cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LOOKING THE PART: RUMINATIVE VIEWING AND THE IMAGINATION OF COMMUNITY IN THE EARLY MODERN LOW COUNTRIES

This essay concerns the visual assertion of corporate identity in Gerard David's Justice of Cambyses (completed 1498). This painting is significant in three respects. First, unlike contemporaneous Flemish treatments of the subject, David's diptych presents judicial practice as earthly rather than spiritual in nature. Second, it privileges the distinction between individuals and the groups they form. Third, it treats Flanders in general and Bruges in particular as the ideal just society. In so doing, David's painting breaks markedly with tradition, positing not only the fact but also the social character of justice. What is more, it does so by defining that character as specifically Flemish, thus articulating a nascent if complex sense of regional identity.
Terahertz quantum cascade lasers using resonant-phonon depopulation and metal-metal waveguides

The recent extension of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) from the mid-infrared to the terahertz frequency range (1-10 THz) promises to help address the relative lack of compact, coherent radiation sources in this spectral regime. We report our recent development of terahertz QCLs based on a resonant phonon depopulation scheme coupled with high-confinement, low-loss, metal-metal waveguides for mode confinement. A 3.2 THz laser (λ≈ 93.4 μm) is presented that operates in continuous wave mode up to a temperature of 93 K and up to 133 K in pulsed mode. Also presented is a 2.1 THz laser (λ ≈ 141 μm) that lases up to 40 K in continuous wave mode and 72 K in pulsed mode.
Capsaicin sensitivity and epidermal growth factor

See article on page344 It is now well established that afferent neurones innervating the intestine subserve “effector” as well as sensory functions. The release of neuromodulators from the peripheral nerve terminals of extrinsic afferents has been shown to play a role in the regulation of blood flow and secretory and motor functions of the gastrointestinal tract.1 In animals (but not in humans) most of the extrinsic spinal sensory neurones express calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) or substance P, or both.2 The role of afferent neurones and these neuropeptides in the regulation of gastric mucosal integrity has received much attention. Experimental injury in the rat stomach induced by pyloric ligation or injurious factors, such as hydrochloric acid, taurocholate, aspirin, and ethanol, is reduced by stimulation of extrinsic afferent nerve terminals by intragastric administration of capsaicin prior to …
Quantitation of B cells in peripheral blood by polyacrylamide beads coated with anti-human chain antibody☆

Abstract A method for quantitating peripheral blood B cells is described which utilizes antiheavy chain specific antibody attached to polyacrylamide beads. The method has the advantages of ease of performance, of utilizing reagents which are commercially available and routine phase microscopy. In addition, the reagents are stable for prolonged periods of time and only small amounts are required. Utilizing this assay, the following percentages of B cells have been found in normals: IgG 6.3 ± 0.6; IgM 4.3 ± 0.5; IgA 4.0 ± 0.5. The polyacrylamide beads may be phagocytized allowing recognition of certain phagocytic mononuclear cells.
A simple and inexpensive restraining cage for rats.

Abstract A simple cage which limits the activity of rats is described. The cage can accommodate animals of different sizes. Restraint is easily accomplished and has been continued for as long as 30 days, maintaining the restrained rats in good condition. Access to various areas of the animal is easy to obtain. The cage is well suited for long-term experiment in which rats must be kept immobilized.
President Wilson's Brain Trust: Woodrow Wilson, Francis X. Dercum, and American Neurology

On October 2, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke that paralyzed the left half of his body. Wilson's stroke forced the American public to confront stroke, and laypeople came to identify stroke as a nervous disorder, rather than a condition rooted solely in psychological phenomena. His medical care was overseen by Cary Grayson, his personal internist, and Francis X. Dercum, a remarkably accomplished neurologist from Philadelphia. Dercum was very involved in the treatment of the President, from the day of the stroke until years later. While the medical records have been destroyed, some basic facts of Wilson's treatment and rehabilitation can be inferred from the literature. Although Woodrow Wilson was an exceptional patient, his care, albeit administered by some of the most famous physicians of the era, was typical of the time. Therefore, this paper's approach to Wilson's 1919 stroke contextualizes the President's case into the larger scheme of early twentieth-century neurology.
New Technology Briefing: An overview of the Internet

This paper takes a broad look at the history and construction of the Internet, and tracks the evolution of the Internet from early concept as a military communications backbone through to its present commercial orientation. Specific references are drawn to the advent of marketing and personalisation on the Internet, and the possibilities for new business models and open competition.
Body composition, growth performance, and product quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets containing poultry fat, soybean/corn lecithin, or menhaden oil

Abstract The suitability of soybean/corn lecithin and poultry fat as partial replacements for menhaden oil in feeds for post-juvenile rainbow trout (initial weight 46.0 g) was investigated. For 16 weeks, fish were fed experimental diets in which either 10% menhaden oil (FO), 10% poultry fat (PF), 10% lecithin (soybean/corn, L10), or 15% lecithin (soybean/corn, L15), plus 5% supplemental menhaden oil was added to fish meal-based diets. There were no significant differences in body weight gain among all treatments (328–347 g/fish), although fish fed the L15 diet consumed significantly more feed (299 g/fish) than fish fed the PF diet (269 g/fish). Sensory analysis indicated that raw L10 fillets stored for 4 and 12 weeks at −20 °C were significantly more yellow than raw FO fillets. Raw and cooked L15 fillets stored for 1 and 8 days at 5 °C, or for 17 days, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks at −20 °C had significantly higher colorimetric b* values (more yellow) than raw and cooked FO, PF, and L10 fillets. There was a trend for FO fillets to have higher TBARS values compared to fillets of the other treatments when stored under all time/temperature conditions tested. Although fillets of fish fed diets containing soybean/corn lecithin were more yellow in color, either lecithin (soybean/corn) or poultry fat was a nutritionally suitable substitute for most of the fish oil added to fish feeds.
Mortality in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: Report of seven cases and consideration of prognostic indicators

ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura) is generally considered a benign disease. Despite what may be severe thrombocytopenia, most patients with ITP do not suffer significant bleeding episodes. Mortality is rare, and the majority of cases are managed successfully with conventional treatments. For patients who maintain a platelet count of > 20,000/microliters, aggressive immunosuppressive therapy is usually unwarranted. There are some patients with ITP who are at increased risk of serious morbidity and mortality from their disease. Fatal cases of ITP are rarely mentioned in published reports. In this study we review the incidence of mortality and describe the deaths of seven patients with ITP, with the aim of identifying and improving management of high-risk cases. Based on our review of the literature and analysis of cases at our institution, fatal cases of ITP fall into three groups: death from intracranial hemorrhage with severe thrombocytopenia, death after splenectomy, and death due to infection after cytotoxic treatments. Patients who appear to carry increased risk include: 1) older patients; 2) chronic, refractory patients with a history of hemorrhage; and 3) patients with concomitant bleeding diatheses such as uremia and hemophilia.
Sunflowers as a trap crop for reducing soybean losses to the stalk borer Dectes texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

Larvae of Dectes texanus LeConte cause significant losses to soybean production in the American High Plains by girdling the stalks of mature plants at their base, causing them to lodge. The authors demonstrated that cultivated sunflowers can reduce rates of D. texanus infestation in adjacent soybean fields because adult females prefer sunflower over soybean for feeding and oviposition. Since females do not avoid ovipositing in plants already containing their own eggs or those of conspecific females, sunflower plants can accumulate multiple eggs, and subsequent larval combat typically results in the survival of only one. In west central Kansas, planting one half of a center pivot irrigated field to sunflower in 2004 significantly reduced infestation of soybean plants in the other half of the field within 200 m of the crop border. Beyond 200 m from the sunflowers, the rate of soybean infestation increased significantly. Planting sunflowers in the non-irrigated corners of a center pivot irrigated soybean field in 2005 reduced D. texanus infestation of soybeans by 65% compared with a control field without adjacent sunflowers. Surrounding a 0.33 ha soybean field with six rows of sunflowers in 2006 reduced soybean infestation to < 5% of plants, compared with 96% of sunflower plants. These results reveal that sunflowers can reduce D. texanus infestation in adjacent soybeans by acting as an ‘ovipositional sink’. Further research is warranted to determine the optimum crop area proportions and spatial configurations that will maximize the efficacy of a sunflower trap crop to reduce soybean losses due to D. texanus-induced lodging. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Proton stoichiometry for the adsorption of cations on oxide surfaces

Abstract A thermodynamic derivation, based upon the Gibbs equation, is presented which permits the determination of the proton stoichiometry for the adsorption of a cation, B 2+ , by an oxide surface from the pH shift of the adsorption isotherm (log[B 2+ ] plotted vs log Γ B at constant pH). The method allows the determination of the proton stoichiometry at relatively low adsorbate concentrations, 10 −5 M or less, as well as its dependence upon the surface coverage. The method is applied to the adsorption of Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ , Pb 2+ , and Zn 2+ by amorphous hydrous ferric oxide, and agreement with experimental values of the proton stoichiometry is reasonable.
Further validation of a new methodology for surface moisture and vegetation optical depth retrieval

A series of validation studies for a recently developed soil moisture and optical depth retrieval algorithm is presented. The approach is largely theoretical, and uses a non-linear iterative optimization procedure to solve a simple radiative transfer equation for the two parameters from dual polarization satellite microwave brightness temperatures. The satellite retrievals were derived from night-time 6.6 GHz Nimbus Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) observations, and were compared to soil moisture data sets from the USA, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and Russia. The surface temperature, which is also an unknown parameter in the model, is derived off-line from 37 GHz vertical polarized brightness temperatures. The new theoretical approach is independent of field observations of soil moisture or canopy biophysical measurements and can be used at any wavelength in the microwave region. The soil moisture retrievals compared well with the surface moisture observations from the various locations. The v...
Surface and interfacial FTIR spectroscopic studies of latexes. V. The effects of copolymer composition on surfactant exudation

The influence of copolymer structure on the magnitude of surfactant enrichment to the film—air and film—substrate interfaces of latex films prepared on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) substrate is investigated. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) is used to elucidate the surfactant enrichment by the comparison of butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid (BA/MMA/MAA) and ethyl acrylate/methacrylic acid (EA/MAA) latex systems prepared with various anionic surfactants. It is found that, in all cases, the magnitude of exudation of the sulfonate-containing surfactants manifested by the presence of S—O bending and scissors modes is reduced in the case of the BA/MMA/MAA latex. Similar behavior is observed when the spectra of films prepared on a liquid mercury substrate are compared. It is believed that this behavior results from the longer aliphatic n-butyl groups present in this copolymer that enhances compatibility by providing a greater opportunity for hydrophobic surfactant—copolymer interactions. The butyl groups may also reduce excess interfacial free energy by orienting themselves toward the film interfaces, which, in turn, will reduce the surface tension-induced driving force for surfactant exudation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of Ca2+ sensing receptor activation in the growth plate.

SPECIFIC AIMSRegarding longitudinal bone growth, it has been assumed that calcium ion is important exclusively for cartilage and bone matrix mineralization. Based on previous evidence, we hypothesized that calcium ion, through the activation of Ca2+ sensing receptor (CaR) in the growth plate, regulates proliferation and hypertrophy/differentiation of growth plate chondrocytes and, in turn, the rate of longitudinal bone growth.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. CaR activation in the growth plate stimulates longitudinal bone growthFetal rat metatarsal bones (20 days postconception) were cultured for 7 days in serum-free medium containing 0, 0.1, 0.3, or 1 mM Ca2+ (n=14–23/group). Ca2+ induced a significant, concentration-dependent increase in metatarsal longitudinal growth (P<0.01 by ANOVA, Fig. 1⤻ ). To verify that extracellular Ca2+ was acting through the CaR, we cultured metatarsal bones with NPS-R-568, a CaR agonist. In the presence of 10 nM NPS-R-568, bone rudiments grew more than control bones (139% of control, n=7...
RTOS Modeling for System Level Design

System level synthesis is widely seen as the solution for closing the productivity gap in system design. High level system models are used in system level design for early design exploration. While real time operating systems (RTOS) are an increasingly important component in system design, specific RTOS implementations can not be used directly in high level models. On the other hand, existing system level design languages (SLDL) lack support for RTOS modeling. In this paper we propose a RTOS model built on top of existing SLDLs which, by providing the key features typically available in any RTOS, allows the designer to model the dynamic behavior of multi-tasking systems at higher abstraction levels to be incorporated into existing design flows. Experimental result shows that our RTOS model is easy to use and efficient while being able to provide accurate results.
Structural TEM study of nonpolar a-plane gallium nitride grown on (112_0) 4H-SiC by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy

Conventional and high resolution electron microscopy havebeen applied for studying lattice defects in nonpolar a-plane GaN grownon a 4H-SiC substrate with an AlN buffer layer. Samples in plan-view andcross-section configurations have been investigated. Basal and prismaticstacking faults together with Frank and Shockley partial dislocationswere found to be the main defects in the GaN layers. High resolutionelectron microscopy in combination with image simulation supported Drum smodel for the prismatic stacking faults. The density of basal stackingfaults was measured to be ~;1.6_106cm-1. The densities of partialdislocations terminating I1 and I2 types of intrinsic basal stackingfaults were ~;4.0_1010cm-2 and ~;0.4_1010cm-2, respectively. The energyof the I2 stacking fault in GaN was estimated to be (40+-4) erg/cm2 basedon the separation of Shockley partial dislocations. To the best of ourknowledge, the theoretically predicted I3 basal stacking fault in GaN wasobserved experimentally for the first time.
Optimizing neighbors by objective functions in peer-to-peer networks

Many distributed hash table topologies, such as Pastry, allow flexible choosing of a peer's neighbors while maintaining routing consistency. Traditionally, such flexibility has been used to only optimize the overlay only for latency. In this paper, we create a set of objective functions that allow a peer to select neighbors for its routing table which minimize ping time, maximize bandwidth, or attempt to do both. In conjunction with a novel algorithm for quickly finding peers that maximize a given objective function without settling to a local maximum in the identifier space, we show through simulation that routing tables optimized in a greedy fashion by each node can have significant impact on end-to-end latency and capacity, such as reducing end-to-end delay by over 50 percent.
The Bax inhibitor-1 gene is differentially regulated in adult testis and developing lung by two alternative TATA-less promoters.

Abstract We identified Bax inhibitor-1, BI-1, as a developmentally regulated gene product in perinatal lung using suppressive subtractive hybridization. BI-1 is a novel suppressor of apoptosis that was previously cloned as testis-enhanced gene transcript (TEGT). However, sequence analysis of lung BI-1 revealed unique nucleotides starting 29 bases upstream of the ATG initiation codon and extending to the 5′ end of lung-derived BI-1 cDNA compared to the original transcript from the testis. Cloning and sequencing of the upstream region of the BI-1 gene revealed that these unique sequences originated from two alternative first exons, located in tandem and separated by ∼600 bases. Neither was preceded by a TATA box in the usual position, and S1 nuclease mapping at each exon 1 revealed multiple transcription start points with a major site being overlapped by a consensus initiator element. Promoter activity from each region was documented by transient transfection analysisin vitrousing DNA sequences ligated to a reporter gene. The proximal promoter, P1, may exhibit cell type-specific differences in fibroblasts versus epithelia, whereas the distal promoter, P2, may exhibit species-specific differences in rat versus human cells. RT-PCR analysis for expression in adult tissues using exon 1-specific 5′ primers and common 3′ primers revealed that P1 is tissue-specific; P2 is ubiquitously active. The developmental regulation of BI-1 in the late fetal and early postnatal lung is specific for P2, indicating that these two TATA-less promoters are differentially regulated in adult testis and developing lung. Since Bax inhibitor-1 functions as a suppressor of apoptosis, its expression could provide a survival advantage for select cell populations during the peak period of apoptosis that occurs at birth.
The Politics of Accountability Teacher Education Policy

Drawing on Kingdon’s multiple streams framework, this study examines how teacher education policy has gained prominence on the federal decision agenda in recent years.
Microsatellite markers and clonal genetic structure of the fungal pathogen Phialophora gregata.

A microsatellite-enriched library was constructed from genomic DNA of Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae, the causal agent of soybean brown stem rot. Specific oligonucleotide primer pairs were designed to flank individual microsatellite loci, and used in PCR to detect polymorphisms among 118 contemporary and archival isolates of P. gregata from several countries, which represent two distinct, but sympatric populations delineated by rDNA genotypes. In general, low levels of genetic variation were observed and manifested in two ways. First, the number of polymorphic loci was low. Among 24 microsatellite loci screened, four polymorphic loci were detected, and two of them were located on the same clone. Second, the number of alleles in the polymorphic loci was low. Only two alleles were observed in each polymorphic locus. Alleles of the polymorphic microsatellite loci were invariant within, but different between, the two populations of P. gregata. From all evidence available, P. gregata f. sp. sojae exhibits several genetic features characteristic of clonal genetic structure, namely widespread distribution and stability of identical genotypes, absence of recombinant genotypes, and correlation of independent genetic traits including three sets of molecular markers, defoliating and nondefoliating pathotypes, and differential pathogenic fitness.
FIXATION OF COMMINUTED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES WITH A MIXTURE OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND CALCIUM SULFATE CEMENT

Distal radius fracture alignment and stabilization can be a surgical challenge in the face of severe comminution and bone loss. We describe a technique using a calcium phosphate/sulfate bone cement, as an adjunct to internal fixation. This bone cement is biocompatible, osteoconductive, and sets quickly with an isothermic reaction. The use of bone cement eliminates the need for primary autologous bone grafting and allows for easier reduction and retention of reduction at the time of surgery. Bone cement is employed for the following purposes in comminuted fractures: (1) to fill a void due to lost or crushed cancellous bone, (2) to hold larger unstable fragments while hardware is placed, and (3) to retain fragments too small to take hardware. Available bone cements, studies involving the use of bone cement for distal radius fractures, indications, and surgical technique will be reviewed.
Viruses and the TNF-related cytokines, an evolving battle

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related cytokines are critical effector molecules in the immune response to viral pathogens. Engagement of the TNF receptors by their cognate ligands activates apoptotic and non-apoptotic signaling pathways, both of which can mediate antiviral activity. In response, viruses have evolved mechanisms to inhibit signaling by some cytokines of the TNF superfamily. These strategies are largely unique to each class of virus, but are similar in that they all target key regulatory checkpoints of the TNF pathway. In recent years, studies directed towards dissecting the mechanisms of TNF signaling and the viral retort have led to several significant discoveries, and form the basis for this review.
Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease and Growing Pains in Children and Adolescents

Recent studies have shown that restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) are common in pediatric population. The diagnostic criteria for Pediatric RLS have recently been updated to simplify and integrate with newly revised adult RLS criteria. Management of RLS and PLMD involves pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Children with low iron storage are likely to benefit from iron therapy. Although, there is limited information on pharmacologic therapy, there are emerging literatures showing the effectiveness of dopaminergic medications in the management of RLS and PLMD in children. This article covers clinical evaluation of RLS and PLMD in children and the relationship with growing pains.
The relationship between spontaneity and inhibition

Abstract Inhibition has both positive and negative connotations; positive in that it can ward off distractions and interferences helping to effectively focus on the task at hand, and negative in that it prevents self-disclosure. The present investigation includes two studies. The first explored the relationship between spontaneity, as measured by the Revised Spontaneity Assessment Inventory (SAI-R [Kipper, D. A., & Shemer, H. (2006). The Spontaneity Assessment Inventory-Revised (SAI-R): Spontaneity, well-being and stress. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama & Sociometry, 59, 127–136]) and positive inhibition as reflected in the impact of the Stroop effect ( Stroop, 1935 ) using the Press Test [Beahr, M. E, & Corsini, R. J. (2000). The Press Test information guide. Minneapolis, MN: NCS Pearson]. The participants in both studies were students at Roosevelt University, Chicago. As predicted, the results show that spontaneity correlated positively with the performance on the third part of the Press Test, which measures the ability to ward off distractions and is related to the executive functions of the brain. The second study investigated the relationship between spontaneity and emotional inhibition using the SAI-R and The Emotional Control Questionnaire: ECQ [Roger, D., & Najarian, B. (1989). The construction and validation of a new scale for measuring emotion control. Personality and Individual Differences, 10, 845–853]. As predicted there was a negative correlation between spontaneity and the maladaptive inhibition subscales. There was a positive correlation only on one of the two adaptive subscales.
New-generation oral anticoagulants for the prevention of stroke: Implications for neurosurgery

A new generation of oral anticoagulants, namely direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors, have recently been approved for clinical use in patients with atrial fibrillation. These novel families of drugs have been shown to have favorable efficacy and safety profiles in multiple clinical settings, particularly in the prevention of atrial fibrillation-related stroke, and are likely to become part of everyday practice, making a crossover to neurosurgical patients inevitable. Concern has risen regarding the complexity of managing intracranial and intraspinal hemorrhages related to these drugs. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent advances in oral anticoagulant drug therapy from a neurosurgeon’s perspective. We discuss current evidence for the use of these novel agents, their limitations, existing methods of drug-level monitoring, and controversies related to anticoagulation reversal. We also discuss specific topics such as anticoagulation resumption after intracranial or intraspinal bleeding, perioperative anticoagulant administration, and the possibility of combination with tissue plasminogen activator in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. A special focus is given to the incidence of intracranial and intraspinal hemorrhage associated with each drug.
Redesigning a Class of Nonlinear Observers for Certainty-Equivalence Control

We study how the class of observers introduced in [1], here referred to as circle-criterion observers, can be incorporated in output-feedback control. Due to the absence of a controller-observer separation property for nonlinear systems, the certainty-equivalence implementation of a state-feedback design may lead to severe forms of instability. We show, on the contrary, that the state-dependent convergence properties of circle-criterion observers can prevent such instabilities. Exploiting these convergence properties we develop a modified circle-criterion observer design that guarantees global asymptotic stability for certainty-equivalence controllers.
Yolk proteins in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus: Identification, characterization, and effect of ovariectomy upon their synthesis

Four female-specific yolk proteins were identified in the hemolymph of adult, ovulating Acheta domesticus through the use of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Molecular weights were estimated at 130,000; 97,000; 49,000; and 47,000 daltons, and all four proteins stained PAS-positive. None of the yolk proteins were detectable in the blood of males or immature females. The rapid appearance and accumulation of yolk proteins in the blood two to five days after adult ecdysis involves de novo synthesis of the proteins and is unaffected by ovariectomy or hemiovariectomy performed six to eight days prior to ecdysis. Although ovariectomy resulted in the accumulation of yolk proteins in the blood, a comparison of the specific activities of hemolymph proteins in ovariectomized, hemiovariectomized, and sham operated animals following 3H-leucine injection suggest that the absence of ovarian tissue may lead to a reduction in the net rate of yolk protein synthesis.
Medical School Tuition And Young Physicians’ Indebtedness

Medical school tuition and medical student debt have increased dramatically during the past two decades, but loans are available on favorable terms, which makes it possible for students without personal or family means to get a medical education. As an investment, medical education is an excellent choice; its net present value is more than a million dollars. Cost is nevertheless a strong deterrent to potential applicants, especially minority applicants. If tuition and indebtedness continue to increase while physician incomes do not, there may come a time when only the wealthy can finance a medical education, and medical schools may have increasing difficulty recruiting qualified students.
The QUIT-PRIMO provider-patient Internet-delivered smoking cessation referral intervention: a cluster-randomized comparative effectiveness trial: study protocol

Background Although screening for tobacco use is increasing with electronic health records and standard protocols, other tobacco-control activities, such as referral of patients to cessation resources, is quite low. In the QUIT-PRIMO study, an online referral portal will allow providers to enter smokers' email addresses into the system. Upon returning home, the smokers will receive automated emails providing education about tobacco cessation and encouragement to use the patient smoking cessation website (with interactive tools, educational resources, motivational email messages, secure messaging with a tobacco treatment specialist, and online support group).
Tissue Reaction to an Implantable Identification Device in Mice

Long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity studies require positive identification of animals. Due to the unrcliability of traditional methods, it was necessary to investigate more dependable identification methods that can be read directly or by electronic means. A two-year study to determine the stability of and tissue reaction to a microchip glass-sealed device implanted in subcutaneous tissue of mice was conducted. Sevehty B6C3F1 mice of each sex were anesthetized and implanted with the microchip. The devices were read by an electronic detector and palpated at periodic intervals. Ten mice of each sex were necropsied at 3 months and at 15 months with the remaining animals necropsied at 24 months. Of the 140 devices implanted, 3 were lost and 4 failed during the 24-month study. Devices were palpable and appeared to be fixed at one location with no obvious swelling due to inflammation or palpable masses around the implants for 24 months. At the 3, 15, and 24 month necropsies, implants were encapsulated by connective tissue. Light microscopic evaluation indicated that the capsule around the implants was thin and composed of fibrocytes and mature collagen fibers, with minimal to mild inflammation and occasional granulomatous reaction. Neoplastic changes were not observed in the tissue around the glass-sealed devices with polypropylene cap for up to 24 months.
Evaluating comprehensiveness in personality systems: The California Q‐Set and the five‐factor model

The analysis of natural language trait names and questionnaire scales has suggested that the five factors of Neuroticism, Extroversion, Openness, Agreeable-ness, and Conscientiousness constitute an adequate taxonomy of personality An alternative approach to comprehensive personality assessment based on clinical judgments is given by the California Q-Set (CQS, Block, 1961) When self-Q-sorts from 403 adult men and women were factored, the five factors closely resembled those found in adjectives, and showed convergent and discriminant validity against self-reports and peer- and spouse-ratings on measures of the five-factor model Results were replicated when interviewer Q-sort ratings were examined for a subset of subjects These findings strongly support the claim to comprehensiveness of the five-factor model
Employer-Sponsored Training and Longer-Tenured Workers: Evidence from Australia

I estimate the incidence and intensity of training with particular emphasis on where along the tenure-training profile formal training occurs. Using data from the Survey of Education and Training gathered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, I find a different relationship between training and tenure than what is suggested by human capital models. Instead of training being concentrated towards the beginning of the employment relationship, it tends to be evenly distributed along the tenure profile. Such findings are more consistent with theories of wage compression and strategic complementarity than traditional human capital approaches.
Knapbind: an area-efficient binding algorithm for low-leakage datapaths

Low leakage power datapaths can be synthesized using multithreshold CMOS (MTCMOS) modules. MTCMOS modules can be turned ON or OFF, using sleep signals. The controller in a digital system can be automatically synthesized to generate these sleep signals to turn OFF idle modules, thus minimizing leakage power. In order to sustain performance, the sleep transistor needs to be sized to large widths. This leads to a significant area overhead. We propose a binding algorithm, based on the 0-1 Knapsack algorithm, to selectively bind modules in a datapath to MTCMOS modules, achieving the optimizing leakage power within a given area constraint. We present results for five data dominated DSP circuits, at 100 nm technology node.
Identification and analysis of vocal communication pathways in birds through inducible gene expression

The immediate-early gene zenk is an activity-dependent gene highly induced in auditory processing or vocal motor control brain areas when birds engage in hearing or producing song, respectively. Studies of the expression of zenk in songbirds and other avian groups will be reviewed here briefly, with a focus on how this analysis has generated new insights on the brain pathways and mechanisms involved in perceptual and motor aspects of vocal communication and vocal learning.
Instruction Taking in the TeamTalk System

TeamTalk is a dialog framework that supports multiparticipant spoken interaction between humans and robots in a task-oriented setting that requires cooperation and coordination among team members. We describe two new features to the system, the ability for robots to accept and remember location labels and the ability to learn action sequences. These capabilities were made possible by incorporating an ontology and an instruction understanding component into the system.
Does a significant reduction in malaria risk make lopinavir/ritonavir-based ART cost-effective for children with HIV in co-endemic, low-resource settings?

Background HIV infection and malaria co-infection is not uncommon among children in co-endemic regions, and evidence suggests that HIV is a risk factor for severe malaria among children. HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) are highly effective in pediatric HIV treatment regimens, however, their effectiveness against malaria has been mixed, with some PIs demonstrating in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Recent findings suggest lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based treatment regimens reduce the incidence of malaria infection by over 40% in pediatric HIV patients compared to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimens. Methods We assessed whether a significant reduction in malaria risk makes LPV/r-based ART regimens cost-effective compared to NNRTI-based regimens in co-endemic, low-resource settings. We modeled the difference in unit cost per disability adjusted life year (DALY) gained among two theoretical groups of HIV+ children under 5 years old receiving ART in a resource-limited setting co-endemic for malaria. The first group received standard NNRTI-based antiretrovirals, the second group received a standard regimen containing LPV/r. We used recent cohort data for the incidence reduction for malaria. Drug costs were taken from the 2011 Clinton Health Access Initiative Antiretroviral (ARV) ceiling price list. DALYs for HIV and malaria were derived from WHO estimates. Results Our model suggests a unit cost of US$147 per DALY gained for the LPV/r-based group compared to US$37 per DALY gained for the NNRTI-based group. Conclusion In HIV and malaria co-endemic settings, considerations of PI cost effectiveness incorporating known reductions in malaria mortality suggest a nominal increase in DALYs gained for PIs over NNRTI-based regimens for HIV positive children under five on ART. Our analysis was based on several assumptions due to lack of sound data on malaria and HIV DALY attribution among pediatric populations. Further study in this area is required.
Abstract 1096: Arf-independent activation of p53 by the Dmp1 tumor suppressor

Cyclin D binding myb-like protein 1 (Dmp1; Dmtf1) is a tumor suppressor that is deleted in ∼40 % of human non-small cell lung carcinomas. The Dmp1 promoter receives signals from oncogenic Ras and the protein shows its activity as a tumor suppressor by directly binding and transactivating the Arf promoter, and thereby inducing Arf-, p53-dependent cell cycle arrest. Both Eµ-Myc and K-ras LA -induced tumor development was accelerated in Dmp1 +/− and Dmp1 −/− mice, suggesting that Dmp1 is haplo-insufficient for tumor suppression. In Eµ-Myc lymphomas, the combined frequencies of p53 mutation and Arf deletion in the Dmp1 +/− or Dmp1 −/− mice were significantly lower (∼10 %) than that in Dmp1 +/+ littermates (∼50 %), indicating that Dmp1 is a physiological regulator of the Arf-p53 pathway in vivo. We recently found that the frequency of p53 mutation (∼40 %) was significantly decreased in both Dmp1 +/− and Dmp1 −/− backgrounds ( LA lung cancer model where the Ink4a/Arf involvement is very rare. Moreover, our recent data show that Dmp1 physically interacts with p53 to neutralize the activity of Hdm2. To demonstrate the Arf-independent function of Dmp1 on p53 activation in vivo, we injected doxorubicin into wild-type, Arf-null, and Dmp1-null mice, harvested the thymus at 2 hr intervals, and studied the expression of the p53 targets, p21 cip1 and bbc3, by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Thymus was chosen as a target tissue since Dmp1 is highly expressed in the medulla in our histochemical studies. Western blotting analyses with DO-1 and phosphoserine-specific antibodies verified p53 activation by doxorubicin. Cleaved caspase 3 was detectable in the thymic medulla of wild-type mice 6 hrs after tail injection of doxorubicin, indicating the induction of apoptotic cell death by the genotoxic drug. Cleaved caspase 3 staining was significantly decreased in the thymus from Arf −/− mice as compared to wild-type mice, but the staining was even lower in Dmp1 −/− mice. Consistent with these findings, the p21 cip1 mRNA induction (∼23-fold increase in wild-type mice) was more significantly compromised in Dmp1 −/− mice (∼7-fold) than in Arf −/− mice (∼15-fold). Bbc was undetectable in Dmp1 −/− thymus even 4-6 hrs after injection of doxorubicin while it was significantly induced (∼3-fold) in both wild-type and Arf −/− mice. These mRNA data were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of thymic tissues with p21 cip1 and bbc3-specific antibodies. Together, our data demonstrate the Arf-independent activation of p53 by Dmp1 in response to genotoxic stress in vivo. We are currently conducting the same series of experiments in the mouse lung. 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 1096.
Glycaemic regulation and insulin secretion are abnormal in cystic fibrosis pigs despite sparing of islet cell mass

Diabetes is a common and significant co-morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is incompletely understood. Because exocrine pancreatic disease is similar between humans and pigs with CF, the CF pig model has the potential to contribute significantly to the understanding of CFRD pathogenesis. We determined the structure of the endocrine pancreas in fetal, newborn and older CF and non-CF pigs and assessed endocrine pancreas function by intravenous glucose tolerance test (IV-GTT). In fetal pigs, pancreatic insulin and glucagon density was similar between CF and non-CF. In newborn and older pigs, the insulin and glucagon density was unchanged between CF and non-CF per total pancreatic area, but increased per remnant lobular tissue in CF reflecting exocrine pancreatic loss. Although fasting glucose levels were not different between CF and non-CF newborns, CF newborns demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance and increased glucose area under the curve during IV-GTT. Second phase insulin secretion responsiveness was impaired in CF newborn pigs and significantly lower than that observed in non-CF newborns. Older CF pigs had elevated random blood glucose levels compared with non-CF. In summary, glycaemic abnormalities and insulin secretion defects were present in newborn CF pigs and spontaneous hyperglycaemia developed over time. Functional changes in CF pig pancreas were not associated with a decline in islet cell mass. Our results suggest that functional islet abnormalities, independent of structural islet loss, contribute to the early pathogenesis of CFRD.
Research Status and Prospect of Pingxiang Dominant Genic Male Sterile Rice

The discovery of Pingxiang Dominant Genic Male Sterile Rice(PDGMSR) was first time in the world.In this paper,the research status of PDGMSR was summarized including the discovery,biological characteristics,inheritance analysis,mapping of relative gene,photo-thermal characteristics,abortion mechanism,utilization in breeding,etc.Finally the utilization of PDGMSR was prospected.
The effect of bleeding on the proportion of red fluorescing forms among the total normoblasts of bovine porphyric bone marrow.

The percentage of fluorescing, porphyrin rich normoblasts in the bone marrow of five bovine porphyrics increased after bleeding to a range of 66-91 per cent, as contrasted with 26-50 per cent in the same animals before bleeding. This is believed to be more in accord with a uni- than a bimodal distribution of normoblasts in respect to the genetic abnormality and the resultant overproduction of porphyrin.
New Approaches to Immunosuppression in Renal Transplantation

SUMMARY Although the incidence of 1 year kidney graft survival has been on a plateau for the past 7 or 8 years, the likelihood of recipient survival has increased. These observations reflect the limits of our current nonspecific immunosuppressive techniques and the acquisition of knowledge about when to discontinue their use and allow rejection of the kidney rather than death from sepsis. Yet, there are many leads from the laboratory which, when applied clinically in the next few years, should allow safe kidney transplantation to become a routine clinical event. Among these are safer, more effective antilymphocyte preparations; precise indications for splenectomy; accurate identification of presensitized states in potential recipients; methods of reducing the immunogenicity of grafts by removing donor passenger leukocytes or flushing the kidney with substances that alter surface antigens; and possibly new classes of chemical immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, it is likely that techniques will evolve for selective suppression of the immune response to donor antigens. This will be achieved by using cytotoxic agents coupled to donor antigen to destroy specific antigen recognition lymphocytes. Other forms of noncytotoxic donor antigen and antibody with or without ALS will be used to manipulate the recipient’s immune response prior to and after transplantation. These manipulations will leave intact most of the potential for immune response to antigens other than those introduced with the graft. Together, these manipulations and their effect in experimental animals have been called immunologic enhancement. Intentional enhancement in man by means of antigen treatment or passive immunization has just barely begun. Clinical trials will be difficult and, initially at least, they will be confined to only a few transplantation centers. Yet, the “antigen pretreatment” of natural pregnancy, blood transfuion, prior unsuccessful organ transplantation, and bacterial infection have at times inadvertently conditioned a potential host so as to allow enhancement of a subsequent graft. It is likely that much can be done with current clinical assays of cellular and humoral immunity to detect those patients who are already conditioned to enhance a subsequent graft.
Intrauterine insemination: the University of Minnesota experience

Forty-five patients initiated intrauterine insemination between October 1981 and August 1983. Indications for insemination included poor semen (count 6 /ml and/or motility During this time period, 374 inseminations were performed in 163 cycles and resulted in eight pregnancies in the 45 patients receiving artificial insemination by homologous donor, for an overall pregnancy rate of 17.4%. The fact that five of the pregnancies occurred in the first insemination cycle and two in the second cycle was felt to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. A trial of intrauterine insemination in selected patients would appear to be warranted.
Buserelin Treatment of Cryptorchidism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

AbstractThe objectives of the study were to determine whether a low dose of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (buserelin) has an effect on testicular descent, if buserelin affects germ cell maturation and epididymal development, the incidence of retractile testes in the controlled trials, and if the subsequent administration of human chorionic gonadotropin has any effect on the groups treated. The study was double blind, placebo controlled in which patients with cryptorchidism were assigned randomly into 3 groups: buserelin treatment (22), surgical treatment (18) or placebo control group (19). The 3 groups of patients were similar before treatment in regard to testicular position, chronological and bone age, height and weight, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, penile size and the volume of the contralateral testis. Buserelin (20 μg.) administered daily in a nasal spray significantly induced testicular descent compared to the group treated with a placebo (p <0....