cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seedling response to water stress in valley oak ( Quercus lobata ) is shaped by different gene networks across populations

Drought is a major stress for plants, creating a strong selection pressure for traits that enable plant growth and survival in dry environments. Many drought responses are conserved species-wide responses, while others vary among populations distributed across heterogeneous environments. We tested how six populations of the widely distributed California valley oak (Quercus lobata) sampled from contrasting climates would differ in their response to soil drying relative to well-watered controls in a common environment by measuring ecophysiological traits in 93 individuals and gene expression (RNA-seq) in 42 individuals. Populations did not differ in their adjustment of turgor loss point during soil drying, suggesting a generalized species-wide response. Differential expression analysis identified 689 genes with a common response to treatment across populations and 470 genes with population-specific responses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified groups of genes with similar expression patterns that may be regulated together (gene modules). Several gene modules responded differently to water stress among populations, suggesting regional differences in gene network regulation. Populations from sites with a high mean annual temperature responded to the imposed water stress with significantly greater changes in gene module expression, indicating that these populations may be locally adapted to respond to drought. We propose that this variation among valley oak populations provides a mechanism for differential tolerance to the increasingly frequent and severe droughts in California.
Model study of organic carbon attenuation and oxygen mass transfer in persistent aggregate layers in the deep sea

Abstract A time series study from 1989 to 2017 indicates that, increasingly, carbon export to abyssal sediments in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), 220 km west of the central California coast (Sta. M), occurs as rapidly sinking pulses of particulate organic carbon (POC). Nearly continuous sediment trap collections confirm that POC export to 3400 m increased significantly after 2011 with carbon attenuation (as fraction of POC remineralized) ranging from a low of 57% to a high of 77% during periods of pulsed flux. All of the major pulse events for the period resulted in the delivery of detrital aggregates that covered part or all of the sediment surface as an organic carbon rich layer at ~4000 m depth. However, the magnitude of the measured Sediment Community Oxygen Consumption (SCOC) did not increase proportionally to the organic carbon inventory change. Here, a model of oxygen consumption, informed by the time series data at Sta. M in the CCE, suggests that aggregate flocs constitute a major source for benthic carbon and a barrier to mass transport of oxygen, leading to reduced carbon attenuation in surface sediments. The correlation of POC delivery with aggregate coverage shows that the majority of POC delivery during pulse events is likely to consume all of the oxygen within the aggregates. Results indicate that an increasing fraction of POC reaches the abyssal sediments at Sta. M under conditions that support increased net burial of carbon. This finding is significant in the context of the fraction of the total POC flux that occurs as pulse events in this important upwelling region. During the period from 2011 to 2017, a third of the total POC flux resulted in aggregate flocs that covered a significant portion of the sediment surface (>47%). Following the 2015–2016 El Nino period the flocs became a dominant feature of the sediment surface. More than 80% of the POC flux to near bottom sediment traps in 2017 occurred coincident with aggregate floc cover of more than 90% of the sediments. The resultant physical barrier to oxygen transport and relatively low consumption of newly delivered carbon indicate conditions that are more typical of environments having low oxygen bottom waters.
Can You Hear Me Now? The Impact of Hearing Loss on Patient Health Literacy.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the impact of hearing loss on patient health literacy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING Academic otology practice at a university hospital. PATIENTS Consecutive, adult, English-speaking patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Inadequate health literacy, defined as a composite score of less than or equal to nine on the brief health literacy screen (BHLS), was compared with patient hearing data utilizing the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) hearing classification. Secondary outcome measures included comparisons of inadequate BHLS scores according to patient demographic and clinical information. RESULTS There were 300 consecutive adult (>18 years old) patients evaluated with the BHLS at a university otology practice between February and March 2019. The median patient age was 60-years (range, 18-91 yr), a slight majority (160, 53.3%) were women, and most patients were White (241, 86.7%) and non-Hispanic (260, 91.6%). Overall, 9.7% of patients were found to have inadequate health literacy. Men had higher rates of inadequate health literacy as compared with women (13.6% versus 6.3%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-5.25). Audiometric data was available for 284 (95%) patients, of which 235 (82.7%) had class A or B hearing and 49 (17.3%) had class C or D hearing. Patients with Class C or D hearing had a lower median composite BHLS score compared with patients with Class A or B hearing (11.6 versus 13.6, p < 0.0001) and an increased rate of inadequate health literacy (28.6% versus 4.7%, OR = 8.15, 95% CI 3.42-19.37). Increased age, female sex, and better hearing were independent predictors of higher BHLS scores on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss is an independent risk factor for inadequate health literacy. Providers should be aware of this risk and consider implementing strategies to improve counseling for this at-risk group of patients.
Learning to Control using Image Feedback

Learning to control complex systems using non-traditional feedback, e.g., in the form of snapshot images, is an important task encountered in diverse domains such as robotics, neuroscience, and biology (cellular systems). In this paper, we present a two neural-network (NN)-based feedback control framework to design control policies for systems that generate feedback in the form of images. In particular, we develop a deep $Q$-network (DQN)-driven learning control strategy to synthesize a sequence of control inputs from snapshot images that encode the information pertaining to the current state and control action of the system. Further, to train the networks we employ a direct error-driven learning (EDL) approach that utilizes a set of linear transformations of the NN training error to update the NN weights in each layer. We verify the efficacy of the proposed control strategy using numerical examples.
Radio Astronomy: A Strong Link Between Undergraduate Education and Research

The program at the MIT Haystack Observatory has added a new opportunity for students as part of our overall national effort to encourage research by undergraduates. Radio astronomy complements other branches of astronomy, augments science education broadly, and serves to promote interdisciplinary research and education. In the past 2 years, we have conducted a successful pilot program to develop and test a program that facilitates the linking of undergraduate research and education through radio astronomy. As a result of this effort,
Using Sociocultural Theory to Examine the Context(s) of Language Learning and Teaching

When introducing a sociocultural approach to research on second language learning and teaching, it helps to make theoretical and methodological positions clear. Following this introduction, which first includes a brief discussion regarding the theoretical underpinnings of sociocultural theory, the Forum will consist of five commentaries outlining current research that is in process, each one employing a sociocultural perspective to explore issues in second language learning and/or teaching.
Aerial and Aquatic Gas Exchange

This chapter reviews the diverse information that is found under the general subject of “air-breathing fish respiration.” Studies of air-breathing fish respiration have identified factors regulating the duration of the air-breath cycle, determined respiratory capacity, and elucidated respiratory organ function during bimodal respiration. For most aquatic air breathers, aerial respiration is utilized to the extent needed to supplement aquatic respiration and sustain normal VO 2 . For amphibious air breathers, the complete transition from aquatic to aerial gas exchange ensures a period of total respiratory independence from water. Air-breath durations differ among species. These are highly variable, and are affected by several physical factors including aquatic oxygen level and temperature. In situations of chronic hypoxia, fish may ascend for air as frequently as 1200 times in 24 hours. Light level also affects air-breath duration as can the presence of water-borne toxins. An effect of aquatic CO 2 has also been suggested for some species. This chapter begins with a historical overview, followed by a comparison of air breathing cycles and a review of whole-organism respiratory gas exchange. The chapter also examines the specialized aspects of respiratory organ function. The chapter emphasizes the comparative physiological aspects of air breathing.
Fault simulation and test generation by fault sampling techniques

Novel techniques and procedures for choosing a sample from the entire fault population are presented. The fault coverage evaluation of the sample and the fault population, given a random test set, are evaluated and proved to be equal, or within a sampling error (+or-e), which represents the difference between the fault coverages of the sample and the total fault population. The sampling procedures presented are applied in such a way that e is small. Moreover, the sample is not purely random but in fact mirrors the total fault distribution. The expected test length and fault coverage evaluation of a given random test set, applied or generated for a given circuit, are calculated. For the example used in this study, exact detection probabilities for every fault in the circuit are calculated. >
Single-electron device research: some directions and challenges

In this talk, I will give some examples of current directions in research aimed at exploiting single-electron effects and discuss challenges in utilizing these in sensor, memory, and logic applications.
Effect of salt-induced hypertension on microvascular pressures in skeletal muscle of Dahl rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of salt-induced hypertension on the microvascular pressure profile in skeletal muscle. Measurements were made in the spinotrapezius muscle of a...
Ten Years of Data Products and Science Findings from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on Aqua

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder enables retrievals of temperature and water vapor profiles and a wide range of geophysical variables. We discuss the accuracy and stability of the AIRS data and major findings over the last decade.
The metabolism of amino acids and protein in the adrenalectomized-nephrectomized rat.

In the preceding paper data were presented on the nature of the protein catabolic effect of adrenal cortical extract in nephrectomized rats (Engel, Schiller and Pentz, 1949). It was shown that the intravenous injection of glucose or amino acids 2 to 3 hours after adrenal cortical extract inhibited or masked the usual stimulation of nitrogen metabolism that occurred after administration of this hormone. It was further demonstrated that cortical hormone did not stimulate the conversion of injected amino acids to urea whereas it did stimulate urea formation after the injection of albumin. The latter effect was inhibited if glucose was given with the protein. It was concluded that in its action on protein metabolism and gluconeogenesis the adrenal cortex did not detectably influence the rate of deamination of amino acids but did intervene at the level of protein degradation itself.
Medical Update for Children With Down Syndrome for the Pediatrician and Family Practitioner

Key Points � Down syndrome (DS), with an incidence of 1 in 691 live births, is the most common chromosomal cause of intellectual disability. � To avoid the pitfall of diagnostic overshadowing, the physician should remember that people with DS are at an increased risk for certain comorbidiites and at risk for the same illnesses that affect all children. � Frequent hearing and vision evaluations are indicated due to the high prevalence of hearing and vision abnormalities (>50%) in individuals with DS. � The risk of thyroid disease in DS is in the 20-30% range (requiring yearly thyroid labs); newly recognized comorbidities also needing screening are celiac disease and autism (both in the 7% range). � The medical care of children with DS requires vigilance regarding their predisposition to certain medical issues; however, after many years in caring for children with DS and their families, this experience provides continuing rewards.
Stratigraphic framework of Holocene volcaniclastic deposits, Akutan volcano, east-central Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Akutan Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc, but until recently little was known about its history and eruptive character. Following a brief but sustained period of intense seismic activity in March 1996, the Alaska Volcano Observatory began investigating the geology of the volcano and evaluating potential volcanic hazards that could affect residents of Akutan Island. During these studies new information was obtained about the Holocene eruptive history of the volcano on the basis of stratigraphic studies of volcaniclastic deposits and radiocarbon dating of associated buried soils and peat. A black, scoria-bearing, lapilli tephra, informally named the "Akutan tephra," is up to 2 m thick and is found over most of the island, primarily east of the volcano summit. Six radiocarbon ages on the humic fraction of soil A-horizons beneath the tephra indicate that the Akutan tephra was erupted approximately 1611 years B.P. At several locations the Akutan tephra is within a conformable stratigraphic sequence of pyroclastic-flow and lahar deposits that are all part of the same eruptive sequence. The thickness, widespread distribution, and conformable stratigraphic association with overlying pyroclastic-flow and lahar deposits indicate that the Akutan tephra likely records a major eruption of Akutan Volcano that may have formed the present summit caldera. Noncohesive lahar and pyroclastic-flow deposits that predate the Akutan tephra occur in the major valleys that head on the volcano and are evidence for six to eight earlier Holocene eruptions. These eruptions were strombolian to subplinian events that generated limited amounts of tephra and small pyroclastic flows that extended only a few kilometers from the vent. The pyroclastic flows melted snow and ice on the volcano flanks and formed lahars that traveled several kilometers down broad, formerly glaciated valleys, reaching the coast as thin, watery, hyperconcentrated flows or water floods. Slightly cohesive lahars in Hot Springs valley and Long valley could have formed from minor flank collapses of hydrothermally altered volcanic bedrock. These lahars may be unrelated to eruptive activity.
CORR Insights®: does patient sex affect the anatomic relationships between the sternoclavicular joint and posterior vascular structures?

This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Does Patient Sex Affect the Anatomic Relationships Between the Sternoclavicular Joint and Posterior Vascular Structures?” by Merriman and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-3853-x. The author certifies that he, or any member of his immediate family, has no funding or commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR ® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article available at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-3853-x.
Multiple reentrance and fractal phase boundaries in the Barker–Fock model

Abstract The Barker–Fock model, which addresses the issue of closed-loop phase diagrams in binary liquid mixtures, is shown to exhibit a wealth of interesting and rather unexpected physical phenomena. For example, renormalization-group studies indicate that in addition to the standard closed-loop diagrams seen in many binary liquid mixtures, the Barker–Fock model also yields multiple reentrance – perhaps of unlimited degree. In addition, one of the “phase boundaries” in the model is actually many separate phases mixed together to form a “fractal foam”. Behavior of this kind is interesting in its own right, and particularly so when the underlying model has direct physical relevance.
Gortler Instability of Compressible Boundary Layers

The instability of the laminar compressible boundary-layer flows along concave surfaces is investigated. The linearized disturbance equations for the three-dimensional, counter-rotating, longitudinal-type vortices in two-dimensional boundary layers are presented in an orthogonal curvilinear system of coordinates. The basic approximation of the disturbance equations, which includes the effect of the growth of the boundary layer, is considered and solved numerically.
Reengineering Translational Science: The Time Is Right

Despite dramatic advances in the molecular pathogenesis of disease, translation of basic biomedical research into safe and effective clinical applications remains a slow, expensive, and failure-prone endeavor. To pursue opportunities for disruptive translational innovation, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to establish a new entity, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The mission of NCATS is to catalyze the generation of innovative methods and technologies that will enhance the development, testing, and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics across a wide range of diseases and conditions. The new center’s activities will complement, and not compete with, translational research being carried out at NIH and elsewhere in the public and private sectors.
Phagocytic activity in experimental liver injury

Abstract A significant increase in phagocytic capacity is noted at the height of the regenerative response which follows experimental liver injury induced by CCl4. Accelerated removal of colloidal carbon persists until there is restoration of normal histologic findings and function as reflected in replication of Kupffer cells and clearance of indocyanine green, respectively. An increase in carbon deposition occurs in the liver and lung during maximum liver-cell necrosis; however, it is decreased in the spleen at this time. Phagocytic activity of the acutely injured liver could not be related to circulating factors; patterns of colloidal carbon removal did not change when plasma obtained from animals at the period of maximum hepatic necrosis or regeneration was incubated with the test substance or injected prior to clearance studies.
Beyond Admissions: Reflections and Future Considerations

The use of preferences for racial or ethnic groups has spurred a lively debate about the merits of such policies. As underscored by this volume, however, most of the discussion about these issues has neglected a key point: students' decisions play an important role in determining the outcomes we observe in higher education. In other words, affirmative action, or lack thereof, will not alone determine whether our colleges and universities are racially and ethnically diverse. Students' decisions about where to apply to college and, if admitted, whether to attend result in the educational patterns one observes; and while an existing policy may influence students' behavior and institutions' admis-
Mortality and reoperation followingprostatectomy: Outcomes in a medicare population

Data from a series of pilot projects undertaken by the Health Care Financing Administration and seven peer review organizations were used to evaluate the outcomes of prostatectomy. Outcomes in both the original random sample of 3,641 patients and subsample of 2,617 patients that had a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and did not have a diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma were examined. Patients undergoing a transurethral resection had increased probabilities of reoperation and mortality. However, the increased risk associated with having a transurethral resection was not statistically significant after controlling for other variables associated with mortality.
ILK: a pseudokinase in the center stage of cell-matrix adhesion and signaling.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a widely expressed and evolutionally conserved component of cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesions. Although initially named as a kinase, ILK contains an unusual pseudoactive site that is incapable of catalyzing phosphorylation. Instead, ILK acts as a central component of a heterotrimer (the PINCH–ILK–parvin complex) at ECM adhesions mediating interactions with a large number of proteins via multiple sites including its pseudoactive site. Through higher level protein-protein interactions, this scaffold links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton and catalytic proteins and thereby regulates focal adhesion assembly, cytoskeleton organization and signaling. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the structure and functions of the PINCH–ILK–parvin complex, and discusses emerging new features of the molecular mechanisms by which it regulates diverse cellular, physiological and pathological processes.
Pulse Width Dependence Of Pigment Cell Damage At 694 nm In Guinea Pig Skin

351 nm, 20-nsec XeF excimer laser irradiation has previously been shown to selectively target and damage melanosomes in human skin. In the following studies selective targeting with melanosomal photodisruption has been demonstrated in pigmented guinea pig skin with a Q-switched 40-nsec ruby laser, and a 750-nsec pulsed dye laser but not with a 400-usec pulsed dye laser. The pulse width dependence of melanosomal disruption, occurring only at pulsewidths shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the melanosome (0.5 - 1.0 usec), is in accordance with the theory of selective photothermolysis. Possible mechanisms of melanosomal photodisruption include development of sudden thermal gradients leading to cavitation or shock wave production.
Cell swelling induced by medium hyposmolarity or isosmolar urea stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from perifused rat median eminence

Abstract Medium hyposmolarity between 10 and 50% and isotonic urea between 22.5 and 90 mM induced a dose-dependent burst of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from perifused median eminence tissue which was maximal at 2–3 min and returned to near baseline by 5 min in spite of continued exposure to the stimulus. If Ca 2+ -free medium was used, osmotic stimulation of secretion was increased or unchanged, but secretion induced by 30 mM K + was markedly reduced. Our data indicate that cell swelling induced by medium hyposmolarity or permeant molecules stimulates GnRH secretion from median eminence cells or cell processes as it does secretion from normal endocrine cells containing hormone stored in intracellular vesicles. In both, Ca 2+ influx is not required or has a negative modulating influence on cell swelling-induced secretion.
Design and application of cotranscriptional non-enzymatic RNA circuits and signal transducers

Nucleic acid circuits are finding increasing real-life applications in diagnostics and synthetic biology. Although DNA has been the main operator in most nucleic acid circuits, transcriptionally produced RNA circuits could provide powerful alternatives for reagent production and their use in cells. Towards these goals, we have implemented a particular nucleic acid circuit, catalytic hairpin assembly, using RNA for both information storage and processing. Our results demonstrated that the design principles developed for DNA circuits could be readily translated to engineering RNA circuits that operated with similar kinetics and sensitivities of detection. Not only could purified RNA hairpins perform amplification reactions but RNA hairpins transcribed in vitro also mediated amplification, even without purification. Moreover, we could read the results of the non-enzymatic amplification reactions using a fluorescent RNA aptamer 'Spinach' that was engineered to undergo sequence-specific conformational changes. These advances were applied to the end-point and real-time detection of the isothermal strand displacement amplification reaction that produces single-stranded DNAs as part of its amplification cycle. We were also able to readily engineer gate structures with RNA similar to those that have previously formed the basis of DNA circuit computations. Taken together, these results validate an entirely new chemistry for the implementation of nucleic acid circuits.
Use of eye movements as feedforward training for a synthetic aircraft inspection task

Aircraft inspection is a vital element in assuring safety and reliability of the air transportation system. The human inspector performing visual inspection of an aircraft is the backbone of this process and training is an effective strategy for improving their inspection performance. Previous studies have shown offline feedback training to be effective in improving subsequent visual inspection performance. Because experienced inspectors are known to adopt a better inspection strategy than novices, providing visualization of experts' cognitive processes a priori can accelerate novices' adoption of the experts' strategy. Using eye tracking equipment, we record the point of regard of an expert inspector performing an inspection task in a virtual reality simulator. Analysis of their eye movements leads to a visualization of their scanpaths and allows us to display the inspector's visual search (hence cognitive) strategy. We show how providing this type of scanpath-based feedforward training of novices leads to improved accuracy performance in the simulator coupled with an observed speed-accuracy tradeoff. We contend that the tradeoff results from trained novices adopting a slower paced strategy through increased fixation durations, suggesting trained novices learn a more deliberate target search/discrimination strategy that requires more time to execute.
Markov processes for stochastic modeling

Markov processes for stochastic modeling , Markov processes for stochastic modeling , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
The Impact of Long-term Exercise Training on Psychological Function in Older Adults

The effect of long-term aerobic training on psychological function was examined in 87 sedentary older adults who engaged in a year-long endurance exercise training program compared with a nonexercising control group. In addition to improved cardiovascular fitness, a positive change in self-reported morale was found for the exercise condition. Of the cognitive functions measured, a significant effect was noted for the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) Logical Memory subtest; however, this effect was caused by a decline in performance from pre- to posttesting in the control group. Long-term exercise training had little, if any, effect on improving cognitive function in this older adult sample.
Whole body shaking due to intracranial blood flow steal

Unilateral limb shaking has been described as brief, repetitive jerking movements of arm and leg, resembling seizures and attributed to transient cerebral ischemia. We report a patient with numerous episodes of whole body shaking in the setting of bilateral carotid occlusions as well as vertebral stenoocclusive disease. These episodes of whole body shaking occurred in the presence of bilateral intracranial blood flow steal phenomenon. After angioplasty of the vertebral artery and initiation of aggressive medical therapy and non-invasive ventilatory correction, intracranial blood flow improved and whole body shaking episodes were resolved during 6-months follow-up.
Anxiety Management Training for essential hypertension in pregnancy

Anxiety Management Training (AMT) was used to treat a first-time pregnant, 35-year-old woman with suspected essential hypertension. Meaningful baseline to treatment decreases in both systolic and diastolic recordings which were maintained during follow-up suggested that AMT was being effectively used to manage hypertension. Additional evidence of AMTs effectiveness was reflected by normal uterine growth and the excellent health of the fetus at delivery. It was concluded that AMT may be used as an effective adjunct to medical management of hypertension in pregnancy.
ESCRT complexes and the biogenesis of multivesicular bodies

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are crucial intermediates in the trafficking of ubiquitinated receptors and other cargo destined for lysosomes. The formation of MVBs by invagination of the endosomal limiting membrane is catalyzed by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complexes, a process that has recently been visualized in three-dimensional detail by electron tomography. Structural and biochemical analysis of the upstream components, Vps27-Hse1, ESCRT-I, and ESCRT-II, shows how these complexes assemble and cluster cargo. Rapid progress has been made in understanding the assembly and disassembly of the ESCRT-III complex and the interactions of its subunits with MIT domain and other proteins. A key role for deubiquitination in the regulation of the system has been demonstrated. One central question remains largely unanswered, which is how the ESCRTs actually promote the invagination of the endosomal membrane.
Lives and Times of Nuclear Receptors

Down-regulation of receptor in response to ligand was one of the earliest functional readouts of steroid hormone action. The loss of total receptor content upon stimulation, referred to initially as receptor "processing," was carefully described with respect to receptor nuclear transformation or tight nuclear binding. It was these early studies that were the first to note a correlation between receptor turnover and induction of gene transcription, leading to the proposal that down-regulation of receptor was involved in mechanisms of transcriptional activation. This idea has now attracted renewed attention with the discovery that ligand-induced "processing" in the form of proteolysis is carried out by the 26S proteasome, a multicatalytic enzyme whose activity is directly coupled to cell-cycle control, signal transduction, and importantly, transcription. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanism and relevance of proteolysis to receptor function based on general concepts that have emerged from analyses of liganded members of the nuclear receptor family.
What is the buzz about the cross-functional role of purchasing in a sustainable supply chain environment?

The research proposed in this study will address the cross-functional role of purchasing in a sustainable supply chain environment. The literature reflects remarkably little effort to develop a framework for understanding the cross-functional role of purchasing in this environment. Product returns have existed from the first time anyone manufactured a product or opened a store. What has changed in recent years is the attention that businesses are paying to costs involved in returns, as it has become a multi-million dollar problem for most companies. We provide a foundation for future research in purchasing strategies by clarifying the environment dealing with product returns and constructing a framework that shows the critical cross-functional role of purchasing in a sustainable supply chain environment.
Abstract 5580: Macrophage polarization and acquired resistance to rituximab in CNS lymphoma

Macrophages are a critical component of anti-tumor immunity but may be subverted from an M1 phenotype, which mediates tumor elimination, to an M2 phenotype, which promotes tumor progression. IL-4 signaling is a pivotal regulator of macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype; we have recently demonstrated the intratumoral expression of IL-4 in CNS lymphoma (Blood, 2006; CCR, 2009). Rituximab efficacy appears to be mediated predominantly by ADCC, with tumor-associated macrophages being the dominant effector cell. We hypothesize that the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (M1 vs. M2) may be a determinant of rituximab efficacy and resistance. There is an extreme paucity of information regarding the role and phenotype of macrophages in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including CNS lymphoma. We have developed a novel flow-cytometry-based approach for the isolation and characterization of macrophages from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with CNS NHL. Our gene expression studies of CD14+ activated CSF macrophages suggested two candidate markers of M2 differentiation, CD206 and Factor XIII. M1 differentiation was identified using DAF-FM diacetate, a cell-permeable marker of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Our results suggest the presence of at least four distinct subpopulations of activated macrophages in CSF based upon the relative expression of these markers. CSF macrophage subpopulations were characterized and sorted from 42 subjects: 22 immunocompetent patients with CNS NHL and 20 control subjects with non-neoplastic conditions. Our data suggest an association of M2 macrophages in the CSF with the pathogenesis of CNS NHL: a greater than six-fold increase in the proportion of macrophages with M2 features was detected in CSF from CNS NHL subjects compared to controls (p We believe this to be the first application of flow-cytometry to define the phenotypes of intratumoral macrophages in NHL as well as the first description of dynamic changes in macrophage phenotypes during the evolution of resistance to rituximab therapy. The elucidation of distinct macrophage subpopulations based upon the expression of candidate markers of M1 vs. M2 phenotypes may provide insight into tumor pathogenesis and prognosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5580.
Corneal Cloudiness in Transported Largemouth Bass

Abstract Corneal cloudiness, ranging from barely detectable to complete opaqueness, and corneal perforation were repeatedly observed over several years in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) subjected to handling stress. The incidence of corneal clouding and the recovery rate were studied by subjecting largemouth bass (15 cm average total length) to simulated truck transport for 6 to 28 h. Groups of 100 fish were removed from the simulator at about 6-h intervals. Their eyes were examined and pectoral fins adjacent to affected eyes were clipped. The fish were placed in recovery tanks and were examined periodically for 28 d. The incidence of cloudiness after various durations of simulated transport ranged from 46 to 83%. The eyes generally cleared once the fish were removed from the simulator; 80% of the cloudy eyes cleared within 20 to 36 h, and all nonperforated eyes were clear within 7 d.
A comparison of operation models and management strategies for the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

The Spitzer Space Telescope was launched in 2003 as part of NASA’s Great Observatory Program, measuring the infrared universe. As a 100% Community Observatory, Spitzer started with a large infrastructure, and has been trimmed during its extended missions to less than two-thirds of its original budget. The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array is a NASA Small Explorer Mission targeting the high-energy x-ray sky. It was launched in June of 2012 and is currently carrying out its two-year primary mission. This paper discusses a comparison of the two missions; differences between large and small missions, Community and Principal Investigator missions, and operations and management strategies of each. In addition, the paper will discuss the process of downsizing a large mission into a model similar to that of an explorer class spacecraft.
Pathologic staging of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with airway invasion based on the anatomic manner of extension to the trachea: A clinicopathologic study based on 22 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and airway resection

We received the clinical and pathologic features of 22 cases of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid that invaded the trachea and were treated by thyroidectomy and airway resection with or without reconstructive surgery over an interval of 16 years. We studied the fine relationships between lamina propria and lymphatics in the region between the isthmus of the thyroid and the trachea. The manner of invasion of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid was by blunt dissection along blood vessels and collagen fibers oriented perpendicularly to the tracheal lumen between cartilaginous rings. Although lymph node metastases were found in 14 patients (64%), we observed lymphangitic tumor in the tracheal mucosa in only three patients (14%). We devised a staging system for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid based on the extent of invasion of the trachea. Of the 11 patients with stage I, II, or III disease, none of six (0%) followed for 5 years died of thyroid cancer in the 5-year observation period; one patient in this group died later of thyroid cancer. Of the 11 patients with stage IV disease, five of seven (71%) followed for 5 years died of thyroid cancer in the 5-year observation period; one additional patient in this group died later of thyroid cancer.
Ultrasound-guided small vessel cannulation: long-axis approach is equivalent to short-axis in novice sonographers experienced with landmark-based cannulation.

Introduction: Our primary objective was to describe the time to vessel penetration and difficulty of long-axis and short-axis approaches for ultrasound-guided small vessel penetration in novice sonographers experienced with landmark-based small vessel penetration. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of experienced certified emergency nurses attempting ultrasound-guided small vessel cannulation on a vascular access phantom. We conducted a standardized training, practice, and experiment session for each participant. Five long-axis and five short-axis approaches were attempted in alternating sequence. The primary outcome was time to vessel penetration. Secondary outcomes were number of skin penetrations and number of catheter redirections. We compared long-axis and short-axis approaches using multivariable regression adjusting for repeated measures, vessel depth, and vessel caliber. Results: Each of 10 novice sonographers made 10 attempts for a total of 100 attempts. Median time to vessel penetration in the long-axis and short-axis was 11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7-12) and 10 (95% CI 6-13) seconds, respectively. Skin penetrations and catheter redirections were equivalent and near optimal between approaches. The median caliber of cannulated vessels in the long-axis and short-axis was 4.6 (95% CI 4.1-5.5) and 5.6 (95% CI 5.1-6.2) millimeters, respectively. Both axes had equal success rates of 100% for all 50 attempts. In multivariable regression analysis, long-axis attempts were 32% (95% CI 11%-48%; p=0.009) faster than short-axis attempts. Conclusion: Novice sonographers, highly proficient with peripheral IV cannulation, can perform after instruction ultrasound-guided small vessel penetration successfully with similar time to vessel penetration in either the long-axis or short-axis approach on phantom models . [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(7):–0.]
Student Attitudes on Software Piracy and Related Issues of Computer Ethics

Software piracy is older than the PC and has been the subject of several studies, which have found it to be a widespread phenomenon in general, and among university students in particular. An earlier study by Cohen and Cornwell from a decade ago is replicated, adding questions about downloading music from the Internet. The survey includes responses from 224 students in entry-level courses at two schools, a nondenominational suburban university and a Catholic urban college with similar student profiles. The study found that there has been few if any changes in student opinions regarding the unauthorized duplication of copy- righted materials. Students generally felt that copying commercial software and downloading music from the Internet was acceptable and found that there was no significant correlation between student attitudes and their school's religious affiliation or lack thereof. Additionally, the study found that a small but significant percentage of respondents considered the other questionable behaviors as ethically acceptable. Finally, the reasons for these attitudes are discussed as well as what colleges can do to correct the situation.
Skin cancer diagnosis in a primary care setting.

Background: Primary care providers are in a good position to detect skin cancers early, but their current involvement in diagnosis and referral of patients with skin cancer is unknown. Some managed care settings utilize a primary care case manager approach to health care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and demographic associations of skin cancer in a managed care population served by primary care providers. Methods: This study analyzed 1215 skin biopsy specimens obtained by family physicians, internists, and supervised certified physician assistants within an eastern Washington health maintenance organization and the 69 biopsy specimens obtained by referral specialists and confirmed by pathologic consultation. Results: Internists, family physicians, and their physician assistants performed 94.7% of the biopsies on 87% of all malignancies. Dermatologists and surgeons performed the rest. Primary care providers and dermatologists detected malignant melanomas at a rate comparable to a similar study from British Columbia but lower than other previous investigations. Conclusion: Melanomas were diagnosed in this managed care system at a rate comparable to a similar system in Canada. Lower rates for other skin cancers are probably because of methodologic differences from other studies, but variation in histologic diagnoses between pathologists and differences in skin cancer detection cannot be excluded.
Fronteras: de la comunidad a la nación en la Castilla bajomedieval

In my article, Borders: From Community to Nation in Late Medieval Castile, I argue that the development of concepts of sovereignty, national frontiers and a "national" space in late medieval and early modern Castile was linked, among other theoretical and political developments, to the emergence of territorial boundaries and the ordering of physical space at the level of local communities in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. National boundaries, the idea of the realm as a spatial concept, could not have been articulated or imagined without a previous grounding in local experiences. Thus, the main portions of the article explore the transition from definitions of property as seignorial jurisdiction and rents to a spatial ordering of the land in villages throughout northern Castile. Three types of evidence are examined: 1) sources which describe the limiting of geographical space by the use of artificial landmarks ( mojones ); 2) those documents which describe the consolidation of property into contiguous estates; 3) transactions of land which show an increased preoccupation with rights of "entry and exit".
Geometric modeling, functional parameter calculation, and visualization of the in-vivo distended rectal wall

The rectum can distend to accommodate stool, and contracts in response to distention during defecation. Rectal motor dysfunctions are implicated in the pathophysiology of functional defecation disorders and fecal incontinence. These rectal motor functions can be studied by intra-luminal measurements of pressure by manometry, or combined with volume during rectal balloon distention. Pressure-volume (p-v) relationships provide a global index of rectal mechanical properties. However, balloon distention alone does not measure luminal radius or wall thickness, which are necessary to compute wall tension and stress respectively. It has been suggested that the elastic modulus, which is the linear slope of the stress-strain relationship, is a more accurate measure of wall stiffness. Also, measurements of compliance may not reflect differences in rectal diameter between subjects prior to inflation, and imaging is necessary to determine if, as has been suggested, rectal pressure-volume relationships are affected by extra-rectal structures. We have developed a technique to measure rectal stress:strain relationships in humans, by simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during rectal balloon distention. After a conditioning distention, a rectal balloon was distended with water from 0 to 400 ml in 50 ml steps, and imaged at each step with MRI. The fluid filled balloon was segmented from each volume, the phase-ordered binary volumes were transformed into a geometric characterization of the inflated rectal surface. Taken together with measurements of balloon pressure and of rectal wall thickness, this model of the rectal surface was used to calculate regional values of curvature, tension, strain, and stress for the rectum. In summary, this technique has the unique ability to non-invasively measure the rectal stress:strain relationship and also determine if rectal expansion is limited by extra-rectal structures. This functional information allows the direct clinical analysis of rectal motor function and offers the potential for characterizing abnormal mechanical properties of the rectal wall in disease.
Image processing in 3D standing-wave fluorescence microscopy

Standing-wave fluorescence microscopy, a method which utilizes interference to create a periodic excitation pattern along the optical axis, has been shown to provide improved axial resolution in thin, fluorescently labeled specimens. In each plane of focus, a complete standing wave data set is obtained by acquiring an image at each of three distinct positions of the interference fringes. Thicker specimens require through-focus data consisting of three images per plane. In this report we describe the recovery of information from this data using 3D image processing. The effective optical transfer function (OTF) of the standing wave microscope consists of the conventional OTF and two sidebands which are copies of the conventional OTF shifted axially by the spatial frequency of the interference fringes. The large gaps between the central band and the sidebands lead to significant ringing in the 3D reconstruction if linear deconvolution methods are employed. The use of non-linear, constrained image processing techniques has been shown to allow accurate extrapolation outside the OTF band limit. We demonstrate the extent to which the sidebands enhance recovery of information in the gaps, and provide a comparison between deconvolution using inverse-filtering and maximum-likelihood estimation.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reconstruction using Adaptive Feature-Specific Imaging

Adaptive feature-specific imaging is applied in image reconstruction. We demonstrate significant reduction in number of measurements required to achieve a given performance as compared to static feature-specific imaging.