cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Anisotropic Elastic Materials for which Young's Modulus E(n) is Independent of n or the Shear Modulus G(n,m) is Independent of n and m

It is shown that, among anisotropic elastic materials, only certain orthotropic and hexagonal materials can have Young modulus E(n) independent of the direction n or the shear modulus G(n,m) independent of n and m. Thus the direction surface for E(n) can be a sphere for certain orthotropic and hexagonal materials. The structure of the elastic compliance for these materials is presented, and condition for identifying if the material is orthotropic or hexagonal is given. We also study the case in which n of E(n) and n, m of G(n,m) are restricted to a plane. When E(n) is a constant on a plane so are G(n,m) and Poisson's ratio ν(n,m). The converse, however, does not necessarily hold. A plane on which E(n) is a constant can exist for all anisotropic elastic materials. In particular, existence of such a plane is assured for trigonal, hexagonal and cubic materials. In fact there are four such planes for a cubic material. For these materials, not only E(n) is a constant, two other Young's moduli, the three shear moduli and the six Poisson's ratio on the plane are also constant.
The 22.7 micron brightness of Saturn's rings versus declination of the sun

Equatorial scans of Saturn's rings were obtained with the KPNO 4 m telescope in 1977 March to provide ring-brightness data at 22.7 micrometers for B' = 16 deg.3. A comparison of these new results with an earlier measurement by Rieke shows that a specific intensity decrease of about 30% has occurred for the A and B rings since 1973, when B' was about 26 deg. Our results also confirm the existence of a bright infrared C ring component, which has increased in specific intensity by about 35% over the same period.
Relationship between hand movements, reading competence and passage difficulty in braille reading

Abstract The present study examined some haptic exploratory scanning variables that might differentiate proficient and nonproficient blind braille readers. The results suggested that scanning style may influence the ability to read braille, perhaps by regulating the rate of pickup of sequentially specified information and influencing the burden placed on haptic short term memory by the task.
Review of digital fingerprint acquisition systems and wavelet compression

Over the last decade many criminal justice agencies have replaced their fingerprint card based systems with electronic processing. We examine these new systems and find that image acquisition to support the identification application is consistently a challenge. Image capture and compression are widely dispersed and relatively new technologies within criminal justice information systems. Image quality assurance programs are just beginning to mature.
Sharp-1/DEC2 Inhibits Skeletal Muscle Differentiation through Repression of Myogenic Transcription Factors

Skeletal muscle differentiation is regulated by the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. The myogenic bHLH factors form heterodimers with the ubiquitously expressed bHLH E-proteins and bind E-box (CANNTG) sites present in the promoters of several muscle-specific genes. Our previous studies have shown that the bHLH factor Sharp-1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and interacts with MyoD and E-proteins. However, its role in regulation of myogenic differentiation remains unknown. We report here that endogenous Sharp-1 is expressed in proliferating C2C12 myoblasts and is down-regulated during myogenic differentiation. Constitutive expression of Sharp-1 in C2C12 myoblasts promotes cell cycle exit causing a decrease in cyclin D1 expression but blocks terminal differentiation. Although MyoD expression is not inhibited, the induction of differentiation-specific genes such as myogenin, MEF2C, and myosin heavy chain is impaired by Sharp-1 overexpression. We demonstrate that the interaction of Sharp-1 with MyoD and E-proteins results in reduced DNA binding and transactivation from MyoD-dependent E-box sites. Re-expression of MyoD∼E47 rescues the differentiation defect imposed by Sharp-1, suggesting that myogenic bHLH factors function downstream of Sharp-1. Our data suggest that protein-protein interactions between Sharp-1, MyoD, and E47 resulting in interference with MyoD function underlies Sharp-1-mediated repression of myogenic differentiation.
Muscular adaptations to fatiguing exercise with and without blood flow restriction.

Summary The purpose of this study was to determine the muscular adaptations to low-load resistance training performed to fatigue with and without blood flow restriction (BFR). Middle-aged (42–62 years) men (n = 12) and women (n = 6) completed 18 sessions of unilateral knee extensor resistance training to volitional fatigue over 6 weeks. One limb trained under BFR, and the contralateral limb trained without BFR [free flow (FF)]. Before and after the training, measures of anterior and lateral quadriceps muscle thickness (MTh), strength, power and endurance were assessed on each limb. The total exercise training volume was significantly greater for the FF limb compared with the BFR limb (P<0·001). Anterior quadriceps thickness and muscle function increased following the training in each limb with no differences between limbs. Lateral quadriceps MTh increased significantly more (P<0·05) in the limb trained under BFR (BFR: 3·50 ± 0·61 to 3·67 ± 0·62 cm; FF: 3·49 ± 0·73 to 3·56 ± 0·70 cm). Low-load resistance training to volitional fatigue both with and without BFR is viable options for improving muscle function in middle-aged individuals. However, BFR enhanced the hypertrophic effect of low-load training and reduced the volume of exercise needed to elicit increases in muscle function.
Structure and Morphology of Freeze/Thawed PVA Hydrogels

The structure and morphology of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gels prepared by repeated cycles of 8 h freezing at −20 °C and 4 h thawing at +25 °C were examined. Long-term morphological changes of such gels were determined upon swelling in water at 37 °C for 6 months. The preparation conditions were examined by varying such parameters as the number of freezing and thawing cycles, the concentration of aqueous solution, and the PVA molecular weight. The overall structure and stability were examined in terms of water content, fractional PVA dissolution, degree of crystallinity, and crystal size distribution. An increase in the number of freezing and thawing cycles served to reinforce existing crystals within the structure. Increased initial concentrations of aqueous PVA solutions resulted in hydrogels that contained initially higher crystallinity and added stability upon swelling. An increase in the PVA molecular weight resulted in crystals of higher lamellar thickness and a broadening of the crystal size distri...
Reactions of ruthenium(II) para-substituted tetraphenylporphyrin complexes with carbon monoxide oxygen: A kinetic investigation

Abstract The reaction of Ru(XTPP)(DMF)2, where XTPP is the dianion of para substituted tetraphenylporphyrins and X is MeO, Me, H, Cl, Br, I, F, with O2 and CO were studied in DMF. The process was found to be first-order in metalloporphyrin, first-order in molecular oxygen and carbon monoxide, and second-order overall. Second-order rate constants for the CO reaction ranged from 0.170 to 0.665 M−1 s−1 at 25°C, those for the O2 reaction from 0.132 to 0.840 M−1 s−1 at 25°C. Similar activation parameters (ΔHCO± = 87 ± 1 kJ mol−1, ΔSCO± = 22 ± 4 JK−1 mol−1; ΔHO2± = 81 ± 1 kJ mol−1, and ΔSO2± = 11 ± 5 JK−1 mol−1) were found within each series. Reactivities of X substituted metalloporphyrins were found to follow different Hammett σ functions. The CO reactions correlated with σϱ following normal behavior; the O2 reactions correlated with σ8° indicating O2 is π-bonded in the transition states. A dissociative mechanism is postulated for the process.
Dildonics, Dykes and the Detachable Masculine

By exploring various cultural implications of the dildo in relation to representations of lesbian sexuality, this article seeks to examine the influences of psychoanalysis on our cultural understan...
Positive and Negative Thermionic Emission from Tungsten

The positive and negative thermionic emission and the rate of evaporation of neutral atoms have been studied for well outgassed tungsten. To fix a reliable temperature scale the spectral emissivity for $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.669$\ensuremath{\mu} has been determined for a cylinder heated in a vacuum. The emissivity has been found to be a constant and equal to 0.46 from 1200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K-2200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. A determination of the heat of evaporation of neutral atoms gave a value of 8.44 ev. The electron work function was found to be 4.55 ev with an A of 75 amp./${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/${\mathrm{degree}}^{2}$ until the filament was heated to a temperature of 3100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, after which the work function was 4.63 ev and the value of $A$ was 212. The average positive ion work function was 11.93 ev. This value closes the thermionic cycle if Russell's value of 8.1 for the ionization potential is used.
Academic Life and Motherhood: Variations by Institutional Type

This paper explores the interface between work and family at different types of institutions from the perspective of women faculty who are on the tenure track and who are mothers of young children. Such a perspective provides insight into institutional variation on academic life in general, and for new faculty as mothers in particular. A macro view of the findings points to two major concerns: time (and lack thereof) and its impact on the “ideal worker” norms that shape what it means to be a good mother and good professor at different institutional types; and, the idea of “choice” as an illusion.
Plastics in the Marine Environment

The pollution of the marine environment by plastics such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyurethane, is discussed. As plastic materials are relatively resistant to oxidative ageing and are generally not degraded by microorganisms, they will accumulate in coastal and oceanic waters. The origin of plastic pollutants, their distribution in the marine environment, and their persistence and ultimate fate, are largely unknown. The technology is available to manufacture plastic materials with a programmed service life which, if widely adopted, would reduce the accumulation of plastics in the sea. But their random distribution should be discouraged on behalf of the marine environment.
Identification of Sec36p, Sec37p, and Sec38p: Components of Yeast Complex That Contains Sec34p and Sec35p

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins Sec34p and Sec35p are components of a large cytosolic complex involved in protein transport through the secretory pathway. Characterization of a new secretion mutant led us to identify SEC36, which encodes a new component of this complex. Sec36p binds to Sec34p and Sec35p, and mutation of SEC36 disrupts the complex, as determined by gel filtration. Missense mutations of SEC36 are lethal with mutations in COPI subunits, indicating a functional connection between the Sec34p/sec35p complex and the COPI vesicle coat. Affinity purification of proteins that bind to Sec35p-myc allowed identification of two additional proteins in the complex. We call these two conserved proteins Sec37p and Sec38p. Disruption of either SEC37 or SEC38 affects the size of the complex that contains Sec34p and Sec35p. We also examined COD4, COD5, and DOR1, three genes recently reported to encode proteins that bind to Sec35p. Each of the eight genes that encode components of the Sec34p/sec35p complex was tested for its contribution to cell growth, protein transport, and the integrity of the complex. These tests indicate two general types of subunits: Sec34p, Sec35p, Sec36p, and Sec38p seem to form the essential core of a complex to which Sec37p, Cod4p, Cod5p, and Dor1p seem to be peripherally attached.
Heterotopic gastric tissue in the scrotum.

A 2-year-old boy who underwent right inguinal herniotomy as a neonate presented with a right hydrocele. Exploration revealed a large hydrocele sac containing a creamy fluid with 2 interconnecting compartments and no patent processus vaginalis. The upper pouch was excised and the lower pouch was opened, according to Jaboulay’s operation. Histology of the sac revealed gastric heterotopia (see figure). Postoperatively a 99mtechnetium pertechnetate scan failed to demonstrate any residual gastric tissue. The patient presented 2 years later with recurrent hydrocele, which was aspirated (pH 7.34). Ten months later he is asymptomatic. DISCUSSION Heterotopia refers to the presence of tissues at sites where they are not normally found. Heterotopic gastric mucosa has been described throughout the length of the gastrointestinal tract, including the hepatobiliary system, and in the skin of the abdominal wall.’ To our knowledge we report the first case of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the scrotum. The embryonic foregut initially comprises a continuous endodermal tube encased in a thick stratum of mesoderm, which provides most of the mural and connective tissue framework of the foregut wall. In the region of the future stomach this mesodermal thickness forms a part of the primitive peritoneal cavity by clefting, cavitation and subsequent coalescence. During this process a portion of gastric mucosa, while remaining in the midline, may have been displaced into the primitive peritoneal cavity, and then may have migrated down with the testis into the scrotum. In contrast, ectopic splenic tissue has been noted only in the leR scrota1 compartment.z Our second hypothesis is that ectopic tissue developed from existing pluripotential cells in that region, which is supported by the fact that aberrant adrenal tissue has been described in the wall of the hernial sac and in the In conclusion, our case illustrates that heterotopia is not only of
New Immigrants and Refugees in American Schools: Multiple Voices

(2001). New Immigrants and Refugees in American Schools: Multiple Voices. Childhood Education: Vol. 77, The Global Village, pp. 275-283.
An Analysis of Professional Deviance within Organizations

An empirical analysis is conducted of the principal determinants of a professional deviant/adaptive behavior scale. Data are furnished from 115 salaried professionals representing different disciplines. Several prediction equations successfully explain much of the variance in the behavioral and cognitive reactions of professionals when faced with conflicting expectations in their work environment. Age, enriched work conditions, professionally-oriented management, and professionalism appear as the most important determinants. Research and managerial implications are discussed.
Metabolic remodeling agents show beneficial effects in the dystrophin - deficient mdx mouse model

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease involving a severe muscle wasting that is characterized by cycles of muscle degeneration/regeneration and culminates in early death in affected boys. Mitochondria are presumed to be involved in the regulation of myoblast proliferation/differentiation; enhancing mitochondrial activity with exercise mimetics (AMPK and PPAR-delta agonists) increases muscle function and inhibits muscle wasting in healthy mice. We therefore asked whether metabolic remodeling agents that increase mitochondrial activity would improve muscle function in mdx mice.
The Interplay of Affect and Cognition in Attitude Formation and Change

Two experiments examined the hypothesis that the sequence of affect and cognition in an attitude's formation is an important determinant of its subsequent resistance to affective and cognitive means of persuasion. Affect-based and cognition-based attitudes were induced and subsequently challenged by either affective or cognitive means of persuasion. The procedure used to create the 2 types of attitudes and the means of persuasion involved varying the sequence of affect and cognition while holding the content of communications constant. As predicted, affect-based attitudes exhibited more change under affective means of persuasion than under cognitive means of persuasion. Cognition-based attitudes, on the other hand, exhibited equal change under both forms of persuasion. The interaction between attitude type and means of persuasion emerged both when affect was manipulated subliminally (Experiment 1) and when affect was manipulated supraliminally (Experiment 2). Moreover, in the 2nd experiment, affect-based attitudes were expressed with greater confidence than their cognition-based counterparts. Together, these findings underscore the theoretical as well as practical importance of distinguishing between affect- and cognitionbased attitudes and, more generally, the need for influence attempts to make contact with an attitude's origin. Whether in the form of education or propaganda, whether the desired end is virtuous or evil, persuasion plays a central role in social behavior. Parents and teachers use persuasion to instill appropriate attitudes in young people and to modify attitudes they consider inappropriate. Members of social groups rely on persuasion to gain representation and recognition. Spiritual, intellectual, business, and social leaders assert their strength and maintain a following in large part through persuasive efforts. And participants in a democracy are keenly aware of the important role persuasion and oratory play in the decision making of legislators. Yet two questions remain equivocal: What constitutes the best method of persuasion? And why do some persuasive attempts fail on one occasion and succeed on another? The Platonic ideal of persuasion emphasizes the exercise of reason and places a premium on skills of oration. This theme underlies a substantial body of empirical work on attitude change, much of which has its origins in the Yale Communication Research Program (Hovland, 1949; Hovland, Janis, & Kelley, 1953). According to this perspective, acceptance of a persuasive message is dependent on the existence of incentives, and a critical incentive "is provided by arguments or reasons which. . . constitute 'rational' or 'logical' support for the con
Decentering the Ivory Tower: A University of the Poor

This article traces the author's personal reflections on the complexity and contradictions inherent in working for social change. She describes her experiences of movement-based learning and organizing to end poverty in the United States, concluding that radical adult educators cannot afford to be based solely within the academy, divorced from spaces that rest on a love of learning for the purpose of liberation.
Effect of group-velocity dispersion on the stability of quantum-cascade lasers

As the effect of group-velocity dispersion (GVD) on the stability of midinfrared quan- tum-cascade lasers (QCLs) has not been explored so far, both amplitude and phase instabilities of QCLs were analyzed in the presence of a background saturable absorber in the lasing medium. The investigation was carried out through the linearization of the Maxwell-Bloch formalism for the lasing medium by including second-order dispersion of group velocity and intensity-depen- dent loss accounting for the saturable absorber. The effect of the GVD on laser instability was found to be strongly related to the strength of the saturable absorber and pumping. The effect of the GVD is more significant at lower pumping levels and with weaker saturable absorbers. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI. (DOI: 10.1117/1.JNP.7.073079)
P70 S6 KINASE IS REGULATED BY PROTEIN KINASE CZETA AND PARTICIPATES IN A PHOSPHOINOSITIDE 3-KINASE-REGULATED SIGNALLING COMPLEX

p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) is an important regulator of cell proliferation. Its activation by growth factor requires phosphorylation by various inputs on multiple sites. Data accumulated thus far support a model whereby p70S6K activation requires sequential phosphorylations at proline-directed residues in the putative autoinhibitory pseudosubstrate domain, as well as threonine 389. Threonine 229, a site in the catalytic loop is phosphorylated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK-1). Experimental evidence suggests that p70S6K activation requires a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)-dependent signal(s). However, the intermediates between PI3-K and p70S6K remain unclear. Here, we have identified PI3-K-regulated atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCζ as an upstream regulator of p70S6K. In coexpression experiments, we found that a kinase-inactive PKCζ mutant antagonized activation of p70S6K by epidermal growth factor, PDK-1, and activated Cdc42 and PI3-K. While overexpression of a constitutively active PKCζ mutant (myristoylated PKCζ [myr-PKCζ]) only modestly activated p70S6K, this mutant cooperated with PDK-1 activation of p70S6K. PDK-1-induced activation of a C-terminal truncation mutant of p70S6K was also enhanced by myr-PKCζ. Moreover, we have found that p70S6K can associate with both PDK-1 and PKCζ in vivo in a growth factor-independent manner, while PDK-1 and PKCζ can also associate with each other, suggesting the existence of a multimeric PI3-K signalling complex. This work provides evidence for a link between a phorbol ester-insensitive PKC isoform and p70S6K. The existence of a PI3-K-dependent signalling complex may enable efficient activation of p70S6K in cells.
PROGRAMAS DE REFORZAMIENTO INDEPENDIENTE DE LA RESPUESTA COMO TRATAMIENTO PARA DESÓRDENES CONDUCTUALES SEVEROS

This paper describes some recent work involving the application of time-based schedules as treatment br severe behavior disorders. ln time-based schedules, reinforcer delivery depends on neither the occurrence or nonoccurrence of behavior. For example, in a fixed-time (FT) schedule, reinforcer presentation is at set time intervals whether or not behavior occurs. Such schedules are a logical form of treatment because they disrupt preexisting response-reinforcer relations when problem behavior is maintained by socially mediated reinforcement. Numerous applied studies en time-based schedules have been published in the past five years; this paper is intended primarily te introduce the logic of using such schedules as treatment, but not te proVide an exhaustive literature review.
Tall buildings on cheap land: Building heights and intrabuilding travel costs

Abstract The optimum building height depends on the activity provided within the building. For an activity that provides central services to its tenants (e.g., food, recreation, medical care), intrabuilding travel costs are important. If the unit cost of horizontal travel exceeds the unit cost of vertical travel, a tall building will economize on intrabuilding travel costs, and may be efficient even if the price of land is relatively low. Some examples of relatively tall buildings are elderly housing facilities, hospitals, and hotels.
Monolithic GaAs phase shifter circuit with low insertion loss and continuous 0-360/spl deg/ phase shift at 20 GHz

We present here a circuit capable of continuous 0-360/spl deg/ phase shift at 20 GHz with only 4.2 dB of insertion loss. The phase shifter employs a variable velocity transmission line obtained by periodically loading a coplanar waveguide (CPW) line with GaAs Schottky diodes. The circuit is fabricated on GaAs using monolithic fabrication techniques that are compatible with commercial GaAs foundry processes. To the best of our knowledge, this circuit has the lowest reported insertion loss for a monolithic solid state phase shifter operating at 20 GHz.
Maximizing land cover classification accuracies produced by decision trees at continental to global scales

Classification of land cover from remotely sensed data at continental to global scales requires sophisticated algorithms and feature selection techniques to optimize classifier performance. The authors examine methods to maximize classification accuracies using decision trees to map land cover from multitemporal AVHRR imagery at continental and global scales. As part of their analysis they test the utility of "boosting", a new technique developed to increase classification accuracy by forcing the learning (classification) algorithm to concentrate on those training observations that are most difficult to classify. Their results show that boosting consistently reduces misclassification rates by 20-50% depending on the data set in question, and that most of the benefit gained by boosting is achieved after seven boosting iterations. They also assess the utility of including phenological metrics and geographic position as additional features to the classification algorithm. They find that using derived phenological metrics produces little improvement in classification accuracy relative to using an annual time series of NDVI data, but that geographic position provides substantial power for predicting land cover types at continental and global scales. However, in order to avoid generating spurious classification accuracies using geographic position, training data must be distributed evenly in geographic space.
Energetic electrons in the exterior cusp: identifying the source

A case study is presented to test the role several different sources may play in populating the exterior cusp with energetic (E > 40 keV) electrons. The properties of the electrons measured in the exterior cusp are compared with the expected signatures of three sources in order to weigh the role each source may contribute in populating this re- gion. The potential sources probed are: (1) solar energetic electrons entering the cusp from the solar wind; (2) an equa- torial magnetospheric source with particles drifting to high latitudes on the dayside; and (3) a local source accelerating the electrons in situ. From the observations it is likely that local acceleration is the primary source of the energetic elec- trons in the exterior cusp during this event.
Statistical Designs and Panel Training/Experience for Sensory Analysis

Samples from six experimental treatments (in a factorial arrangement) were presented to a three-member, trained-experienced panel and an eight-member semi-trained panel in either a randomized complete block (RCB) design or a balanced incomplete block (BIB) design. The experiment was repeated three times using chicken, turkey, and poultry frankfurters representing three levels of variation in experimental units. Flavor and textural characteristics were evaluated. Neither design was consistently more advantageous than the other; however, residual error mean squares for textural characteristics scored by the trained-experienced panel were lower for the BIB design. The three-member, trained-experienced panel had lower residual error mean squares than did the semi-trained panel.
Software Architecture Analysis Based on Statechart Semantics

High assurance architecture-based and component-based software development relies fundamentally on the quality of the components of which a system is composed and their configuration. Analysis over those components and their integration as a system plays a key role in the software development process. This paper describes an approach to develop and assess architecture and component-based systems based on specifying software architecture augmented by statecharts representing component behavioral specifications. The approach is applied for the C2 style and associated ADL and is supported within a quality-focussed environment, called Argus-I, which assists specification-based analysis and testing at both the component and architecture levels.
Application of basic science to clinical problems: traditional vs. hybrid problem-based learning.

It is widely acknowledged that clinical problem-solving is a key skill for dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to determine if students in a hybrid problem-based learning curriculum (h-PBL) were better at integrating basic science knowledge with clinical cases than students in a traditional, lecture-based curriculum (TC). The performance of TC students (n=40) was compared to that of h-PBL students (n=31). Participants read two clinical scenarios and answered a series of questions regarding each. To control for differences in ability, Dental Admission Test (DAT) Academic Average scores and predental grade point averages (GPAs) were compared, and an ANCOVA was used to adjust for the significant differences in DAT (t-test, p=0.002). Results showed that h-PBL students were better at applying basic science knowledge to a clinical case (ANCOVA, p=0.022) based on overall scores on one case. TC students’ overall scores were better than h-PBL students on a separate case; however, it was not statistically significant (p=0.107). The h-PBL students also demonstrated greater skills in the areas of hypothesis generation (Mann-Whitney U, p=0.016) and communication (p=0.006). Basic science comprehension (p=0.01) and neurology (p
Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells function as airway sensors to control lung immune response

The lung is constantly exposed to environmental atmospheric cues. How it senses and responds to these cues is poorly defined. Here, we show that Roundabout receptor (Robo) genes are expressed in pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs), a rare, innervated epithelial population. Robo inactivation in mouse lung results in an inability of PNECs to cluster into sensory organoids and triggers increased neuropeptide production upon exposure to air. Excess neuropeptides lead to an increase in immune infiltrates, which in turn remodel the matrix and irreversibly simplify the alveoli. We demonstrate in vivo that PNECs act as precise airway sensors that elicit immune responses via neuropeptides. These findings suggest that the PNEC and neuropeptide abnormalities documented in a wide array of pulmonary diseases may profoundly affect symptoms and progression.
A Panel Analysis of the Effects of a Consumer Directed Health Insurance Plan

We investigate the introduction of a Consumer Directed Health Plan (CDHP) in 2005 at a large, self-insured employer. Our relatively long panel enables us to observe utilization and spending for two years prior and four years after the introduction of the CDHP, enabling us to control for unobserved factors that affect both enrollment and utilization. We can also look for evidence of "pent up" demand or "stocking up" which might bias estimates of the effect of CDHPs in shorter panels. The length of our panel also allows us to determine whether the effects of CDHP enrollment persist over time. The CDHP we study has greater potential to shift spending than those studied in the prior literature because it is associated with an employee-funded health savings account (rather than a pre-Medicare Modernization Act employer-funded reimbursement account). However, we find that CDHP enrollment has little effect on utilization or spending.
Abstract SY12-03: Multi-tumor analysis of TCGA data identifies expression commonalities across tumor types.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC High dimensional assays, such as DNA microarrays for gene expression, have helped delineate the complexity and diversity of most major cancer types. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), with its goal to comprehensively genomically characterize over twenty different types of tumors, gives us a wealth of data to start looking at similarities across tumor types. Much of the current data is now generated using Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) approaches, which yields tens of millions of “reads” per sample. Illumina Hiseq-based mRNA-sequencing data for twelve tumor types representing over 3,500 samples were analyzed for patterns unique to each tumors, and patterns present across multiple tumor types. Tumor types tested included rectal adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, kidney clear cell, breast ductal and lobular carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme, bladder carcinomas, acute myeloid leukemia, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Tissue-specific expression was the dominant signature; however, there were similarities across sets of tumors including a common “squamous” pattern that was populated by tumors from three distinct anatomic sites. Pathway or Module-based analysis also provided methods to comparisons across tissues. Cross tissue analysis of mRNA-seq data provides interesting observations of common tumor biology with potential insights into treatment. Citation Format: Katherine A. Hoadley, Cheng Fan, Matthew D. Wilkerson, Lisle E. Mose, Stuart R. Jefferys, J. Todd Auman, Joel S. Parker, D. Neil Hayes, Charles M. Perou. Multi-tumor analysis of TCGA data identifies expression commonalities across tumor types. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY12-03. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-SY12-03
Observations on the Nature of Bulb Mite Attack on Easter Lilies

For many years greenhouse operators who force Easter lily bulbs ( Lilium longiflorum ) have been troubled by bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus hyacinthi Bdv., attacking the plants. The mites tunnel the stems at the ground level, causing them to lean or break at that point. Lily plants that fail to develop properly are also often infested in the lower stem region. It has been generally assumed in entomological literature that such attack is primary in nature, and control of the mites is recommended.
Lipid composition of tissues from Electrophorus electricus.

SummaryThe lipid composition of the electric organ of Electrophorus electricus was compared to that of its microsomal fraction and to that of muscle of the electric eel. Using column chromatography on silicic acid to separate the lipid extracts into nine lipid classes, it was found that the lipid composition of whole electric organ was identical to that of its microsomal fraction.Muscle tissue differed from electric tissue mainly in its high content of triglycerides and cholesterol; less than 10% of the latter was esterified. The amounts of glycolipids and sphingolipids found in either electric organ or in muscle were small.Some lipid fractions of electric organ and unfractionated lipid extracts formed bilayer membranes in the Rudin-Mueller system. Stability of the bilayers was optimal at 25-30°.
Modifications of George Wright canine tracheal divider.

SummaryTwo modifications of the “George Wright” canine tracheal divider have been made. They are: 1) substitution of polyethylene for brass tubing, and 2) addition of prongs to the divider head. Inadvertent pulmonary artery obstruction is prevented, and the divider does not slip past the carina.
Women and COPD

While historically COPD has been perceived as a disease of men, the past two decades have seen an increase in COPD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality in women. Total COPD deaths for women in the United States now surpass men. Unfortunately, women with COPD may also be more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and are more likely to report diagnostic delay and insufficient access to physicians. The most important risk factor for COPD development in both men and women is tobacco smoke, but data suggest that women are both more susceptible to the effects of tobacco smoke and disproportionately represented in the subset of patients with COPD and no smoking history. Women in developing countries also experience more exposure to biomass smoke, thus increasing their risk for COPD. Women with COPD also report more severe dyspnea and poorer health status for the same level of tobacco exposure as well as experience more frequent exacerbations. From a biologic standpoint, sex hormone differences as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms have all been implicated in playing a role in COPD gender differences, but the degree to which biologic, psychological, and sociologic factors contribute to these noted gender differences remains difficult to completely resolve. Fortunately thanks to efforts of both the NIH and FDA, gender differences in COPD are an intense area of research and our understanding of this important arena continues to improve. This chapter focuses both on what we have come to understand about how gender influences disease development, diagnosis, presentation, and progression and on what we have yet to understand that will require further research.
Progress on detection methods of Campylobacter jejuni in foods

Campylobacter is a food- borne human enteric pathogen,and also closely related to Guillain- Barre syndrome. In recent years,the cases of food safety caused by poultry meat and milk contaminated by Campylobacter were rising rapidly,especially in developed countries. Researching effective and rapid detection methods of animal food processing and consumption chain by pollution of Campylobacter was the first step to control food pollution by Campylobacter and prevalence of human Campylobacteriosis. The new studies of detection methods for Campylobacter jejuni during food processing and storage were summarized in the paper.
STUDY ON CONTROL OF A SIX-DOF ACTIVE WRIST

This paper mainly introduces the structural design of control system for a six-DOF active wrist and discusses the control strategy in detail.According to the wrist′s geometric characteristics, we deal with the controlled system model in linearly and propose a multi-dimensional PD control strategy.The strategy is implemented at a microcomputer controller of STD-XT and tested for the six-DOF active wrist.The introduced control system is simple in structure and easy to implement.The experimental results show that the designed control system can meet the demands of designed specifications for the active wrist-
Understanding Perceptions of the Geosciences among Minority and Nonminority Undergraduate Students.

ABSTRACT This study augments existing literature in understanding student perceptions about the geosciences; we examined the choice of major and science courses taken by 645 students at a large southeastern research university. Differences were examined between underrepresented minority (URM) and nonminority students. We compared responses regarding not only different sciences but also different subfields of geoscience, and where possible, we compared those subjects with biology. Our results show significant differences in (1) the selection of a college major, (2) the selection of science electives, (3) characteristics of the ideal career, (4) interest and self-efficacy in science and math, and (5) career perceptions of geoscience and other select sciences among URM and nonminority students. We identified three main factors that contributed to student selection of college major, including important influencers, sustained identification with or interest in that major, and descriptors of the major itself. W...
Geospatial Analysis of Computer Science Course Offerings in Wisconsin Public High Schools

Many fields within the social sciences utilize geospatial analysis to explore the importance of place in their research context. This dissertation will extend these methods to the area of high school computer science course offerings in the state of Wisconsin. My research will look at spatially clustered occurrences of course offerings over time in order to classify the strength of CS programs in individual schools, identify areas of need for intervention, and determine whether there is behavioral diffusion or common attributes driving the process.
Wintel Under the Antitrust Microscope: A Comparison of the European Intel Case with the U.S. Microsoft Cases, Updated as of May 12, 2009

European Union has issued a statement of objections, and a supplemental statement of objections, to Intel regarding the company’s conduct aimed at suppressing competition from Intel’s chief rival, AMD. Although the statements of objections remain confidential, the allegations in AMD’s private litigation are public and provide a useful basis for analysis. Intel dominates the PC chip market almost to the same degree that Microsoft dominates the PC operating system market. As in the Microsoft case, Intel’s aggressive marketing tactics prevented OEMs from offering rival products to consumers. And like Microsoft, Intel has engaged in this conduct to maintain its existing monopoly. These parallels between the Microsoft and Intel suggest that Intel’s anticompetitive practices harm consumers, including American consumers, by denying them the access to innovative products at lower prices from rivals. The United States established that Microsoft repeatedly and willfully violated the antitrust laws, but failed to achieve an effective remedy. The EU, however, should have an easier time achieving an effective remedy. First, unlike the OS market, a viable competitor still exists in the chip market, i.e., AMD. Second, Intel has relied primarily on exclusionary rebates, not commingling of intellectual property, to maintain its monopoly. Consequently, the EU should be able to fashion a remedy that does not require Intel to redesign its product.
Individual and Combined Effects of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Phenanthrene and Dibenzothiophene on Reproductive Behavior in the Amphipod Hyalella azteca

Predicting impacts of oil spills on the environment requires a better understanding of the effects on aquatic organisms, both for single hydrocarbons and for their interactions. In this study, the individual and combined effects of the petroleum hydrocarbons phenanthrene and dibenzothiophene (DBT) were assessed on the reproductive behavior of the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. Following a 24-h exposure to single polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), or an equimolar mixture of phenanthrene–dibenzothiophene (Phen–DBT), mate-guarding behavior was assessed. This consisted of an assessment of the incidence of mate guarding right at the end of the exposure period and quantification of the “time taken to initiate mate guarding” (TIMG) and “proportion of time spent mate guarding” (PTMG) during a subsequent 10-min observation period in clean water. Both Phen and DBT reduced the incidence of mate guarding at the end of the exposure. TIMG and PTMG during the observation period were not affected by the PAHs other than indirectly by their effect on mate guarding status at the end of the exposure. The interaction between Phen and DBT varied among the mate guarding measures. For mate guarding status at the end of the exposure period and for TIMG, the interaction did not deviate statistically from an additive effect. For PTMG, the overall interaction was a synergistic one. This study’s findings point out that assessments of hydrocarbon toxicity need to take into account that subtle reproductive behaviors (that may be important for population persistence) may be negatively affected. The results also show that the general assumption of additive effects among PAHs may be an oversimplification.
Lung-cancer mortality among Vermont granite workers: factors influencing exposure–response evaluation

Objective To understand why 2 studies relating crystalline silica exposure to lung-cancer mortality in Vermont granite workers yielded conflicting results. Methods Data used in the 2 studies were linked to identify discrepancies. Mortality data and employment histories from the earlier study were revised based on data obtained in the later study. SMR were computed and Poisson regressions corresponding to those in the earlier study were performed using the original and revised data. Analyses were repeated with the addition of workers omitted from the earlier study. Results After correction of incomplete mortality and employment information in the original data, the overall SMR for the cohort in the earlier study increased from 1.17 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.36) to 1.39 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.59), and was similar to the SMR of 1.37 observed in the later study (95% CI 1.23 to 1.52). The exposure–response relationship was attenuated, particularly when person-years in all exposure categories were included in the analysis. Inclusion of additional workers had a smaller impact on the SMRs but further attenuated the exposure–response relationship. Conclusions Differing results from the 2 studies are partly attributable to incomplete vital status and work history information used in the earlier study, as well as differences in cohort inclusion criteria. However, differences in length of follow-up and other factors likely play a larger role.
The family impact of caring for a child with juvenile dermatomyositis

Background Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disease, accounts for more than 80% of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy childhood cases, making it the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy among children. The average age of onset is approximately 7 years and commonly leads a chronic course. Symptoms of JDM include cutaneous features (Gottron's rash, heliotrope rash, or nail fold capillary changes), musculoskeletal features, calcinosis and lipodystrophy (a symmetrical deficit of subcutaneous fatty tissue), and acanthosis (thickening of the skin). Despite improvement in treatment regimens and the lowering of mortality rates, some children still lose their lives to JDM. This study assessed the effects of caring for a child diagnosed with JDM on the family system. Methods Participants included 36 mothers and 3 fathers of a child diagnosed with JDM. Parents were administered self-report measures, which assessed the overall family functioning (PedsQL-Family Impact Module), and the parents' mood and level of distress (profile of mood states). Additionally, parents were administered a semi-structured interview that included background information, psychosocial information, and sources of support. Results and conclusion Families of children with JDM reported difficulties in family functioning, communication problems, and an increased number of conflicts. Parents appeared to be experiencing higher than average levels of worry, worse physical functioning, and family relationships when compared to normative populations. Parents would benefit from psychosocial support due to the many challenges associated with caring for a child with JDM.
85 Pioneering Specialist Palliative Care Outreach within a Prison

With an increasing prison population and rising numbers of life sentences in the UK, many older prisoners have chronic medical conditions requiring palliative interventions. The healthcare unit within HMP Norwich is the only unit in Europe providing a service specialising in the care of such prisoners. This paper describes innovative liaison work designed to develop a high-quality palliative care and end-of-life …
Non-BRCA familial breast cancer: review of reported pathology and molecular findings

The majority of women evaluated for a clinical concern of possible hereditary breast cancer syndromes have no identified pathogenic variants in genes predisposing them to breast cancer. Non-BRCA1- or BRCA2-related familial breast cancer, also called 'BRCAX', thus comprises a sizeable proportion of familial breast cancer but it is poorly understood. In this study, we reviewed 14 studies on histopathology and molecular studies of BRCAX to determine if there were differences between 'sporadic' breast cancers and compared to cancers arising in women harbouring variants in known cancer predisposition genes. Across available literature, there was inconsistency on inclusion and exclusion criteria, reported parameters, and use of controls. Cohorts were small, and while several studies reported findings that appeared to distinguish the BRCAX cases from sporadic and/or gene-positive controls, no findings were reported in more than one study. To determine whether the BRCAX families might still contain important genetic subsets awaiting discovery will require prospective ascertainment of a large number of women with familial breast cancer who are screened for all currently established predisposition genes, whose tumours are assessed for multiple parameters in a uniform manner, and in which controls (BRCA1/2+ and non-familial 'sporadic' cases) are collected from the same population.