cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated effects of norepinephrine on the guinea pig sinus node.

Abstract The significance of alpha-adrenergic-mediated effects of norepinephrine on cardiac pacemakers is still controversial. Sinus node preparations (SN) from guinea pig hearts were superfused with Tyrode's solution (36°C) to investigate such actions. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to monitor sinus node rate and membrane potentials of SN subsidiary pacemaker fibers (SP). Membrane potentials were recorded before, during, and after 10 minutes of exposure to norepinephrine in low (10−13–10−10 M) or high (10−6 M) concentrations. Low norepinephrine did not modify the sinus node rate or the membrane potentials. High norepinephrine increased the sinus node rate as expected. In the presence of propranolol, high norepinephrine did not modify the sinus node rate, but the action potential duration of SP was increased, whereas the membrane resting potential and the amplitude of the action potential were unchanged. The alphaadrenergic agnoist methoxamine did not depress the automaticity of the sinus node preparations, but the antagonist phentolamine blocked the effect of high norepinephrine on the action potential duration. In summary, norepinephrine did not have an alpha-mediated action on the automaticity of the guinea pig sinus node preparations, but it did prolong the action potential duration through alpha-receptor stimulation. The conflicting results reported in the literature regarding the effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation in the heart appear to be due to species differences in the number and/or affinity of receptors.
Who benefits from a GED? Evidence for females from High School and Beyond

Abstract This paper examines the labor market value of the General Educational Development (GED) credential for females, questioning two implicit assumptions that have been employed in earlier studies. We show that providing access to work experience may be a critical mechanism through which education credentials impart labor market value and that the labor market value of the GED credential depends on the skills with which dropouts left school. Our basic finding is that among females who dropped out of high school with weak basic math skills, those with a GED have accumulated more work experience and have higher labor market earnings in their mid-20s than are observationally similar dropouts lacking the GED credential.
Solar cycle dependence of the location of the Venus bow shock

Initial measurements of the Venus bow shock obtained by Pioneer Venus in 1979 near solar maximum indicated that the bow shock was on average 2.44 RV from the center of the planet in the terminator plane. This is 0.35 RV further from Venus than observed by Venera 9/10 in 1976. In the past this discrepancy has been attributed to some effect of the solar cycle. Recent measurements by Pioneer Venus support this interpretation. In 1980 the distance to the bow shock reached a maximum of 2.45 RV and since then has been almost steadily declining toward the distance measured by Venera near solar minimum. The variation in bow shock position is well correlated with the sunspot number and the F 10.7 cm flux over this period. This behavior is attributed to the variation in the neutral atmosphere of Venus with the solar cycle and its subsequent effect on the mass-loading of the solar wind.
Craniosynostosis and Hydrocephalus

Ten cases of craniosynostosis associated with hydrocephalus were found in retrospective review of 250 cases of children with craniosynostosis. Four children had Pfeiffer’s syndrome, 3 had Crouzon’s syndrome, 2 had kleeblattschadel with multiple anomalies and therefore could not be classified into a definite syndrome, and 1 had isolated sagittal synostosis. Of these 10 children, 5 had kleeblattschadel, two with Crouzon’s syndrome, one with Pfeiffer’s syndrome, and 2 with multiple anomalies. In all patients, hydrocephalus was controlled by a shunting procedure. Possible causes of hydrocephalus in association with craniosynostosis are discussed.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Hormonal Factors in Women: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Objective: To determine the degree to which endogenous and exogenous hormonal factors influence the risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage in women. Design: A population-based case–control study. Setting...
Choice and the conditional probability of alternation: Some new data

Three pigeons were exposed to two independent concurrent variable-interval schedules of reinforcement, with a changeover key procedure. Relative reinforcement rate and the fixed-ratio changeover requirement were varied. The effects of these manipulations were assessed with respect to the conditional probability of alternation as a function of successive responses on the same schedule. Previous experiments employing this measure have found essentially unchanging probabilities of alternation. However, we found the probability of alternation to be an increasing function of successive choices of the same schedule, especially with the schedule providing the higher relative reinforcement rate. These findings were discussed with respect to the pro­ cedural variables we employed.
Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Parthenolecanium corni (Hemiptera: Coccidae) are Capable of Transmitting Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus 3 between Vitis x labruscana and Vitis vinifera

ABSTRACT The grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), and European fruit lecanium scale, Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche), are the predominant species of Coccoidea in Washington State vineyards. The grape mealybug has been established as a vector of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) between wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars, elevating its pest status. The objective of this study was to determine if GLRaV-3 could be transmitted between Vitis x labruscana L. and V. vinifera by the grape mealybug and scale insects. Three transmission experiments were conducted with regard to direction; from V. vinifera to V. x labruscana L., from V. x labruscana L. to V. x labruscana L., and from V. x labruscana L. to V. vinifera. Each experiment was replicated 15 times for each vector species. Crawlers (first-instars) of each vector species were allowed 1-wk acquisition and inoculation access periods. The identities of viral and vector species were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase c...
Red raspberries have antioxidant effects that play a minor role in the killing of stomach and colon cancer cells

Berries and berry extracts possess properties that make them important in the prevention of cancer. The high antioxidant levels of these extracts play a role, but components of the berries can have other effects on cell replication and survival. We chose to test the hypothesis that (i) although the antioxidant capacity of raspberry extracts is important for inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, other characteristics of the berry extracts are responsible for a major part of their antiproliferative activity, and that (ii) the relative importance of the antioxidant effect can depend on the cell type being studied. The aim of this study was to assess the relative roles of low pH and high antioxidant levels in the killing of 3 cell types by an aqueous extract from Meeker red raspberries. Stomach, colon, and breast cancer cells were treated with berry extract and with HCl and ascorbic acid solutions of the same pH. A dilution of 7.5% ascorbic acid solution, of the same pH and slightly higher antioxidant concentration than the berry extract, killed less than 10% of the stomach and colon cancer cells. In contrast, the berry extract at this same dilution killed more than 90% of these cells. Antioxidants played a more significant role in the killing of breast cancer cells, however. For these cells, approximately 50% of the killing could be attributed to antioxidant effects. We conclude that the antioxidant effect plays a minor role in the killing of 2 gastrointestinal cell types, but its role in inactivating a breast cancer cell line is much more significant. No evidence of apoptosis was observed, and caspase activation did not contribute to cell killing by the extract.
Magnetohydrodynamic Instabilities in a Simple Gasdynamic Mirror Propulsion System

The gasdynamic mirror has been proposed as a concept which could form the basis of a highly efficient fusion rocket engine. Gasdynamic mirrors differ from most other mirror type plasma confinement schemes in that they have much larger aspect ratios and operate at somewhat higher plasma densities. To evaluate whether a gasdynamic mirror could indeed confine plasmas in a stable manner for long periods of time, a small scale experimental gasdynamic mirror was built and tested. The objective of this experiment was to determine ranges of mirror ratios and plasma densities over which gasdynamic mirror could maintain stable plasmas. Theoretical analyses indicated that plasma magnetohydrodynamic instabilities were likely to occur during subsonic to supersonic flow transitions in the mirror throat region of the gasdynamic mirror. The experimental evidence based upon data derived from the Langmuir probe measurements seems to confirm this analysis. The assumption that a gasdynamic mirror using a simple mirror geometry could be used as a propulsion system, therefore, appears questionable. Modifications to the simple mirror concept are presented which could mitigate these MHD instabilities.
An asymptotic analysis of the three-dimensional displacements and stresses in a spherical shell under inward radially opposed concentrated surface loads

Abstract This paper complements and extends a recent asymptotic treatment of the title problem by Gregory et al. (SIAM J. Appl. Math. 59 (1999) 1080) who considered those solutions of the three-dimensional elasticity equations for an isotropic spherical shell of constant thickness 2H that can be identified as membrane-like or shell-like. No attempt was made to analyze the solutions of the governing equations in neighborhoods of radius O(H) of the concentrated surface loads, i.e., three-dimensional slab-like solutions. Herein, formal asymptotic solutions are constructed for the shell-like and slab-like solutions. (The membrane-like solutions of Gregory et al. are exact, simple, and explicit and require no asymptotic treatment.) The analysis in the present paper reveals clearly how the three types of solutions blend into one another and allows one to assess the errors in classical (Kirchhoff–Love) shell theory.
Disruptive and Micro-Explosive Combustion of Free Droplets in Highly Convective Environments

Abstract Experinlental evidence is presented showing the existence of disruptive burning for two-component fuel droplets and micro-explosive combustion for water-in-singlc fuel component emulsificd drops subjected to high relative velocities ranging from 16 to 19 m/sec. Reynolds numbers, based on the high temperature (1200-1400 K) convective freestream conditions and droplet diameter, exceedcd 40. Calculations using the one-third averaging rule suggested by other investigators for evaluating the relevant properties lead to Reynolds numbers exceeding 135. The fuels considered in this study were a solution of 50 vol.% 11-hexane-50 vol.% n-hexadecane and water-in-11-hexadecane cniulsions, with 9 and 18 percent (volume) of water. The substantial decrease i n time from ignition-to-disruption (with increased relative gas-droplet velocity) in combination with the observcd "droplet-shoulder-orientcd disruptions" for. Ihe multi-component solulion supports the existence of a toroidal vortex-like structure within th...
Ocular melanoma and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract The number of reports of malignant complications of human immunodeficiency virus infections is increasing. Cutaneous melanoma has been previously reported in five patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, but no cases of ocular melanoma have been documented. We describe the first case of ocular melanoma reported in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Placental oxygen transfer in pregnant ewes during hyperbaric oxygenation.

Extract: Exposure of pregnant ewes to oxygen administration under three atmospheres of pressure produced large increases in maternal arterial blood pO2, together with acidosis associated with an increase in pCO2. Although maternal arterial blood pressure tended to increase and uterine arterial blood flow rate tended to fall, the changes had no statistical significance. Simultaneously, it was possible to increase umbilical venous blood pO2 within the range 90–550 mm Hg, with corresponding changes in pCO2 and pH as occurred in maternal blood. There was a significant decrease in umbilical venous flow rate, which failed to return to control levels after air-breathing was resumed at one atmosphere of pressure. Fetal arterial pressure was unchanged. In five animals studied, umbilical oxygen transfer was also unchanged during hyperbaric oxygenation. Speculation: The lack of comparable increases in umbilical venous and maternal arterial blood pO2 during oxygen administration to gravid ewes and the small reduction in umbilical oxygen transfer rates have been interpreted to be primarily the result of the nonlinearity of sheep oxyhemoglobin dissociation functions. Hyperbaric oxygenation allows umbilical oxygen transfer to occur independently of the function of maternal hemoglobin. The results of this study are consistent with, but do not prove, this hypothesis.
Analysis of Electric Vehicle Usage of a Hyundai Santa Fe Fleet in Hawaii

Here we report the analysis of vehicle usage of a fleet of 15 Hyundai Santa Fe electric-sport-utility-vehicles (e-SUVs), which was tested in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 2001 to June 2003. The 15 vehicles were dispatched to the Hickam Air Force Base (HAFB), City and County (C&C) of Honolulu, Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), and the Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project (HEVDP) office for field evaluation. More than 25,000 trips were recorded using on-board data acquisition systems in all vehicles during the two-year period, representing a total driving distance of more than 255,000 km. We used a systematic approach to conduct driving cycle analysis (DCA) from the second-by-second trip data. Detailed breakdown of the driving cycles in terms of driving patterns was generated and summarized as functions of vehicle operating time and mileage for each vehicle over the evaluation period. In this paper, we illustrate how to analyze the vehicle usage from such a DCA and the real-life data in the database. The vehicle usage analysis (VUA) includes frequency and extent of vehicle operation in addition to the DCA. We intend to correlate vehicle performance via DCA and VUA for comparison among different operating organizations to allow us develop a more effective fleet operation in the future.
Evaluating Potential Therapies in a Mouse Model of Focal Retinal Degeneration with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)-Like Lesions

Although the mouse has no macula leutea, its neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can develop lesions mimicking certain features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Differences between the Ccl2 and Cx3cr1 double deficient mouse on Crb1rd8(rd8) background (DKOrd8) and the Crb1rd8 mouse in photoreceptor and RPE pathology, as well as ocularA2E contents and immune responses, show that DKOrd8 recapitulates some human AMD-like features in addition to rd8 retinal dystrophy/degeneration. Different therapeutic interventions have been demonstrated to be effective on the AMD-like features of DKOrd8 mice. The use of the DKOrd8 model and C57BL/6N (wild type, WT) mice as group controls (4 groups) to test treatments such as high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3) diet has, for example, shown the beneficial effect of n-3 on AMD-like lesions by anti-inflammatory action of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The use of self-control in the DKOrd8 mouse by treating one eye and using the contralateral eye as the control for the same mouse allows for appropriate interventional experiments and evaluates various novel therapeutic agents. Three examples will be briefly presented and discussed: (1) tumor necrosis factorinducible gene 6 recombinant protein (TSG-6) arrests the AMD-like lesions via modulation of ocular immunological gene expression, e.g., Il-17a; (2) adeno-associated virus encoding sIL-17R (AAV2.sIL17R) stabilizes the AMD-like lesions; and (3) pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) ameliorates the AMD-lesions by its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective roles. Therefore, the DKOrd8 mouse model can be useful and appropriate for therapeutic compound screening in the management of human AMD.
Radial Movements in the Western Wyoming Salient of the Cordilleran Overthrust Belt

Sinuous overthrust belts at geosyncline-craton boundaries form a series of salients (convex cratonward) and re-entrants. Structural patterns suggest movements diverging across salients and converging across re-entrants with mass movement toward the craton. Orientation data on bedding, cleavage, thrust surfaces, striations, fold hinges, bedding-cleavage intersections, and striated subvertical fractures were collected at 22 stations on the western Wyoming salient and were plotted stereographically. For each structural element, π-circles, lineation girdles, or planes normal to point maxima were determined statistically, and azimuths of contained horizontal lines were averaged to get the station9s mean movement direction. A map plot of the 22 mean movement directions indicates about 70° of divergence along the salient from Idaho, through Wyoming, and into Utah. The statistical center of divergence is in northern Oneida County, Idaho, where uplift with erosion has beveled the rocks to approximately Precambrian age material. A total Paleozoic and Triassic-Jurassic isopach shows maximum thickness in a local basin in the miogeosynclinal trough to have been near the subsequent divergence center of Cretaceous and early Tertiary overthrust movements. The apex of uplift roughly coincides with the center of diverging movement and the estimated pre-existing depocenter; maximum uplift was greater than 45,000 ft. Present near isostatic balance, subsequent to 45,000+ ft of uplift, suggests isostasy was, in part, the mechanism of uplift and, in accord with isostatic principle, maximum uplift was in the area of greatest depression. Inasmuch as overthrust plates on the salient apparently do not involve crystalline basement rock, origin of the salient is best explained as a radial gravitational-gliding response of the sedimentary sequence to maximum local uplift at the center of diverging movement.
Demonstration of a high-spectral-resolution lidar based on an iodine absorption filter

A high-spectral-resolution lidar that uses an iodine absorption filter and a tunable, narrow-bandwidth Nd:YAG laser is demonstrated. Measurements of aerosol scattering cross section and optical depth are presented. The iodine absorption filter provides better performance than the Fabry–Perot etalon that it replaces.
Child Support Obligations Attitudes and Rationale

The attitudes of 160 men and 264 women randomly selected from five nonurban midwestern communities were examined to (a) determine how much child support a nonresidential father is perceived to be obligated to pay; (b) assess how perceived obligations vary by gender of participant, legal custody arrangement, changes in parents' marital status, and father's financial status; and (c) explore the rationale used in making judgments about child support obligations. A vignette technique was used. Most participants (78%) indicated a child support amount that was less than state guidelines. Participants thought child support amounts should be reduced when mothers remarried and when fathers' financial status changed. Perceptions of child support obligations held by men and women did not differ, and custody arrangements were not related to attitudes about child support. Qualitative analyses of rationale underlying attitudes suggested that notions of fairness guided respondents' reasoning.
Poynting vector analysis of a superlens

A power analysis of the lossy negative refractive index or left-handed slab lens is described. The presence of vortices in the image plane is revealed with small loss or gain, and these are attributed to the influence of field growth in the evanescent spectrum.
The reflection of microwaves by a refractive layer perturbed by waves

The power spectra of amplitude and slope for several cases of internal waves on a radio refractive layer are shown and the implication of these waves for radio and radar coverage is discussed. The angular reflection patterns are derived for rough layers and the beamwidths in elevation and azimuth are obtained. The amplitude, frequency, wavelength and velocity of atmospheric waves are described, and the possibility of such waves acting as very rapidly moving reflectors is discussed. It is concluded on the basis of present observations of wavelength, amplitude, and phase velocity of atmospheric internal waves that they are not likely to be a source of very rapidly moving reflections such as were observed by Waterman at microwave frequencies.
Profiting from Knowledge Management: The Impact of Time and Experience

Although many organizations are implementing knowledge management systems (KMS), there is little empirical evidence about whether KMS use can improve individual performance, and how time and experience influence the value derived from KMS use. Using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) statistical analysis, we examined the impact of using a codification-based KMS on the sales performance of 2,154 sales representatives in a pharmaceutical firm over a 24-month period. We found that KMS had significant positive impacts on individual performance and that these performance benefits grew over time. Moreover, experience moderated the relationship between KMS use and individual performance. Knowledge workers with more experience were able to more quickly absorb and apply the knowledge from the KMS than were those with less experience, who took longer to benefit from KMS use. However, over time experience played a diminishing role in leveraging performance gains from KMS use, and knowledge workers with less experience eventually derived similar performance benefits as those of their more experienced counterparts.
Kronecker product approximation for preconditioning in three-dimensional imaging applications

We derive Kronecker product approximations, with the help of tensor decompositions, to construct approximations of severely ill-conditioned matrices that arise in three-dimensional (3-D) image processing applications. We use the Kronecker product approximations to derive preconditioners for iterative regularization techniques; the resulting preconditioned algorithms allow us to restore 3-D images in a computationally efficient manner. Through examples in microscopy and medical imaging, we show that the Kronecker approximation preconditioners provide a powerful tool that can be used to improve efficiency of iterative image restoration algorithms.
Qualitative stability concept from ecology and its use in the robust control of engineering systems

This paper addresses the issues of qualitative stability, a topic of interest in the general field of life sciences (especially in ecology) and robust stability and stabilization of linear uncertain systems encountered in engineering sciences and proposes to develop a synergy between these two concepts by making qualitative (or sign) stability concept as a useful tool in the analysis and synthesis of robust engineering systems. It may be noted that there are many conceptual differences in the qualitative (sign) stability literature of ecology reviewed in this paper and the qualitative (sign) stability literature available in the engineering sciences. Thus the main emphasis of the paper is to highlight these differences and bring out usefulness of this concept from ecology to applications in engineering sciences. The paper first reviews the fundamentals related to 'qualitative (or sign) stability' of ecology including the necessary and sufficient conditions for qualitative stability. Then the problem of robust stability and stabilization of linear uncertain systems is addressed and the use and implications of these qualitative stability ideas in various engineering applications is discussed. In addition, a new, robust controller synthesis using these sign stability ideas of ecology is illustrated for the applications of satellite formation flying control and three axis satellite attitude control. It is concluded that qualitative stability concept from ecology (of life sciences) can be further exploited to solve many other interesting problems in engineering sciences.
Distributions and variability of particulate organic matter in a coastal upwelling system

[1] In this study we examined the spatial and temporal variability of particulate organic material (POM) off Oregon during the upwelling season. High-resolution vertical profiling of beam attenuation was conducted along two cross-shelf transects. One transect was located in a region where the shelf is relatively uniform and narrow (off Cascade Head (CH)); the second transect was located in a region where the shelf is shallow and wide (off Cape Perpetua (CP)). In addition, water samples were collected for direct analysis of chlorophyll, particulate organic carbon (POC), and particulate organic nitrogen (PON). Beam attenuation was highly correlated with POC and PON. Striking differences in distribution patterns and characteristics of POM were observed between CH and CP. Off CH, elevated concentrations of chlorophyll and POC were restricted to the inner shelf and were highly variable in time. The magnitude of the observed short-term temporal variability was of the same order as that of the seasonal variability reported in previous studies. Elevated concentrations of nondegraded chlorophyll and POM were observed near the bottom. Downwelling and rapid sinking are two mechanisms by which phytoplankton cells can be delivered to the bottom before being degraded. POM may be then transported across the shelf via the benthic nepheloid layer. Along the CP transect, concentrations of POM were generally higher than they were along the CH transect and extended farther across the shelf. Characteristics of surface POM, namely, C:N ratios and carbon:chlorophyll ratios, differed between the two sites. These differences can be attributed to differences in shelf circulation. INDEX TERMS: 4279 Oceanography: General: Upwelling and convergences; 4219 Oceanography: General: Continental shelf processes; 4805 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Biogeochemical cycles (1615); KEYWORDS: POM, upwelling, beam attenuation
Behavioral classification on the click graph

A bipartite query-URL graph, where an edge indicates that a document was clicked for a query, is a useful construct for finding groups of related queries and URLs. Here we use this behavior graph for classification. We choose a click graph sampled from two weeks of image search activity, and the task of "adult" filtering: identifying content in the graph that is inappropriate for minors. We show how to perform classification using random walks on this graph, and two methods for estimating classifier parameters.
Description and preliminary results of a new photo detector for the DIII-D Thomson scattering diagnostic

A redesign of the Thomson scattering data acquisition system located on the DIII-D tokamak is undergoing its trial phase. The redesign was made necessary by several factors including the desire to improve the quality of the acquired data. In addition, the previous generation system was based on CAMAC technology, which has become difficult to maintain and is no longer supported. A big part of this improved redesign comes from the use of faster electronics allowing for greatly improved background light subtraction, the main source of noise. The past system utilized LeCroy FERA CAMAC gated integrator modules for integration and digitization. The redesigned system has been designed in a much more distributed manner. The new system consists of a number of subsystems, including: photo detectors, digitizers, distribution panels, and timing circuits. The most significant upgrade was performed on the photo detectors electronics assembly. A key feature was to make the units much more self-contained in regards to the preamplifier, background subtraction, integration, and bias circuits. The redesigned photo detectors and preliminary test results of the trial phase will be presented.
Brain Injury Impairs Working Memory and Prefrontal Circuit Function

More than 2.5 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Even mild to moderate TBI causes long-lasting neurological effects. Despite its prevalence, no therapy currently exists to treat the underlying cause of cognitive impairment suffered by TBI patients. Following lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI), the most widely used experimental model of TBI, we investigated alterations in working memory and excitatory/inhibitory synaptic balance in the prefrontal cortex. LFPI impaired working memory as assessed with a T-maze behavioral task. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials recorded in the prefrontal cortex were reduced in slices derived from brain-injured mice. Spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents onto layer 2/3 neurons were more frequent in slices derived from LFPI mice, while inhibitory currents onto layer 2/3 neurons were smaller after LFPI. Additionally, an increase in action potential threshold and concomitant decrease in firing rate was observed in layer 2/3 neurons in slices from injured animals. Conversely, no differences in excitatory or inhibitory synaptic transmission onto layer 5 neurons were observed; however, layer 5 neurons demonstrated a decrease in input resistance and action potential duration after LFPI. These results demonstrate synaptic and intrinsic alterations in prefrontal circuitry that may underlie working memory impairment caused by TBI.
The Herd Mentality: Strength in Numbers, and Combining Studies

Although clinicians may have the best of intentions in terms of keeping up with the medical literature, the overwhelming volume of published studies and the press of clinical responsibilities can make this difficult. A medical version of the Reader's Digest(©) would thus be a valuable asset. This is something of the role that systematic reviews and meta-analyses play: synthesis and summary of the information in the literature.
Quadruplet pregnancy in a 51-year-old menopausal woman following oocyte donation

A quadruplet pregnancy occurred in a woman 51 years of age following oocyte donation and embryo transfer. Successful pregnancy occurred following two previously unsuccessful attempts. The patient underwent a selective reduction of her pregnancy to two fetuses at approximately 13 weeks gestational age. Her pregnancy continued uneventfully and she underwent the delivery of two viable infants at 38 weeks gestational age by Caesarean section. This case represents the first quadruplet pregnancy to be established in a woman of 50 years of age or older. It illustrates both the benefits and risks of oocyte donation to women of advanced reproductive age.
Combining Molecular and Quantitative Genetics: Decomposing the Architecture of Lifespan Development

The pertinent genetic model for analysis of continuously distributed phenotypes is that of quantitative genetics, which considers both environmental and genetic sources of influence on the measured characteristic. These sources may be anonymous, and the typical analytical outcome is a decomposition of the observed variance into components attributable to these two broad domains, to various definable subsets of them, and to interactions within and between them. Further, developmental analyses permit description of changes in the relative contributions of these components over time. Recent advances in molecular genetics are making possible the examination of the influence of individual genetic loci in the hitherto anonymous polygenic sets of quantitative investigations. These advances offer unprecedented opportunities both for enhanced reductionist approaches that elucidate the molecular basis of the genetic influence and for integrationist approaches that explore the dynamics of individuated genetic and environmental factors in complex developing systems.
Abstract 2992: Stringent analysis of large-scale siRNA screens identifies a kinase fusion oncogene.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The interpretation of RNAi knockdown experiments can be challenging due to the extensive off-target effects exhibited by siRNAs and shRNAs. This has led to the reporting of results that cannot be independently verified, or to the identification of putative cancer targets that are insufficiently robust to support industrial drug discovery efforts. The problems associated with off target effects are particularly acute in high throughput RNAi screens, whose results often differ wildly between laboratories using different experimental platforms. As a result, the validity of published large-scale RNAi screens has recently been called into question. Here we report results from large scale RNAi screens to identify genes essential for the proliferation or survival of cancer cells. To overcome the inherent liabilities of RNAi screens, we have increased the experimental power by using typically 8, and up to 20 RNAi triggers per gene, and have developed novel statistical algorithms that exploit this increased power. Importantly, this approach allows the calculation of a false discovery rate (FDR) that accurately predicts the ability of results to be confirmed by independent labs using independent reagents, solving a key issue of such screens. Using a stringent FDR cutoff of 5%, known essential genes and driver oncogenes such as KRAS, ERBB2 and BRAF are readily identified, demonstrating the robustness and power of the method. We have also identified a number of novel cancer targets. We present the identification and genetic and pharmacological validation of one of these targets, a kinase present as a fusion partner in multiple fusion oncogenes in primary tumors. Our data demonstrate that large-scale RNAi screens can be a robust and independently verifiable tool to uncover previously unknown cancer vulnerabilities which have yet to be characterized despite extensive genomic sequencing efforts. Citation Format: Astrid A. Ruefli-Brasse, Cynthia Hart, Liza Fajardo, Elissa Swearingen, Linda Wong, Doreen Sakamoto, Kari Hale, Huanying Ge, Jeffery McDowell, Bharath Ramachandran, Elissa Cosgrove, J.E.Vivienne Watson, Seamus Ragan, Seamus Ragan, Paul Kassner, Paul Kassner, Kim Quon. Stringent analysis of large-scale siRNA screens identifies a kinase fusion oncogene. [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 2992. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2992
Applications of Femtochemistry to Proteomic and Metabolomic Analysis

Femtosecond laser pulses have been widely used as a tool to study molecular ionization and fragmentation. This article bridges the application of femtosecond laser technology in early research focused on small isolated molecules with that in modern biological mass spectrometry for proteomics and metabolomic analysis on large (140+ atoms) biomolecules. The single-shot interaction of a femtosecond laser with neutral para-nitrotoluene (pNT) is investigated with time-of-flight mass spectrometry and compared with the ultrafast photodissociation of protonated pNT in an ion trap mass spectrometer accumulated over ∼1000 pulses. The ion trap experiment is then extended to longer biomolecules. As demonstrated in the examples of vasopressin and tomatine, this novel ion activation method provides greater sequence coverage and nonstatistical fragmentation, leading to valuable information complementary to conventional methods for structural analysis.
A behavioral genetic analysis of callous-unemotional traits and big five personality in adolescence

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, such as lacking empathy and emotional insensitivity, predict the onset, severity, and persistence of antisocial behavior. CU traits are heritable, and genetic influences on CU traits contribute to antisocial behavior. This study examines genetic overlap between CU traits and general domains of personality. We measured CU traits using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) and Big Five personality using the Big Five Inventory in a sample of adolescent twins from the Texas Twin Project. Genetic influences on the Big Five personality dimensions could account for the entirety of genetic influences on CU traits. Item Response Theory results indicate that the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits is better at detecting clinically relevant personality variation at lower extremes of personality trait continua, particularly low agreeableness and low conscientiousness. The proximate biological mechanisms that mediate genetic liabilities for CU traits remain an open question. The results of the current study suggest that understanding the development of normal personality may inform understanding of the genetic underpinnings of callous and unemotional behavior.
The Analysis on the Features of the Epedimic Hepatitis C from 2004 to 2012 in Xuchang City

Objective The thesis focuses on investigating the developing trending and features of Hepatitis C epidemic and researches on the reasons to this disease, which provides profound foundations for scientific measures made by the relative office to predict it, prevent and control it. Methods Through describing the epidemiology, it has a stastical analysis of the specific monitoring data of Hepatitis C from 2004 to 2012 in Xu Chang City. Results One of the result is that21.82 suffer Hepatits C every 100,000 persons and the rate of the outbreak is increasing one year after another, compatible with the trend of Henan Provine; this disease arises from time to time all the year and it doesn't rely on the obvious seasons changing; Female is more easy to get it than man and this disparity is full of stastical significance; Hepatitis C goes to the group of the age from 35 to 60 mainly and the rate of the outbreak is increasing with age obviously. Conclusion Finally, for the increasing Hepatitis C cases reports in Xuchang City, some general measures should be taken, such as earlier diagnosis and clinic therapy, streghtening the training of the clinicians about the standards of the clinic diagnosis, and health education to prevent the spreading of Hepatitis efficiently.
Resonance Overvoltage Caused by Energizing No-Load Transformers in 1000kV AC Transmission System

As for the 1000kV AC pilot project in China, it is possible to appear resonance overvoltage with higher amplitude caused by energizing no-load transformers. The mechanism, influencing factors of this phenomenon and countermeasures against it are expounded. On the basis of computing and analyzing the effect of restricting the resonance overvoltage by measures such as closing resistor and/or low voltage reactors, several measures to limit this kind of resonance overvoltage are put forward to ensure the secure operation of the 1000 kV AC pilot project.
FA Values on Infants Born at Term with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Purpose:To evaluate the role of fractional anisotropy(FA)values on infants born at term with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).Methods:Twenty-eight infants who were born at term,diagnosed with HIE were investigated with diffusion tensor imaging.Clinical references,developmental quotient(DQ)and FA values were used as a basis of comparison to a group of controls with the same age and gender distribution.Results:Of the 28 cases,9 were mild HIE,13 were moderate HIE,6 were severe HIE.Correlation existed between DQ and the degree of HIE(P0.05).In several cerebral white matter areas,FA values were lower in the group of individuals with a history of HIE,and in line with the degree of HIE(P0.05).Obvious correlation existed between the FA values in posterior limb of internal capsule and the degree of HIE(P0.05).Between severe HIE group and mild HIE group,FA values in most cerebral white matter areas were correlative with DQ.Between moderate HIE group and severe HIE group,FA values in some cerebral white matter areas were correlative with DQ.Between moderate HIE group and mild HIE group,FA values of most cerebral white matter areas were no correlation with DQ.Conclusion:FA values can quantitatively reflect the degree of HIE.But the developmental status of patients is affected by rehabilitation therapy,especially in moderate HIE group.Combining FA values with clinical references to evaluate their prognosis is necessary.
Study on teaching model in training of postgraduates in Yale University

Based on the study on the teaching procedures in training of postgraduates in Yale University,a system analysis of teaching procedures has been made.A conclusion is drawn that the training model which combines practical talents training with elite talents training together can meet the community needs for different levels of talents.Meanwhile,a high-level team of teachers could guarantee the quality of teaching.The flexible and diverse forms of teaching is the key to improving the effect of teaching.It also suggests that the perfect network system may provide technical support for the teaching effect and that a strict quality control in the process of teaching is necessary to ensure the teaching quality.
Correction of lingual frenum treatment ankyloglossia clinical observation

Objective Application frenum correction frenum clinical effect of treatment of short children with implementation study. Methods Extraction of 88 patients with frenum short children will be divided into a control group and a treatment group, 44 cases on average each group. Do frenum corrective surgery control group, only strengthen language training;treatment group frenum corrective surgery,and 15 days after surgery to strengthen language training. Results The treatment group of children with tongue tie short disease pronunciation effect to improve significantly shorter than the control group. Conclusion Application frenum corrective surgery can be effective in improving the frenum short impact on language development in children,worthy of promotion.
Fecal occult blood testing: A false sense of security?

Background Recent screening studies with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) report that one of three patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cured of the disease; minimal attention has been given to the two of three patients who despite repeated screening go on to die of silent CRC. We report the known "miss rate" (known false negatives) of our 14-year ongoing program of FOBT that was organized in 1979 to detect early CRC. Methods From October 1979 through December 1993, 36,034 FOBT kits were distributed to patients who were without gastrointestinal complaints at Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital. The test was considered positive if at least one result of the six tests was positive and negative if the test result was equivocal. Patients with negative FOBT received a new test kit each year by mail. A positive test was followed by full colonoscopy or an air contrast barium enema if a full colonoscopy was not possible. Results The overall return rate was 47.8%. CRC was detected in 115 patients: 94 had a favorable and 21 had an unfavorable Duke's C or D or lymphoma prognosis. Of 21 patients 13 (62%) had initially tested FOBT negative (missed lesion). Of the 21 cases of advanced CRC 15 (71.43%) were in the descending, sigmoid, or rectosigmoid colon or rectum. Conclusions (1) The majority (82%) of all CRC detected by FOBT screening are diagnosed at a favorable stage. (2) The majority of known advanced CRC (62%) escape early detection with FOBT. (3) Five (62.5%) of eight of the advanced CRC cases discovered on initial FOBT and 10 (76.9%) of 13 of advanced CRC cases missed on initial FOBT but detected in subsequent years were in the left colon and most likely in the range of the flexible sigmoidoscope. (4) FOBT as a sole screening test may provide a false sense of security, especially in patients with advanced left-side CRC.
Commission des Etoiles Doubles Photometriques

For this report, account has been taken of literature and information received up to the middle of September 1966, and of some somewhat later material. Special thanks are due the members of the Organizing Committee who found time in their crowded schedules to compose various sections of the text and compile the relevant tables of references included therein. The work has been very considerably expedited by use of the five issues (numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) of the Bibliography and Program Notes for Eclipsing Binaries covering the interval, with the categorizing numbers there assigned to each item listed.
The Acoustic and Physiologic Characteristics of Neurologically Impaired Speech Movements

The study of neurologic disorders of spoken language is of course important to the improvement of clinical services for those with communicative impairments. But, in addition, the study of these disorders complements the study of normal speech to reach an understanding of the neural regulation of spoken language. Ideally, data on both normal and disordered speech will be embraced by common theoretical frameworks, so as to permit an effective consideration of these two sources of knowledge. Two such frameworks are discussed. One is an information processing perspective on utterance formulation and production. The other is a model of the neural regulation of voluntary movements. These frameworks are considered in relation to the disorders of conduction aphasia, apraxia of speech, and the dysarthrias associated with Parkinson’s disease, cerebellar disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, points of connection between the two theoretical frameworks are discussed.
Effects of Low-Oxygen Environments on the Radiation Tolerance of the Cabbage Looper Moth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Ionizing radiation is used as a phytosanitary treatment to mitigate risks from invasive species associated with trade of fresh fruits and vegetables. Commodity producers prefer to irradiate fresh product stored in modified atmosphere packaging that increases shelf life and delays ripening. However, irradiating insects in low oxygen may increase radiation tolerance, and regulatory agencies are concerned modified atmosphere packaging will decrease efficacy of radiation doses. Here, we examined how irradiation in a series of oxygen conditions (0.1-20.9 kPa O2) alters radiotolerance of larvae and pupae of a model lepidopteran Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Diptera: Noctuidae). Irradiating in severe hypoxia (0.1 kPa O2) increased radiation tolerance of insects compared with irradiating in atmospheric oxygen (20.9 kPa O2). Our data show irradiating pharate adult pupae at 600 Gy in moderately severe hypoxia (5 kPa O2) increased adult emergence compared with irradiation in atmospheric oxygen (20.9 kPa O2). Our data also show that in one of the three temporal replicates, irradiating T. ni larvae in moderately severe hypoxia (5 kPa O2) can also increase radiotolerance at an intermediate radiation dose of 100 Gy compared with irradiating in atmospheric oxygen conditions, but not at higher or lower doses. We discuss implications of our results in this model insect for the current generic doses for phytosanitary irradiation, including the recently proposed 250 Gy generic dose for lepidioptera larvae, and temporary restriction on irradiating commodities in modified atmosphere packaging that reduces the atmosphere to < 18 kPa O2.