals by dipolar forces. Electrons trapped in vacancies, for example, as in F centers, are outside the scope of this review.
American Trucking v. Port of Los Angeles : Is the Castle Doctrine a Ticking Time Bomb, Potentially Eliminating Ports’ Control of Cargo Trucking?

As the Port of Los Angeles and the shipping industry continue to expand, states struggle to regulate the heavy trucking businesses that support the shipping companies. In American Trucking Assn’s, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles, the Supreme Court struck down as preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 parts of a Concession Agreement that sought to regulate the relationship between these trucking companies and the Port. The Court declined to decide a second question of whether the Port could punish trucking companies that routinely fail to comply with regulations. This Comment argues that the FAAAA’s broad preemption has left states unable to regulate the heavy trucking industry properly. Considering this deficiency, Congress or the EPA must step in to control the industry and prevent it from further polluting the envi-
The veinsheath syndrome in Cunoniaceae. II. The generaAcsmithia, Codia, Cunonia, Geissois, Pullea andWeinmannia

The high order foliar vein sheathing of 40 species representing 6 genera of Cunoniaceae was examined. The type, orientation, distribution, and proportion of the sheathing elements around the veinlet, including the terminal cells, are variable and useful for generic circumscription and subdivision. Terminal cells are tracheoidal or sclereidal types. A general trend towards the formation of specialized sclerenchymatous terminal elements is supported.
Integrating soil silicon amendment into management programs for insect pests of drill-seeded rice.

Silicon soil amendment has been shown to enhance plant defenses against insect pests. Rice is a silicon-accumulating graminaceous plant. In the southern United States, the rice water weevil and stem borers are important pests of rice. Current management tactics for these pests rely heavily on the use of insecticides. This study evaluated the effects of silicon amendment when combined with current management tactics for these rice insect pests in the field. Field experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015. Rice was drill-planted in plots subjected to factorial combinations of variety (conventional and hybrid), chlorantraniliprole seed treatment (treated and untreated), and silicon amendment (treated and untreated). Silicon amendment reduced densities of weevil larvae on a single sampling date in 2014, but did not affect densities of whiteheads caused by stem borers. In contrast, insecticidal seed treatment strongly reduced densities of both weevil larvae and whiteheads. Higher densities of weevil larvae were also observed in the hybrid variety in 2014, while higher incidences of whiteheads were observed in the conventional variety in 2014 and 2015. Silicon amendment improved rice yields, as did chlorantraniliprole seed treatment and use of the hybrid variety.